The West Institute

Chevy Chase, United States

4.2

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards
By Appointment Only

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Telephone:
+1 301-986-9378
Website:
www.westskinlaser.com
Address:
5530 Wisconsin Ave #925, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.4 miFriendship Heights
1.1 mi187
1.1 mi184
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Bussiness info

Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Parking
Garage
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
By Appointment Only
Yes

Today

Today –
Local time (Chevy Chase) 14:03 Saturday, 24 May 2025

Business hours

Monday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Cosmetic Dermatologist in Chevy Chase, Maryland serving the DC Metro area. Specializing in her trademarked ‘Facelift in a Syringe’, Botox, dermal fillers, Sculptra, PRP, Fraxel, Thermage, Portrait, Ultherapy, CoolSculpting, Cellulaze, and a full range of laser technology. The West Institute also features full range of Medical Esthetic services for advanced medical skin care including facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, IPL, and painless, fast laser hair removal.

Dr. West has 18 years of experience in body contouring and now offers CoolSculpting, a non-​invasive body contouring procedure that permanently destroys fat cells following a one-​hour application. The West Institute is the only area practice to earn CoolSculpting’s Practice Certification. Dr. West is the first dermatologic surgeon in Maryland to offer Cellulaze, an effective, FDA-​approved laser that is used beneath the skin’s surface to detach fibers in the fat layer that cause skin dimpling, known as cellulite.

History

Established in 1996.

Dr. Tina B. West is the founder of The West Institute for Skin, Laser and Body Contouring, in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Dr. West is a leading expert in non-​invasive and minimally invasive procedures for facial rejuvenation and maintenance, laser surgery and body contouring.

An expert in minimally invasive techniques to maintain the health and appearance of skin of the face and body in women and men, Dr. West uses the most advanced techniques in volume replacement with dermal fillers, facial enhancement with neurotoxins including Botox Cosmetic, and laser surgery to achieve and maintain youthful, healthy skin for life.

Dr. West is also an expert in body contouring utilizing the most advanced minimally invasive medical devices to achieve the best possible results.

Meet the Business Owner

Tina W.

Business Owner

Dr. Tina B. West, founder of the West Institute for Skin, Laser, and Body Contouring, is a board certified dermatologist and leading expert in non-​invasive and minimally invasive procedures for facial rejuvenation and maintenance, laser surgery, and body contouring.

Dr. West has been in practice since 1996 and is licensed to practice in Maryland and the District of Columbia. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

An accomplished lecturer and author, Dr. West has been published in peer-​reviewed journals and textbooks on a variety of topics including laser resurfacing for the treatment of aging and acne scarring and other non-​invasive and minimally invasive treatments. She also participated in FDA trials for the approval of Botox for cosmetic use, and her practice was selected as a national training center for physician instruction in Botox treatment and advanced dermal filler injection technique.

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20 reviews of The West Institute

