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Lisa Benest, MD
Categories: Health and Medical Doctors Dermatologists Health and Medical Doctors Cosmetic Surgeons Beauty and Spas Skin Care Dermatologists, Cosmetic Surgeons, Skin Care [Edit]
1624 W Olive AveSte B
Burbank, CA 91506
Neighborhood: Burbank
(818) 729-9149
Announcement
Dr Benest was recently on The Doctors TV show! Check out the video on our website under the "About Us" section by clicking on "In the News"
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Sat 9 am - 4 pm
- Price Range:
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$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
George G. said: "Let me say, I love Lori. :) She does the BEST job with my hair. I have half kinky / half straight, coarse hair and a cowlick in my bangs (ahhh, maaaaagic) and pretty much every person (with the exception of one other person) who I've…" read more »
30 reviews for Lisa Benest, MD
30 reviews in English
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Review from Debra C.
3/29/2011
It has always been a goal of mine to defuzz my entire bod (that and achieving world peace). With the help of Doctor B and her staff of competent, laser-armed nurses, my lesser goal has been achieved. "Bew-Bew!" My arm pits, legs and bikini zone are now bald as Mr. Clean. Hooray!!!
I highly recommend nurses Luanne and Dennie. With their assistance, I'm never have to shave again. Laser hair removal. Best decision ever. Well, not EVER... but it's definitely up there! -
Review from jules f.
Burbank, CA
1/23/2012
I visited Dr. Benest years ago and a friend of mine recently had an awful experience that made me want to review mine. I had a mole I thought could be suspicious, so against my primary care physician's recommendation, I took a referral to Dr. Benest so I could stay with a derm in Burbank (vs. a good derm in our network out of town).
She could not be bothered with my mole but suggested some extremely expensive "cosmeceuticals" to help fade out the darkness on my upper lip. I hadn't even noticed it until she brought it up. It wasn't a medical concern at all, just a way for her to make money.
I couldn't leave fast enough. Though that was the end of my experience with the office, I receive junkmail flyers from them to this day, advertising cosmetic procedures, cosmeceuticals and natural therapies. This isn't so much a dermatologist's office as it is a bev hills wannabe botox shop. No thanks.Comment from Desiree C. of Lisa Benest, MD 2/1/2012
Dr Benest has been a Board Certified Dermatologist for over… More » -
Review from Jan C.
Burbank, CA
1/23/2012
Patient BEWARE!!! If you have a serious medical problem, this doctor is clueless. I brought my infant to her when he was approximately 3 months old. He had severe Eczema. She had no clue how to treat it. He was miserable. I was literally holding his hands down throughout the night so that he would not tear up his face and get an infection.
Her remedies included me (since I was nursing) taking fish oil and probiotics which she conveniently sells in her office. She also wanted to sell me lavender oil and other homeopathic "remedies" I was an overwhelmed exhausted new mother willing to try anything to help my son so I spent money on all of these worthless products!!!
Worthless because my son's condition continued to worsen.
At one point my sons face was raw and oozing fluid. I was a wreck not too mention exhausted from sleepless nights from holding his hands down. I took him to go see her she had a look of cluelessnes on her face when she saw him. She asked her nurse if Ann was in the office. I asked who Ann was and she said that Ann is the naturopath. NATUROPATH! Are you kidding me? She clearly had no clue how to treat him. She is saying things like wellllll maybe you and he should start including iron supplements in his diet. WHAT? I said look we do not even know what is causing this. Shouldn't we figure that out before we continue with all of these supplements? "Ya ok, I get your point." She had nothing to offer. She was silent. I finally said is there nothing for him? "Weellll...I can give you a couple of samples to try." Her nurse brings the sample and she hands me the cream and a Qtip. That's right. She did not even want to treat her patient. I guess it was too icky.
I raced to my pediatrician's office who got me in that day to see a REAL Dermatologist who took one look at my son and immediately knew what he needed. Since that day my son has not suffered one second. Sadly this Dermatologist is not in our network of physicians so he was not initially referred to us. Lisa Benest is not a Pediatric Dermatologist and not interested in treating people with real problems. Perhaps real problems are not where the money is at.
What's worse is that the treatment my son is receiving for his Eczema is very standard and should be common knowledge to any Dermatologist...just not to a new mother who knew nothing about Eczema and who was literally at her wits end trying to get help for him.
