Med Spa Review: We Tried the IV Drip and Lumecca IPL at Dripology in Santa Monica, California

Dripology founder and CEO Hamed Afshari with president and COO Amin Afshari.

Beauty and wellness fads may come and go, but one popular trend shows no signs of waning. IV drips entered the med spa and specialty wellness scene a few years ago and have witnessed a surge in the past couple of years. Admittedly, these services are not cheap, but when something is beneficial and painless, word gets around.

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Founded by Hamed Afshari, an RN with experience at two of the nation’s most prestigious research hospitals, Dripology started as a concierge IV drip service offering on-call visits in a client’s home or office. The recently opened Santa Monica location allows even more Angelenos and visitors the opportunity to experience not only Dripology’s premium IV drip services, but a full menu of the latest med spa treatments including Morpheus8, Evolve X, injections and fillers, micro-needling, Lumecca IPL, and many more cutting-edge aesthetic technologies.

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The airy and plush ambiance is augmented with attentive and friendly service, plus a host of extras while having your “drip” such as a foot massager, Normatec leg compressor, and virtual reality headset. Soft music keeps you relaxed and calm. They know how to spoil you and make you feel comfortable.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Afshari before my visit to learn more about Dripology and what sets them apart from other places.

Dripology offers premium IV drip services and the latest med spa treatments at its Santa Monica location.

What makes Dripology different from other spas or practices that offer IV drips?

Dripology is unique because we merge a deep commitment to professionalism with a genuine passion for client satisfaction. My journey began as an ICU nurse at two of the nation’s top hospitals—MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, and Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. From these experiences, I’ve brought a high standard of training, cutting-edge equipment, and strict procedures to ensure both safety and effectiveness.

Combining this medical expertise with the luxury hospitality insight of my wife, a celebrity makeup artist, we’ve created a space that not only meets the highest medical standards but also caters to the nuances of a premium clientele. Our team is trained to maintain privacy and comfort at all times. We use only the best equipment and protocols, ensuring an unparalleled level of care. We’re committed to providing exceptional service within a luxurious and welcoming environment.

Services include micro-needling, PRP, Morpheus8, laser hair treatment, IV therapy, IPL photo-facials, and injections.

How are the formulations different or better?

We adopt a holistic, synergistic approach to our formulations. Unlike other providers who might rely on large doses of single vitamins, we carefully calibrate our treatments based on extensive research.

Take our immunity drip, for instance: it doesn’t just contain IV fluid with vitamin C. Instead, it includes a well-rounded mix of vitamin C, zinc, B-complex, and niacinamide—all designed to work together to boost your natural immunity.

This balanced approach ensures our treatments are both effective and safe. Additionally, our IV treatments were developed in collaboration with board-certified emergency physicians and pharmacists, which guarantees the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

All of Dripology’s services are administered by a team of experienced and licensed Registered Nurses.

What are your clients’ favorite treatments and services?

Our top three drips are Immunity, NAD+, and Beauty, with Immunity leading the pack. These drips cater to clients looking to boost their immune systems, enhance energy levels, and improve their overall appearance.

NAD+ drips are particularly popular because they offer a wide range of benefits including boosting energy levels, supporting anti-aging processes, improving cognitive function, aiding in detoxification and addiction recovery, enhancing metabolism, and improving muscle recovery and performance.

Our Beauty drip contains vitamin C, B-complex, glutathione, and niacinamide which work together to enhance skin health and appearance. This trend towards wellness aligns with the growing preference for a bio-hacking approach to peak performance and preventative care measures

Dripology is committed to providing exceptional service within a luxurious and welcoming environment.

Why have IV drips become so popular and how often should one come in?

IV drips are tried and true due to their effectiveness in delivering immediate hydration, essential vitamins, and nutrients directly into the bloodstream, ensuring optimal absorption.

The surge in popularity is due to several market trends and a growing focus on wellness. There’s a significant shift in the market where more people are prioritizing their health and wellness, particularly pronounced among younger generations who are increasingly opting for healthier lifestyles. For instance, Gen Z shows a notable decline in alcohol consumption.

Additionally, consumers are becoming more educated and discerning, recognizing the limitations of products that are heavily marketed but not necessarily efficacious. For example, oral vitamin C is not effective in raising serum levels to achieve antiviral and antimicrobial effects whereas IV administration achieves this efficiently with 100% bio-availability.

Furthermore, as awareness about gut health increases, people understand the importance of effective delivery methods for nutrients. This growing consumer awareness and demand for proven, efficacious treatments have significantly boosted the popularity of IV drips. At Dripology, we have made these services as convenient and professional as possible, executing them in a high-end, luxurious hospitality space.

Cutting-edge aesthetic services include IPL treatment, lasers, and more.

When I came into the spa for my appointment I was warmly greeted and taken to the aesthetic room immediately. The wonderful nurse Rana gave me some quick paperwork to sign and it was time to discuss treatment options. I was invited for both an IV infusion and aesthetic service, but I wasn’t sure which one I wanted.

I let Rana know that for an aesthetic treatment, my main concern was sun damage on my décolleté and informed her that I’d had an IPL three weeks earlier. She suggested I return in a week or two, since the standard protocol with IPL is a one-month wait between treatments, so I made an appointment to return in a couple of weeks.

For the infusion, I let Rana know I had been feeling lackluster and fatigued much of the time, so she suggested the energy infusion. She set up the IV quickly and I was on my way to a new wave of increased energy and vitality. She checked in on me frequently and always made sure the fluid was moving quickly through the IV.

While the liquid dripped, we discussed some of the popular treatments at the spa. Rana informed me that skin tightening for face, neck, and body were very popular, especially because so many of the clients are on weight loss medications and experience loose skin after losing a lot of weight. In addition, injections and facial rejuvenation are always popular with clients.

I felt great after the infusion, and can say in all honesty that my energy level increased beyond my expectations. I felt like Super Woman and could run around all day and evening without needing a nap!

When I returned for the IPL a couple of weeks later, I received the same warm greeting and attentive service. Lumecca is a next-generation IPL that is stronger and more effective than standard IPL machines. Results are said to be faster and fewer treatments are necessary. The sapphire cooling tip makes the treatment more comfortable. IPLs are generally not painful, but this was a breeze. It took less than five minutes with zero burning sensation. I can see why people rave about Lumecca as it is far more efficient and efficacious.

Dripology also carries dermatologist-recommended brands including Alastin Skincare.

For more information about Dripology and to make a reservation, visit their website or call (213) 913-1913. Follow them on Instagram: @dripology

[Photos courtesy of Dripology/Jody Miller]

Jody Miller is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles with a primary focus on beauty, spa, travel, fashion, and dining. She has a BA in Social Science and completed an accredited aesthetics program. Jody believes having this background gives her a unique insight and knowledge about beauty and skincare. She has been fascinated by travel and other cultures since she was a child, and savors every travel opportunity and experience.