Patient Testimonials

Dr. Baback Larian is amazing and his practice with Dr. Azizzadeh is a special place. Two weeks ago, Dr. Larian, Dr. Azizzadeh and Dr. Slattery performed a highly complicated procedure to remove a tumor that had wrapped around my facial nerve. The results are amazing. They removed 100% of the tumor and left my facial nerve fully in tact.

I contacted Dr. Larian late last year because of a recurrence of a tumor in my parotid gland. The first time I had this procedure 12 years ago (by another physician), my face was partially paralyzed for several months. I was told by doctors in my home state that removing this tumor a second time was very risky. They said that there was a high likelihood that I would have long-term or permanent facial paralysis. They weren’t sure it was worth having the procedure at all and maybe best to just leave the tumor alone. But it was hurting and I knew that wasn’t an option. I was distraught.

From the first phone call to Dr. Larian’s office, I knew I was in the right place. Dr. Larian’s surgical expertise, deep knowledge of parotid gland/facial nerve interventions, and his compassion and communication stand out. His knowledge of this area was beyond comparison to other doctors I had met, and he also understood the emotional impact. He talked with me several times before I was ready to move forward. He also used FaceTime so I could see his face, and he gave me his cell phone and responded right away to my questions.

Shelly June, Dr. Larian’s administrator, has also been easy to reach, helpful and supportive throughout the process. She even responded to emails over the weekend or evenings outside office hours. Her responsiveness was very reassuring.

Dr. Larian’s partners Dr. Azizzadeh and Dr. Slattery are equally amazing, knowledgeable and reassuring. They all met with me before the surgery and came out during the surgery at different times to personally communicate and give updates to my parents and boyfriend.

Cedars Sinai staff also made things easy, from the registration process, to escorting us where we needed to go, and their responsive and effective nursing team.

I can’t say enough about Dr. Larian and his whole team. They changed the trajectory of my life and I am so grateful!!

-Debbie Z

Thank you Dr. Larian and Dr. Azizzadeh.

As a 68 year-old, and a practicing healthcare provider of 42 years, I have been in a lot of medical offices and surgicenters. You, your office staff, office facilities and surgicenter exceeding all our expectations. You were both very professional as was your staff. You both expressed experience, and a caring attitude. You worked together very well. All communications and explanations were thorough.

To those reading this review, my condition was a benign tumor on or adjacent to the parotid gland. With previous MRIs and needle biopsies, I was told on multiple occasions that side effects of loss of muscle control as Bell’s Palsy, Fry’s Syndrome, loss of parotid salivary function, dry mouth and disfiguration were probable outcomes and this surgery should not be done unless the tumor were much larger or malignant. My logic was why wait until it gets larger.

Your website and technological approach is on the leading edge and your follow up rounded it out with personal attention. (This is hard to do this medical climate with government intervention separating doctors from patients with regulations on healthcare, insurances and businesses.)

My surgery was yesterday and my first post-op visit was this morning. I know I have a lot of healing remaining. But, I am very pleased because I had 3 ENT physicians in Orange County, Riverside County and Chicago as well as a Plastic Surgeon in Chicago tell me this procedure was too dangerous and would likely leave me with Bells Palsy and I know at this stage that I am not left with any serious problems. I am confident that any defects and scars will be hardly noticeable. All my function seems quite normal. I am sure the parasthesia around the ear will return to normal. Side effects from the anesthesia were predictable, explained and minimal. Your phone call follow ups gave me plenty of opportunity to get answers to any questions we had.

Thank you both and your staff members.

-Dr. L

Dr. Babak Larian and his team are the most professional and competent diagnosticians and surgeons, they are phenomena.