Her main focus is clearly selling beauty and youth enhancing treatments and products. NOT people with genuine medical problems.
If that is the case: Lisa, please for all of our sakes, spare the children and focus only on adults.Comment from Desiree C. of Lisa Benest, MD 2/1/2012
Dr. Benest is a Board certified Dermatologist who has been… More » -
Review from Emily L.
TOLUCA TER, CA
11/2/2011
Dennie suggested some awful acid treatment for upper lip lines. I agreed to it, unaware that these 5 treatments, spread out over many months, would leave me with a sore and bloody upper lip for a week EACH TIME. I endured it , but it's not cool walking around with a "blood" mustache like that for five weeks unless you see results. Zero results. I guess I spent about four grand in various treatments with Dennie. I stopped taking her suggestions when I finally realized there was nothing she could do for me. I found a dermatologist who doesn't just promise/ but delivers!!
Comment from Desiree C. of Lisa Benest, MD 11/8/2011
We are sorry for Emiliy's experience. We do not have any… More » -
Review from Lauren A.
Encino, CA
6/14/2011
I have been a patient of this office for years, and have never been able to see Dr. Benest, herself. I've always had to play a roulette game and get her partners; some of them good and some not so hot. Fortunately, up until now, I've never had a major concern and sort of just "went with the flow." But this time, I'm angry! I'm 7months pregnant and was desperate to get an appointment within the week due to a concerning rash. I was told by the receptionist there was nothing available for six weeks; no exceptions. I asked to speak to the office manager and made her aware of the situation. Then, to their credit, they magically had an opening due to a cancelation for the next day, but I just could not make it work with my schedule. They were unable to accommodate me beyond that point. I politely told her that according to Yelp this was quickly becoming their reputation, and I no longer had plans on being their patient. I'm sorry to say that I'm on a hunt for a new dermatologist.
PS: The reason I didn't allow myself to be put off with the obligatory "We'll call you if there is a cancellation" is because I've been down that road before with the office. The call never comes. I had to make other plans. I can't rely on this office any longer.
It seems that the office replies to the negative comments. A lot of excuses but not much change in policy.Comment from Desiree C. of Lisa Benest, MD 6/14/2011
We are very sorry that we couldn't get Lauren in for an… More » -
Review from Chantalle D.
New York, NY
7/19/2011
I suppose the fact I've only been to see her once because she gave me solutions that fixed the acne for the most part speaks for itself.
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Review from Marla W.
Studio City, CA
1/26/2011
Shame on this office for the lack of concern for their patients & poor customer service. I called to make an appt today after an insanely horrible breakout and was rudely dismissed, being told they had nothing available until mid-March. You're kidding me right? Do you realize I am a current and continuing patient? She told me, there was nothing she could do. 6+ weeks before I could get an appointment. It is absolutely unacceptable that Dr. Benest's office is unable to accommodate their patients in a timely manner. I will never return here.
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Review from What W.
Los Angeles, CA
4/5/2010
I hate doctors,.
I hate Doctors almost as much as I hate Burbank.
This adds a significant amount of surprise to my experience:
I came to Dr. Benest for dermatology issues that required an MD. No cosmetic girlyness here...! After reading some reviews, I was worried I'd face some cosmetologist selling me organic lotions and foot massages.
But nope.
Dr. Benest was extremely kind and informative!
She made me at ease with how professional she was.
I now see why it takes a month and a half to get an appointment.. However, it was certainly worth the wait. (...And that icky drive to Burbank.)
I left the office satisfied and I will probably return for future dermatology needs.
1 star taken off for:
*Time it takes to get scheduled.
* Pricing--(though if you have insurance you may not care..) -
Review from Katie G.
Honolulu, HI
1/20/2011
I've been a patient of Dr. Benest since 2000, yet when I called to make an appointment today the woman on the phone told me that late June was the soonest they could take me. (It's January) The secretary was so rude! It turns out that Dr. Benest does not have a cap on new patients, so they book up months and months in advance. It has been two years since I have been in to see her, so maybe that's why I was treated so poorly - not to mention that my maiden name was not in my file so for some reason it looked like I had only been there once, when in fact I have seen Dr. Benest a dozen times! I asked the woman on the phone to just pull my file, that I wouldn't return. Her response was something like "Oh don't worry, I have it in on ice." What?