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Place rating: 5
Burke, VA
I’m not sure where the negative reviews are coming from. They don’t sound at all like anything I have experienced at West Institute. Dr. West and her team have always been SUPER helpful and accommodating to me when I have come to visit. I’ve been seeing her for almost a year for Botox. I went to another Dr. In Georgetown for Botox years ago who just injected me and never followed up. I had issues (one brow higher the other) and I was told it would just work itself out. I had that wonky brow until the Botox worked its way out of my system.
By contrast, Dr. West explained EVERYTHING to me as she went as far as what she was doing and why she was doing it. She is both thorough and extremely knowledgable. Key word, knowledgeable. There are hair salons and all kinds of bootleg places doing Botox these days, so having a doctor who is diamond certified by Allergan (maker of Botox) and knows her stuff is major. She targeted specific muscles to get the results I wanted, not sure you would get that with a Groupon! She did a complimentary 2 week follow up visit with me and said if I needed adjustments that she would address it then and that was included in the price. I was beyond satisfied with the results as they were just night and day (see my pics)! I don’t look frozen or pulled in any way, just fresh as a daisy and that alone will keep me coming back.
I’ve also had dermaplaning done here by Chelsea who is the medical esthetician in the practice. I would highly recommend it if you have light fuzz on your face, it makes your skin feel soft as a baby and the peach fuzz comes off with the treatment… so it’s a win/​win situation!
Overall…EXTREMELY happy with services and friendliness/​professionalism of the staff and Dr. West.
Place rating: 1
Potomac, MD
I rely heavily on Unilocal reviewers and the excellent reviews on Dr. West was instrumental in going to her for a consultation. I do not understand how she received such good reviews here.
Once I got past the lovely front desk receptionist, it was all down hill. I have been to a few local dermatologists and plastic surgeons for consultations. I am doing my research before making any decisions about treatments available.
I know that Dr. West has several different types of lasers and I was only interested in procedures that had very little downtime. I wanted to discuss lasers that would minimize my pores, even out my skin tones, and refresh my skin.
Dr. West and her assistant were not only unfriendly, they are rushed and rude. Also, they both look very over loaded with Botox and fillers. So much so, looking at them made me sure I would never have fillers in that office. My goal is to look my best, not to look artificial with no facial expressions.
It was so obvious that Dr. West was not interested in what I had to say regarding what bothered me, but was instead was more interested in telling me how world renowned she is in the cosmetic industry.
Once the doctor and her assistant could tell I was not interested in being plumped up with fillers from the back of by head to the front, they were clearly uninterested in talking to me any further.
Dr, West left the room and I thought she was coming back but instead her assistant came back in and told me there was an estimate waiting at the desk for me. I was stunned. An estimate for what?
Seriously, I would not have someone do procedures on my face if they did not instill any confidence in me.
Maybe the reason people gave her such high ratings is because they wanted and received procedures that I was not interested in. At least not once I saw and spoke to Dr. West and her assistant.
I left there feeling disappointed in the entire experience. But once again, I am grateful to the receptionist who was absolutely lovely. Very sweet and a natural beauty too.
Place rating: 5
Brandywine, MD
I am a longtime patient of Dr. West at the West Institute in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Dr. West uses the most up-​to-​date lasers and equipment. She is realistic and honest about the results she expects. Her credentials are outstanding, and she has a wonderfully warm yet professional demeanor. She is a perfectionist too, so you can be assured you will get the best results possible.
The West Institute is tastefully decorated and extremely clean. The staff is highly knowledgeable of their areas of expertise and compassionate towards their patients. I have never had to wait long to be seen and the doctor and staff never rushes me, and they listen to all my concerns no matter how small they may be.
Recently, Dr. West performed four Infini Radiofrequency (RF) treatments spaced a month apart on my face. The following is what I experienced before, during, and after each procedure at the West Institute.
Upon arrival, I was pleasantly greeted with heartfelt smiles from Holly and Sheena who oversee the front desk. These two ladies take care of all the administrative needs and ensure your visit is pleasant. They are warm and friendly and make you feel right at home.
Shortly after arriving, Sheena escorted me to the procedure room where I was greeted by Tracy who is Dr. West’s highly efficient medical assistant. Tracy gently prepped me for the procedure by placing numbing cream on the areas to be treated. Thirty minutes later, Dr. West injected nerve blockers to keep me from feeling any discomfort during the procedure. I waited another thirty minutes for the nerve blockers to take full effect before Dr. West began the treatment.
During the procedure, Dr. West used a handheld device with microneedles and pressed it against my skin sending radiofrequency energy to multiple layers below the surface. She made three passes with the device at varying depths. Meanwhile, Tracy directed a cool air wand over the area Dr. West just treated. Throughout the treatment, both Tracy and Dr. West continually asked me if I was comfortable or feeling any pain. (In my case, I experienced minimal discomfort during all four procedures.)
