Meridiem Aesthetics

Meridiem Aesthetics is a med spa in Palm Desert, California, focused on nonsurgical body contouring and injectables. Clients are also served at multiple locations across the state, from San Diego to San Francisco. The staff are described as medical professionals, and the salon describes its atmosphere as warm, welcoming and comfortable. Treatments are customized for each client.

Radio frequency work is a large part of the menu. Evolve is used for body contouring, which can target fat, skin tightening and muscle toning, most often on the stomach, flanks, arms, thighs and buttocks. Sessions typically last about an hour. Results are often noticeable right away, with final results up to a few months after the last treatment. Side effects can include slight bruising and redness, and rarely a scratch-like irritation that fades within a couple of weeks. The salon describes Evolve treatments as pain-free and says radio frequency skin tightening has been used since 2001.

For the face and neck, ThermiSmooth can treat the whole area and is given in four treatments, or two double treatments, every two to four weeks. THERMIva is a non-surgical option for vulvovaginal laxity, such as that linked to childbirth. It uses radio frequency to gently heat tissue, usually starts with three treatments four weeks apart, and is followed by maintenance once or twice a year.

Filler options come from the Juvederm line, which the salon prefers. Ultra and Ultra Plus XC are used for lines around the nose and mouth and may be used for lip augmentation after assessment. Volbella is for subtle lip enhancement and smoker lines, Vollure for areas from the tear troughs to the nasolabial folds, and Voluma for mid-face volume loss in the cheeks, temples and jawline. Each syringe is 1 mL, and one sitting may need between one and eight syringes depending on the goal. Filler swelling is typically worst the morning after, and final results can take two to four weeks. Botox Cosmetic is the only product used for neurotoxin treatments, and it is purchased in the United States. Effects take up to two weeks to appear and typically last three to four months, or longer with the proper dose. Botox is charged by the number of units used, and touch-ups are charged for the product used. Kybella is used for submental fullness, also called double chin. It involves multiple small injections under the chin over about 15 to 20 minutes, can only be given by a Kybella-trained healthcare specialist, and is spaced four to six weeks apart. Swelling can last about three days, with possible bruising.

Injectable parties can be hosted in a home for a minimum of five guests. Hosts receive significant discounts on their own Botox Cosmetic services. Alcohol is allowed after treatment but not before, because it can thin the blood and cause bruising. Clients are asked to give at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations, except in emergencies. Before treatment, they are asked to avoid alcohol for 24 hours and anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning medications and supplements for two weeks, and to reschedule if they have a cold sore, blemish or rash on the face. After Botox, clients are advised to stay upright for four hours, skip facial laser or microdermabrasion, and use Tylenol for discomfort if needed. Makeup is best avoided until the day after injections.

Uses a less-is-more philosophy aimed at natural but noticeable results, with each treatment customized to the client.

Warm, welcoming and comfortable, according to the salon.