Christine Nell and her team are the best. She is very knowledgeable and kind. I always feel comfortable during my visits. She helped bring down painful keloids on my chest and ears (I had them for 5+ years). Christine also lightened huge scars from a dog attack. Lastly, she cleared up the acne on my jawline. She truly does it all!! read more

Christine is really awesome and knowledgeable. She knows about all the different lasers out there and they have the most comprehensive selection I have ever seen. So far I have done the MiraDry (I really love that one) and the Smoothbeam for acne and oiliness (very good as well). Christine really knows what she's doing and she always explains everything and is super friendly and caring and really tries to figure out the best treatment for you. I have to admit that I was a little wary of Smoothbeam because I read a lot of bad reviews but I haven't had any problem with it. read more

I visited yesterday for the first time. The office was quiet but inviting. My esthetician was Melanie, and she was great. She really listened and addressed all my concerns and left my face renewed. Dr. Shamban is warm and personable, as is her staff. Defiantly the place to go when you skin needs a boost! read more

KarriAnn and the entire team at Ava MD are not only incredibly knowledgeable and professional, they truly care about their patients. I absolutely love the results I get, and the whole experience. Each and every person goes the extra mile to make you feel taken care of and heard. I trust KarriAnn completley! She is excellent at what she does and honest. She focuses on who you are and what you want but also isn't shy to give her input in terms of what she would recommend. Ava MD gets a "10"! read more

One word: MELANIE. Melanie!!! I need you now that I'm living in DC! Who will I go to to clean up my skin in 30 minutes or less?????! This place is the bomb. read more

Always receive tremendous service and attention when coming in for facials and treatments. Front desk staff is always very courteous and ready to help. I've had Liz check me in and also schedule future appointments, it's always a fast and effortless process. I've gone in with Melanie for incredible and thorough facials. She's very good at what she does and is very attentive and caring. My skin always feels and looks incredible after each session. Have also had laser treatments done with Holly. She is incredibly courteous, nice and attentive. She talked me through the whole procedure and made sure I was comfortable. There are some painful moments but she knows how to make the process as painless as possible. Also had some great advice for post care and regular everyday skin regiments. Could not ask for a better team, I always leave AvaMD very happy and satisfied. read more

Melanie gives the best medical facials on this earth!

In my 27 years of life I have never used any skin care, I have not needed to until now. I moved here from the east coast and my skin is getting progressively worse and I am getting 'older' and am noticing new wrinkles. Ew. After getting a recommendation to Ava MD I decided it is time to take care of my skin! Stephanie is amazing, professional and educational. I booked the renewal facial and she explained everything she was doing and the products she was using. She made sure I understood and was comfortable with everything as she went forward. She recommended some products she thought would be good for my skin and even compared different products for me on my hands so I could feel the difference and decide what I liked better. I ended up purchasing a cleanser, moisturizer, cleansing glycolic pads and a exfoliating scrub. Stephanie wrote everything out for me as far as how and when to use each product. She also said to call any time and let her know how everything was working out or if I had any concerns or questions. Just the nicest lady ever! The facial and all those products came to $250.00 which I thought was amazing, I went in prepared to spend well over $400.00 so it was a nice surprise. They also have a rewards card and next time I go in there will be some savings, which is great! Please note that they do not accept gratuity on a debit/credit card so make sure you bring cash or a check. I will update this review after using the products I purchased, and let everyone know how my skin is doing. My appointment was last night and as of today it already feels and looks much better! UPDATE: She had reccomended that I alternate the glycolic pads with the exfoliation scrub each night. I found this to dry my skin so I am still alternating them but I leave a day in between now. The cleanser is awesome and it takes off all my make up! My skin feels better and looks fresh, can't wait to go back! read more

Angelica made my visit - a skin check - so easy. She was knowledgeable, efficient, and super pleasant to talk to. Thank you!

