How to Prepare for Your First Visit to a Medspa in Sherman Oaks
Visiting a medspa for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you are interested in wrinkle relaxers, dermal fillers, laser treatments, or skin rejuvenation, understanding what to expect and how to prepare will help you feel confident and informed. This guide covers the essential steps, safety considerations, and expert advice to ensure your first medical spa experience is smooth and successful. All information is based on the protocols and patient-first philosophy of Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD, board-certified physician and medical director at Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa.
What Is a MedSpa and How Is It Different?
A medspa (also called medical spa or medispa) is a medical facility offering nonsurgical medical aesthetic procedures such as injectables, laser treatments, and advanced skincare, all performed by certified providers. Unlike traditional day spas, medspas operate under strict medical oversight, ensuring higher standards of safety, privacy, and informed consent.
Research and Choose a Reputable MedSpa
- Verify Credentials: Ensure the med spa is physician-led, with board-certified medical supervision. Verify credentials through official sources such as the NPI Registry and AMA Physician Profile.
- Read Reviews: Look for consistent patient feedback on platforms like Yelp, Google, and RealSelf.
- Confirm Services: Review the medspa’s menu for the specific procedures you are interested in, such as wrinkle relaxers, dermal fillers, or laser treatments.
Schedule a Consultation
- Complimentary Consultations: Many medspas, including Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa, offer complimentary consultations with certified injectors. A fee may apply for consultations with the medical director.
- Prepare Questions: Bring a list of questions about the procedure, provider experience, safety protocols, and expected outcomes.
Booking and Pre-Visit Instructions
Schedule your appointment in advance and ask about any specific pre-visit requirements. Confirm the address, parking options, and accessibility features—Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa offers ample on-site parking and full ADA compliance.
Review Your Medical History
- Medication List: Prepare a list of current medications, supplements, and allergies. Some medications (e.g., blood thinners, certain antibiotics) may need to be paused before treatment—always consult your prescribing physician.
- Medical Conditions: Disclose any chronic illnesses, autoimmune conditions, or recent procedures.
Avoid Certain Activities Before Your Visit
- Sun Exposure: Avoid tanning or sunburn for at least one week prior to laser or injectable treatments.
- Alcohol and Blood Thinners: Refrain from alcohol and non-essential blood-thinning medications (aspirin, NSAIDs, fish oil) for 24–48 hours before treatment, unless medically necessary.
Skincare Products: Discontinue use of retinoids, exfoliants, or acids 2–3 days before facial procedures, unless otherwise directed.
What to Expect During Your First MedSpa Visit
Arrival and Check-In
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete intake forms and review privacy policies.
- Good Faith Exam: California law requires a Good Faith Exam by a licensed medical professional before any medical aesthetic procedure. This ensures you are an appropriate candidate and fully informed.
Comprehensive Consultation
- Assessment: The provider will assess your skin, facial anatomy, and discuss your goals.
- Treatment Plan: You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan, including options, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
- Informed Consent: All procedures require your signed informed consent, ensuring you understand the treatment and potential side effects. Learn more about informed consent in medical aesthetics.
During the Procedure
- Comfort Measures: Advanced techniques such as topical numbing, cold compresses, and vibration devices are used to minimize discomfort and bruising.
- Safety Protocols: All treatments are performed using sterile techniques and under physician supervision.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
- Post-Treatment Instructions: You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your procedure (e.g., avoiding strenuous exercise, sun exposure, or certain skincare products).
Follow-Up: Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended to monitor results and address any concerns.
Key Questions to Ask at Your First MedSpa Visit
- Who will perform my procedure, and what are their credentials?
- Is a board-certified physician on-site and supervising treatments?
- What are the risks, benefits, and alternatives for my chosen procedure?
- How is patient safety and privacy protected (e.g., HIPAA compliance)?
- What aftercare is required, and what should I expect in terms of recovery?
Safety, Privacy, and Regulatory Considerations
- Medical Oversight: Choose a medspa with full-time, on-site physician supervision. Dr. Soleiman’s leadership at Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa ensures all protocols meet the highest standards.
- Patient Safety: Only certified injectors and licensed clinicians should perform procedures. Ask about ongoing training and safety protocols.
Privacy: Your health information is protected under HIPAA. All reputable medspas will provide a privacy policy and safeguard your data.
Tips for a Successful First MedSpa Experience
- Be Honest: Share your full medical history and any concerns.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that results are individualized and may require multiple sessions.
- Avoid Last-Minute Treatments: Schedule procedures at least 2–4 weeks before major events.
- Bring Photos: If you have aesthetic goals, bring reference photos to help communicate your preferences.
Ask About Payment Options: Cosmetic procedures are not typically covered by insurance, but most medspas offer multiple payment methods.
Why Choose a Physician-Led MedSpa?
Choosing a physician-led medspa ensures your care is guided by medical expertise, safety, and ethical standards. Dr. Soleiman, as a board-certified physician and national trainer, leads a team of certified experts who prioritize natural, proportional results and patient safety. This approach minimizes risks and maximizes satisfaction for first-time and returning patients alike.
For more information about specific procedures, visit our medical aesthetic procedures overview.
Ready for Your First Visit?
For more information or to schedule your first visit, contact Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa in Sherman Oaks, serving Encino, Studio City, Beverly Hills, and the greater Los Angeles area. All care is provided by certified experts under the direct supervision of Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD, a nationally recognized leader in medical aesthetics.
Led by nationally recognized physician Dr. Sherly Soleiman, Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa delivers advanced aesthetic treatments backed by medical precision and uncompromising safety standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my first medspa appointment?
Bring a list of medications, supplements, allergies, and your medical history. Include details about past cosmetic procedures and any chronic conditions, and questions for your provider.
How should I prepare my skin before a medspa visit?
Avoid sun exposure, tanning, and harsh skincare products for several days before your appointment. Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin.
What is a Good Faith Exam?
A Good Faith Exam is a medical evaluation required by law to ensure you are a suitable candidate for nonsurgical aesthetic procedures.
Will I have a consultation before my first treatment?
Yes, a comprehensive consultation and Good Faith Exam are required before any medical aesthetic procedure.
Can I get a treatment on the same day as my consultation?
In many cases, yes—if you are a suitable candidate and have completed all necessary paperwork and consent forms.
What should I avoid before my medspa visit?
Avoid alcohol, blood thinners (unless prescribed), and certain skincare products. Follow any specific instructions provided by your medspa.
How long does a typical medspa appointment take?
Most first visits, including consultation and treatment, last 45–90 minutes, depending on the procedure.
Are medspa treatments safe?
When performed by certified injectors under physician supervision, medspa treatments are generally safe. Individual risks will be discussed during your consultation.
How do I know if my medspa is reputable?
Look for board-certified physician leadership, certified injectors, positive patient reviews, and clear safety protocols.
Will my results be immediate?
Some treatments offer immediate results, while others develop gradually. Your provider will explain what to expect based on your chosen procedure.
What to expect at your first med spa visit?
You’ll complete a medical intake, review your health history, discuss goals with a certified provider, receive a skin assessment, and get a personalized treatment plan with full informed consent before any procedure.
Can I wear makeup or lotion to my appointment?
Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin and avoid lotions or deodorants on treatment areas, especially for injectables or laser treatments.