After the procedure, the treated areas looked sunburned. They did not hurt at all. The entire procedure starting with the one hour numbing period lasted approximately one hour and ten minutes. After the first treatment, I was given a tube of Cicalfate restorative skin cream to place on the treated areas as needed. I used the cream at night, and it worked quickly. With my skin tone, I was able to leave the house the next day using only tinted sunscreen. I noticed positive results after my first treatment. With each successive procedure, the results continued to improve the texture of my skin.
I highly recommend Infini RF and the West Institute if you want younger looking skin.
Place rating: 1
Centreville, VA
I am sure Dr. West is fine for routine procedures, but anything more than that would most likely be a waste of time and especially money. You would think paying $ 200 for just a regular appointment, a doctor would PRETEND to care. She just came right in, didn’t try to listen to my skin history, and just threw a few of her own products at me. All in all a total of no more than ten minutes. Ten minutes for $ 200 dollars is just insane. At least ten minutes where she legitimately seemed interested in me and my appointment and tried to care. I am a medical student and I can tell you that Dr. West may be intelligent, but not a great Dr. Great Dr.‘s are problem solvers and really care, especially when they charge so much.
I am an understanding patient, I get that Dr’s can’t fix everything and that just because a Dr. is not the nicest, does not mean they are not good at solving an issue. However, Dr. West is neither caring nor a problem solver based on my appointment. I would not recommend her at all. There are other great dermatologists out there.
Place rating: 5
Chevy Chase, MD
Are You Looking for Your Best Self?
Well Dr. Tina West can grant you that wish! She and her staff do a stellar job in making sure that your experience at The West Institute is first class! I have been enjoying the services at The West Institute for five years now, and I felt I was long overdue on sharing not only the level of service I receive but how great I feel because I feel I look my best! I not only enjoy my visits to The West Institute I look forward to seeing Sheena, Tracy, Chelsea and Dr. Tina! These ladies Get Service, and Dr. West waves her magic wand and grants my every wish!!!
Place rating: 5
College Park, MD
So I’ve had lip fillers done before and I thought they couldn’t get any better until I met Dr. Tina West. Her lip injections are virtually painless (small pinch here or there) and end up looking flawless. Her Botox injections are easy peasy and not overdone in the slightest. So many clients of mine asked what I did differently but couldn’t put their finger on it and that’s when I knew she was the best. I now see Dr. West for all of my injections but wait, there’s more…
Her TEAM! What an incredible group of talented individuals!
The front desk staff are polite and helpful, regardless of what I need I can trust that coordination and scheduling will be done perfectly. Sheena is super accommodating and even replies to my emails when I don’t have the chance to call — thank goodness! The nurses that perform the laser hair removal and also assist Dr. West are so pleasant and knowledgeable. The laser hair removal was also painless and even after one treatment I’ve seen a difference! Chelsea is a pro at facials and skin care advice. She’s also super friendly and welcoming. I loved chatting with her about product lines, she was such a breath of fresh air plus she’s literally gorgeous. Anyone with skin like that must have all of the secrets.
I am as picky as they come and I’ve seen many people for injections but if you’re seeking the most symmetrical and natural looking injections without the pain, Dr. Tina West is your only option! You’re in the best hands by far!
Place rating: 5
Takoma Park, MD
I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for Dr. Tina and her team.
I have battled with acne all my life and because of it I was left with pretty bad acne scars.
Dr. Tina recommended that I do the Fraxil laser treatment on my skin to help minimize my acne scars, and reduce fine lines.
Let me tell you that I’m half way through the process and I can already see a huge change in my skin. I had no idea that there could be a solution for me. Dr. Tina is so professional and knowledgeable. I’m truly indebted to her and her team, and for ever thankful in making me feel more confident in myself.
Place rating: 5
Arlington, VA
Excellent with filler on the lips! Techniques I’ve never seen before, too.
Place rating: 5
Washington, DC
Dr. Tina West offers the best advice and excellent results to her patients. The office staff is very friendly and the surroundings are superb. I highly recommend this dermatologist and The West Institute!
Place rating: 5
Bethesda, MD
I am thrilled to recommend Dr. West and her team. I have the skin I always wanted, it’s beautiful, my pores have shrunk, my rosacea is gone and my skin is beautiful!
You don’t have to be rich to have great skin but you do have to take care of it and in my case exfoliate, exfoliate exfoliate then hydrate!
People tell me I look ten years younger, thank you Dr. West and Sheena who answers the phone — it’s always a pleasure to talk to her.
Many Thanks to Dr. West and her team at West Institute.
Place rating: 5
Baltimore, MD