As a health care provider myself I was very picky and chose to go and meet with several ENT and plastic sergeants, and now I can tell that I had made the best decision in my life by choosing Dr. Babak and Dr. Azizzadeh. I had parotid gland tumor for over a year, after doing the MRI Dr. Babak recommended needle aspiration biopsy which was performed painless after spending 30 minutes with Him. This can tell a lot about the 30 minutes we spent together, explaining my situation, giving me all the needed time, making me feel very comfortable and confident that I want him to do the surgery. After 48 hours from the biopsy he called me personally to tell its benign one, so afterwords we started to be prepared for the procedure. We met one week prior to the procedure and he explained the incision type, recovery period, what to expect and how long the procedure will take. He had such a positive influence on me by taking away all the fear and doubts regarding injuring the facial nerve and how he and his team will monitor the nerve and the branches during the 5 hour procedure. I had my surgery on Sept 10 th, before the procedure he came just to say everything will be ok, by that time I was kind of nervous so I looked into his eyes and told that I trust him and that’s why I chose him, he just promised with confident that everything will be just fine! And he had his words by all mean. Surgery was performed at La Peer Health Systems, very nice, clean, organized and beyond any expectations out patient surgical center. The minute I woke up from the general anesthesia I was able to smile normally, shake my shoulders, move my neck, and blinking my eyes just like before the procedure.

I went home the same day, with minimum pain, and never had the feeling that I just went out of a surgery. He called me that night to check on me, which gave me a feeling of how much he care about patients. What amaze me that Dr. Babak was very accurate and right with every single word he said about the procedure and the recovery period. So it was a package of successful patient , Dr. Relationship and care starting from his awesome office financial coordinators specially Shelly !

In a week I was back to my normal life and work schedule! And it’s been already 25 days and the wound is unnoticeable.

I will defiantly recommend Dr. Babak as he is one of a kind human and Dr.

-Vahe H

Dr. Larian is an amazing surgeon who saved my career and quality of life in 2014. My outcome following parotidectomy was far better than I expected. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Larian. He is a brilliant surgeon who has an excellent bedside manner. He is warm and compassionate and really listens to his patients. He is intelligent and confident without being arrogant. His office is beautiful and I could not have been happier with his team at the surgery center.

I have minimal scarring, no dent, and no permanent sensation changes. There was no weakness or paralysis. Pain following surgery was minimal and easily managed.

Why am I so impressed with Dr. Larian? I had a parotid tumor. It was my second tumor within a five year period so I was already very aware of the risks of the surgery. The first surgery at a well known private university hospital left me with a dent where the parotid gland was removed, temporary weakness to my mouth, permanent sensation changes to my jaw and ear, and 5 months of paralysis to my bottom lip. After an MRI confirmed my suspicions of a second tumor on the other side, I returned to the surgeon who performed the first parotidectomy. He said the location of the tumor was far more complicated than the first one. I was given a poor prognosis. He said I needed to prepare myself for 18 months of facial paralysis IF the main branch of the nerve was intact. As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, that outcome would’ve destroyed my career. My devastation regarding that poor prognosis drove my quest to find the best surgeon in southern CA. I did my research and am so thankful I found Dr. Larian. I cannot recommend him more highly to anyone requiring a parotidectomy or other head/neck surgeries within his expertise.

-Kelli W.

I have been really impressed with the service I have received from Dr. Larian’s office. I was so relieved to have such a caring doctor look after me. I came to this location from out of town because the doctor I saw in my hometown made me feel like they weren’t confident in what they were doing. After speaking to Dr. Larian, I knew I was in good hands. I notified Dr. Larian of a problem that came up and he spoke to me personally on the phone, which a lot of doctors won’t do. The staff is very accommodating and friendly as well.

-Anonymous

Dr Larian:

The five-year anniversary of my parotidectomy passed so uneventfully that I forgot all about it. Thanks again for the great work you and the “other Babak” did. I’ve regained full feeling in my cheek and have been able to wiggle both ears for several years now.

-Regards, AG

The most amazing talented professional and caring physician I have ever met! And as a healthcare professional myself I know a talented physician when I meet one. It is a privilege to be a patient of Dr. Larian. I traveled from Northern California to receive care from Dr. Larian and I am so glad that I did. My parotidectomy was successful and I felt cared for through the entire journey. His office team attended to all of our needs as out of town clients and supported my husband and I every step of the way. I wish I could give you a million stars!

-Andrea C

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Larian. By the time my search for a surgeon led me to him, nearly five years had passed since the discovery of a benign tumor in my parotid gland. By then, the tumor had engulfed nearly the entire lower right side of my face. Because of the location of the tumor, even when it was small, removal was considered to pose a significant risk of facial paralysis. My fear of such an outcome kept me looking for a surgeon that I felt confident could remove the tumor with the least amount of damage to my facial nerve. From my initial contact with Dr. Larian and his staff I knew I had come to the right place. I felt like I was being welcomed into a family–a family of world-class experts in the arts of medical care and emotional care. It was truly an astounding experience. There is no paralysis or weakness in my face. There was none immediately post-operatively and there is none now, more seventeen months after the procedure. I had to travel across the country for the surgery, but it was worth it. I would do it again, without hesitation.

