The KAI team

A man smiling, wearing glasses, a blue plaid blazer, and brown pants, sitting in front of a wooden bookshelf with decorative items.
A man with a shaved head and light skin sitting on a beige couch near a window, wearing medical scrubs with embroidered text that reads Amit Kochhar M, Facial Plastics.
A woman with long blonde hair sitting on a light-colored sofa. She is wearing a green sleeveless jumpsuit with a front zipper, a tie at the waist, and a name tag that reads 'Lauren Pewnick RN, CANS.' She has a watch on her left wrist and several rings on her fingers, and is smiling at the camera. The background features a wood-paneled wall.
A young woman with long brown hair and a smile, sitting on a beige chair near a window with a city view. She is wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, olive green pants, and jewelry.
A smiling woman with shoulder-length hair wearing a green jumpsuit standing indoors, with wooden shelving and decorative items in the background.
A woman in medical scrubs and a white coat, standing in front of wooden shelves with decorative vases and plants, smiling at the camera.

  • Kian Karimi MD, FACS is a world-renowned facial plastic surgeon and head and neck surgeon, who is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. He is considered one of the nation’s top facial plastic surgeons and an innovator in advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments. He’s gained trust and built his reputation by serving individuals from all walks of life with the utmost care. Patients include A-list celebrities, high-profile executives and public figures, professional athletes, trauma victims, and young adults. Dr. Kian has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for seven years in a row since 2017 and was featured in Modern Luxury Los Angeles in 2022 and 2023.

    Recognized as a pioneer in non-invasive procedures, Dr. Kian personally trains surgeons across the nation on best practices of PDO thread techniques, microcannula filler injections, and the utilization of autologous blood plasma for aesthetic and reconstructive purposes.

    Ultimately, Dr. Kian believes that the outcome of any consultation, surgical, or non-surgical procedure should be to enhance his patients’ physical and emotional quality of life. He spends adequate time advising his patients of their options in order to create an individualized plan.

    Dr. Kian is fluent in Spanish and Farsi.

  • Dr. Amit Kochhar, MD, is double board-certified in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Kochhar performs the full breadth of cosmetic facial surgery, with a particular focus on rhinoplasty and aging face.

    In addition to his cosmetic practice, he is the director of the Facial Nerve Disorders Program at Pacific Eye, Ear & Skull Base Center, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica.

    In addition to his clinical duties caring for patients, and teaching, he continues to perform research and present at national meetings. His training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery has provided him with a diverse skill set that he can provide to each patient.

    His patients appreciate his compassion, expertise and rare combination of aesthetic and reconstructive surgical skills. Dr. Kochhar believes that each patient has unique experiences and perspectives that shape their goals of treatment. Thus, he strives to learn about his patients in-depth and create a plan of care that meets each of their individual needs.

    Dr. Kochhar has been recognized by several prestigious organizations and publications. Since joining KAI in 2020, he has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and was featured in Modern Luxury Los Angeles in 2022 and 2023.

  • Aesthetic Physician Associate & Laser and Injectables Specialist

    Sharon Stewart, PA-C is a board-certified Physician Associate with over 12 years of experience in clinical and cosmetic dermatology. She holds a Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies from Western University of Health Sciences and is dedicated to continual learning through advanced medical and aesthetic training. Sharon specializes in injectables, lasers, and regenerative aesthetic treatments, crafting personalized treatment plans that deliver natural-looking results. Her passion lies in helping patients feel confident and beautiful in their skin.

  • Cindy Peng, PA-C is a board-certified Physician Associate specializing in cosmetic dermatology and aesthetics. With five years of experience in the field, she is dedicated to helping patients feel confident in their skin. Cindy earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Southern California and her Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from Rush University Medical Center.

    Passionate about aesthetics, she seamlessly blends injectables and laser rejuvenation treatments to achieve natural, harmonious results. She is highly skilled in treating skin concerns such as melasma and acne and is an expert in using dermal fillers and biostimulators to enhance facial balance. Some of her key expertise includes buttock enhancement, cheek and lip filler, helping patients achieve natural and well-proportioned results. Her approach is both comprehensive and individualized, ensuring each patient’s unique concerns and aesthetic goals are met with precision and care.

  • Aesthetic Nurse & Laser and Injectables Specialist

    Lauren is a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist with 3.5 years of experience in medical aesthetics. She graduated with honors as a Registered Nurse from Mount St. Mary’s College and completed an intensive aesthetic fellowship under the mentorship of Dr. Karimi, training closely under his guidance. With a strong anatomical background and a keen eye for detail, Lauren is dedicated to delivering natural, balanced results tailored to each patient’s unique features.

    Her commitment to continuous learning and mastery of advanced techniques allows her to create customized treatment plans to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals. Lauren specializes injectables, and laser treatments, combining expertise with an artistic approach to enhance beauty with precision and care.

  • Laser and Injectables Specialist

    Elizabeth is a highly skilled registered nurse with over a decade of experience in healthcare, specializing in a variety of clinical settings. With a strong foundation in patient care and a commitment to ongoing education, Elizabeth transitioned into the field of aesthetics in 2023. Having completed advanced training in Nashville and Arizona, Elizabeth specializes in injectables and laser treatments, blending a deep understanding of medical science with an artistic touch. Now a proud member of Kian Aesthetic Institute family, Elizabeth is dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes by delivering personalized, results-driven aesthetic care, with a passion for helping individuals achieve their desired appearance. Elizabeth combines technical skill with a compassionate approach, ensuring each client feels valued and supported throughout their aesthetic journey.