Laser Institute of Dermatology

2021 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 600 E
Santa Monica, California 90404
310.828.2282

9915 South Santa Monica Boulevard
Beverly Hills, California 90212
310.843.9915

In addition to having two Board Certified Dermatologists, our staff consists of a nurse practitioner and two physician assistants specializing in the treatment of acne and laser hair removal. Our R.N.'s are all certified laser technicians providing you with the very latest in skin rejuvenation.

Ava Shamban, M.D.
Ava Shamban, M.D.
Santa Monica and Beverly Hills office

Ava Shamban, M.D., Board Certified Dermatologist and owner of the Laser Institute for Dermatology and European Skin Care in Santa Monica, California, has built a thriving medical practice along with a successful medical day spa. She was a featured dermatologist on ABC television’s “Extreme Makeover”. First and foremost however, Dr. Shamban considers herself a skin scientist, a participant in dermatological research,technology and product development for skin rejuvenation and the treatment of acne. She has extensive experience in the use of the latest laser and intense pulsed light procedures as well as administering filler and Botox injections. Dr. Shamban is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at UCLA. Located next to St. John’s hospital in Santa Monica, Dr. Shamban’s practice includes its own in-house medical day spa – Ava’s at the Laser Institute –and the Acne Treatment Center. Here, she and her highly-trained staff offer her patients customized skin care along with the most sophisticated advances in dermatology today.

Dr. Saul Lahijani
Santa Monica office

Dr. Saul Lahijani grew up in Southern California, where he attended the University of Southern California after graduating from high school. During his matriculation at USC, he excelled in the science fields which led him into the medical field. He continued his medical education at Ross University, where he finished among the top of his class. Following medical school, his journey towards the surgical field began as he started a surgical internship at St. John's Hospital, located in Detroit, Michigan. Once his internship was completed, he moved on to Yale University /SMH, where he served as Chief Resident from 2003-2004. As his interest heightened through taking more and more plastic surgery cases, he went on to do another fellowship, this time in Burn and Reconstructive surgery at Vanderbilt University in 2004. His passion for Reconstructive and Cosmetic surgery led him to a third residency, again at Vanderbilt University, considered one of the top surgical programs in the country. Throughout this residency, he had the opportunity to work with some of the top plastic surgeons, not only in Nashville, but also in the country, including Dr. Bruce Shack, Dr Kevin Kelly (President of the MaxilloFacial Society), Dr. Kevin Hagen and and Dr. James Madden. He also had the opportunity to learn from some of the most recognized breast surgeons internationally, such as Dr. Jack Fisher and Dr. Patrick Maxwell. Dr. Lahjijani further expanded his studies internationally by attending a cosmetic plastic surgery fellowship in Barcelona, Spain, under Dr. Javier De Benito, considered one of the top cosmetic surgeons in all of Europe. He has combined all of his prior training and rigorous experience, along with his countless years of study, to provide his patients with world class care, ethical medical care, and undeniable skill.

Dr. Simzar
Santa Monica office

Dr. Simzar, a board-certified dermatologist, completed his undergraduate, medical school, Internal Medicine, and Dermatology training at UCLA Medical Center and its affiliate hospitals. He is a clinical instructor of dermatology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and teaches medical and surgical dermatology to the dermatology residents and medical students. Dr. Simzar specializes in general and cosmetic dermatology and skin cancer surgery. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and is a recipient of the American Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Preceptorship Grant. An experienced researcher, Dr. Simzar is a published author in several peer-reviewed journals, has presented at national conferences, and is an active member of various cosmetic and dermatological surgery societies including the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the American Society of Mohs Surgery, the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, and the Women’s Dermatologic Society.

Dr. Van Dyke
Santa Monica and Beverly Hills office

Dr. Van Dyke is a board certified dermatologist and also has a Phd in immunology. Dr. Van Dyke completed his fellowship & residency at UCLA Medical Center, and attended medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas. He is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatopathology/Dermatology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. From our past experience in working with Dr. Van Dyke professionally, we find him to be very skilled and an excellent clinician, and surely an asset to our practice. Dr. Van Dyke practices general dermatology as well as cosmetic dermatology and is available to see patients in our Santa Monica office on Mondays and Fridays. He is also available to see patients in our Beverly Hills office.

Rene Faramandian
Physician Assistant
Santa Monica office

Rene Faramandian received her undergraduate degree from UCLA and went on to receive her degree in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University. She performs the full scope of medical and cosmetic dermatologic procedures. Over the years Rene has come to use Dr. Shamban’s multi modality approach to treating different forms of acne with much success.

Lisa Beaulieu
Physician Assistant
Santa Monica office

Lisa is a California native who grew up right here in Los Angeles. She received a full scholarship to attend the University of Florida where she graduated with honors. Thereafter a true Floridian transplant, she went on to complete her post graduate work at Nova Southeastern University where she received a Masters Degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Her field of expertise is in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is certified to diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medications, and perform surgical procedures such as biopsies. Lisa has also been trained extensively by Dr. Shamban and other leaders in the field of cosmetic dermatology. She is highly skilled in the use of fillers and neurotoxins to help create a more youthful yet natural appearance. "I believe in creating and tailoring skin rejuvenation and acne treatments to best fit the needs, lifestyle, and history of each of my patients."

Christine Nell
Nurse Practitioner
Beverly Hills office

Christine Nell, N.P., has worked with Dr. Shamban since 2000. A nurse since 1997, she graduated with her Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certificate in 2002 from Azusa Pacific University. During graduate school, she was mentored by Dr. Shamban as a dermatology intern and earned a Certificate of Academic Excellence. In 2007, she partnered with Dr. Shamban in opening Ava MD, our Beverly Hills location and now works solely in that location.

Christine Nell believes that truly effective treatment requires personalized programs that are monitored carefully. By combining the best of both medical dermatology and aesthetics, Christine is able to offer her patients the results they have been looking for.

Our Staff

We have five aestheticians highly trained in the United States and Europe who offer state of the art techniques individually suited to meet the needs of their clients.

Our front office staff is the friendliest and most knowledgeable in town. They are well trained in regard to procedures and products and will guide you in making the right choice when it comes to skin care.

We are contracted with Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO's. And also PHCS. There are some procedures which may be covered by your insurance company.

Erin Haight
RN
Santa Monica office

Robin Small
RN
Santa Monica office

Taya Pavlenko
RN
Santa Monica office


	Tanya Eubanks Esthetician Santa Monica office	Mojgan Moraveji Esthetician Santa Monica office	Stefanie Koch Esthetician Beverly Hills office	Bebe Rudu Esthetician Beverly Hills office

Clay Patane
Master Colorist/Stylist
Beverly Hills office



Injections & Fillers Botox® Restylane® Perlane® Juvederm® Collagen® Sclerotherapy®	Laser Treatments Isolaz® Cynosure® GentleLase® Smoothbeam® Fraxel® Q-Switched Ruby VBeam® ReLUME® Repigmentation	Laser Resurfacing ErbiumYag Laser® CO2® Active Fx® Radiofrequency Accent® Thermage® Eyes by Thermage®	Spa Permanent Make-up Facial Treatments Aesthetic Peels Microdermabrasions Waxing & Grooming Treatment Add-Ons