Eczema! If you have severe life-long eczema like myself, you know how detrimental it is to life. I drive all the way to LA from San Diego just for Dr. Colaço. She is so compassionate and doesn't hesitate to prescribe the strongest medications available for my severe eczema. She is knows all the latest eczema medications. She understands how difficult it is to have eczema and I can tell she genuinely wants the best for me. Plenty of free 2 hour street parking in the residential streets or paid parking in the attached garage. read more

I've been a patient at this dermatology office on and off for a few years, and I've generally appreciated the care. However, my recent experiences have left me quite disappointed, especially considering the sensitive nature of the services provided. In February, I decided to get a biopsy for a mole that was growing. The staff promptly took a sample for testing, which I appreciated. However, I was left without any follow-up regarding the results. I had to reach out myself to get the information, which I initially brushed off as understandable due to their busy schedule. Fast forward to my follow-up appointment on July 7th for another mole they had initially flagged. Again, they took a biopsy, but here we are over six weeks later, and I still haven't received any updates. I've tried calling, but unfortunately, I've reached out on days when the office was closed. It's disheartening that patients have to chase down their doctors for updates, especially when it comes to something as critical as skin cancer testing. The communication process needs significant improvement. While I really like the office's location and have had positive interactions with the staff, including Amber, who is always sweet and attentive, the lack of follow-through on biopsy results is concerning. In cases like these, timely updates should be standard practice to provide patients with peace of mind. I hope they can address these issues because I would like to continue my care here. read more

I'm disappointed. I'm a returning patient but it's been years since I've been in. I booked an appt online for a full body scan and that appt was approved and booked for 2 weeks down the line. I have gotten numerous confirmations. I got a call today (3 days before my appt) cancelling it stating that since I used the word "follow up" in my online appt scheduling she was unable to see me for a full body scan (even though the notes specifically stated what my appt was for in my request). This was MY error apparently. She said my next option was one month from now. I had skin concerns so a month is not going to work so she let me go knowing I had to go with another dermatologist. This was terrible customer service and there wasn't even an apology, just what I had done to cause this issue. This was a first and unfortunately this has dampened my positive feelings about this practice. read more

Omg! I love my results from my laser with Annie! The lasemd has got me looking snatched! Great team, I felt so welcomed an

I loved my first visit so much that I decided to return and give PRF EZ gel a try. I LOVE my results! I've been talking up the process and my experience with friends and family (who are also trying to age gracefully) and they can't believe how fast my swelling went away and how bright and rejuvenated my face looks. My swelling went down in 2 days with no bruising and I was able to work the next day. I would highly recommend at least 2 treatments to get the best results. Don't skip out on this! read more

I strongly caution anyone considering treatment or consultation under Dr. Shanthi's care. I waited several months before posting this review, hoping the situation might improve and trying to give the benefit of the doubt, but at this point, I genuinely want to warn others. I went in for a routine Botox appointment (the same number of units/area that I've received from other doctors with no issue). Instead, Dr. Shanthi injected me with what is believed to be cortisone, leaving large, visible dents/disfigurations in my forehead. When I went to Dr. Shanthi to try to understand what was going on, Dr. Shanthi and her PA claimed they had no clue what might have happened and even pressured me to accept further injections that day. When I pressed for answers, they suggested it might have been a "bad batch of Botox" but never provided any documentation (they would have had to reach out to other clients and report this to the FDA - none of which was done). Since then, I have consulted with other dermatologists, who immediately identified that I was mistakenly injected with cortisone, which is well-known to cause these types of dents. I tried to approach Dr. Shanthi directly to resolve the issue and come from a place of "mistakes happen" even though this is a pretty grave mistake - I was met with medical gaslighting, misinformation, and highly inappropriate conduct. Please think twice before seeing this doctor or anyone in her practice. read more

Shanthi Colaco, M.D - Dermatologists Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Shanthi's office reply to my review about getting stitches without proper local anesthesia dosing in her office: "Thank you for your feedback. Patient safety, comfort, and transparency during procedures are extremely important to our practice. To clarify for readers, routine full-body skin examinations at our office do not involve surgical excisions. During these visits, if a lesion requires evaluation, the standard approach is a superficial biopsy, which is a minor procedure performed with appropriate local anesthetic and does not require stitches." So...I had a mirage that I got these stitches in your office? Interesting response given I have the photos...? Original post: Trigger warning: stitches without proper anesthesia After a routine skin check, Dr. Shanthi identified a small freckle that required removal and described it as a quick, simple in-office procedure. I've had similar removals before and they were minor, as promised. Once the procedure started, I realized the area removed was much larger than what had been shown to me. Partway through, the anesthetic wore off and I could feel every stitch. I told her I was in intense pain, but she continued stitching, remarking she was almost done. I left shaking, with 7 stitches and a much larger wound than I was told to expect. Days later, the stitches were under so much tension, that the internal ones began to tear and I had to seek treatment at a different derm. This experience was extremely painful and distressing, careless, and unprofessional. Afterward, I looked through other reviews and found at least one similar account after a routine skin check. Do not trust 5-star reviews that focus on routine acne treatment or the friendliness of the front desk staff. read more

