Beauty trends may come and go, but a great complexion is always in—no matter what. Celebrated Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Harry Glassman and the European Skin Clinic at Thibiant Beverly Hills have long been two places to which Angelenos could turn to achieve a flawless face, but the ante was upped last year when the two forces merged under one roof, creating an ultimate skincare destination for those in the know.
Founded more than 36 years ago by Aida Thibiant, Thibiant Beverly Hills is a landmark on the LA beauty scene. The spa has built its reputation on—among other things—a customized approach to skincare and a team of highly skilled aestheticians (many have been with the company for more than 25 years).
For any beauty-conscious local, a visit to Thibiant is all but mandatory. Tucked into an unassuming storefront on Canon Drive, the spa is a tranquil oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of Beverly Hills’ busy shopping district. Upon arrival plush robes and bliss-inducing massage chairs provide instant relaxation. (We recommend arriving early to ensure as much time in the chairs as possible.) From facials, wraps and waxing to hair services and mani/pedis, Thibiant’s treatments offer care from head to toe. And let’s not forget our favorite, the OxyFusion HydraFirm facial, which infuses a serum of highly moisturizing hyaluronic acid and a cocktail of antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E into the skin. Is it any wonder celebrity clients such as Hayden Panettiere, AnnaLynne McCord and Maria Menounos look so good?
Glassman began visiting Thibiant as a client in the 1980s and was consistently impressed with the level of service, but the thought of becoming an owner never crossed his mind. That is until the incredible advancements being made in the field of noninvasive technology began to pique his interest. “I had the idea of marrying noninvasive procedures with a traditional spa,” he says. When Aida Thibiant told Glassman she was retiring in 2008 and wanted to sell her business, he seized the opportunity. “She trusted her partner and me with her name, which I consider to be a real leap of faith,” Glassman says. “You couldn’t start up a business like this. The people who work here are true pros.”
Building on the existing foundation and offerings of Thibiant Beverly Hills’ European Skin Clinic, Glassman—renowned for his cutting-edge work in plastic surgery, particularly in the fields of birth and cancer defects—brought more than 30 years of expertise to the table and created the Thibiant Beverly Hills’ Institute of Aesthetic Medicine. This addition to the spa offers noninvasive treatments such as injectables (think Botox and dermal fillers such as Restylane) and energy-based technologies, including varied laser treatments (ideal for targeting aged or sun-damaged skin; they can also assist in the stimulation of new collagen) and therapeutic magnetic resonance (TMR), which uses an electromagnetic field to tighten face muscles. According to Glassman, these treatments are aimed primarily at younger and middleaged candidates who may be too young for surgical options but still want to stave off the signs of aging.
Today Glassman divides his time between his Beverly Hills plastic surgery practice and Thibiant, spending two days a week at the Institute. “I have a keen, experienced eye for what’s aesthetically appropriate,” says Glassman, who—based on his patients’ needs—recommends which of his offices they should visit for services.
Whether you go to the Institute or the Skin Clinic, no doubt the evidence of your visit will show in your newly acquired glow. 449 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-278-7565; thibiantspa.com
FROM TOP RIGHT: Thibiant Beverly Hills; Thibiant's waiting room; inside Thibiant Beverly Hill; Dr. Harry Glassman.
