Marina Plastic Surgery of Los Angeles

Super happy with the results. The process at the office was fast. I peeled for 2-3 days but not painful. The results are amazing. The app was super helpfu. I knew exactly what to do and what to expect to see each day. My skin looks more even and it’s baby soft.

Marina Plastic Surgery is the BEST!!! I get my Hydrafacials and Coolsculpting done by Rachael and I couldn’t be happier with my results. Everyone one in the office is so nice and sincere and makes me feel very comfortable!!

What an amazing office! From the minute you walk into the reception area you are handled with such care and professionalism. I travel from Northern California to have the very best work on my face. Jen Tinelli has the magic touch with Botox and fillers. She took the time to hear my concerns and then explained throughly what she recommended, my results are beyond what I had expected. I also have had two HydraFacials with Rachel Martinez, the best facial treatment around. Rachel too is very professional and highly knowledgeable in her field, trust her and Jen immensley. Dr. Grant Stevens has the best staff, the whole office has a comfortable vibe and I enjoy making the trek there.

I am a 47 yo Celebrity Hairstylist and TV personality that has had an international hit show on Bravo and recently starred in a beauty show on Lifetime. It is an important part of my job to look and feel my best. I am constantly in situations that require me to be in front of the camera and because of that i am constantly aware of the imperfections that can happen with the aging process. After seeing a video of an appearance on a National talk show and noticing my neck looking extremely loose and saggy I headed straight to my doctor to see if there was anything I could do about it. Unfortunately I was not a candidate for surgery so he suggested that I try Ultherapy. I made an appt at Dr Grant Stevens office Marina Plastic Surgery Clinic for a consultation. I ended up seeing Jenn Tinelli for my Ultherapy appt. I fell in love with her and the results and there was NO DOWN TIME!!!!! So many of my celebrity clients noticed the difference (which tells how bad it had gotten) without me saying i had anything done! I have recently had my second treatment (7 months later) to maintain the results. My dr that I had the initial appt with was so impressed with my results that he is looking in to offering the service in his office to patients that are not eligible for surgery... yet. I will recommend this service to everyone that asks, and Jenn Tinelli at Marina Plastic Surgery Clinic is the person that will give you the results you need. I also read ALL the reviews about the procedure, so I talked to Jenn about the reviews that made me question if Ultherapy was right for me. She educated me on the process and what to expect. It also enhanced all the other maintenance that I do, like my filler and botox. It doesn't contradict any of my other beauty procedures, it enhances them. I now feel my best on and off camera. Thank you Ultherapy.

I'm not usually someone to write anything personal. But this site (which I have faithfully reviewed several times a week for months), and the amazing ladies that have shared their stories with me, not only motivated me, but also gave me courage. Maybe something about my journey can resonate with someone. A little about me. I am a single mom from the east coast. I work hard and had to save vacation days and money to do this. My ex-husband of 11 years of marriage, is the only person I really have to lean on where I live. And with a 2.5 year old and long work hours, well that is my whole inner circle. Anyhow, the decision to get this special thing done for me in California was a "no-brainer," since my family lives in California.

Then it was time to pick the right doctor for me. I looked high and low. Prices vary significantly in the Los Angeles area. The cost of what I needed/wanted was certainly a factor, but I've been saving for awhile and I didn't want that to be the main factor.

I finally decided that DR Grant Stevens from Marina Plastic Surgery would be the lucky doctor. Choosing a doctor was no easy task. I'm sure there are other great doctors in this area, it's Los Angeles after all, but there are also plenty on a different spectrum. Right off the bat, the communication from his staff was stellar. Mind you I'm coordinating from east coast time, work full time and come home to a very energetic and super attached 2.5 year old. The staff was organized, friendly, and personal. Once I set everything in motion, they made sure to make the process seamless.

So why Dr. Stevens? His office staff is super organized but feels cozy and personal. His before and afters are super. Hands down his work looks natural and I hope to also be like the other before and afters. And Dr Stevens is an expert at the no drain tummy tuck. After reading about the stress and anxiety caused by the drains to other RS dolls, I preferred not to have them. In addition to no drain, Dr Stevens is a champion of plastic surgery techniques, has no derogatory actions against him that I could find, and his practice has been around many years. Please research whatever doctor you use because in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, etc there were many doctors that had been penalized by major and minor infraction by the State and Medical boards. Anyhow Dr Stevens is certainly at the tip of the spear in plastic surgery.

