Derm Refresh

I have been a patient of Dr T for almost 5 years.
Every experience w the staff (Nicole) and Dr. T has been excellent.
I use fillers and botox as well as laser and IPL treatments.
The cost is reasonable and Dr T very respectful, patient, and kind.
Highly recommend

Alex Tenazas is awesome! I’ve been going to him for laser treatments and my skin has never looked better!

I love coming to Derm Refresh! I’ve seen both doctors for Botox and Juvederm and I have loved the results. Everyone is so nice and friendly and they always do their absolute best to squeeze me in. The office has great parking and its in a large medical building but very convenient to get to. It’s the first office on the right when you enter the building. I think their prices are extremely competitive and I can’t wait to try an IPL treatment this fall.
I drive all the way from Long Beach and can’t imagine going anywhere else!

After reading reviews on Unilocal,I wanted to give this Derm Refresh a try. I called on Monday morning at 9:30AM, got the answering machine. I tried calling again at 10:30AM and got the machine again. I left a message for a call back since I had some questions about IPL and still have not received a call back and it is Tuesday night. In my opinion, if you are operating a business and would like to provide good customer service, you should want to give your customers a call back within a 24 hour timeframe or less!

I had tons of flat moles all over my face and they resembled pen dots. They’ve appeared over the course of the last few years; some I’ve had my whole life. There isn’t a day I can’t go without dotting them with foundation to cover them up because I look scary with all the dots on my face. I’ve been aching to get rid of them and I wasn’t sure if there was a possibility of completely ridding them from my face.
I found Dr. Tuan on Unilocal and noted all the positive reviews. He was informative and so friendly throughout the process and helpful during the initial consultation. I first tried IPL on my forehead to see how my skin reacted and healed. Within a week, all my dark flat moles were gone!!! Prior to the procedure, they put numbing cream on the area where you will be treated but it definitely still hurt a lot. Pain was a ⁷⁄₁₀. Prior to treatment, I brought up concerns about getting burned and he assured me that he would use a medium intensity to ensure results without burning at the same time. I was surprised that we were able to get rid of the moles within one treatment of moderate intensity since results sometimes require multiple treatments.
I just finished IPL on the rest of my face since I was so pleased with my forehead results and I hope to see the same results for my face. The pain this time was so minimal I was shocked. I’m not sure if this is due to the fact that there’s thicker skin on your cheeks or if it was because there was more numbing cream. Anyways, there was no pain at all which was amazing. My face is not even a bit red so I don’t need to change my routine to avoid seeing people!
The receptionist was super friendly each time I visited and I look forward to coming back within the next year for follow up treatments. Can’t stress enough how happy I am with the service and the results!

Not only had I left with my skin feeling REFRESH but my overall sense of well-​being, too! I am BEYOND pleased and this place has not let me down after my multiple visits for acne-​treatment and follicle removals.
First off I’d like to talk about the Customer Service topic. Customer service is mainly the reason why I am taking the time to write this constructive review on particular places. Isn’t that we’re suppose to do on Unilocal?Ha. Any who, I was recommended this gem by a client of mine from my Personal training business regarding to finding a cure to my follicle infections on my jawline and random flares of acne. I’ve been told Dr. Tuan Nguyen, MD. was a phenomenal dermatologist at his craft and cares for his work to help others fight bad skin, anti-​aging and more as I am to my craft as a Personal training & nutritionist. I’ve had many bad seeds before when visiting other dermatologists where I would pay up to $ 100 out of pocket for 10 stinking minutes of their time and had left with many unanswered questions because the derm would just get up during the chat and would walk out the door and not even dare to ask, «Is there anything else I can help you today?» Well I am glad Dr. Tuan isn’t one of them. He had the sincere-​face on upon meeting me, took me to his office and sat me down with powerpoint slides to explain more about what he can offer me and took his time to inform me on anything I could be confused with. At the end, he did ask the most important question that every business owner should ask, «Is there anything else I can help you with today?» (ps. did I mention this is his second practice because he enjoys doing it? He also works in the ER to save lives! Talk about a well rounded, good fella!)
Second, the staff are very kind and warming upon entering here at this convenient facility located next to the Diamond Jamboree Plaza on Jamboree Blvd; in addition, the amenities are very well organized and clean from the front end of the office. The wait was never more than 15 minute (but that is to be expected in health-​care). One thing I like about this place is: as a business owner myself, I have so many tasks and errands and thing on my list, sometime I just need a reminder of what is to be expected for tomorrow. Well, Derm Refresh would inform and give me a reminder during the afternoon hours about the oncoming appointment on the next day. How convenient and kind!
Lastly, pricing. I didn’t have PPO insurance so I had to pay for my laser treatment out of pocket which costed me ranging from 300-​ish for 5 – 6 sessions for follicle removals. Another service they had is, if I had a gnarly infection under the skin service, Dr. Tuan would inject some non-​inflammatory steroids to calm down the swelling of the zit/​acne site for $ 50 – 75 and the swelling would reduce within 24 hour. Ouch, sounds painful doesn’t it? Well, Dr. Tuan is very careful and well spoken during the treatment. He and his staff took care of me many time when I needed this procedure done by putting some numbing cream onto the site for an average wait of 15 min for the numbness to kick in prior to the injections.
Overall, I am very well pleased with the service and practice here. Unfortunately, my problems weren’t able to be solved here by Dr. Tuan and his team but he did recommended me another skin doctor that was suitable for my cure. I would highly recommend this place if anyone’s looking to get their undesired hair remove or aesthetic treatments, i.e. botox.