This should be your go-to place for skin care. Dr. Shamban runs an office with carefully selected professionals who are highly trained and educated in the most advanced skin care techniques. You will immediatly be impressed with their knowledge and skill when your skin is carefully evaluated and the full range of treatment options is thoroughly explained, from medical facials to advanced lasers. The beauty of the practice however, goes well beyond the superb level of care -- it is the personality and sheer warmth of the staff that is amazing. From the moment that you walk in, you will smile. The front desk is run by a group of women who are lovely, caring and adorable. Terri, Liz and Kelly operate the busy front desk and chat with the patients who all seem to turn into friends. Melanie is the facialist extraordinaire. I have been seeing her for 14 yeras. No one comes close. And I saved the best for last: Christine is the nurse practitioner with the grace and kindness that is unmatched, and the keenest eye for fussy, difficult, complicated skin. She is adept with all the lasers. Her touch is very gentle yet she really achieves results. I would rather see her than pretty much anybody. And her personality is a like a warm breeze. Dr. Shamban's office is a gem. And waiting a few minutes in a waiting room with dried fruit and nuts, granola bars and nice tea isn't so bad either. read more

What a beautiful and professional office. The best of the best! Keriann and team are TOP NOTCH. I highly recommend this practice for all skincare needs and expert advise. read more

First class medical attention by a first class staff. Expect first-class prices, but you are worth it, right? My skin has been leaps and bounds better ever since I started seeing Christine (N.P.) and Bebe (for facials). I completely trust them with my skin. I've been to other places and never got the attention that this medical clinic gives. I never feel rushed nor like just another patient. They are awesome. Parking isn't too bad to find. Set aside 5 minutes for parking. I usually find a spot either directly in front of the clinic or just a short walk away. read more

Everyone here is so kind and patient! My insurance insisted that I'm in network, but the office showed that I wasn't. They made sure I was aware, gave me time to call the insurance company; they even spoke to a representative on the phone for me and advocated that I get letters and documents to back up the information they were giving. I know this type of situation can be frustrating, but the entire team was more than happy to help and showed no signs of being annoyed (something that's rare these days!). Sometimes dermatology offices can be intimidating, but this office was very comfortable and the staff was warm and welcoming the entire time I was there from the moment I walked in; it was my first time at this office, but it felt like I had been coming for years. read more

I had a meeting with Patient Consultant, Teri Baron for the hyperhydrosis treatment, miraDry. She had such a great personality and, having performed hundreds of these procedures, incredibly knowledgeable. Teri made me feel relaxed and confident that I was choosing the correct procedure for my condition. Teri performed a thorough exam to insure that I was a good candidate for the procedure and answered all my questions with expertise and to my complete satisfaction. I recommend AVA MD for anyone who is looking for a medical office to perform a cosmetic or dermatological procedure. The staff here is very helpful and will make certain that the procedure that you have is right for you. read more

Found Dr Gregory Van Dyke to be quite nice at first but eventually rude, rushed, and lacked empathy and respect. It was one of the most horrible experiences of poor customer service I have had. The staff all seem very nice, but the Doctor I would not recommend. This is just my opinion. Others may have had positive experiences with him. That's great. I did not and never came back there again. Good luck. I'll never recommend this place. read more

I love Ava MD! The nurses there are excellent and they truly care about their clients.

DO NOT GO HERE. Highly unethical. They will misinform you in regards to your bill. They billed my sister's old insurance that she had YEARS ago AFTER she had provided them with her new one just a couple months ago! Plus, they pretty much backed her into a corner in getting blood work done to get a prescription refilled. Again, DO NOT GO HERE. read more

KerriAnn changed my life. i've been in and out of derms since i was 14. no one could ever help me. been coveringgg my face w makeup since i could remember. used to sleep in makeup cause i didn't want my bf seeing my naked face. called ava md in a panic one friday and they made sure someone saw me the next day (saturday). i came in in an emergency (about 3 years ago) and i was bawlinggg. KerriAnn said "don't worry, we will fix this" and she did. after we figured out the right regimen and medication i came back in to the office to check in and was crying... this time out of happiness and relief and she said "this is why i do this." i am forever grateful for kerriann. read more

Great group of doctors and nurses! Staff is amazing and all go above and beyond to make you happy and look great! They don't over due anything and are honest! read more

I MAY be back for minor skin procedures (like getting a mole removed), but was not a fan of the treatment from staff. I had one cystic pimple and they recommended a full facial and laser treatment. For ONE pimple. They also pointed out broken capillaries I didn't know existed because they are not visible, and wrote in my file that I should get lasers for those as well. They are knowledgeable I'm sure, and the facilities are lovely, but I am weary of offices who seem like they are trying to get my money instead of being honest with me. read more