When I finally met the Dr in person, I was even more comfortable with putting my trust in him. He has a vibrant charisma, has a great sense of humor, and is very welcoming.

Alrighty so my surgery day was yesterday. I can't wait to see the results!!! Through all the bindings, gauze, and padding I kinda feel the same as I feel around it all. :/. The new me will emerge soon though, I can hardly wait!!! Post op the Dr requires ( or strongly suggests) at least one night at Serenity recovery in Santa Monica. While I am here tonight my family is staying at Oakwood around the corner from the doctors office. I highly recommend both serenity and Oakwood. Oakwood is kinda perfect for us with the baby and has free parking, heated pool, jacuzzi, gym, and almost across the street from the beach, and some restaurants. There were a few snafus that happened with the wifi at first, and the office manager seemed grumpy and very not helpful or customer service-like, but the room, the location, and amenities were right on track. So far serenity has made my stay comfortable. This place is awesome. It's like a hotel room except with medical equipment and nurses. The food has all been stellar.

So far I have not had pain. I am hunched over, but can walk just fine otherwise. I do need help getting my legs in/out of bed. Well actually just after writing that I went to the bathroom and am starting to have a little pain.

There are a lot of reviews about ThermiVa, but not about this other option called Viveve. I haven’t had both, but the reason I chose Viveve is that it is a one-time treatment vs. three times for Thermiva.

The Viveve procedure itself took 30 minutes. It was done in a private treatment room on a traditional gynecological exam table with feet in stirrups. The instrument head was smooth and about the size and outline of a toothbrush head. Using lots of lubricant, it went in just an inch or two to treat the muscles in the entry of the vagina. It was awkward at first because I was tense and a little scared, but after a minute, I realized it is totally pain free and was able to relax my muscles. There was no downtime and I felt absolutely no pain, tightness or soreness immediately or anytime after. I was able to resume all of my normal activities.

Viveve is controlled radio frequency heat that is applied at the same time as cooling, so I felt neither heat or cold. It works to remodel collagen and shrink tissue.

I chose not to tell my husband about the procedure to see if he noticed a difference. He did not note any difference, but I definitely noticed an increase in nerve sensitivity and stronger muscle contractions. I haven’t had a problem with vaginal moisture, but that seems to still be healthy. It’s supposed to increase moisture. It’s my understanding that things continually improve for about 30 days, so I’ll post an update. I’m still going to keep it a secret and see if he notices.

It seems to have reduced urinary leaking and urge. After having two kids, when I cough or sneeze, I leak a little bit of urine. I’ve been in the habit of crossing one leg over the other in the air when I sneeze. It’s a funny-looking habit, but has been necessary! I’m still making mental notes to see if this has improved, but I am consciously not crossing my legs to see if there is any improvement. It’s only been three days, but so far so good… no leaks! I’m starting a juice fast today, so the urinary urgency will definitely be tested.

I am so grateful that women have this option to vaginoplasty and bladder surgery. The recovery for surgery seems long, painful and there is always the risk of complications.

I didn’t have any serious problems, but I definitely feel like myself again, which helps with confidence. It’s like how your eyes adjust to dim light… you don’t realize how dim the lights are until you are in good, bright light ?

Updated on 8 Mar 2017:
I forgot to say where I had it done! It was at this great office in Marina Del Rey. Be sure to leave yourself enough time for lunch by the water :)

I'll type up a more thorough update later, but I recommend the procedure so far and think its great that it's a one-time treatment.

Updated on 11 Apr 2017:
I don't have much to report, but I'm posting an update because I said I would :) Unfortunately, my husband and I are going through a rough patch, so we have had not had sex since my last update. I can report, however, that I have no urinary leaking when I sneeze or cough and that things look tighter and pinker, which is an unexpected bonus. I suspect that my internal parts have continued to tighten up, as the external parts have. I wish I could offer a better review for you to make your decision.