Sorry to say, I really don't recommend this office.Comment from Desiree C. of Lisa Benest, MD 1/23/2011
We have sent Katie a personal message to apologize for the… More » -
Review from Daryl S.
Burbank, CA
6/16/2010
I went to Lisa Benest office today. I got an appointment in about 3 weeks, which is great for me because my schedule is crazy!!
I saw Dr. Randi Rush. My wait was brief (10 min) in the waiting room and another 10 minutes in the room before Dr. Rush came in.
I went for basic skin issues and I thought she was thorough. She considered the other medication I take and that I prefer topical instead of more medicine. I thought her eye contact was amazing.
I bought some of Dr. Lisa's products - but I thought they were pretty well priced.
I will update and give it 5 stars if my skin improves in the next 3 months. This was a great experience! -
Review from Nichole S.
Burbank, CA
Updated - 9/9/2010
I had my follow up appointment today and she is more amazing than ever. She took the time to sit and talk with me and make sure that everything was going ok with my medication. I had a 2pm appointment and Dr. Rush was in the room with my by 2:05pm. I had another cyst on my arm that I wanted removed and she took care of it for me. She even let me lay down and catch my breath when I almost passed out from getting the stitch for it! (No, I can't handle blood/stitches).
With how hard it is to find even a decent doctor, I can't believe how blessed I am to have found such an excellent doctor.Listed in: Nuptial Bliss
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/12/2010
I've had a bump on my shoulder for years now and no one wanted to remove it. On my first visit with… Read more »
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Review from Downtown G.
Los Angeles, CA
7/2/2009
I have been forever searching for the perfect facial. My skin is oily and my pores clog easily. I have had facials where the esthetician doesn't really get in there and clean things out, which doesn't help my cause; and then I've also had the opposite end of the spectrum where I am nearly in tears because of the pain from extractions.
I had a facial with Ewa and Dr. Benest's office and she was AMAZING. I will go back to her every month. My skin at the end of the facial was very clean and she did extractions but they weren't painful - I only felt slight pressure. Her facials aren't cheap at $150 a pop, but I am saving on skin care because Dr. Benest's line is relatively inexpensive and Ewa said that I only need to use a cleanser and one SPF moisturizer, whereas my previous facialist was constantly selling me eye cream and toner, etc., etc.
Go See Ewa if you want beautiful skin!!! -
Review from Julie L.
Glendale, CA
5/2/2011
Professional, informative, comfortable; would definitely recommend.
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Review from Robin H.
Burbank, CA
7/11/2011
I went here a couple of years ago and was passed off to another Dr. in the office. After 1 visit I knew I did not like him once but was not permitted to switch to Dr. Benest as now I was "his patient". I continued to see him for a couple of cystic acne spots and on one visit he injected me with cortisone. It was very painful and I begged him to stop but he did not. The result was a broken blood vessel and a deep pock scar. When I called to complain I was told I could do laser treatments to reduce the scar but I would have to pay for them. For HIS mistake. I was so stupid I tried to move forward with appointments but I could never seem to make an appointment. The office staff were always incredible rude and unprofessional.
My attempts to contact Dr. Benest (calls and a letter) to at least have some one other than a front desk assistant listen to my complaints were all ignored.
If you value your face, your time and your money STAY AWAY!!!Comment from Desiree C. of Lisa Benest, MD 7/12/2011
The male doctor mentioned has not worked in our office for… More » -
Review from Brennan M.
Burbank, CA
1/9/2009
I waited for quite some time in the waiting room for my appointment here. Once I got in the doctor was quite friendly and informative. She answered all of my stupid questions with a smile.
When it came to the actual work I couldn't have been happier. It was quick and painless. What more can I ask for. -
Review from Beth T.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 1/29/2010
Still five stars after my consult. It was informative, not pushy and I ended up having my first chemical peel ever which has actually worked to help make my skin look better!
The staff is friendly and efficient, consult and peel and was still out within an hour and a half.
Looking forward to my doctor's appointment in February as
I may not look like I am stressing but my skin sure can't hide how it feels.Listed in: Captain's Log
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/22/2009
I haven't even gone in yet for my consultation but I have to say the women who answer the phones get… Read more »
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Review from avalon v.