KerriAnn is so amazing. I had a huge cyst right next to my nose a few years ago and after seeing two other dermatologists who had no idea what to do with it, she took care of it with grace, sympathy and even a little humor. I have been coming to her ever since. Stephanie and Melanie are also amazing. I love this place. I feel comfortable, taken care of and happy here. Whether it's cosmetic or dermatological/medical, you're in good hands! read more

I've never written a bad review about any place, but the experience I had with Ava MD this year merits one. I've been a longtime patient of theirs and had good experiences with them until this year. After the treatment they gave me for a minor skin issue didn't work, one of the nurses said I should have a biopsy so they could better treat me further. The very first thing I asked was the cost since they don't take my insurance. She said she wasn't sure, and that she'd have to ask. She left the room and came back to say the procedure would be $350, and that it was pricey because it included a lab. That was a lot for me, but I was desperate and decided it was worth it. Three months later, lo and behold, a bill arrives from the lab - $267. I thought, there must be some confusion because the lab was included in the price I paid at the doctor's. I immediately called to ask about it and was shut down by the secretary, who said, "that's not us, that's separate. I'm sorry you were told it was included, but it's not. Sorry." Click. I was appalled. I decided to just pay it and never go back there, and then, another month later, ANOTHER bill from ANOTHER lab, this time for ANOTHER $350 arrived. So for a 5-minute procedure done to diagnose what turned out to be a very common skin issue, I ended up paying $967, when I was told I owed $350. I feel betrayed and so angry. I will not be returning to this practice. If you get any procedures there, make sure you get in writing an estimate of what you will owe. I really wish I had. read more

I found the fountain of youth! :) Great staff focused on NATURAL beauty. I see KarriAnn and and she is very professional and sweet. I highly recommend Ava MD. read more

BEST EXPERIENCE EVER AGAIN. I was a part of the Maui Derm conference this week and fortunately Yaay!! was treated by Dr. Shamban. She performed injections on me last year and this week as well; one word --AMAZING. Ava MD's consistency is impeccable. She gets 5 stars for: delicate techniques, professionalism, trustworthy, listens to her patients, her personal beauty, and her genuine respect of you as a person coming from a place of knowing that you want to take care of yourself, look youthful and feel good about it!! Maui has a lot of aloha for her.. you Californians are lucky to have her. Dr. Ava Shamban MD is top notch read more

Melanie is THE BEST. I started going to her for facials a few months a ago and she has already changed my skin for the better. She is incredibly meticulous and makes your skin look amazing. She puts in the effort and it shows. read more

Great bedside manner, but not worth the trouble. I went to Ava MD because I had some bumps around my eye. I met with a very nice nurse, who gave me a prescription. I provided my local pharmacy info and left. Later that day, I got a phone call from the nurse asking me to provide the pharmacy info again, which I did. When I went to my pharmacy to pick up the prescription, it was not there, and they had no record of it being ordered. I called Ava MD and they apologized and said they would call it in. The next day, I got a phone call from another pharmacy several miles away from me in East LA saying they had my prescription. At this point, the company I worked for was sold to another company and I was temporarily without prescription drug insurance. I called Ava MD asking for drug alternatives since I had not been able to get my original prescription. The nurse was nice and apologetic and offered me some samples to pick up, which I did. I began using the samples and saw some improvement in my condition, but as soon as I stopped using one, the bumps returned. I then noticed that the samples they had given me had expired two years ago. I will not be returning to this office, nor trying to resolve this again. read more

Ava is amazing. I had a bad experience and a laser made a bruise on my nose and Ava fix it in two days. She really cares about others and she's really nice. I highly recommend her! read more

Recently I was referred by a friend to see Dr. Ava. I needed to have precancerous sun damage (Actinic Keratosis) sprayed using liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery). I've receive this treatment 2-3 times each year for over the past 25 years. When making the appointment, the receptions advised me that Dr. Ava was booked up for several weeks. She suggested I see Dr. Gregory Van Dyke. The fee I was quoted for the appointment would be in the ballpark of $200. Summary of experience: Serious disappointment that Dr. Van Dyke only spent 5 minutes with me covering his medical evaluation and treatment. When all was said and done, for reason(s) I can't answer, he missed spraying many precancerous scabs on my scalp, face and hands which to the trained eye should not been overlooked. I even inquired about having a thorough laser treatment which is boosted to provide superior treatment verses cryosurgery. However, Dr. Van Dyke advised liquid nitrogen was all I needed. Upon exiting the office, the receptionist informed me my bill was $500! I expressed surprise & shock. His receptionist showed concern and asked me to wait a few minutes so she could speak with the doctor. My fee was quickly reduced to $350, which I did appreciate. However, I unfortunately have to say that I will not return to this medical office, mainly because the end results was substandard treatment. I would have lived with a $350 fee if the treatment was performed more diligently. It's clear there was a lack of true concern. A few weeks later I went to another Dermatologist who sprayed the many missed scabs on my scalp, face and hands. read more