My experience with Marina Plastic Surgery was extremely positive... even from my first phone call to their practice. I was nervous even making the phone call and the woman who answered my call put me immediately at ease and answered all of my questions thoroughly, professionally and knowledgeably. Jennifer was the Nurse Practitioner who performed my procedure and she was very professionally and put me at ease.

Good luck!!

After months of careful and fastidious research, I decided to take the leap and get Coolsculpting done on my abdomen (sides and a large applicator on pouch). I was really pleased with Carla at Marina Plastic Surgery, and I ensured that I took the following precautions:

1. Go to a real doctor. Forget the medispas or shops shilling Coolsculpting on the cheap. This is my body and it's not something I want to go cheap on. I went to a reputable plastic surgeon (tons of great Yelp reviews and an official Coolsculpting partner). The office was in a medical center, so if anything happened, I felt safe.

2. Realize that this isn't a magic bullet. I did this to jump-start my lifestyle and confidence, but I have expectations that this won't dramatically change my body and I'll wake up with a six-pack. I was also the right candidate with weight +/- 10lbs of ideal weight.

The procedure:
-I've read so many complaints about the pain and I'm honestly baffled. A cool patch is applied to protect the skin and you feel uncomfortable for a few seconds. The pinch from the machine is tough, but again, it lasts a few minutes and then your whole area is numb.
-I've read about the tough massage after, but my doctor used ultrasound equipment (vs a manual massage), so it didn't hurt at all and I have very minimal bruising
-The most annoying part of the process is laying supine for the four hours it took to get the procedure done (large applicator, 2X on lower belly || left/ride side)
-I received a prescription for Percocet and Lidocaine 5% Patches (to apply for when the pain will inevitably hit

This morning I woke and it felt as if I did 1000 crunches. My abdomen is tender, swollen (the pics make me look bigger than I am because of said swelling) and it does hurt a little, but completely manageable.
I am going to spin class today, so we'll see how that goes. I'm keeping a healthy diet/exercise regimen, but will take breaks if I face any real pain (which I hear is coming in a few days).

I'll be posting pics of myself throughout my journey. Feel free to ask any questions.

Updated on 21 May 2016:
I'm doing great! I took a full week off because I couldn't even fathom spin class while recovering. I didn't have ANY pain like others have described. My stomach was really sore and tender, and I'm only just starting to feel normal (the numbness is slowly fading). I did feel some itchiness and tickling feeling under my skin, but nothing disturbing. I had a considerable amount of swelling, which has gone done as you can see from the pictures.

If I sound like a broken record, believe me when I say this is important. Go to a REAL DOCTOR to get this done. This is your body, no place to save $. I saved up so I could see a doctor that had easy access to hospital (even if this procedure isn't invasive, you never know).

I'm excited to see my results, but realize I probably have to wait another 7-8 weeks,

I see little changes and trying to document my result every 2 weeks. Pls note I have doubled my workout efforts by taking more weight training and cardio. If the stubborn fat is to melt by "peeing" it out, maybe extra sweating will increase better results. I don't want to rely just on this procedure but make the extra effort to tone my body.

I have always hated my cellulite! Always! I think it arrived at age 20? 30 years later I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with a possible answer. My colleague and mentor Dr. Grant Stevens welcomed me to his Institute for a treatment that rids you of that dreaded Cellulite. I had the treatment yesterday at his Institute and he performed the procedure. WOW! I usually find myself very critical of other clinics.... but this is not a clinic it is an "Institute." A place where the whole staff/family makes you feel welcomed and secure. I was initially mortified about showing my "stuff" to Dr. Stevens, but the whole atmosphere of the Institute made me feel at ease. So at ease that I was no longer insecure about my "stuff." I can only hope and strive for the same feeling for my patients. I truly can't say enough about the doctor and his staff. Words will never do it - so if you hate your cellulite like 99% of America I strongly recommend you pay a visit to Dr. Stevens!

