Voted Best of San Diego by San Diego Reader

Thank you to everyone who voted for us! Dr. Chen was voted San Diego’s Beast Plastic Surgeon 2022, 2023 and 2024. Three-peat! He was also named Best Cosmetic Breast Augmentation Surgeon 2023 and 2024.

Our medical spa, The MedSpa San Diego was named best medical spa in San Diego, 2024. Congratulations to Denice our Licensed Aesthetician.

We were also voted best placed to receive Botox and Filler with Gretchen Broman, NP at Dr. Charlie Chen’s.

And our newest oculoplastic doctor, Dr. Kellie Satterfield was named Best Eye Doctor.

We want to thank everyone who voted and all the years of support.

Internal Wellness

Saliva Hormones Supreme- Testing: Estrone, Estradiol, Estriol, Progesterone, DHEA, Testosterone, DHT Androstenedione, Cortisol x4, Melatonin AM and PM, and 17-OH Progesterone $200

Hair loss Panel- Testing: CBD Diff, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Ferritin, ANA screen w/ Reflex to Titers, Copper Serum/plasma, Magnesium RBC, Vitamine D 25 OH, B12 & Folate, Thyroid Panel (Free T3, Free T4, TSG), Thyroid peroxidase abs, and Thyroglobulin $200

4x Cortisol +17-OHP+DHEA- Testing: Cortisol AM, Cortisol Noon, Cortisol Evening, 17-OHP and DHEA- $150

Semaglutide Panel- Testing:  CBC, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Lipid Panel, Hemoglobin A1C, T3 Free, T4 Free, B12 and Fasting insulin- $150

Food Analyzer IgG Food Sensitivity- Testing: Milk & Eggs, Meat, Fish & Seafood, Cereals & Seeds, nuts, Legumes, Fruits, Vegetables, Spices, Edible Mushrooms, Novel Foods, Coffee & Tea and Other- $300

Male Hormone A Panel- Testosterone, Free & Total w/SHBG, Estradiol (E2), DHEA-sulfate and Cortisol- $150

Male Hormone B Panel-Testosterone, Free & Total w/SHBG, Estradiol E2, DHEA-Sulfate, Cortisol, DHT and Estrone (E1)- $175

Initial Male Panel- CMP, CBC, Lipid Panel, TSH, T3 Free, T4 Free,Testosterone, Free & Total w/SHBG, Estradiol (E2), PSA total, SHBG and IGF-1- $200

Female Hormone A Panel- Testosterone, Free & Total w/SHBG, Estradiol (E2), DHEA-sulfate Progesterone,and Cortisol- $150

Female Hormone B Panel-Testosterone, Free & Total w/SHBG, Estradiol E2, DHEA-Sulfate, Cortisol, Progesterone and, Estriol (E3) and Estrone (E1)- $175

Initial Female Panel- CMP, CBC, Lipid Panel, TSH, T3 Free, T4 Free,Testosterone, Free & Total w/SHBG, Estradiol, Progesterone, SHBG, IGF-1-$200

CaridoPro Plus- Lipid Panel, Lipoprotein Fractionation, sd LDL, CRP HS, Homocysteine, Lipoprotein(a), Apolipoprotein A-1 (Apro-A), Apolipoprotein (Apro-B), Insulin Fasting, PLAC, Vitamine D, 25-Hydroxy, CMP w/eGFR, CBD w/ Diff, Thyroid Panel (Free T3, Free T4, TSH), Reverse T3, Vitamine B12, Testosterone, Free & Total w/SHBG- $350

Weight loss Panel- CBD w/Diff, CMP w/GFR, Lipid Panel, Thyroid Panel (Free T3, Free T4, TSH), and Insulin fasting $150

Toxic Heavy Metals- Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Bismuth, Cadmium, Gadolinium, Germanium, Lead, Mercury, Nickel, Niobium, Platinum, Rubidium, Tallium, Thorium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Uranium $200

Peptide Female Panel- CBC, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Thyroid panel (Free T3, Free T4, TSH), Thyroid Peroxidase Abs, FSH, LH, Estradiol, Insulin Fasting, B-HCG, Qualitative serum, Testosterone Free and Total (SHBG), Thyroglobulin Abs, Hemoglobin A1C, IGF-1 and Vitamin 25 OH- $225

Peptide Male Panel-CBC, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Thyroid panel (Free T3, Free T4, TSH), Thyroid Peroxidase Abs, FSH, LH, Estradiol, Insulin Fasting, Testosterone Free and Total (SHBG), Thyroglobulin Abs, Hemoglobin A1C, IGF-1 and Vitamin 25 OH $225

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide both work to treat diabetes and have shown to help with weight loss. However, they belong to different classes of drugs. Semaglutide works on the GLP-1 receptors and Tirzepatide works on GIP and GLP-1 receptors. They both help regulate sugar levels in the body. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide reduce appetite, increase the feeling of fullness, burns fat, increases metabolism and slows digestion of food. When used for weight loss you should eat smaller meals, increase water intake, decrease fatty and processed food and exercise.

What to expect during your weight loss journey?

