Skin Recovery Clinic

Why a ‘Skin Recovery Clinic?’

Self-esteem is a powerful tool, and appearance can help build it. Not surprisingly, studies have shown that patients show a more positive response to cancer treatment when they feel good about how they look. Inspired by these findings, renowned dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban founded The Skin Recovery Clinic together with her expert associates at Ava MD.

Most patients undergoing cancer therapy expect hair loss, nausea, and loss of energy, but they are unprepared for the side effects that chemotherapy, drug treatments and radiation can have on their skin. These effects differ from patient to patient, but can include:

• Severe dryness
• Burning
• Skin infections and rashes
• Body acne
• Pigmentation, and many others

Cancer treatment focuses on saving the patient's life, and often skin concerns go unaddressed. However, simultaneously dealing with skin side effects can contribute to a patient's ability to successfully fight their illness. Many of these conditions can be prevented and/or alleviated, and most can be treated—either during and/or immediately following the course of therapy.

"Knowing their appearance can be maintained, or at least retrieved at the end of treatment, is incredibly reassuring to my patients. Without exception, my patients tell me how grateful they are to be alive. But during or after the battle with their cancer, they want to continue their daily lives—looking and feeling their very best." -- Dr. Ava Shamban

Skin Recovery Clinic: Services

The Skin Recovery Clinic at Ava MD is devoted to helping patients understand how to safely and effectively care for their skin while it is challenged by cancer. Our expert doctors and specially trained practitioners (certified in clinical oncology esthetics) tailor services to the skin condition and treatment stage of each individual patient in close consultation with their oncologist. We use only certified products that are free of fragrances, parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

Services available during chemotherapy may include:

• Skin care consultation (safety of ingredients and usage of products)
• Customized facials to nourish, rehydrate, soothe and rejuvenate—improving the look, feel and quality of skin

Services available to those who have fully completed cancer treatments may include:

• Skin care consultation (safety of ingredients and usage of products)
• Customized facials to nourish, rehydrate, soothe and rejuvenate—improving the look, feel and quality of skin
• Variety of peels to restore skin radiance, improve skin texture and even skin tone
• Fotofacial IPL to rejuvenate the complexion and stimulate collagen formation
• Multi-modal laser treatments to revise scars, restore skin texture, remove red pigment and even pigment

To make an appointment or receive more information about the Skin Recovery Clinic, please call 310-828-2282 (Santa Monica) or 310-843-9915 (Beverly Hills).