I’m so glad I found Dr West! I have suffered w acne for most of my life even in young adulthood. Finally, someone was able to troubleshoot the cause of my acne– which turned out to be hormonal versus prescribing the same old antibiotics and creams other doctors did. Also, the doctor has a nurse (her name is Kat) and an aesthetician who perform services based on the doctor’s recommendations. It’s really an all in one place! Kat even sat down w me and gave me a lesson on how to apply makeup that’s actually healthy for my skin. After all, what’s the point of spending all of this money on skin care if you’re going to put makeup that can clog your pores over top. Front desk staff was very sweet too! Now that they got the skin on my face looking «clear and brilliant,» next on my wish list is the treatment I saw they have that gets rid of cellulite appearance :)
Place rating: 5
Rockville, MD
I received an excellent facial from Chelsea about two weeks ago. Chelsea, Dr. Tina West, and the rest of the team were friendly, helpful, and extremely knowledgable. Overall, it was a great experience and started the moment I walked through their doors. I will definitely be returning and highly recommend The West Institute.
Place rating: 5
Bethesda, MD
The last two reviews I see were from people who didn’t even see Dr. West — they had an issue with making an appointment, or consultation fees.
I’ve been going to Dr. West for 10 years, for filler, Botox, and lasering. No, Dr. West does NOT TAKE INSURANCE. If you’re looking for a regular dermatologist, go to Dr. Maral Skelsey. Dr. West is a cosmetic dermatologist. If you’re willing to pay out of pocket for someone who’s up to date on the latest techniques — who’ll spend the better part of an hour figuring out what you want and how to get there — go see Dr. West. I don’t understand people taking the cheap route on their faces. It’s your face, 24⁄7 — get someone who’ll treat you in a way that will bring you back for repeat business.
Place rating: 5
Germantown, MD
UPDATE– It is now 5 months since my original review. My thighs look great. I love that cool sculpt removes fat cells, so even when I gain a couple of pounds, my body is still in proportion. Which it never was before. I am thrilled… never thought I could realistically deal with that issue. I had to go back and have my love handles and lower tummy cool sculpted. Going to stop, already got more done than I thought I would, but I look and feel fantastic! I appreciate the friendly responsive staff, and Dr. West’s talent.
Place rating: 5
Washington, DC
I think Dr. West is amazing. She is like a gifted artist, taking great care to craft her vision of you based on what you are trying to achieve. I appreciate that she is a doctor first in a «glam» field. She shows restraint in applying her talents. Many of my friends who have gone to other doctors who offer the same services end up looking like the Pillsbury Doeboy! The old adage: «you get what you pay for», applies here.
Her staff is great as well, friendly, knowledgable and helpful.
Place rating: 1
Silver Spring, MD
This doctor, Tina West, was referred to me by someone in a salon. Upon calling her office, I spoke to a woman who sounded very unprofessional for a Dr’s office. She told me that there was an approximately 200 plus dollar consult fee just to speak with the Dr! I left it alone for a while and then called back several months later after seeing an ad in realself for a free consultation. I responded to the ad by email and after weeks I received an email response from Debbie Schrag, apologizing for the delayed reply. She asked if I still wanted to come in and I called the office instead. I spoke with a lady and she said that Debbie was out but would be back in 30 mins to return my call. I never received a call back and then called Debbies cell phone and left another message. No reply again. I called yet again to the office and spoke with «Sheena», who answered and when I asked her role in the office, she became indignant and rude and said, «who are You?». I dont like the total lack of polish that these people have and it is a direct reflection on DR West for hiring them and setting the standards. Why would I trust the Dr. to do anything medically based on all of this. Horrible and sloppy.
Place rating: 5
Washington, DC
I have no idea why there aren’t more reviews here or that the few that are here are so negative. I have nothing but good things to say about Dr. Tina West. I have been getting botox/​fillers for 10 years and have had varying degrees of success. Regarding botox, I think that’s pretty simple and probably most doctors with any training could administer it correctly, as she does. However, fillers are a different story. My overall experience with them has varied immensely, but Tina is GREAT at doing this. I have gone to her 4 times for this particular procedure and am always so amazed at her work. My face looks so much better and younger. Just a huge self-​esteem booster for someone who happened to be very beautiful in youth and has seen her looks fade a bit. My A game is back after a visit with her.
Place rating: 5
Allen, TX
I went to Dr. West after a friend recommended her. What a difference between The West Institute and the «Medi Spa» that I’ve been going to. Dr. West and her staff seemed very knowledgable. The placement of the filler was very different from where I’ve had it previously. What a difference it made on my face. Finally I’ve gotten the results I was looking for without having to have something more drastic done. Needless to say no more Groupons for me!
Place rating: 5
Baltimore, MD
Was very happy with my resuts. Dr West did an amazing job!
Place rating: 1
San Diego, CA
I went to Tina for Botox and got a droopy eye for over three months! I could not drive at night and I had trouble getting in touch with her for assistance and she was only responsive once I was threatening. She refused to refund me for the entire visit and has not returned several of my emails. I believe she is less than forthcoming since I live out of state. My friends say my eye lid is still not right and doctors I consulted say the doctor who provides the service makes the most difference in whether you get this condition. It is definitely not worth it. I got in an accident because of hte eye sight and have spent a lot of money on doctors visits and taxis.