You will have a scheduled appointment with our nurse practitioner, Gretchen. She will discuss your medical history and weight loss goals. Together, you will discuss Semaglutide and Tirzepatide to determine which is better for you. We will weigh and measure you to get a baseline measurement. We will have you return to the office once a week for an injection over three months. We will we reweighing and measuring you each month to monitor your process. At the end of three months we will determine if another around of treatment is needed.

Make an appointment.

Call or text to schedule an appointment, 858-255-1538 or email info@charliechenmd.com

Medical Waste

What happens to all the medical waste? There is a specific way to handle sharps, medicine vials and skin removed. You may notice signs or red containers in Dr. Chen’s exam rooms. The red containers often hold sharps, or needles. After every procedure we discard needles into these containers to be discarded appropriately. It is important to discard sharps safely to minimize risks of blood born pathogens.

We use lots of different medications during surgery. We have a specific containers for pharmaceutical waste. We do not throw the vials into the trash. These vials are recycled to minimize contaminating our soil and water system.

Finally, human skin/fat following surgical procedures. We have large bins that we place human waste. A company comes regularly to discard the waste. It is typically burned at high temperatures. We also donate! Large pieces of tissues can be sent away to be used in research.

Now you have a little insight into the medical waste world!

Winter Skin Care

Winter can often dry out your skin. Here are some ways to adjust your skin care routine.

1. Add Hyaluronic Acid-it hydrates from within. Include a moisturizer or serum with ingredients that help banish dry skin.

2. Reduce retinoids- this ingredient can make dry skin drier. Apply a few times a week instead of daily.

3. Exfoliate-get rid of dead skin and dullness by using gentle scrub twice a week.

4. Mask up-a moisturizing mask will boost your skin’s moisture content and calm any signs of sensitivity.

Making these small changes will help keep your skin hydrated this winter

Retinol

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that has been used for decades in skincare products to improve the appearance of the skin. It is one of the most well-studied and effective skincare ingredients available, and it offers a wide range of benefits, including:

• Reduced fine lines and wrinkles: Retinol stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins that are essential for keeping the skin firm and youthful. As a result, retinol can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

• Improved skin tone and texture: Retinol helps to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, revealing the brighter, smoother skin underneath. It can also help to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

• Reduced acne: Retinol can help to clear up acne breakouts and prevent new ones from forming. It does this by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation.

• Improved hydration: Retinol helps to increase the skin's production of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that helps to keep the skin hydrated.

• Reduced signs of sun damage: Retinol can help to reduce the appearance of sun damage, such as age spots and discoloration.

Retinol is a powerful ingredient, so it is important to start slowly and gradually increase your usage over time to avoid irritation. It is also important to wear sunscreen every day, as retinol can make the skin more sensitive to the sun.

Here are some additional benefits of retinol:

• Improved skin barrier function: Retinol helps to strengthen the skin's barrier function, which protects it from environmental stressors and dehydration.

• Reduced redness and inflammation: Retinol can help to reduce redness and inflammation, which can be caused by a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, and eczema.

• Increased cell turnover: Retinol helps to increase cell turnover, which means that new skin cells are produced more quickly. This can help to improve the appearance of the skin overall.

Overall, retinol is a highly effective skincare ingredient that offers a wide range of benefits. It can help to improve the appearance of the skin in a variety of ways, including reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin tone and texture, reducing acne, and improving hydration.

PDO Thread Treatment

PDO threads, are a type of non-invasive and non-surgical cosmetic treatment that helps to reverse the visible signs of aging on the face and neck. The treads are a biocompatible and biodegradable material that has been used in medical sutures for decades. PDO threads are extremely thin and flexible, and they are inserted into the skin using a small needle.

Once inserted, PDO threads work to lift and tighten the skin, stimulate collagen production, and improve overall skin texture and tone. The threads gradually dissolve over time, typically within 9-12 months. However, the effects of the treatment can last for up to two years.

PDO threads can be used to treat a variety of cosmetic concerns, including:

• Sagging skin

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Jowls and marionette lines

• Crow's feet

• Acne scars

• Stretch marks

PDO thread treatments are typically performed under a local anesthetic, and they are relatively painless. The procedure takes about 60 minutes to complete, and there is no downtime required. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment.

PDO threads are a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of the skin without having to undergo surgery. The results are natural-looking and long-lasting, and the procedure is relatively low-risk and affordable.

Here are some of the benefits of PDO threads:

• Non-invasive and non-surgical

• Minimal downtime

• Safe and effective

• Natural-looking and long-lasting results

• Affordable

• Can be used to treat a variety of cosmetic concerns

If you are considering a PDO thread treatment schedule a consultation 858-255-1538.

What is Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated preparation of platelets that are extracted from a patient's own blood. Platelets are blood cells that contain growth factors, which are proteins that help to repair damaged tissue.

Here are some additional details about PRP:

• PRP is an autologous treatment, which means that it is made from the patient's own cells. This makes it a safe and minimally invasive option.

• PRP is thought to work by stimulating the body's natural healing process. The growth factors in the platelets help to promote the growth of new tissue and the repair of damaged tissue.

• PRP injections are generally well-tolerated, but there is a small risk of side effects such as pain, bruising, and swelling.

Schedule an appointment to discuss if PRP injections are an options for you, 858-255-1538