I am very happy with my NEW smooth/​baby skin after the laser treatment. Dr. Tuan explained things step by step. I highly recommend this laser clinic to everyone who wants To look a lot younger than their age! I feel great looking young!!! Be patient during the old skin peeling progress (could take up to one to two weeks) but well worth it!!!

I have been a client of Derm Refresh for approximately two years and am extremely pleased with the results achieved with IPL, as well as other treatments. My rosacea has improved significantly; the brown discolorations are under control; skin tone has visibly improved. Alex and Nicole are professional, knowledgeable, and caring. For me, Derm Refresh IS as good as it gets.

I have only been to two of my laser treatments so far, and up to this point I not impressed. The office is very unorganized and have no problem making you wait for 30 mins plus. The dr didn’t arrive until 40 mins after my appt time and did not seem to understand that I do not have time for that.
I will add to this review later, but for now, without results showing yet, I am not very happy.
And thanks for your rude response to my post. You have gone against my patient confidentiality by discussing my PRIVATE treatment on a non private page. Very unprofessional. I was going to update my review, but now you guys have proven that I shouldn’t.
The dr was very condescending and did not make me feel comfortable about my visits. And yes, he took FOREVER… If you go see him, make sure you have a couple of hrs to spare.
I will not be returning to this business.
This dr has violated HIPPA in the comment he posted in response in my review. I am debating whether or not I will report this as malpractice.
Do not go here.

I’ve always had problems with my skin growing up and knew I had to finally do something for myself. After a consultation with Dr Nguyen, I felt very comfortable with him and highly impressed with him and his staff. He took a lot of time in explaining what my condition was and the different treatment options. After the skin analysis, I understood where my problem areas were and the procedures a available for my needs. After about 8 sessions, I can tell the difference and feel my greatest yet! My skin feels more refreshed and now I know how to better care for my skin. Took some time to heal but like any medical procedure, time lets it heal. Oh the things we do for beauty but soo worth it!

This place is AMAZING! Not only because I got the results that I was looking for but I got a lot more information than I was expecting. I got my treatment from Alex, which started in February. I had these really embarrassing acne near my mouth that looked like open sore spots. I initially went to my doctor who prescribed some topical cream that did nothing for me. I went to Alex for a free consultation. On the first appointment, he gave me a prescription that not only help dried up my acne but wasn’t too expensive out of pocket expense. I paid about the same for medication that didn’t even work! Here’s why I like them: I didn’t want to spend a ton of $$ because I wasn’t sure if it works on me or not so I thought if I go aggressive, I’ll get more bang for my bucks right?! WRONG! Alex suggested that we do the opposite to see how my skin will react to treatment. He said it’s because it’s better to start off slow & see the results instead of be aggressive and then have to re-​fix.
So that’s what I did. I did an ILP the first 2 months and people could see a difference almost immediately. I just completed my 3^rd one today (yes I know this review is late but I wanted to make sure I got some results before sharing with Unilocalers).
What’s the difference? The face numbing cream is FANTASTIC! It takes about 20 minutes minimum to take affect and lasts about 3 – 4 hours afterwards so for the treatment you might feel a slight sting like a rubber band snap. It’s not bad. The flashing light is more irritating in my opinion.
So there are LOTS of places available — some great, some good and then some that should keep their doors closed. I think this place belongs in between great and good. Why? Cos Alex also works in the ER room most of the time which means there’s not a lot of available appointments with him. Otherwise it definitely deserves to be in the GREAT category. Another FYI — I drive 30 minutes to see him because it’s worth it for me. As I’m hitting my mid 40’s I’m careful as to who can touch my skin. If you’re the same, then you definitely need to talk with Alex.

Please forgive my tardy reply in response to you, Alex. Yes you did rectify the poor service I received from Dr. Nguyen. I returned to the office at Nichole’s request and was very satisfied with Alex’ treatment and professionalism. I have also referred two additional clients to your office with advice to request Alex.