i went to Ava M.d ( Santa Monica) for a consultation on an acne scar study they would be conducting. This was my first and most likely last time I ever walk through their doors. I checked in 10 minutes early ( my appt was at 2pm) and I was left waiting for an hour. Not once was I checked on. I kept seeing the same nurses/asst walking around back and forth they would glance towards my direction but not once was I asked who I was there to see or If I'd been helped. After 50 -55 minutes of waiting I went up to the same receptionist i had checked in with to ask what was going on. She looked at me as if i was an alien, and had never seen me before. She asked for my name again and mumbled something about getting the nurse or people who were involved with the study. About a couple of minutes later a blonde named Erin came out and walked me into their ''consultation'' room. My ''consultation'' too maybe about 2 minutes. She looked at my face for maybe 30 seconds and determined that I would not qualify because my skin wasn't as scarred as it needed to be for the study. I had minimal scarring according to her. She then finished the consultation by asking me if i had a dermatologist to which I replied ''I do not but i am in the process of looking around'' and i walked out. This place was unprofessional in my opinion and i was made to feel that I was obviously not ''top'' priority because i was not a paying customer. I was made to wait for over an hour for a 2 minute ''consultation'' seriously, pretty damn sad. On another note i noticed a plaque on the wall where Dr Ava is quoted as saying '' do not alter what nature gave you..blah blah blah'' but every single one of those nurses looked plastic and their faces seemed frozen in time. Pretty sad and disgusting for someone who preaches a natural approach to skincare. read more

I had a really horrible experience here and couldn't believe something to this caliber could occur at a "reputable establishment". I came in for the first time to see Cristina Shallenberger for my first Botox experience and was extremely nervous about it to begin with. I shared all my concerns with her and asked many questions concerned about the medication/process but wanting to try it. She briefly brought up Dysport which I had never even heard of, but said it was cheaper and could be an alternative to try. I ignored the suggestion and continued to ask questions about Botox and then she ran out of the room to get the medication. After the injections, she tells me that she injected Dysport!!! I had never agreed to this and it was already in my face!! I had never heard of the medication and couldn't believe that she would go forward with something like this without any type of confirmation. We spoke about Botox the entire time and never once mentioned Dysport other than her 30 second sales pitch that I ignored. She was hardly apologetic and kept referencing the lower cost which I never even brought up or cared about. The entire experience felt extremely shady and as if you were getting the procedure done on a street alley. I felt tricked by her as she sneakingly injected something into my face that I did not agree to. This is a medical procedure and should be treated, confirmed and managed as such. read more

Went to Ava at Beverly Hills to see Dr Van Dye. He was impatient and even rolled his eyes when I asked him a question. He didn't want to spend time answering questions. He and his nurse had a poor attitude. They were making faces and eye contact behind me. But they did not waste their time when it was time to charge fees. I won't come back . I don't need a doctor with poor attitude. read more

I had a 9:20 appointment. Since it was my first visit, I came in at 8:55 to fill out paperwork. I didn't get seen until 9:50 by the doctor. Slightly annoyed at the wait time. They did continue to apologize for the wait but there was not an explanation why the wait was so long. The visit itself was fine, I got my prescription and I am on my way. Street parking right outside the building. Too bad I had to go back and feed the meeter! read more

If I could give 10 stars, I would as this place surely deserves it! It was the day before my wedding and I woke up with both arms swollen from mosquito bites I got the day before. I immediately called and they were able and willing to squeeze me in that afternoon. The people I spoke with over the phone were completely understanding of the urgency of my situation and were really reassuring. I met with Dr Brianna (who is absolutely gorgeous btw) and she gave me a bunch of different options and was super empathetic of the importance of getting the swelling down. What she did for me was beyond amazing and the next morning, she even took the time to call and check in on me to see how I'm doing. Thank you for everything! read more

