Frequently Asked Questions

Lumina Medspa & Wellness is a physician-led medical spa in Granite Bay, California, offering aesthetic injectables (Botox®, Xeomin®, dermal fillers, PDO thread lifts), bioidentical hormone replacement therapy with PurePell® pellets, physician-supervised GLP-1 medical weight loss, and intramuscular peptide and vitamin injections. Every treatment is prescribed or performed by Dr. Mark Liu, DO, FAAFP.

Lumina Medspa & Wellness is located at 5320 Douglas Blvd, Suite #107, Granite Bay, CA 95746. The practice serves Granite Bay and the surrounding communities of Roseville, Rocklin, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Loomis, Auburn, and the greater Sacramento area. Call (916) 807-8086 or book online.

Treatments at Lumina Medspa & Wellness are performed by Dr. Mark Liu, DO, FAAFP, a board-certified physician with more than 20 years of clinical experience. Dr. Liu trained in advanced aesthetic techniques in Korea and brings a precision, natural-results approach inspired by modern K-beauty standards to every treatment.

Physician-led means a licensed physician personally evaluates you, prescribes your treatment plan, and performs or directly supervises your care. At Lumina Medspa & Wellness, Dr. Mark Liu reviews your health history, screens for candidacy, and monitors your results, which is especially important for prescription therapies such as GLP-1 medications, hormone pellets, and peptides.

Yes. Every new patient at Lumina Medspa & Wellness begins with a consultation and health assessment so Dr. Liu can confirm you are a good candidate and personalize your plan. Prescription services such as GLP-1 weight loss, BHRT pellets, and peptide therapy always require a physician evaluation first; aesthetic injectables can often be consulted on and treated during the same visit.

You can book online through our secure booking system or call (916) 807-8086. Online booking lets you choose your service and preferred time; clinical intake is completed securely before your visit.

Lumina Medspa & Wellness is a self-pay practice, which keeps pricing transparent and lets us offer treatments that insurance frequently declines, such as compounded GLP-1 medications and hormone pellet therapy. Pricing for every service is listed on our website, and we accept major credit and debit cards.

Yes. A medical spa (medspa) offers medical treatments, such as neuromodulator injections, dermal fillers, hormone therapy, and prescription weight-loss medication, that must be prescribed and overseen by a licensed medical provider. A day spa offers non-medical relaxation and cosmetic services such as massage and facials. Lumina Medspa & Wellness is a physician-led medical practice.

All treatments at Lumina Medspa & Wellness are FDA-approved products or physician-prescribed therapies administered after a medical screening. Dr. Liu reviews your health history and medications, discusses risks and benefits, and provides follow-up care. As with any medical treatment, side effects are possible and results vary by individual.

Botox® and Xeomin® are both botulinum toxin type A neuromodulators that relax the muscles responsible for expression lines such as forehead creases, frown lines, and crow’s feet. Xeomin® is a “naked” formulation with no added proteins, which some patients prefer; Botox® is the most widely recognized brand. At Lumina Medspa & Wellness, Botox® is $13 per unit and Xeomin® is $10 per unit.

At Lumina Medspa & Wellness in Granite Bay, Botox® is $13 per unit and Xeomin® is $10 per unit, with all injections performed by Dr. Mark Liu. The number of units depends on the area treated and your muscle strength, which Dr. Liu determines at your visit.

Botox® and Xeomin® results typically last three to four months. Results appear gradually over several days, with the full effect visible at about two weeks. Because the effect is temporary, most patients schedule maintenance treatments three to four times per year.

Most patients notice softening of lines within three to five days of treatment, with full results at about 10 to 14 days. Results are gradual because the neuromodulator takes time to relax the targeted muscle.

Dermal fillers are injectable hyaluronic acid gels, such as Restylane® and Belotero®, that restore lost volume and smooth folds. At Lumina Medspa & Wellness, fillers are used to enhance lips, restore cheek fullness, soften nasolabial folds and marionette lines, and refine facial contours. Results are visible immediately.

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers such as Restylane® and Belotero® typically last six to eighteen months, depending on the product, the area treated, and your metabolism. Lip fillers tend to last on the shorter end of that range, while cheek fillers often last longer.

Dermal filler treatments at Lumina Medspa & Wellness range from $599 to $725, performed by Dr. Mark Liu using Restylane® and Belotero® products. Your exact cost depends on the product and the number of syringes needed, which Dr. Liu will recommend at your consultation.

A PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that places fine, dissolvable polydioxanone (PDO) threads under the skin to lift and reposition sagging tissue while stimulating your body’s own collagen production. It is commonly used for the jawline, cheeks, brows, and neck. Lumina Medspa & Wellness offers PDO thread lifts from $700 to $4,500 depending on the areas treated.

