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Dr. Monica Boen, MD - Board Certified Dermatologist in San Diego, California

Dr. Monica Boen, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

San Diego, California
NPI: 1508203563· License: A149554 (CA) verify

12+ years of experience · self-reported

Industry payments (2024): $672 across 28 payments (what this means)
4.08(5 ratings)

Consultation $250

In Dr. Monica Boen's own words

How Dr. Monica Boen describes their own approach, from their Instagram posts. Each statement links to the original.

Approach

  • So sometimes when we are treating it, we'll treat the black pigment and it will unmask a yellow-orange tint
  • At the same time, however, we treat that yellow and orange pigment to give you this overall complete treatment
  • For aesthetics, I really want to work with patients to help with their overall skin complexion, skin texture, volume loss, and just give best results in a very natural manner

Specialization

  • I've been removing microbladed eyebrow tattoos for the past few months and it's one of the most common procedures I've been doing
  • Dr. Monica Boen, MD's practice is one of the few in San Diego that offers ZURF to patients.
  • Dr. Boen (@drmonicaboen) has participated in clinical studies evaluating neuromodulators specifically for injections

Technique

  • This involves numbing the area and using highly specialized picosecond lasers, the same laser we use for tattoo removal but we do it a little bit differently for microbladed eyebrow tattoos to remove the various pigment colors
  • We'll start with one vial, but probably we'll need maybe a second or third vial in six to eight weeks

Technology

  • We have multiple skin tightening devices from SoftLabe, Olfera, Thermage, to our newest device, ZURF

Training & credentials

  • I came to San Diego because of the beautiful weather and also to do a special fellowship here at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology
  • I'm involved in many research trials here and I speak at many conferences to advance the field and for me to always learn

Results

  • Dr. Monica Boen's practice can usually clear microbladed eyebrow tattoos within two to four treatments.

Statements are quoted or closely paraphrased from Dr. Monica Boen's own public posts and are their claims, not NavMDs' medical advice. Doctors can correct or remove any item via their claimed profile or support [at] navmds.com.

About

Dr. Monica Boen is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Cosmetic Dermatology Fellowship trained in San Diego, California, specializing in cosmetic and laser dermatology. She approaches care with a customized, regenerative philosophy, aiming for natural, conservative results that align with patient values. Dr. Boen focuses on restoring what time and volume loss have taken away, helping patients look refreshed, balanced, and completely like themselves. She works closely with every patient to improve both their skin and confidence. Dr. Boen builds full-face injectable plans, including cheek and lip fillers for structural support and balance. For sagging due to weight loss, she rebuilds skin's underlying structure with biostimulators like Sculptra, which stimulates the body's own collagen for gradual, lasting results. She commonly performs microbladed eyebrow tattoo removal using specialized picosecond lasers, treating all pigment layers simultaneously for complete results in typically 2-4 sessions. Dr. Boen also utilizes XERF, a multifrequency monopolar RF device, for non-surgical treatment of skin laxity, sagging jawline/neck, fine lines, and early signs of aging, noting its comfort and lack of downtime. She emphasizes correct sunscreen usage, recommending SPF 40 or higher and reapplication every two hours outdoors.

Connect with Dr. Monica Boen on Social Media

Specialties

  • Board Certified Dermatologist

Procedures & Services

Select a service to schedule an appointment · each is approximately 60 minutes

Questions, Answers, and Information Directly from Dr. Monica Boen

Sourced directly from Dr. Monica Boen's social posts and replies.