The staff's friendliness, office cleanliness, and the doctor's professional manner, including thorough skin checks and treatment explanations makes Shanthi Colaco, MD LA's very best dermatologist! read more

truly recommend ShanthiMD! Dr.colaco helped me clear my acne. I've been to other dermatologist and did not see improvement. I had 3 visits with ShanthiMD and helped me clear my acne. They truly car! the staff is amazing and is easy to make an appointment. Thank you so much ShanthiMD. read more

The experience was mostly pleasant, with a calm atmosphere and polite staff. One step took longer than expected, but overall it was a positive visit. read more

The very best. Dr. Shanti was recommended to me and I also recommend her to my friends. She is the only one I trust with injections. I have always loved the results I get. The absolute best and the ladies at the front are very nice. Clean office, very friendly staff and excellent results. read more

Dr Shanti has very very limited knowledge about skin issues such as eczema, she told me to put crazy glue on my bleeding blister filled eczema hands so it stops bleeding! Figure for urself ! P.S I was seen 5 weeks ago by Dr.Shanthi not any other doctors!! Please be responsible to your patients. read more

I love everything about ShanthiMD. It's the only place I will ever go to have anything done on my skin. Her staff is very welcoming and the office is super clean. Her laser equipment and treatments are all cutting-edge and effective. Dr. Colaco's top tier medical training and in-depth knowledge show in her detailed consultations. Her PA, Amber is equally phenomenal, skilled and extremely friendly. Amber's skill performing laser treatments is very hard to come by. I have been here for both medical and cosmetic visits and I am always confident that I am getting the best care here. I recently got IPL done for the first time and I was so thrilled that nearly ALL of my sunspots fell off within a couple weeks. My skin texture and brightness improved dramatically. I had numbing cream on for about 45 min and then the IPL procedure was pretty quick and painless. Amber's calm and caring demeanor put me at ease during the procedure. She was also meticulous in explaining postop care and took the time to answer any questions I had. I am beyond thrilled with the results. Never had I thought that my sunspots could just fall off my face in 1-2 weeks! I have already received many compliments and feel like my skin has gone back in time 20 years! See my no makeup before and after pics!!! I have had many friends who have had gone to other places and their sun spots either did not change or got darker. It really takes experience to truly understand how to perform these procedures. Even if there is an unexpected outcome I trust that Dr. Colaco and her team will know how to fix it! The ShanthiMD skincare line is also great and affordable - I always leave with a bag of goodies. I love the Dew gloss. It keeps my skin super hydrated and glowing. I'm a mom of 3, hardly ever make the time to pamper myself, much less write reviews. But, I make time for ShanthiMD. It is worth every penny and life-changing! You will love the experience and the results. You are worth it! read more

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Been going to Shanthi's for a decade now and I absolutely love it. They're all incredibly nice and know exactly what they're doing. No upselling or shady pricing. Just honest, fair and quality services. My skin has been 100% better since I started going here almost 10 years ago. Would highly recommend. read more

I've been coming to this practice for years and they're the ones I can trust when it comes to be skin health. There's parking, the office decor is always pretty, and the medical professionals & office workers are always so nice and knowledgeable! Skip the drive to Beverly Hills and come to Palms instead for great skincare. read more

I had an OK experience at ShanthiMD Dermatology. The staff was friendly, but I felt a bit rushed during my appointment. Dr. Colaco is knowledgeable, but I expected more thorough explanations. Overall, decent service, but there's room for improvement. read more

Dr. Colaco is knowledgeable and friendly but my visit felt a bit rushed. The staff is nice, and the office is clean, but I expected more detailed explanations about my condition. Overall, a decent experience, though I think there's room for improvement. read more

Dr. Shanthi is amazing! Very kind and attentive to my skin concerns. Thank you so much!

Very thoughtful practice and medical staff. Dr.Shanthi MD is very attentive and caring. Thank you!