PDO threads dissolve over about six months, but the collagen they stimulate keeps results visible for roughly twelve to eighteen months. Many patients repeat treatment annually to maintain their lift.

PDO thread lifts involve little to no downtime. Mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness can occur for a few days, and Dr. Liu will advise you to avoid strenuous exercise, facials, and excessive facial movement for a short period after treatment.

Botox® and Xeomin® are best for movement-related wrinkles such as forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet. Dermal fillers are best for volume loss and static folds in the cheeks, lips, and around the mouth. PDO threads are best for mild-to-moderate sagging that needs lifting rather than filling. Many patients get the most natural results by combining treatments, and Dr. Liu will recommend the right plan at your consultation. Read our guide: Botox vs. Fillers vs. PDO Threads.

Most patients describe injectables as a brief pinch. Neuromodulator injections use very fine needles and take only minutes, most dermal fillers contain lidocaine for comfort, and PDO thread lifts are performed with local anesthetic so you feel pressure rather than pain.

Common, temporary side effects include redness, swelling, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site, typically resolving within a few days. Less common effects such as asymmetry or headache are usually mild and short-lived. Dr. Liu reviews all risks with you before treatment and provides aftercare instructions.

No. Dr. Mark Liu’s philosophy at Lumina Medspa & Wellness is natural, refreshed results, never overdone. He personalizes dosing and placement to your features and goals, and treatments can always be built up gradually over time.

GLP-1 medical weight loss uses prescription medications that mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, a natural hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. These medications help you feel full sooner, reduce cravings, and eat less, supporting steady weight loss as part of a physician-guided plan that includes nutrition guidance and regular follow-up.

Lumina Medspa & Wellness offers every generation of compounded GLP-1 therapy: semaglutide (GLP-1), tirzepatide (dual GLP-1/GIP), and retatrutide (triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon). Dr. Mark Liu helps you choose the option that best fits your goals, health history, and budget.

Semaglutide is the original GLP-1 medication that curbs appetite and supports steady weight loss. Tirzepatide adds a second hormone pathway (GIP) for enhanced appetite control and results. Retatrutide is the newest, triple-action option targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors at once. Dr. Liu will explain which is most appropriate for you at your consultation.

Physician-supervised, compounded weight-loss therapy at Lumina Medspa & Wellness starts at $199 for semaglutide, $299 for tirzepatide, and $399 for retatrutide. Pricing includes physician oversight and follow-up, and your exact cost depends on your dose and plan.

A compounded medication is prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy to a physician’s prescription. Compounded GLP-1 medications contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name products and are often more affordable and accessible, particularly for patients whose insurance denied coverage. Dr. Liu explains your specific options during your consultation.

Yes. Lumina Medspa & Wellness offers physician-supervised, compounded GLP-1 therapy on a self-pay basis starting at $199 per month, so an insurance denial does not have to end your weight-loss journey. Dr. Liu will review your history and recommend the right medication and dose.

GLP-1 therapy may be appropriate for adults who have struggled to lose weight with diet and exercise alone and who have no medical contraindications. Dr. Liu screens every patient, reviewing health history, medications, and conditions such as a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or pancreatitis, before prescribing.

Your program begins with a consultation and health assessment, followed by a personalized plan that usually starts at a low dose and adjusts over time. You receive guidance on nutrition and habits to support results, plus ongoing follow-ups to track progress and manage any side effects. Read more: Is GLP-1 Medical Weight Loss Right for You?

The most common side effects are mild digestive symptoms such as nausea, constipation, or reduced appetite, especially when starting or increasing a dose. Physician supervision helps manage these effects through gradual dose adjustment. Serious side effects are rare, and Dr. Liu reviews all risks with you before treatment.

Results vary from person to person and depend on your starting point, dose, nutrition, and activity. Clinical studies of GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications have shown meaningful, sustained weight loss over months of treatment, and Dr. Liu will set realistic expectations based on your individual situation.

No. Treatment length is individualized. Dr. Liu will discuss your goals, how long to remain on therapy, and what a maintenance phase may look like once you reach your target weight.

GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide are typically given as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a very small needle. Our team trains you to self-administer at home, and dosing is adjusted at your follow-up visits.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses hormones that are structurally identical to the estrogen and testosterone your body naturally produces. BHRT aims to restore hormones toward a balanced range to relieve symptoms of hormone decline such as fatigue, low libido, hot flashes, mood changes, and brain fog. Lumina Medspa & Wellness uses PurePell® bioidentical hormone pellets under physician supervision.

A hormone pellet is a tiny, rice-sized insert placed just under the skin (usually in the upper hip area) during a quick in-office visit. Once placed, it releases a steady, low dose of bioidentical hormones over several months, avoiding the peaks and dips of creams, patches, or frequent injections.

