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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 (NPI #1487858536), 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.

How To Prepare Your First Visit For Medspa

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

What should I bring to my first med spa visit?
Bring a list of medications, supplements, allergies, and your medical history. Include details about past cosmetic procedures and any chronic conditions.
How do I know if a med spa is physician-supervised?
Check the Medical Board of California’s license lookup and ask for the name and credentials of the supervising physician.
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.
How do I minimize bruising before injectables?
Avoid alcohol and, if approved by your physician, pause non-essential blood thinners for 5–7 days before treatment.
What happens during the consultation?
You’ll complete a medical intake, discuss your goals, receive a focused exam, and review risks, benefits, and alternatives before signing consent forms.
What is the emergency protocol for fillers?
Clinics should have hyaluronidase on site and follow written protocols for managing rare complications like vascular occlusion or vision changes.
How do I prepare for laser hair removal?
Shave the area 24–48 hours before, avoid sun exposure, and do not wax, pluck, or use electrolysis for 4–6 weeks prior.
What aftercare is needed for injectables?
Avoid rubbing treated areas, strenuous exercise, alcohol, and heat for 24–48 hours. Monitor for rare complications and follow all provider instructions.
How soon can I resume normal activities?
Most patients return to daily activities immediately, but strenuous exercise and sun exposure should be avoided for 24–48 hours after many treatments.
Is my information kept private?
Yes. You will receive a HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, and your information is protected by federal law.

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.