Los Angeles, CA
8/7/2010
This Dr. didn't even look at my skin under a REAL light that dermatologists should use, rather than the terrible lighting of the room. She overlooked a lot of things and didn't even do a thorough examination.
She just wanted you in and out and her money as soon as possible.
I'll never come back here again.Comment from Desiree C. of Lisa Benest, MD 8/16/2010
This person came to the office 2 years ago and hasn't been… More » -
Review from Fran M.
Studio City, CA
4/30/2010
Maybe this office is OK for plastic surgery but if you have a medical problem or skin cancer, STAY AWAY FROM THIS OFFICE!!!!!
After having a skin cancer, this office told me that they were going to do biopsies on 15 different areas of my body. They did the first 7 and then I got a call that since my insurance has a high deductable I had to pay for everything up front or they would no longer treat me. I couldn't afford to pay up front and I was rudely told to go to a clinic for poor people, How unprofessional.
I called the American Cancer Society in hopes that they could refer me to a compassionate and caring doctor who would treat me. They referred me to Dr. Kay who has been great.
The AMC also told me that no professional doctor would ever do 15 skin biopsies. THEY WERE OUT TO GET MY MONEY!
Run - don't walk - away from this office.Comment from Desiree C. of Lisa Benest, MD 5/6/2010
We really appreciate any kind of feedback to improve, so we… More » -
Review from Ivee C.
Los Angeles, CA
2/1/2010
I called to make an appointment and the girl told me I had to come for a consult first and that the consult would be $75-$120. I really want to get some things done with the doctor but don't fee like paying $120 extra for no reason. Most doctors offer free consult because you are going to spend a lot of money on the procedures....
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Review from Shazie P.
Marina del Rey, CA
10/22/2007
Dr. Lisa Benest is the best! She really knows her stuff and prefers to give you natural options before harsh prescriptions. She is meticulous and her nurses are smart. The front desk girls do their best to meet your needs. Her products are fabulous, in particular her Skin bleaching formula for dark spots or scars. This cream really works!!! It is a mixture Of hydraquinone and glycolic acid. I put my name behind her office 100%
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Review from Prettylilredhead H.
Los Angeles, CA
4/11/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I like this office a lot. All the doctors that I have seen have been professional and knowledgable with an excellent bed side manner. Ewa, the facialist, is amazing as well. Only gripe is the woman that processes payments. She is a bit of a you-know-what every time I'm in there. That really irritates me, so they lose one star.
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Review from Dan T.
Burbank, CA
7/14/2009
Be aware of the office staff if you plan to go to this office!
I was a first time patient who attempted to schedule an appointment approximately 2 months ago, when I called I was told that the office was busy and asked if I could call back. I was surprised that they did not take my number to call me back. A couple weeks later I called again to schedule an appointment and let them know that I was a new patient.
The Saturday afternoon before my Tuesday appointment I received voice mail from the Dr.'s office with a reminder of my appointment and notified to arrive early as I would have to fill out forms given I was a new patient. I was also told I could save some time if I went to their website to download the new patient forms if I wanted to fill them out ahead of time. I did get the forms from the site and filled them out.
When I arrived for my appointment I with my forms filled out I was told you don't accept Aetna or my PPO. This should have been told to me when I scheduled the appointment. The receptionist made it clear that any services would be out of pocket on my part and I would have to work with my insurance company directly. Had I know this I could have done it AHEAD of time. This was a waste of my time.
I can't speak to the services provided by the doctors, but I can tell you that the office staff needs to be educated on how to do their job, from the woman to I spoke with to make my appointment to the receptionist who abruptly said, "we don't accept this insurance" followed by it would be on me to follow-up with my insurance company on any claims.
The attitude in the office was very poor. The impression they give is that they focus on cosmetic procedures then providing true health care. -
Review from Rocky M.
