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Alvarado Institute of Skin Care
Categories: Beauty and Spas Skin Care Beauty and Spas Medical Spas Health and Medical Medical Spas Skin Care, Medical Spas [Edit]
5565 Grossmont Center DrBldg 1, Ste 126
(between Havenhill Rd & Center Dr)
La Mesa, CA 91942
Neighborhood: La Mesa
(619) 286-0372
- Hours:
Mon, Thu 9 am - 8 pm
Tue-Wed 9 am - 7 pm
Fri 9 am - 5 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
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18 reviews for Alvarado Institute of Skin Care
18 reviews in English
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Review from Jennifer S.
San Diego, CA
11/28/2011
I had a certificate for a MicroD also. After waiting 10 minutes or so, no big deal, but one of the reasons I don't give them 5 stars, I met with Carrie. I found her to be knowledgeable, helpful, gentle, patient and informative. She patiently answered questions I had about my smokers lines and even extracted some hard, calcium white heads on my face (she had a technical name) that have been driving me crazy, at no charge!
After her evaluation she suggested a Chemical peel instead of Micro would be better for my skin. No additional charge for the switch! She did print out a suggested treatment plan for the lines and a couple suggested products but it was no hard sell at all. Quite the opposite, no push at all. I did nor buy. Bottom line I walked out paying only a tip and felt very pleased. I like the results of the peel too.
The place is hard to find! Take the left Y in the road down to the free parking behind the long building on GM Center rd, instead of up to the Hospital area.
Thanks Carrie! -
Review from Macy F.
Oceanside, CA
5/17/2012
I had to pick at least once star - which frankly I would not! I am so disappointed after reading the review from Diane M. in Cardiff. I'm glad I checked these reviews before booking anything. While its great to see other people's satisfactory reviews - a business cannot survive if it is unwilling to serve its clients with honesty and integrity. Agreed SHAME ON YOU. I hope this is not a business that survives.
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Review from Randy M.
San Diego, CA
7/21/2011
I had a great session today with Carrie. I am a guy that is not very familiar with all this stuff and one of the best things was how well Carrie explained what we were doing and why.
I had a glycolic peel and enzyme treatment and it was awesome. My skin feels great but I also feel much better equipped to start taking better care of it.
I came in on a gift certificate I had received at a charity event. The office treated my as if I was like any other customer. What was really great was they emailed me all the forms in advance so I had them all filled out. I never even sat down. I walked in and almost immediately was in a treatment room.
I see some other reviews that are really negative and it makes me wonder if they went to the same place I did.
I loved it. -
Review from Melissa B.
San Diego, CA
12/14/2010
I, too, got a 'free' microderm coupon for volunteering for an event. I called to make the appointment, and the soonest they could get me in was 3 weeks later. Fine.
This spot is hard to find, but I got there on time. My esthetician was very nice and welcoming. Then, the HEAVY suggestive selling started....
She mentioned every procedure in the book very casually, but when we were done, she came back with an estimate of over $1700 worth of procedures, and a credit application!!
I said very clearly, "what products would you say are the best if I wanted to spend say...$150- tops". She eliminated one skin care product, and off to the counter we went....
She walks away and the receptionist rings me up for $233! I bite the bullet because it had been a while since I'd purchased any new, good products. And, I didn't want to sit there and haggle with the receptionist. My bad - i admit that.
The worst part ---- the $233 worth of products dried my skin to the point of flaking!! I contacted the manager and she instructed me to stop using all products and she sent me ADDITIONAL samples to remedy the dry skin.
WHAT?
The extra star is for the responsiveness of the manager, otherwise it would be just one.
For microderm I recommend Nikki @ the Mermaid Spa in Mira Mesa any day.... -
Review from Homa S.
La Jolla, CA
3/31/2010
I'd give this place no stars if I could. 10 business days passed and the manager had not returned my message.
The dispute was minor, over a prepaid service. This escalated into a situation because the receptionist's attitude: condescending, rude, and insulting. I would have been fine with not receiving my refund, even though they neglected to provide me of current Terms & Services. When the treatment and service demised at the request of a cancellation, I was disgusted at how this place behaved. Other reviews agree with my experience. The receptionist is a minimum wage, disgruntle, control freak. After reading the other reviews, anyone would have given her the boot. However, after talking to the manager in a private room, she was as fake as the receptionist. Birds of a feather flock together.
You couldn't pay me to return here. Reading other reviews, things haven't changed. Prior to showing up I wrote a letter to the location, created a yelp account because how rude and controlling the reception is, informed the BBB, and disputed with my credit card. Only showing up unannounced did I get my refund. My credit card honored my dispute too, but advised them not to as I handled the situation myself. -
Review from Kelly J.
San Diego, CA
11/1/2010
Let me first say that I haven't actually had services done from here, but my first impression from a phone call to them to schedule a procedure so far is not great.
