Ava MD Santa Monica

I have never written a review before but I had such a horrible experience I was compelled to share it. I would give this place 0 stars if that was an option. I went in because I noticed a rash on my stomach which someone named Lisa diagnosed as a virus. She told me there was nothing to do about it - it could take weeks or even months to go away and would get worse and spread to my chest, arms, etc. I told her I had a wedding and a vacation coming up and if there was anything I could do... She said no and then basically told me unsolicited I could use some botox and laser treatments on my face (my skin might not be perfect but I am 28 and certainly didn't need to hear that when I was already upset about the rash on my body!). Then a friend luckily told me she had the same virus a few years ago and her doctor prescribed something. I called Lisa back and told her what I heard (and I had to call 5 times and wasted a whole day before she actually got on the phone with me) and she refused to prescribe me anything and said it was probably just a coincidence that my friend's rash went away. So I went to my friend's doctor who gave me a few different options, including a cream that cost 10 bucks and medication that was covered by my insurance. He also told me sun helps, living in southern california it is unbelievable to me that Lisa did not at least mention this. It has been only 3 days since I went to the other doctor and the rash is almost completely gone. Don't go to this place they are terrible!!!! more

Unfortunately the office is less like a medical practice and more like a used car sales lot. The are very good on the sales end but their work can be questionable and they do not stand behind it. Dr. Shambam is out of the office a great deal so do not plan on seeing her unless you have celebrity status. I would be careful with injections too - I saw a woman coming out the other day who looked like she had a tough day and her face was completely distorted. I overheard her on the phone when she said they could not do anything about it. Use extreme caution. more

I recently had facial laser treatment that left me disfigured after 5 weeks. My face had a significant scar under my left eye and a small scar under my right eye. My skin was red, uneven, and blotchy on both sides of my face. I travelled over 100 miles to see Ava Shamban to help me. She has been simply amazing. Although she is an extremely succesfull doctor with a busy practice, I have found her to be extremely kind and compassionate. I am not a celebrity, but she always seems to find time in her schedule for me. I feel extremely fortunate in having found Ava, and I give her my highest recommendation for someone searching for a fantastic dermatologist as well as a genuinely kind person. more

I was totally happy with my recent experience at Dr. Shamban's office, altho I didnt' see her (I saw a physician's assistant). I was treated promptly and couretously by the staff and all my questions (mostly about insurance) were answered right away. My skin problem was medical in nature as opposed to cosmetic, and fortunately has cleared up and shouldn't reoccur. Now I'd like to return to the Laser Institute for some cosmetic work! All in all very professional. more

I was at another, very well-respected derm, practice with my teenage daughter and her skin, after two courses of accutane, was looking horrific. they jut didn;t seem to really care about the disfiguring cosmetic aspects of the dises of acne. A few treatments with Dr. Shamban and her very sweet and patient staff have left my daughter's skin smooth and glowing. She is even thinking of wearing a strapless dress to Prom, for the first time ever! Yes, the practice is busy and it looks more spa-like than medical, but Dr. Ava is completely certified medically, it's all covered by insurance and you can't argue with the results! Go for it - you won't be sorry . more

I went to see Dr Shamban a couple of weeks ago. The entrance of her space on Santa Monica Blvd is fresh and snazzy, but clearly hasn't been carefully thought all the way through. The tiny waiting area was so crowded, that I couldn't even sit down to fill out my paperwork. And, when I finally did manage to score a place to sit down, Dr Shamban made me wait an hour for my appointment. I quizzed her staff, and apparently making patients wait forever (or in other words, poor time management on Dr Shamban's end) is pretty much the norm there. I walked. Good doctor/patient relationships are based on mutual respect, and that includes respect for each other's time. Dr Shamban may be great at what she does?but she's certainly not the only choice. more

There are few medical day spas - maybe none - where I live (western MA), so I was so happy to find Dr Shamban when I recently stayed in LA. She was very cordial and candid about what my skin needed. I had two laser treatments and a peel and the results are noticeable! I am so happy with the improvements, thanks to Dr. Shamban and her super nurses Robin and Erin. I have a chance to come back in the summer and I definitely will make another appointment at the laser institute. I wish Dr. Shamban had a practice in my part of the world. My experience was very positive. Pros: one stop shop for the skin - they have everything there Cons: wasn't thrilled with the parking more

Wow! My expericences at the Laser Institute have been fine. The med staff (nurses and doctor) made me feel confident about the procedures I had (2 laser treatments, one biopsy & a medical peel). They explained the procdures beforehand and then, in one case, even followed up with a phone call in the evening! The estheticians were very sweet and thorough with my treatments too. Everyone was on time and gracious plus friendly. I am not wild about the parking there but I will defintely go back next time I need a derm office. more

I have visited the Laser Institute countless times in the past four or five years, and have never encountered any negativity, un-professionalism, or un-satisfactory treatment from any staff member or doctor. I walk in and feel welcomed and have always been treated with respect and professionalism. I walk in and the staff knows my name. If I'm having a skin problem, I feel comfortable and able to speak only about my medical history and personal background. About a year ago I visited the Laser Institute to have something removed I thought would harm me for life, only to have it disappear after just a couple sessions of treatment.\r \r I highly recommend the Laser Institute, Dr. Ava Shamban and her staff. I will be returning again very soon. more

Worst experience I ever had with any medical care. I came in to have one tiny spot on my face lasered, and left six months later with a one-inch 3rd degree burn scar on my face and red skin patches all over my neck. I learned the hard way: NEVER let anyone near your face with a laser unless they are a licensed, qualified and very experienced medical doctor. Don't let anyone tell you a nurse, nurse practitioner, trained technician, medical assistant, aesthetician or cosmetologist is qualified to do this safely! Not only do I not recommend them, I think laws are desperately needed to regulate these type of clinics for the safety of the consumer. Stay away! They will only vacuum your wallet and/or your insurance company while endangering your health and safety. Cons: Incompetent, unqualified staff more

I feel LUCKY to have found Ava Shamban & practice. Been 2 other derm docs b4. - not satisfied w/ them. Dr. S., the RN's and PA's always give me prompt courteous service. They even go out of their way to accomodate me when traffic makes me late. Dr. S very skilled and artisitc w/ botox - not like other docs who jabbed away. Never feel pressured to try a new procedure or treatment - appreacite that! Gracious and professional staff. I feel confident there. Will return. Absolutely. Pros: Knowledgeable staff, top equipment Cons: If you live cross town the traffic will be frustrating more

A disaster. Arrogant. Overpriced. Incompetent Assistants. Will burn your skin and your wallet. This town is full of competent dermatologists who care more about their patients than their television profiles. Run, don't walk, in the opposite direction. This woman is BAD news. She doesn't care about her patients, only her publicity. And the ATTITUDE. Unless you're an A celebrity, don't even try. And if you are, why bother. Arnie Klein on his worst day is better than this girl on her best..... more

though it has good ambiance and nice staff, it is apparently only good for special treatments, not for dermatologist visits. first, the staff told me by phone my appointment was on one day, and entered it into the computer on a different day, so i had to wait a long time. luckily, they could fit me in. unfortunately, the doctor prescribed me with expensive medications that made the condition worse. i had to go to another doctor and it was better within a few days. what a bad experience. more