What are the typical timelines for Botox and filler results and duration?
Visible softening from Botox typically appears within 3–7 days, with full effect by about two weeks, and results usually last 3–4 months. Filler results are visible immediately and settle into their final look over about two weeks, lasting anywhere from 6 months to over a year depending on the product and area treated.
What are the benefits and potential risks of Masseter Botox, and how does Dr. Boen ensure safety?
Masseter Botox can help with jaw pain and tension from clenching or grinding, clicking or popping in the jaw joint (TMJ/TMD), tension headaches linked to jaw clenching, and wear and tear on tooth enamel from grinding. It can also lead to a slimmer, more V-shaped jawline as the muscle gradually relaxes. Most patients notice less tension within one to two weeks, with visible jawline slimming appearing around eight to twelve weeks. Dr. Boen, having participated in clinical studies for Masseter Botox, uses specific safety checks and specialized injection techniques to avoid complications like affecting the smile, ensuring the treatment does not affect the muscles that control your smile when placed correctly.
How does Sculptra work, and what can patients expect regarding results and duration?
Sculptra is a biostimulator, not a traditional filler. It works by stimulating the body's own production of collagen, elastic fiber, and hyaluronic acid, rather than providing immediate volume. Results develop gradually, typically starting around 4–6 weeks and continuing to improve for several months, with effects lasting up to two years or longer. A second or third vial may be added 6-8 weeks after the initial treatment, contingent on the patient's skin response.
What is Dr. Boen's perspective on microblading, and what is involved in microbladed eyebrow tattoo removal?
Dr. Boen personally regrets getting her eyebrows microbladed, noting that they are extremely long-lasting and have not faded after 6 years, often remaining for years and potentially fading into stubborn gray, blue, or orange undertones. Microbladed eyebrow tattoo removal has become one of the most common procedures she performs. She uses highly specialized picosecond lasers, which are uniquely safe and effective for delicate facial cosmetic tattoos (as proven by clinical data), to remove multiple pigment colors (including hidden ones and underlying black/blue, yellow, or orange tints) by shattering ink particles into tiny dust-like fragments without using heat, completely protecting natural eyebrow hair follicles and surrounding skin. Most patients achieve clear brows in just two to four treatments.
What is XERF treatment, and what are its benefits and process?
XERF is the world's first multifrequency monopolar RF device, delivering two frequencies simultaneously to reach all three layers of the skin at once, providing a depth of treatment that single-frequency devices cannot match. Dr. Boen uses XERF to address skin laxity and sagging along the jawline and neck, loss of firmness and structural definition, fine lines, skin texture, and early signs of aging. It is a non-surgical, in-office treatment for the face and neck (35-45 minutes) with no numbing cream required due to its Never-Numb technology. There is no downtime, and patients can return to normal activity immediately. For comprehensive lifting and contouring, XERF may be combined with Sofwave or ThermiSculpt for optimal results.
What are Dr. Boen's recommendations for effective sunscreen use and sun protection?
Dr. Boen emphasizes that the biggest sunscreen mistake isn't skipping SPF, but not applying enough. She recommends wearing SPF 40 or higher and reapplying every two hours when outdoors, or more frequently if swimming or sweating. She also advises avoiding peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm) and wearing sun protective clothing whenever possible, noting that a full coverage UPF suit is her personal shortcut. For tinted sunscreens like Elastin Hydro Tint that run dark, she suggests mixing them with a non-tinted sunscreen like Elta MD UV Clear or ISDIN to achieve a matching shade and ensure a thick enough layer for effectiveness. Effective sunscreen not only keeps skin looking its best but also helps prevent skin cancer, as breakthrough burns often occur from insufficient application or reapplication.
Does Dr. Boen undergo any cosmetic treatments herself?
Yes, Dr. Boen uses laser treatments on her own sunspots.

From Dr. Monica Boen's Instagram

@drmonicaboen →

Recent photos posted by @drmonicaboen, Dr. Monica Boen's own Instagram account. Each image opens the original post on Instagram.

Images © Dr. Monica Boen / @drmonicaboen, shown here with a link to the original post. Procedure labels are inferred from the post's caption and hashtags. If you are the account owner and want an image removed, contact support [at] navmds.com.

Patient Experience

Dr. Monica Boen Review Summary

4.53
Dr. Boen receives consistently high praise from her patients, averaging a 4.8 rating. While one platform lists a 3/5 rating, the majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, reflecting her skill and compassionate care.