Prior to coming here, I always thought that seeing a dermatologist was a long, complex process - before moving to LA, I would need referrals from my primary care physician to see a dermatologist, the dermatologist would always be booked out for months, etc. Ever since I moved to LA and started seeing Dr. Aivaz, my view on going to the dermatologist has completely changed - it's always been SO easy to book an appointment (I've even been able to book same day appointments sometimes) and it's been so nice to have such a kind and accessible dermatologist! I joke around with Dr. Aivaz about being a 'frequent flyer' here since I come for appointments so often, but she has been so amazing in helping with both cosmetic and medical procedures for me (from acne, to cortisone injections for cysts, to bug bites, the list goes on). Everytime I have an appointment, I'm in and out in 20 minutes or less, and it's such a painless experience for a doctor's office. Though I've only ever been seen by Dr. Aivaz and not Dr. Shanthi, I cannot recommend this office enough! read more

I've been having acne issues recently and Dr. Colaco was great to work with for an initial session. She set me up with the prescriptions and gave regimen I needed. Looking forward to my next appointment. read more

I wish you could put a million stars for Amber Rangel!! Amber has held my hand through the laser journey and has completely changed my life for the better! If you're contemplating going, do yourself a favor and just do it. Whenever I go in for an appointment I know I'm going to be well taken care of and laughing the whole time. Most importantly the results speak for themselves. Office is friendly and clean. Just an amazing experience through and through. Thank you ShanthiMD for having amazing PA's like Amber! read more

Discriminatory and prejudiced. I don't know why my initial review stating this was removed. I thought I was seeing Dr Shanthi but was met with the other Doctor. She flat out called my skin ugly; and went further to not help with my concerns other than to say "people with my skin type (bipoc) are just unfortunate and unlucky". Whatever she did end up prescribing made my condition worse. Obviously don't know how to deal with all people as a person or professional. Prescription made my skin condition worse. Majority of the hour visit was spent waiting in the lobby then again in the patient room. Nothing good to say about this practice besides the receptionists were friendly professional and welcoming. read more

Small, clean, and efficient office with very friendly staff. Appointment was at 11:15 AM, and it was relatively busy, but I was still able to get in and out within an hour (which was within the 1 hour free parking limit). The new patient forms were all digital on an iPad and it was the smoothest user friendly application. It made even finding my nearest pharmacy a breeze. You won't be disappointed coming here if you're in the area. read more

Shanthi Colaco, M.D - Waiting for the doctor in this clean room. - Dermatologists Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Dr Aivaz is a fabulous doctor. She is very knowledgeable and very experienced. talented and very professional. I have to say I like her attitude and she did a wonderful job making me look quite a bit younger and helped me with some other issues and resolved them in a very professional and competent manner. I highly recommend her if you need any type of cosmetic or dermatological help. read more

Dr. Ohara Aivaz is fantastic. i can never remember what those things on my face are called, they look like pimples but they aren't pimples. so she wrote it down for me - Sebaceous cysts. anyhow, she numbed my face totally and for as long as i wanted (i like to feel zero pain 'cause i'm a believer in "no pain - no pain.") then she zapped them all gone with a free visit to come back for a touch-up. she is great at what she does and so friendly and sweet. i appreciate a nice bedside manner. the front office people are lovely too. parking is easy underneath. i enjoy coming here and i'm happy with the results. read more

The whole team here is so caring and sweet! They also make me feel comfortable and I get the results I desire. Do not hesitate to book with Amber or Dr. Colaco they're the best! Customer service is also outstanding they always accommodate me. read more

By far one of the best healthcare experiences I've had. This was my first time at a dermatology office and the staff and Dr. Shanthi were so welcoming and kind. Dr Shanthi really listens during your visit and has such a warm energy about her, would truly recommend her! I tried the Isdin and Elta MD sunscreens both a great option. Thanks for a great visit! read more

I was met promptly and all of my questions were answered. Straightforward and attentive care.

I started coming to this practice last year. I see both Dr. Shanthi and Amber. Amber has been helping me with various laser treatments, and when I suggested a treatment I researched, she was honest and told me in her experience it was not an effective treatment, and very expensive. As a gal on a single budget, I absolutely appreciated that honesty, and its continued with my ongoing treatments. Don't waste your time going to a med spa- leave the best care to the experts. read more

Love this office and the ladies there so much. Super friendly and informative and kind. I always feel so well listened to and taken care of. Highly recommend this practice. read more

This place is the cat's pajamas. Theyve solved every issue I've had so far and it's always a pleasure to go into the office. Jenny and Shibani are elite, I always feel like I'm in the best hands when I deal with them! Highly recommend this derm! read more