-Roger J

Dear Dr. Larian,

I will be forever grateful for the initiative my daughter Anne-Marie took to research other techniques of performing a parotidectomy other than the traditional method offered to me in Quebec,Canada because this is what led me to you and Dr. Azizzadeh. I consider myself very fortunate to have undergone this innovative surgical procedure under the care of two wonderful, friendly, compassionate, caring, competent, and professional surgeons. After 52 years as a nurse, I was deeply moved by the quality of care you and your team provided. Your accessibility brought me reassurance and comfort.

I was deeply impressed when, a week before my surgery, while I was still working in Quebec’s Northern Territory, you called me on your cellular phone to see how I was doing and if I had any questions. At that moment, I knew I had made the right decision to have my surgery in Los Angeles because I felt you truly cared. From our very first appointment, each time we met, I felt I was seeing not only my doctor, but a good friend.

It has been exactly two weeks since my surgery and I feel great. I will be returning to Quebec in a few days with my heart filled with profound gratitude to you, Dr. Azizzadeh, Shelly, and your entire staff.

My warmest regards to all your staff and your family,

Louise “with a smile” 07/2014

I had a parotidectomy with Dr Babak Larian and Dr Babak Azizzadeh. I searched for a long time for a professional doctor ( had more than 5 opinions about my condition ) with the expertise required for this type of surgery since the facial nerve damage was always a risk.After a long time of waiting and prayer I found Dr Azizzadeh and Dr Babak Larian.During my first consultation visit I had the peace and confident that I was in the right hands. I found them very professional, caring, and experts in what they do.They do not only care for the procedure itself but care about the quality of life of the patient after the surgery from scheduling through the follow up. They do not only prioritize healing but aesthetics as well.

I did not have any bruising or nerve weakness, my face looks as if I had not had surgery at all considering that a large mass was removed!

The staff is very courteous and professional. Not questions were left unanswered considering that I am the type of patient that ask many questions and search deeply before I get any medical treatment.

They both exceeded my expectations, I would highly recommend Dr Azizzadeh and Dr Larian to anyone suffering any head and neck conditions or in need of facial surgery and reconstructive surgery. They are gifted doctors. I thank God for these doctors.

-Martha C.

“I have seen him for only the most minor of issues, quite below his talents and expertise, and have nonetheless found him to be thoroughly attentive and helpful. He must have the best bedside manner in town, and one of the most beautifully designed offices as well.”

“I can’t say enough about Dr. Larian; I am so grateful to have found him. He is amazing at what he does and is so incredibly kind. He makes you feel at ease and REALLY cares about you. He performed surgery along with Dr. Azzizadeh on my jaw and you cannot even tell! There are no visible scars! I have recommended him to my family members as he is the best. I have never left a review on YELP but I felt compelled to because he is so wonderful. Everyone who works there is fantastic and they go above and beyond to help you. I can’t express enough how highly I recommend Dr. Larian!”

“After going to several doctors, Dr. Larian was the most reassuring and professional doctor. He had such a very genuine and comforting way about him. He did a great job informing me about my condition. What a great personality for a doctor. I also appreciated the friendly welcome when I came into the office. Very clean and beautiful environment. I highly recommend Dr. Larian.”

“I am very satisfied with Dr.Larian and his staff I honestly can’t think of anything that would need to change or improve since everything is already top notch!”

“I believe the service that Dr. Larian and staff provide is one of a kind. Dr. Larian makes you feel that you’re the most important one there.”

Dr Larian & staff,

Thank you for showing how doctors should be. You took care of the most valuable thing in our lives, our daughter.

-Thank you~much love Dee, Terry & Lenny

I’m home in Hawaii after having minimally-invasive parathyroid surgery with Dr. Babak Larian. What a positive experience. Dr. Larian is a true healer – an elegant surgeon, warm and caring person, simply the best. I was treated like an old friend, from the extraordinary care of the staff beforehand (Shelly! Evelina!) to the staff at the Center and at La Peer. Not to mention being able to watch Chaplin films in the waiting room! I cannot praise you all enough…a hearty Mahalo!