PurePell® hormone pellets typically release hormones for three to five months before fully dissolving, after which they are replaced. Duration varies by patient, metabolism, and activity level, and Dr. Liu monitors your symptoms and labs to time your next insertion.

No. The insertion site is numbed with local anesthetic first, and most patients describe only minor pressure during the brief procedure. Mild soreness or bruising at the site can occur for a few days afterward.

Common signs of hormone imbalance include persistent fatigue or low energy, low libido, hot flashes or night sweats, irritability, mood swings or anxiety, and trouble concentrating or brain fog. If these sound familiar, a consultation with Dr. Liu can determine whether BHRT is right for you. Learn more: What to Expect from BHRT Pellet Therapy.

No. Men experiencing low energy, low libido, reduced muscle mass, or focus changes related to declining testosterone may also be candidates for bioidentical testosterone pellet therapy. Dr. Liu evaluates both women and men for BHRT.

PurePell® bioidentical hormone pellet therapy at Lumina Medspa & Wellness costs $450 to $650 per insertion, depending on the hormones and dose prescribed. Laboratory testing, when indicated, is quoted separately.

Yes. Dr. Liu reviews your symptoms, health history, and hormone levels before prescribing pellet therapy, so baseline lab work is typically required. Follow-up labs help fine-tune your dose at subsequent insertions.

Most patients tolerate pellet therapy well. Possible side effects include temporary bruising or soreness at the insertion site and, depending on the hormone and dose, effects such as acne, fluid retention, or breast tenderness. Dr. Liu monitors you closely and adjusts dosing to minimize side effects.

Many patients begin to notice improvements in energy, sleep, and mood within two to four weeks of pellet insertion, with full benefits developing over the following weeks as hormone levels stabilize.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules, prompting pathways your body already uses to release hormones, repair tissue, regulate appetite, or balance inflammation. Peptide therapy at Lumina Medspa & Wellness is physician-prescribed following an evaluation and delivered by intramuscular (IM) injection.

Patients seek peptide therapy for recovery and soft-tissue repair, sleep and daytime energy, body composition and metabolic support, skin quality and signs of aging, immune function and inflammation balance, and libido, mood, and cognitive clarity. Peptides are accelerants on top of sleep, nutrition, strength training, and hormone balance, not a shortcut around them. Read our guide: IM Peptide Therapy Explained.

Intramuscular (IM) delivery provides predictable, sustained absorption into well-vascularized muscle, is gentle and well tolerated, removes the risks associated with vein access and IV lines, and takes minutes rather than hours. Lumina Medspa & Wellness discontinued IV drip therapy in favor of IM-only injections, which also aligns with the protocols used in clinical literature.

No. Lumina Medspa & Wellness no longer offers intravenous (IV) drip therapy. All injectable wellness services, including NAD+, glutathione, vitamin injections, and peptides, are now provided as quick intramuscular (IM) injections.

At Lumina Medspa & Wellness, a Peptide Consultation & Plan is $150, credited toward your first protocol. Protocols typically run $199 to $449 per month, quoted at your consultation. In-office IM administration is $35 per visit, and many protocols can be self-administered at home after training. Lab testing is quoted separately when indicated.

Yes. Many peptide protocols can be self-administered at home after our team trains you on proper technique. Injections are given with a fine needle into the deltoid, glute, or thigh and take only a minute or two.

Peptide therapy is not appropriate for people with an active malignancy, certain endocrine conditions, or who are pregnant or nursing. Peptides are prescription medications, and Dr. Liu screens every patient before prescribing.

Peptides are prescription medications that require physician oversight. Lumina Medspa & Wellness obtains peptides only through licensed compounding pharmacies, and which peptides are available reflects current FDA regulations, which periodically change.

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell that is involved in energy production and cellular repair. Patients choose NAD+ IM injections ($70 at Lumina Medspa & Wellness) for support with energy, mental clarity, and healthy aging.

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant your body produces naturally. Glutathione IM injections ($60 at Lumina Medspa & Wellness) are chosen for skin brightness and general antioxidant support.

GLOW IM ($99) is a combination injection at Lumina Medspa & Wellness that targets skin, hair, and nail quality by pairing antioxidant and nutrient support in a single intramuscular shot.

Lumina Medspa & Wellness offers NAD+ IM ($70), Glutathione IM ($60), GLOW IM ($99), Vitamin B12 IM ($40), Vitamin B-Complex IM ($45), and Vitamin C IM ($45). Each is a quick intramuscular injection that takes just a few minutes.

Frequency depends on the specific injection and your goals. Some patients come weekly during a wellness push, others monthly for maintenance. Dr. Liu recommends a schedule at your consultation.

Most people feel a brief pinch and mild soreness at the injection site for a day or so. Intramuscular vitamin and peptide injections are generally well tolerated when administered by trained professionals after screening, with side effects typically limited to localized soreness, redness, or temporary flushing.