Visiting a med spa for the first time involves more than booking an appointment. California law requires physician oversight for all medical aesthetic procedures, and patient safety depends on credentialed providers, transparent protocols, and informed preparation.
At Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa, Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD, a board-certified physician and national trainer, leads a team of certified experts to deliver safe, natural outcomes in Sherman Oaks and the greater Los Angeles area. Her credentials are verifiable through the NPI Registry, AMA Physician Profile, and Doximity.
Choosing a Safe, Physician-Led Med Spa
Physician Oversight and Licensure
California mandates that all medical aesthetic procedures—including injectables, lasers, and peels—are performed under the supervision of a licensed physician (MD/DO). Confirm the med spa’s medical director, licensure, and that all providers (RN, PA, NP) are qualified and supervised. Medical Board of California
Provider Credentials and Experience
For injectables and advanced treatments, ask about the provider’s training, years of experience, and how frequently they perform your desired procedure. Only FDA-approved products should be used. FDA: Dermal Fillers
Reputation and Transparency
Research independent reviews on Yelp and Google. Look for consistent physician involvement, clear pricing, and written aftercare protocols. Avoid facilities with vague credentials, sales pressure, or poor sanitation.
Preparing for Your Consultation
Medical Intake and Health History
Bring a complete list of medications, supplements, allergies, and medical conditions. Disclose any history of cold sores, bleeding disorders, keloids, neuromuscular disease, or recent isotretinoin use. This information guides safe treatment planning.
Key Questions to Ask
- Who will perform my procedure, and what is their training?
- How many of these procedures do you perform each month?
- What are the risks, benefits, and alternatives?
- What is the emergency protocol for complications (e.g., vascular occlusion with fillers)?
- What aftercare is required?
Emergency Readiness
Clinics should have hyaluronidase on site for filler emergencies and follow written protocols for rare complications. Ask about their response plan for vision changes or severe pain. ASDS Guidelines
How to Prepare Physically for Your Visit
General Skin and Health Preparation
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners for at least 48 hours before treatment.
- Discontinue retinoids, exfoliants, and strong acids 3–7 days prior, as directed by your provider. AAD: Chemical Peels
- Stay hydrated and eat a light meal before your appointment.
Injectables (Botox®, Fillers)
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment.
- If medically appropriate, pause non-essential blood thinners (aspirin, NSAIDs, vitamin E, fish oil, herbal supplements) 5–7 days before. Always consult your prescribing physician first. Stanford Medicine Pre-Treatment Instructions
- Plan to separate dental work and filler appointments by 2–4 weeks to reduce the risk of delayed inflammatory reactions. PMC Article
Laser Hair Removal
- Shave the treatment area 24–48 hours before your session.
- Do not wax, pluck, or use electrolysis for 4–6 weeks prior.
- Avoid sun exposure and apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ before and after treatment. Mayo Clinic: Laser Hair Removal
Day-of Checklist
- Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin; skip lotions or deodorant on treatment areas.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that exposes the treatment area.
- Eat a light meal and hydrate.
- If sedation is planned, arrange for transportation home.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Medical Intake and Consent
Expect a comprehensive medical intake, focused exam, standardized photographs, and a discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives. You will receive a HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices. HHS: HIPAA
Skin Analysis and Treatment Planning
Your provider will assess your skin, discuss your goals, and recommend a personalized treatment plan. Informed consent is required before any procedure.
Treatment Process
Sessions may last from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the procedure. Numbing agents, cold compresses, or vibration devices may be used to minimize discomfort. At Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa, Dr. Soleiman and her team use advanced techniques—including rounded-tip cannulas and the smallest needles—to reduce pain and bruising.
Aftercare and Post-Treatment Planning
General Aftercare
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 24–48 hours; use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily.
- Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers; avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliants.
Injectables
- Do not rub or massage treated areas for 24 hours.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, and heat exposure (sauna, hot yoga) for 24–48 hours.
- Monitor for rare complications: increasing pain, dusky or patchy skin, or vision changes require immediate medical attention. FDA: Dermal Filler Risks
Lasers, Peels, and Body Treatments
- Redness, swelling, or mild flaking may occur; follow provider instructions for skin care and sun protection.
- Some treatments require multiple sessions for optimal results.
Follow-Up
Your provider will schedule follow-up visits as needed and review your progress. At Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa, all aftercare instructions are provided in writing, and the team is available for urgent concerns.
Comparison Table: Med Spa Procedure Categories
| Procedure Type | Typical Providers | Common Brands/Devices | Prep Required | Typical Aftercare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wrinkle Relaxers | Certified Injectors | Botox®, Dysport®, Jeuveau®, Xeomin®, Daxxify™ | Avoid alcohol, blood thinners | No rubbing, avoid exercise/heat 24–48h |
| Dermal Fillers | Certified Injectors | Juvéderm®, Restylane®, RHA®, Versa™, Sculptra®, Radiesse®, Belotero® | Avoid alcohol, blood thinners | No pressure, monitor for complications |
| Laser & Light Treatments | Licensed Clinicians | Morpheus8, IPL, Cutera Excel V, Laser Genesis, Lumenis M22 | No sun, stop actives, shave | SPF 30+, gentle skin care |
| Body Contouring | Licensed Clinicians | EMSCULPT NEO, Emsella | Hydrate, loose clothing | Resume normal activity, mild soreness |
| Regenerative Medicine | Certified Providers | PRP, PRF, EZGel, Exosomes, PDO Threads | Avoid blood thinners | Gentle care, avoid sun |
| Chemical Peels | Licensed Clinicians | Various medical-grade peels | Stop actives, no sun | SPF 30+, avoid picking/flaking |
| Specialty Treatments | Certified Providers | Kybella®, Sculptra Butt Lift, Lip Flip, Asclera®, UPNEEQ® | Varies by treatment | Varies by treatment |
Why Choose Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa
Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa is led full-time on-site by Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD, a board-certified physician with over 25 years of medical experience and 15 years in medical aesthetics. The practice is recognized as an Allergan Top 250 provider, placing it in the top 1% nationally for expertise and treatment volume. All procedures are performed by certified injectors and licensed clinicians, each with a minimum of three years of experience and ongoing advanced training under Dr. Soleiman’s direct supervision. The team prioritizes patient safety, transparency, and natural-looking results, following strict protocols for informed consent, privacy, and emergency readiness. The Sherman Oaks facility is fully ADA-compliant, with ample parking and accessibility for patients from Encino, Studio City, Beverly Hills, and the greater Los Angeles area.
Frequently Asked Questions
This content is based on current California medical regulations and leading safety guidelines. Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD, a board-certified physician and national trainer, oversees all care at Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa in Sherman Oaks. For more information, visit the Medical Board of California, FDA, and American Academy of Dermatology.