Ratings from Other Platforms

healthgrades.com

3 out of 5

Based on 4 reviews

View on healthgrades.com

realself.com

4.8 out of 5

Based on 6 reviews

View on realself.com
Dr. Monica Boen, MD - Board Certified Dermatologist in San Diego, California

Cosmetic Laser Dermatology

9339 Genesee Ave., Ste. 300, San Diego, California

Book a Service Consultation

Consultation fee: $250

Each service is approximately 60 minutes.

+10 more

Industry Payments

Federal law (the Physician Payments Sunshine Act) requires drug and medical-device companies to report anything of value they give to a physician — consulting and speaking fees, research funding, travel, royalties, and even meals. Medicare publishes all of it in a public database called Open Payments. We show it here so you don't have to go looking for it.

Total received (2024)

$672

Payments

28

Compared to peers

Modest

Dr. Monica Boen received $672 across 28 payments in 2024. That is higher than about 56% of the physicians here who received any industry payment. Most of it was categorised as food and beverage, and the largest single payer was ABBVIE INC..

What this means for your care

  • A disclosed payment is a business relationship, not evidence of wrongdoing, and it says nothing on its own about the quality of your care.
  • Most payments are small. Across the physicians listed on NavMDs, the single most common category is food and beverage at industry-sponsored talks.
  • Larger consulting, speaking or royalty payments mean an ongoing financial relationship with a company whose products your doctor may use or recommend. That is worth knowing about, and it is reasonable to ask about.
  • A fair question to ask: “Do you have a financial relationship with the maker of the implant, filler or device you're recommending — and what alternatives did you consider?”

Source: CMS Open Payments, the federal database created by the Sunshine Act. View the full record on CMS Open Payments ↗

Patient Awards

Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Insurance Information

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Location & Contact Information

Cosmetic Laser Dermatology

9339 Genesee Ave., Ste. 300

San Diego, California

Office Information

Where does Dr. Monica Boen practice?

Doctor's Office

Cosmetic Laser Dermatology (Primary)

9339 Genesee Ave., Ste. 300, San Diego, California

(6 reviews)

Hospital Affiliations

Hospital affiliations unknown

Do you know which hospitals Dr. Monica Boen is affiliated with? This information helps patients understand where they might receive care.

Education & Experience

Education

University Of Illinois
Northwestern University
Double Degree In Biology And International Studies
Mcgaw Medical Center Of Northwestern University

Certifications & Licenses

Board Certified Dermatologist

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make an appointment with Dr. Monica Boen online?
This information is not available based on the provided text.
Does Dr. Monica Boen offer telehealth?
This information is not available based on the provided text.
What do patients have to say about Dr. Monica Boen?
Patients rave about Dr. Boen, describing their experiences as "wonderful," "awesome," and "the best." They highlight her knowledge, friendliness, and the positive results they've achieved.
What areas of care does Dr. Monica Boen cater to?
Dr. Boen specializes in cosmetic and laser dermatology, addressing concerns such as sunspots, stretch marks, and general skincare. Her practice, Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, likely offers a variety of treatments related to these areas. Dr. Boen employs a customized, regenerative approach to treatment, emphasizing that it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. For patients experiencing sagging and fine lines due to significant weight loss, her strategy focuses on rebuilding the skin's underlying structure rather than merely adding volume. She utilizes highly specialized picosecond lasers for microbladed eyebrow tattoo removal, treating all pigment layers simultaneously for a complete result. She also uses XERF, a multifrequency monopolar RF device, for non-surgical treatment of skin laxity, sagging jawline/neck, loss of firmness, fine lines, and early signs of aging, with no downtime. Dr. Boen advocates for correct sunscreen usage, recommending SPF 40 or higher and reapplication every two hours when outdoors (more frequently if swimming or sweating), and personally uses a full coverage UPF suit for sun protection.