So let's talk about the treatment. It took about an hour for everything, but this may vary depending on the amount of cellulite you have. I had the average amount of cellulite according to Dr. Stevens. Let's be real - unfortunately we all have it. You can drive yourself to the procedure which I find fascinating. It was painless - no more than a mosquito bite and coming from Minnesota that says a lot! I am traveling back home today and I am writing this from my flight, so this is something you can do from any distance. I am a little sore but am planning to go to my am yoga class before surgery tomorrow. I have only needed Advil for minimal discomfort. The only thing that I did not expect was a bit of drainage from the tiny holes used to break up the cellulite. So expect drainage for a day or two. (and, do not sleep on your favorite linens!) I can already tell this is going to be a success for me. Although bruised and swollen the dimples are significantly less already. Unreal! I have hated this "stuff" for my entire adult life - and now I believe there is an answer. And, I am critical so please trust me when I say I am excited!

Thank you to Dr. Stevens and his whole staff for the welcoming, positive experience that is changing my life for the better. If you hate your cellulite - I strongly recommend you pay a visit to Dr. Stevens at Marina Plastic Surgery, Marina Del Ray, California.

I am an African-American woman of a certain age who looks about ten years younger. I have wonderful skin that took a toll out here in the LA sun, smog, and the aging process. As such, there were blotches, dark spots, and just a not so clear look that I covered with a lot of makeup. I had constant outbreaks and ingrown hairs under my chin. I researched Marina Plastic Surgery and decided to give it a try. I had done so much in the past to no avail. My face just looked dull and spotty. I didn't like looking at myself in the mirror because I used to have flawless skin and I didn't know what I could do to get it back.

I initially went in for laser hair removal on my chin and neck, I wasn't hairy, but had some ingrowns due to being African-American and hormones as previously stated. Anyway, I was introduced to Paulette McNeely by the woman who did the laser treatment. Paulette gave me a gift certificate and I took her up on it. It was the best decision I ever made for my skin. I had been looking for the right person to tend to my skin for over 10 years. I have put out $$$ on useless treatments including laser surgery for something that could and is being taken care of by Paulette with monthly medical facials and intermittent peels. I have to also admit that the woman who was giving me laser treatment at Marina burned by skin. There was horrible peeling, on my chin and neck. It was awful. Imagine burning flesh drying up and peeling off. So I had to add even more makeup to try to cover the burnt skin and white marks left after the flesh fell off. I have really dark skin. It was ugly and I felt embarrassed to be out and go to work. But, we all must make a living. I thank God that during this time, I was in the process of seeing Paulette. She apologized profusely for something she had to part in, told me to wait until the skin healed completely and guaranteed she could help me clear up the dark marks left by the laser treatment. She was and is a woman of hear word. Once I returned, she customized the treatments, worked her magic, and has cleared up my skin to the point were I receive compliments on a daily basis. My latest comparison was to an African-American supermodel who has amazingly flawless dark skin. As always, I give credit to Paulette for bringing back the skin of my youth and taking it to a higher level.

I am constantly telling people to go to her and let her work her magic on them. It doesn't matter the race, skin type, issue...Paulette has worked miracles for me and I fervently believe she can do the same for anyone else. I cannot say enough that she is one of, if not the best in Los Angeles. She knows her product, she knows the right product for your skin, she knows how to teach you to care for your skin at home, she is just on another level when it comes to skincare. Paulette is also very professional, kind, polite, caring, and just a great human being to be around. I will not trust anyone else to touch my skin. Even when she tells me about other services to assist me in skin care, my next question is whether she is performing it, if not, I honestly am hesitant to have it done. I keep telling her if she does it, I will do it. It's not that I don't believe others in her office aren't good (even though I was burned by the laser there), I just believe that she sees me and her others as more than $$ and that resonates within to the point that I don't mind spending $$ as long as she is one of the recipients.

If you have not figured it out, I highly recommend her for your skin needs. There is not need to go anywhere else. Although I didn't put the cost of my facials on this review, if you are going to Burke Williams, Aveda, and similar places, you can afford Paulette McNeely at Marina Plastic Surgery, just add a little more $. I suggest you buy a series of treatments, it's more economical and honestly, you need more than one treatment to see results and have people complimenting you left and right. I don't even need makeup to cover my flaws because there aren't any. By the way, when I received the supermodel compliment, I had just came from my monthly appointment with Paulette. We all focus on other parts of our bodies, but healthy beautiful skin is a necessity as we age and Paulette is the go-to person for skincare at Marina Plastic Surgery. If I was a millionaire, I would give facial treatments with Paulette as gifts to all my friends. Alas, I am not, at least, not yet. :)