I went in for a routine mole check and was rushed into a deep shave biopsy in the middle of my face by a nurse practitioner. She even forgot to have me sign consent forms before taking a razor to my face. It was not discussed this would leave a permanent deep discolored divot in my face and require over a year of daily care to reduce the scarring and discoloration (sun avoidance and constantly keeping the spot gooped up with Vaseline). They then suggested I have a plastic surgeon perform a deeper extraction, "just to be safe". I had a second opinion and am glad I did. In contrast to Shanthi's office, they didn't just rush me along and actually weighed cosmetic effects against medical concerns. They noted that the shave biopsy was the incorrect procedure for the concern I had as it (1) broadened the scarring zone, (2) made it more difficult to assess the size of the concerned spot if anything was found and (3) was the shortcut method that ends up being costlier to patients. I would go somewhere else if you want actual medical advice. I'm sure they're ok at fillers and botox. read more

Run away. - they will scam you. If I could give negative stars I would have Office staff is horrible. I setup an appointment and sent them my insurance 3 weeks in advance and got two email and 3 text confirmations. When I got there for my appointment they told me they don't take my insurance and that I have to pay out of pocket. Would have been nice if they told me that before hand instead of wasting my time. read more

Shanthi Colaco, M.D - Dermatologists Near Me - Los Angeles, California

What a nightmare this business. They send me the same bill 4 times. This issue was already resolved more than a year ago. After 4 calls with this clinic, Shanti had called me and texted me apologizing for the "mistake".... But more than a year later and I still receive the same bill again. Are you trying to scam me and my health insurance? Fucking unbelievable read more

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I found this place on Yelp. Everyone was nice and friendly, BUT I felt like I was being tricked. They tried to have me going back as many times as possible so they could charge my insurance. On top of that I was paying $30 co-pay and they were charging me some additional as well. I had a small spot of color on my skin which I wanted to remove prior to pregnancy. If this was done at other places, it could have been done with one or two visits. But coming here every time they removed very very small piece, her reason was,"just to be safe." So for a very small area I went several times and it was not even fully removed. I then just stopped going, it was a waste of my time. Don't come here when there are so many other demonologists that you can go to. read more

While I found Dr. Colaco to be very kind and caring, I made the appointment based on her website information that spoke about venous lake removal with lasers - see photo. I indicated why I was coming in on the online appointment form and I showed the medical assistant who took my history the blue mark on my lip. It was only when Dr. Colaco came in that she said they didn't have the right laser to do that procedure. When I asked why they gave me the appointment since I was specific, she said the girls who see the forms don't know what medical procedures she does and doesn't do. Huh? Needless to say, I was shocked and very disappointed. In all fairness, and why I gave her 3 stars instead of 1 or 2 was because she said she felt bad and was there anything else she could help with. I said no, but then she pressed and although I had not intended to discuss or show her my eczema (I go to an allergist for that), I felt bad for her and showed it to her and she gave me 2 prescriptions that I accepted but certainly didn't help the reason I came in. It felt like a waste of my time. Also, though I know she spent 15-20 minutes with me, I think it was inappropriate to charge me the $60 specialist co-pay when she couldn't give me the treatment I requested. The moral of this story is, by all means call the office and make sure they can do what they advertise. I wasted a morning and quite a bit of money for not much in return and NOW I have to go to ANOTHER doctor and pay ANOTHER $60 for what I need. read more

Shanthi Colaco, M.D - This is from their website which specifically mentioned venous lakes and made me think they could treat the condition. - Dermatologists Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Um, The call I just had with your receptions YOLANDA was a nightmare! please explain to me why your office has a policy that requires visa or credit card information to be on file. Before making an appointment. Additionally, you guys are unable to check if my Blue Shield PPO insurance is in-network. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Merati for a few months now as a patient and it has been a great experience. I had terrible cystic acne years ago that left me with scarring, and she's been able to use the right lasers with minimal pain and downtime to clear my skin. My face wasn't even red a full 48 hours from her skill. She's the first and only person I trusted to try Dysport/Botox with, and I really appreciated that she didn't try to oversell me on extra units that wasn't needed, or have me not looking like myself after it. My face looks softer now and I don't see my wrinkles on pictures or feel as self conscious. She's really easy to talk to and really broke things down well. I'm excited to keep coming back! The office itself is gorgeous with plenty parking available in the structure, great assistants, and relaxing ambiance. read more

Dr. Colaco was extremely helpful and explained my skin conditions in great detail. She helped me understand how my prescriptions are going to help better my skin. It was easy to talk to her and I felt really comfortable with her. Yolanda at the front desk was so sweet as well! Great team! read more