This is the most overpriced office. They make you feel like you are completely in need of every service they have to offer and you come out feeling very ugly! I went in for them to look at what I thought was poison oak and they wrote me a prescription for a cream worth $800. They tried to sell me every cream and ointment they had, making me feel my skin was really awful. I could see a lot of women in there were very insecure and this place definitely doesn't help. read more

Worst office ever. The girls that answer the phones are rude and a terrible representation of what could be a decent office. I would not reccommend this office at all. Save your money, go elsewhere. There are plenty of caring offices who do much better work in this city. Terrible attitude!!!! read more

Sandra H. I wanted to look younger and rested without looking artificial. Bernice took care of me. She has a very good eye and is an expert in the field of beauty. Her medical expertise was very impressive. I knew I was in good hands. I wanted botox and to fill in my smile lines and my chin. The experience was painless and pleasurable. Bernice has a very light touch.The results were perfect and the feed back from friends was how pretty I looked without knowing why. I am going back in two weeks to have Bernice give me sculptra injections to give my face a more youthful appearance. read more

I've been here multiple time for acne injections and laser treatments. Christine and Karen are both fantastic. Front desk staff are friendly and have always found a way to accommodate me. Even better they are in-network with my insurance (I checked myself before I came to the office). Billing has always been correct, so insurance covers my medically necessary appointments and I haven't had any issues on that end. Cosmetic procedure costs are standard for the area and results have been fantastic. Love the team and ambiance, highly recommend them. read more

My only regret about this place was that I wish I had come sooner. I've suffered from acne all of my life, but it was only until I hit 20 that it became increasingly worse. The hormonal/adult acne I had was much more persistent than normal blackheads/whiteheads of my teen years. It created nodules, pustules, papules, and cysts deep beneath my skin which were impossible to pop (not that I would anyways, since they leave horrible scars), and took weeks to heal. I tried countless topical products and treatments to no avail -- microdermabrasions, silkpeels, hydrodermabrasions, chemical peels, fractional laser, LED red/blue light therapy, facials, high frequency machine, Blue MD, Baby Quasar blue, Proactive, Clean & Clear, Clearasil, organic cleansers, Skinceuticals products, Dermalogica products, blah blah blah....none of them worked. I became more and more frustrated and was basically at wit's end when I finally decided that I needed to see an actual dermatologist. I had always been wary of getting prescribed antibiotics or any prescription strength medicines because you always hear of how they should be a last resort and that they have all these side effects. Well...it was THE CURE! I got prescribed a low dose of antibiotics and a topical antibiotic and so far have had no side effects and my acne has cleared up by 98%. It's crazy. No longer do I wake up in the morning scared to even look in the mirror for fear of what might be on my face. Now when I look, my face keeps getting clearer and clearer. Basically, if you have acne issues -- come to this place to get an ACCURATE assessment of your skin instead of going to various spas, estheticians, and facialists for your acne concerns. While they may be able to treat minimal acne, they're not going to give you complete information like a dermatologist can and honestly, I've wasted literally thousands of dollars on treatments like microdermabrasions and facials in the hope that they would clear up my acne once and for all -- and I was disappointed every time. Holly, the person who saw me, made suitable recommendations for my skin and was very knowledgeable about what would and would not work for me. Great place, I recommend it! read more

Jenna at the Beverly Hills location was wonderful - my 14 year old daughter really felt comfortable and well taken care of. I also greatly appreciate that AVAMD was able to fit us in last minute. All of the front desk staff were super helpful and sweet as well. Nice also that they take most insurance. (We ran to AVA MD from different Dr's office where no one asked me anything about insurance although I booked a week in advance. When we arrived at that office, they suddenly said they don't work with my insurance, although my group is a large well-regarded provider one, and a PPO. I've never ever experienced a Dr. refusing this insurance before). All the more reason to simply return to AVAMD whenever I or my daughter need anything. Thank you, AVAMD! read more

I've been coming to this place for many years . my esthetician Melanie is unbelievable, an absolute amazing artist, she really changed my life! She's given me so much confidence I'm so happy that I found her, she treats me like family every time I see her. 100 stars for Melanie. Highly Recommended !!! read more