I received a coupon for microdermabrasion so I called to learn more about it and to see when I could make an appointment to come in. The receptionist told me she was with a client and that she would call me back in a few minutes. So, I gave her my phone # and waited for the call. SHE NEVER CALLED. First impressions are always a good sign on how a business is ran and how you will be treated when you are a paying customer. I would recommend to Alvarado that they need to get a new receptionist or they will forever be losing business. -
Review from Nely A.
National City, CA
5/21/2011
Alvarado institute
Gets no stars from me
save your money -
Review from Gabriela D.
San Diego, CA
1/20/2011
I've been to Alvarado Institute of Skin Care owned by Mary several times now, and after comparing it to other day spa's in San Diego l rates it highly as a nice, economical retreat. Very quiet, clean & relaxing, mildly luxurious, and always fantastic staff members. I've had some particularly well done facials at Alvarado with Mary and Carrie, and there's never much of a push to buy product at the end. The facial packages are great and very affordable. And the nice vibe and the great service is what makes Alvarado a winner.
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Review from Jamie P.
11/9/2009
UPDATE 11/16/09
situation rectified***
The manager of the clinic called me today and apologized for the behavior of her employees/receptionists. When asked what could be done to rectify the situation, I requested that I receive the services that were paid for. no more, no less. All people want is for others to fulfill their end of the bargain if they have fulfilled theirs right? To clarify, after 3 phone calls and an angry email later, I was finally able to speak to the person I have been wanting to speak to and evidently my gift certificate has been reinstated. I was also told that she talked to the receptionist about her behavior, so all in all i have another facial that has yet to be scheduled.
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my first YELP review ever: pardon my language, haphazard use of grammar and structure, and my brutal opinion.
If I could describe this experience in 3 words it would be: 1) overpriced 2) snobby 3) ineffectual.
I originally came upon this place when i got a free microdermabrasion gift certificate from a charity event i went to. upon arriving, i immediately got the sense that they were pretty stuck up and overly concerned with status and image. i got the free microderm, but my esthetician was more concerned with upselling products than my actual health. without my asking, she automatically printed out her "recommendation" for me which included, $263 worth of products and 2 deep cleansing facials knowing that i am working on a student budget here. that's fine. i figured it was a reputable place since they make a big deal about tipping 15%+ gratuity, no-shows, and their cancellation policy. they also emphasized how booked and busy they always are. i bought a couple of items in good faith and even told my boyfriend about it.
treatment 2:
.....So....for my birthday last week, my boyfriend wanted to surprise me with a gift certificate for the special of 2 deep cleansing facials. he figured me and my friend could get one. except i got a call from Alvarado stating that I made an appt with them today. My boyfriend wasnt aware he made an appointment, but instead he thought he got a gift certificate. Again, that's fine. They're just being proactive right? Awesome. I didnt even have to call in. I showed up for my treatment today, and the receptionist asked where my friend was. Long story short, they never confirmed my friend's appointment with me or my boyfriend, never sent me my gift certificate in the mail, and knowing it was a birthday gift for me, they guilt-tripped me about how my friend is a "no show" even though NONE of us KNEW she had an appointment to begin with, and how i had wasted a room and an hour of their time. In fact, i even requested Renee for my facial but they had told me on the phone i would be with Carrie. However, when i arrived, they changed the story to say that Carrie had been assigned to my 'evil' friend who wasnt considerate enough to show up. So in consequence, I am not even allowed to re-schedule my second facial which as been PAID FOR (not that we scheduled the first one to begin with!) but instead, i pretty much just got one facial for the price of 2, and my boyfriend shelled out $150 for nothing. i felt that i was somehow not "good enough" to do business there.
What happened was this: I was initially told that since it was a bday gift and i wasnt hte one in charge of the scheduling, i wouldnt be punished. upon leaving, i was told it was a no show and lost my service. BUT, the bf should call and they would clear if it was a miscommunication. He did and they said it was a no go. We even called 3 times to get a hold of a manager with no response. -
Review from Esther L.
Los Angeles, CA
6/28/2011
I called in all throughout the month to schedule a date to schedule my microdermabrasion appt. I received a voucher for a free microdermabrasion from an expo that I volunteered for but they said that thet had no appts till july and now till august?! But I should have first read all the horrible yelp reviews instead of wasting my time calling to schedule appt. why offer complimentary services if you are not planning to uphold them?!?
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Review from susan r.
San Diego, CA
1/2/2009
In efforts to get rid of my acne, after a consultation with Mary Halls I bought a package of Microdermabrasions, Oxygen treatments, Glycolic Peels and a bunch of products at the Alvarado Skin Institute. I am not sure if any of this helped and felt I totally overspent. On return visit I have received a few treatments from Mary Halls, I found her treatments extremely rushed. On one experience I waited over 20 minutes for Mary to see me. You see there was someone more important than me that did not have an appointment so I was bumped. More recently I have been seeing Carrie Weaver and am much happier with her. I don't feel the treatments are rushed and I don't feel pressure to buy more products.