I went for an IPL package of 3 and got 4. Sounds great, right? Not really. When I went in for a consultation for brown sunspots/​over pigmentation. The doctor told me that the IPL would be the treatment I need vs. Fractional Laser. I went in for the 1^st treatment. Went home. I got redness, sore, hot face for the first 24 hrs. Then as days went on the spots turned black and slowly flaked off. It took a total of 8 days to get my usual face back. I was happy with the result as the brown spots on my face were gone. In a period of less than a month, they were slowly coming back even with regular 70SPF sunscreen. Went in for the 2^nd treament didn’t work, all the things I described above didn’t happen. I called the doctor’s office the next day and told them that I don’t think it worked. They scheduled me for another one, to make up for the one that didn’t work. Same thing. When I complained, he nicely said to be patient. 3^rd. and last one. Same thing. No visible results.
I wrote an email saying that I wasn’t happy with the result, as I don’t think the successive treatments were successful. I was told to schedule a consultation. I went in only to be told that he thought I wasn’t a good candidate for IPL, and that I should try some fade creams and put some concealer on it. Isn’t that what the initial consultation is for? To find out if I’m a good candidate for a certain procedure? Don’t tell me that after I’ve spend my $ 600! Then he tried to sell me some more stuff — fade creams.
He could have told me the response to my email in an email instead of asking me to come in, just to waste more of my time and money.
Also he was never on time for any of my appointments. The doctor was 30 mins to over an hour late to each one. Even when I scheduled to be the 1^st patient of the day.
The doctor seems very nice. But that’s about it. I didn’t spend $ 600 for niceness or politeness. I would have much rather gotten results.

I saw Dr. Nguyen at Derm Refresh for an IPL and it was as pain free as it could be. The numbing crème they applied really (and I mean REALLY numbed my face). My face sort of felt like Novocaine wearing off for the next couple of hours.
I have really fair, very sensitive skin. I also have red cheeks because of roseaca. IPL has helped tremendously to get rid of the red. The thing is, you have to keep getting it done. IPL is pricey so I look for Groupons or Living Social deals. That’s how I found Derm Refresh.
I have probably had IPL done 20 times in my lifetime and this is the FIRST time that the pain was tolerable. If you have had IPL done, then you know hat it feels like somebody snaps a rubber band on your face… like HARD! There is also a really bright light that goes off. It’s so bright you wonder how you are not blinded by it. Just thinking about it makes me queasy (and I’m no cry baby) but I get it done because the results are so worthwhile. While Dr. Nguyen was doing my IPL I was thinking (wow…that’s it???). I mean, the pain was soooo minimal. I’ve had IPL done at other places and asked for numbing cream and I was told «We don’t use it, it does not help) Oh B. S…It sure as hellz DOES help!!!
Having IPL without a Groupon or Living Social deal here is pricey but the cost comes down if you buy a series of treatments so I’m probably going to do that. I could probably find cheaper deals for IPL elsewhere but me and that numbing cream are like BFF’s 4 ever and ever now!

I redeemed a groupon for a microdermabrasion at Derm Refresh recently and was very pleased. I made an appointment a few weeks ago and when I showed up, I did not have to wait long. The staff was nice and and professional. Some people may expect more, but for the price I am very happy with their service. I would come back.

I went in for the spider vein treatment and after quite a bit of pain, saw no results. I live quite far away, but Alex had me come back in and redid the treatment for free. Again, I saw no results. It may just be my body refusing to respond to the treatment, but I’m quite disappointed with the results of the laser spider vein removal. After the treatment being redone, I was told that I would need to pay again for further exploration of spider vein removal options.
However, the staff is friendly and the IPL’s went exactly as they should have, though I cannot say if they were really the right treatment for me — as I see no drastic difference in my skin. If IPL treatments work on your skin, then I would still definitely recommend seeing Alex.

I had an IPL photofacial at the end of October. Dr. Tuan Ngyuen was extremely patient & calmly talked me through the whole process. I was expecting minimal results (20% improvement), but was so excited to have 75% improvement. I had 4 very dark sun/​brown spots on my left cheek that were 80% gone within a week. Woohoo! I will be going back for another treatment soon.
I was surprised to read some of the negative reviews and I’m glad I didn’t read them before my treatment. I know 4 other people who had positive results & I went to Derm Refresh based on their recommendations.

If Unilocal have fractions, I would go for 4 ½ stars.
I had this tatoo since I was 19, and I guess I grew out of that phase. Also, my girlfriend doesnt like it. I took advantage of their free consultation (and yes, I do love free things). After carefully checking over my tat for a few short moments, the doctor knew the laser technique that was appropriate for my tat style. Within half an hour, it is as if an eraser went down my triceps. It’s nice of him to let us address him by his first name, with of course the «Dr» in front.

I received an IPL/​Photofacial treatment on Thursday (5 days ago) and have second-​degree burn marks on my cheeks and «tiger stripes» on my forehead. I assumed the darker skin color was normal since I was advised that the sun-​damaged spots and scars would be darker and flake off. I did some research online and found a similar experience with a television news reporter who posted photos of her botched procedure which looked almost identical to my face. I was treated by Alex, who otherwise, seemed like a nice person. He just is not competent in this service and I would not recommend this treatment to anyone unless they go to a medical doctor.
I called today (after sending photos of my face with close-​ups) to seek a refund for the service and they wanted to schedule a follow-​up visit in 4 days. Personally, if I knew that I botched a procedure and had a complaint that I burned someone’s face I would ask to see them ASAP.

I am really picky about who I do business with and have gone to several other aestheticians and have never been completely satisfied.
But I will defininitely be a repeat client at Derm Refresh.
I saw Elizabeth and would recommend seeing her if you go. She is super knowledgable, super nice, hip, savvy, current and in the loop.
She doesn’t push anything on you and is very understanding.
Also, I thought the prices were surprisingly reasonable.