Los Angeles, CA
1/25/2011
I was a patient of Dr. Booth who is no longer with the practice. I was able to look past the dreary lobby and strange Dr. Benest Scientology brochures because Dr. Booth was great. Sadly, her new office was too far from my house, so I decided to stay with Dr. Benest's practice and made an appointment with Dr. Benest herself. Before I had a chance to meet her for my annual check-up, I developed a rash on my face. I called the office and they told me there were no appointments for 3-months. I explained it was an urgent issue and the receptionist suggested that I contact another dermatology office. I decided to ride it out and see if the rash would go away...it didn't. Two weeks later, I called back and begged them for an appointment. Once again I was turned away. I have never heard of a doctor not taking urgent appointments. It seems clear to me that Dr. Benest and the doctor's in her practice are more interested in the bottom-line than the care of their patients. It would seem they are more interested in scheduling expensive procedures than really caring for clients who may have less "bill-able" pressing issues. Who needs a doctor who is only there on their timeline? Obviously, I cancelled my annual appointment with Dr. Benest. I wrote a letter expressing my disappointment and never heard a word back from them. Honestly, I don't think they really care about losing a patient.
On a side note, the day I was turned away from Dr. Benest's office for the second time, I made a same-day appointment with an amazing dermatologist in Century City. It's a schlep from my house, but well worth it...Dr. Rosenbach. He's very knowledgeable, uses cutting edge technology, his staff is great and the office is very nice. He' s a top-notch and very well respected doctor in LA.
FOLLOW-UP: In response to Diane's comments below -- believe me, I asked to make an appointment with ANYONE in the office -- I was a desperate, rashed-face woman. I was told there were NO appointments available for 3-months. Also, I don't care who USES the publications, "What is the Way to Health" is a Scientology booklet (written by L. Ron Hubbard). I think it's odd that the doctor distributes these materials, but more important/relevant is the shameful way they treat their patients.Comment from Desiree C. of Lisa Benest, MD 1/27/2011
We are very sorry that Kress was unable to make an… More » -
Review from Gina S.
Los Angeles, CA
4/21/2011
Luanne is awesome! Such a sweetheart and really makes you feel at ease if you are as nervous as I was about having a bunch of needles stuck into your face! I'm not going to say it was the most pleasant experience, however it was much less painful than I expected. Actually, the worst part was how long my face was numb after the procedure. She called me a couple of days after my appointment to check up on me. Loved the results. Will definitely go back.
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Review from Vince D.
Los Angeles, CA
8/28/2009
If you're looking for a dermatologist in Burbank, look no further than Dr. Benest. She's friendly, a good listener, down-to-earth, thorough, and most importantly, does her job well. I also had a consultation with her Assistant Director of Cosmetic Services, LuAnn Landau, and she's a hoot. All other office staff are very friendly and warm as well.
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Review from Amy G.
Burbank, CA
11/20/2008
I saw Dr. Susan Rabizadeh in Dr. Benest's office and she was great. Very professional and thorough and she answered all of my questions and took her time. The office staff was very friendly as well. It's a really busy office so it takes a bit of time to get an appointment but I'll be going back to her again in the future for sure!
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Review from Jessica C.
Beverly Hills, CA
1/9/2010
I got a facial with Ewa about a month ago and I really didn't think it was worth the $150 price tag. It was ok, but for that price I'd really need a facial to stand out (I've been EVERYwhere)--and this one doesn't. It's not horrible--just nothing special for the lofty price.
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Review from Katie R.
Los Angeles, CA
10/5/2010
I have been seeing Dr Randi Rush for about 9 months now and I think she is amazing! I started breaking out and freaked out since I was getting married in 6 months so I started hunting for a dermatologist that was open Saturdays and would be affordable since I do not have insurance. They met both these requirements and on top of that I have had nothing but amazing service, as well as results. Dr. Rush has always gone out of her way to help me save some money by giving me samples as well as coupons for the medicine she prescribes! I love it here.
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Review from shannon b.
Van Nuys, CA
3/6/2010
paid for childcare so I could see this Doctor. Waited in the examination room a full hour before walking out. It would appear, at least from all that was going on in the office, that, unless you are there for some expensive cosmetic procedure, you won't be given the time of day.
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Review from kelly m.
Los Angeles, CA
12/31/2009
i went to dr, benest for the first time recently and was very satisfied by how thorough, educating, and patient she was. she is everything i had been looking for in a dermatologist. she has her own line of skincare products, from which she makes recommendations without being pushy. her office is homey and inviting and the desk staff is helpful and efficient. call well in advance, appointments book fast, i had to wait more than 2 months to get in.
