Inspiring Conversations with Stephen Ellis of The L.A.B. med spa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Ellis.

Hi Stephen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began medical school with the intention of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. But during my internship year, I discovered a deep interest in anesthesia and shifted course to become an anesthesiologist. Around that same time, my personal health had declined significantly, and I knew I needed to make some changes.

I overhauled my nutrition, focusing on adequate protein intake, and started weight training and cardio—what I now know as zone 2 and 3 training. I began experimenting with a few supplements, and gradually got deeper into what we now call biohacking.

By the time I turned 48, I realized I couldn’t sustain the physical demands of full-time anesthesiology much longer. The call shifts were becoming harder to recover from, and years of leadership roles had taken their toll. That’s when my wife said to me, “You’ve been biohacking yourself for years and you’re passionate about integrative medicine—why not make it your next step?”

That sparked a new chapter. I explored several training programs and chose to pursue the A4M fellowship in functional medicine. I completed the coursework in under a year while continuing to practice anesthesia and began seeing integrative medicine patients.

Eventually, my interest expanded into aesthetic lasers. I immersed myself in the physics and didactics, and once I felt I had mastered the material, I began treating patients. I gravitated toward deeper resurfacing treatments—more aggressive modalities that deliver transformative results. I once told my wife, “You make people pretty on the outside, and I make them pretty on the inside.” I guess now, I have a role in both.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Medicine is rarely a smooth path. My intern year, which took place before duty-hour restrictions, often meant working 110 hours a week. It was grueling.

Later, while completing my A4M fellowship, I was juggling multiple roles—full-time anesthesiologist, leadership positions within my group, part-time integrative medicine physician, husband, and father. It was a challenging time, but also deeply rewarding.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The L.A.B. Med Spa in Southlake, TX—short for Lasers, Aesthetics, and Biologics—is a premier destination for results-driven aesthetic and wellness treatments, blending the art of beauty with the science of medicine. Founded on the principles of personalized care, clinical expertise, and cutting-edge technology, The L.A.B. offers a comprehensive range of services designed to rejuvenate skin, restore balance, and enhance overall vitality. From advanced injectables and laser treatments to functional medicine and curated skincare regimens, the spa takes a holistic, tailored approach to each client’s goals.

Their injectable offerings include a wide range of FDA-approved neurotoxins such as Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify, Jeuveau, and Letybo, expertly used to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, relax overactive muscles, and prevent the signs of aging. Dermal fillers are employed to restore volume, sculpt facial features, and rejuvenate areas like the cheeks, lips, and jawline. For clients seeking natural lift and structure without surgery, PDO thread lifting offers a minimally invasive solution for subtle tightening and collagen stimulation.

The L.A.B. Med Spa offers a wide range of advanced laser and light-based treatments, and while this isn’t a complete list, these are some of our most in-demand technologies. BBL (BroadBand Light) treats pigmentation, redness, and sun damage, while MOXI is a gentle, non-ablative laser perfect for early signs of aging and melasma. Halo combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths for deep resurfacing and collagen renewal, and Morpheus8 uses radiofrequency microneedling to tighten and contour the skin. The Total Resurfacing Laser delivers intensive correction for texture, tone, and fine lines, while ProFrac offers fractional resurfacing with minimal downtime. For more delicate or year-round maintenance, Aerolase treats acne, melasma, and inflammation safely on all skin tones, and ClearSilk provides subtle brightening and firming. Each laser treatment at The L.A.B. Med Spa is carefully customized by experienced providers to ensure safe, effective, and beautifully natural results, no matter your skin type or concern.

In addition to aesthetics, The L.A.B. Med Spa is distinguished by its integration of functional medicine. Under the leadership of Dr. Stephen R. Ellis, a board-certified anesthesiologist and functional medicine practitioner, the practice offers advanced wellness solutions including hormone optimization, IV and ozone therapy, weight management programs, and personalized longevity care. These services are designed not only to support aesthetic results but also to improve energy, immunity, and metabolic function from within.

The spa also offers a curated selection of professional skincare and nutritional supplements. Their private-label LAB Skincare line is formulated for high efficacy, alongside brands like SkinCeuticals and Alastin for daily skin health. Nutraceuticals and performance supplements—including Transparent Labs, Naked Nutrition, and metabolism support formulas—complement both in-office treatments and at-home wellness goals.

The expert team is committed to delivering exceptional outcomes with artistry, precision, and integrity. With a reputation for excellence and a warm, client-focused environment, The L.A.B. Med Spa stands as a leading destination for those seeking to enhance their appearance, elevate their wellness, and age beautifully—both inside and out.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
You have to be proactive. If you don’t reach out, it’s unlikely a mentor will just fall into your lap. Attend conferences, show up to events, and make the effort to introduce yourself. Don’t be afraid to approach well-known people—they’re just human like you. Some will welcome you openly; others won’t. And that’s okay—they’re probably not your people.

What matters most is finding a small circle of like-minded individuals you can trust. People you can bounce ideas off of, share challenges with, and grow alongside.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thelabmedspa.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.l.a.b.medspa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonya.ellis.msn.cpsn.cans/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-l-a-b-med-spa/
• Twitter: https://x.com/beautiscience
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgmUE0fAWJ4cPaIEjriPeYQ/featured
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-lab-med-spa-southlake-2
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thel.a.b.medspa