The reality of most standard medspa design is that these spaces often feel more medical than spa-inspired. So when Dr. TJ Tsay was getting ready to open Ageless MD in Orange County, California— he wanted to make sure it matched the aesthetic his patients were trying to achieve.
Dr. Tsay is best known for his appearance on Netflix’s Bling Empire as well as his string lifts although Ageless MD offers a large roster of services from Botox and filler to lasers, facial and body treatments. He tells me, “Design is important for medical offices, especially when you’re in the field of aesthetics. The type of clients we attract are the same clients that would visit high-end luxury department stores. We are going for the premium feel and look. 90 percent of our clientele are women, so having a nice aesthetically pleasing design is important.”
The Big Makeover
When doctor Tsay moved into the office, it was originally a primary care facility that had been converted into a medical spa. “We used the existing foundation and jazzed it up, accessorized with new wall textures and chandeliers. We made it brighter and more aesthetically pleasing. In fact, our premium luxurious look and the bright lighting have helped boost sales of our skincare products,” he explains.
Dr. Tsay’s wife, Vivian Tsay designed the space herself intending to create an upscale feel. “It was like a Macy’s before and we wanted to turn it into a Bloomingdales,” explains the doctor and entrepreneur. “We wanted good lighting in a well-lit space that allowed us to display our skincare products in a showroom-like atmosphere.”
The waiting room is a truly stylish space. The reception area features a gorgeous marble desk and glamorous swag chandeliers overhead. Instead of a standard medical tweed or dreadful vinyl sofa, there are trendy plush purple velvet chairs with angled gold legs and marble tables. With a glitzy yet welcoming feel, it is more like a chic cafe or feminine co-working space.
Adjacent to the tables and chairs are gold display cases filled with a variety of skincare products available for purchase. There’s also a white vessel sink with a herringbone tile backsplash so patients can wash their faces before receiving treatments or experiment with new products.
There’s an additional waiting area framed by an eco-friendly flower wall, a contemporary tufted grey velvet sofa, and classic Ghost Chairs. The office has a total of three flower walls. This was a very intentional choice by Dr. Tsay and his wife.
“The flower walls grab your attention. It’s a place where we have our company logo and try to have as many people take selfies and tag us on the flower wall. Also, flowers represent femininity, beauty from the inner self, and how one can blossom to a new person,” explains Dr. Tsay.
The Exam Rooms
The facility has a total of nine exam rooms, all of which are unique. While all the examination chairs and medical equipment are state of the art, the decor has anything but a medical vibe. There’s a variety of pieces from a fun Audrey Hepburn portrait on the wall to a throw pillow that reads “Botox Dealer,” pampas floral arrangements, and Hollywood glam chairs. Permanent fixtures like tile walls are a modern element to balance the kitsch. All the exam rooms coordinate with each other yet each puts a slightly different spin on the same theme.
However, many of these design choices were not exclusively for aesthetic purposes, but rather to make these spaces more efficient for Dr. Tsay and his staff. “Some of my favorite details are the way we designed the cabinets and the space. Everything is discreetly hidden. For example, the trash is hidden under the cabinets. In addition, instead of having glove boxes on the table, they are discreetly tucked underneath the cabinets and accessed through an opening under the cabinet.”
Another reason for the variation between spaces is that some rooms were designed to perform specific procedures. “Some can accommodate more invasive procedures, such as under-chin liposuction, fat grafting, and PDO thread lift. Whereas, in other rooms, we perform facials, and operate various lasers including IPL, CO2, and our most Radio Frequency micro-needling with the Sylfyrm X that doesn’t require a whole lot of space. But each room still feels clean, pure, and uncluttered.”