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Review from Ashlee L.
Pasadena, CA
3/21/2010
I had a deep cleansing facial with Carrie. She was absolutely amazing! I have had a really hard time finding a skin care place that really clicked. However, I felt the atmosphere at Alvarado was very professional and relaxing. When I arrived I was seen immediately and Carrie talked to me about my concerns and told me about the facial, step by step. I was very happy with the treatment because I was glowing after it was finished. Throughout the treatment Carrie talked me about my skin as well as my life style and I did not feel pressured to buy any products or additional treatments. I know that facials should become a regular part of my beauty routine, but being a student I cannot always afford the upkeep. Carrie was very understanding and really a sweetheart. I will definitely be back!
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Review from Rj H.
San Diego, CA
9/4/2010
Do your self a favor and just skip this place. The service is low budget and the prices are over the top. Once you are on the table receiving service, they start telling you the benefits of this and that; and before you know it, you've spent several more hundreds of dollars on services to be rendered. The treatment is shoddy. and short. I spent more time in the lobby than I did in the treatment room.
I was talked into a "scraping" ;she shaved so many layers of skin off, I developed a scab on the side of my face. When I asked that the money I had paid for the subsequent "scrapings" be tranfered to another service, I was given very limited options. Ultimately, I had to settle for an "extraction"; cost of which is - I can't remember exactly, $20 or $30. less. No refunds, no product. I could BUY more services and apply the money to that. NO THANKS! It just goes directly to them, no options.
I have had an appointment to use this last applicable money at least 6 weeks for this Tuesday. Got a call Saturday, they have to cancel the technition isn't available. Guess it is an extended vacation, Carrie, especially can't stop telling you of her glorious life and next pending vacation while your on the table.
Your local nail salon would do a better job! I would rate no stars if possible.
Sales is their stong suit. So if you like being sold a "bill of goods"; go here. If you want professionalism and effective treatment, find another place. -
Review from A K.
El Cajon, CA
7/20/2010
I had my free microderm treatment a week ago and my face is still burning, swollen, red and itchy. I stopped using the products I was recommended to purchase four days ago and hoped it would get better over the weekend. It did not. I called on Monday asking for some type of relief and all that was recommended was hydrocortisone and a call to my doctor if I need a stronger dose since it was 'probably' just an allergic reaction. After much prodding on my part and explaining that the hydrocortisone wasn't doing much for my condition or the burning sensation, she agreed to give me some samples of 'soothing' products for me to use. I stopped by to pick up three thumb-sized containers of three different unlabeled products which I was told to use 'without rhyme or reason' meaning they could be combined. These products helped only slightly. I placed another phone call to this place again today and was told neither the director nor the person whom I spoke to yesterday were available to speak to me.
I am disappointed by not having been contacted today after my phone call to them yesterday. I would have expected better service and concern for their clients from this type of establishment. -
Review from ROSE S.
Spring Valley, CA
Updated - 12/13/2010
Not impressed with the facilities and don't ever plan to return. The skin treatments were effective for all 3 visits; however, the facilities were substandard, very uncomfortable and loud. When I offered to share my perspective with the owner, the response was defensive and not very friendly; I had to call several times. Also, tips envelopes are tacky.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/14/2010
I purchased a package of 3 facials at a discount, and afterwards, wondered if the full-price… Read more »
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Review from kellie s.
San Diego, CA
12/11/2010
My treatment was just ok! Like everyone else that posted something I had to wait for 30 minutes, they tried to reschedule me that same day and they really tried to push products and packages. The worst part of all was when I was buying face wash and wanted to put her tip on my card I was told that there is a $35 minimum to put a tip on a card! I was going to tip her $20 which turned into $35... so if you go there and want to add a tip on a card watch out! I just thought that was really tacky. Who does that. A tip is not something you should put a minimum on. If there service/treatments where better they wouldn't have to do that.
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Review from Lindsey M.
San Diego, CA
1/21/2010
I had received a gift certificate from a charity event I attended for a Microderm. It was my first one ever so I didn't really know what to expect but Carrie explained everything to me. We talked about my skin and the foods that I ate and she told me to drink more water to help me clear my occasion blemish. I thought that was pretty cool because usually people tell you about a product. She did talk about products throughout the procedure but it wasn't just to sell me items - it was to tell me what she was putting on me. We talked about what I used on my face and the quality of the product. She didn't tell me they were bad or anything. She just explained the differences between them. At the end she did recommend me two different items and she printed out a sheet for me to take home. I didn't buy any products but I did purchase another microderm for 50% off since they were having a special. I'm going back in 3 months. I had a good time and I feel like the treatment was a success.
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Review from Gabrielle O.
Rancho Santa Fe, CA
4/1/2010
Great services and products! Thank you on behalf of the Rancho Santa Fe Unit of Rady Children's Hospital Auxiliary.