– Ann 05/2012

Dr. Larian is everything anyone facing head/neck surgery could want….he is highly skilled, compassionate, kind, and very well educated. Most definitely one of the best doctors in the country.

– Anonymous

Dr. Larian is one of the best physicians in Los Angeles — and I’ve seen many! He’s kind, compassionate, really listening to what you tell him. His entire office staff is approachable and friendly. I have a very difficult medical case, and he’s been very patient with my ongoing medical needs. Truly one of the best!

– Tara K

There is no gift more precious than one’s health. Happiness must rest upon that ground, alight with pain, no pleasure can be found. No joy in love or beauty, words or wealth. Know that I am grateful for your skill, your sensitivity and dedication. Out of strength, my mother dreaded all sensation until your healing touch restored her will.

Dear Dr Larian, I do not know how to thank you for helping my mom so quickly. I wish you endless happiness. May the stars be yours for the taking.

-Warmly, Hayli 03/04

Dear Dr Larian,

I just wanted to thank you for your generosity with your time. You helped me feel confident with my fathers care & it means so much to me. It is obvious that you love your work and are at the top of your field. My dad is in his 2nd week of treatment and doing great.

-Thank you so much for all your help, Sincerely, Nicole

Dr Larian,

when we came to your office last week both my wife & I were very upset & nervous. When you met with us, you immediately put us at ease by taking the time to explain everything to us in detail. You were very aware of our feelings & showed us such patience, warmth & understanding. When we left your office the relief we felt was enormous as we knew we had a wonderful & caring doctor taking care of us. Thank you, doctor, for all you have to offer, you are a wonderful gift to your patients.

-Fondly, Mark & Shirley

Dear Dr Larian,

I want to thank you for all your kindness. You have really gone out of your way to help me & I can not express enough how grateful I am. You are truly special.

-All the best, Sabrina

Dear Dr Larian,

You saved my life! I am eternally grateful to you. Your warmth and friendliness to me & my wife are exemplary. Each visit is like seeing a good friend.

-Richard & Sunny

Dear Dr Larian,

I want to express my deepest appreciation for your kindness, genuine caring and of course your expertise when you performed my recent surgery. As one who has limited experience with the medical profession, I didn’t know what to expect. I felt totally “held” by you & your team and could relax, knowing you were indeed, the best and would ensure an optimal outcome. All I can say is I will sing your praises for a long time. I feel blessed to have found you, deep gratitude for your skill, and graced to be the recipient of such compassionate care.

Please give my best to Shaye & Dr Azizzadeh too. He will be seeing me in a few years or two~J

– Much love, Diane 07/08

Our experience at the Center for Advanced Head & Neck Surgery was better than anything we could imagine. Already taking a 3 year old for a surgery is a anxiety inducing experience. Both my wife and I were very stressed to begin with. As soon as we arrived at the Center we were treated with compassion, until the moment we left. I would highly recommend, this surgery center to anyone who is in need of a procedure. My hats are off to Dr. Larian and his entire staff. They are a class act.

– Arya R

Easy to make an appointment. Everyone was very nice and provided great service.

-Donald G

Dr. Larian is the best of the best. You are treated as a friend not a customer. His talent is great. God thru his hands has given me another chance at life!

-Steven H

I have had a phenomenal experience with the office & Dr. Larian. He was adamant about getting to the bottom of what was causing my health issues & he did it. He was understanding and went through every lab in detail as if I’m a colleague discussing the issue at hand. No question he is the best in the industry.

-Vartui C

Dr. Larian is an excellent physician. He really takes the time to listen to your concerns and always provides thoughtful feedback. Dr. Larian is kind, empathetic, and has an excellent bedside manner and truly makes you feel as though you are of utmost importance during your visit with him.

-Grace S

I don’t doubt for a second that Dr. Larian treated my grandmother like his own mother. He comforted my family with his kind words and with his expertise.

No one is more suited at giving the type of care and humanity to my ongoing condition than Dr Larian, his kindness and experience is baffling.

Dr Larian is a rare healer.

Dr Larian,

As I approach the anniversary of my surgery, I find myself counting my blessings. Please know that meeting you rank very high on my list of blessings. Thanks so much for your excellent service & care.

-Sincerely, Douglas

“I cannot thank Dr. Larian enough for the excellent expert surgery and medical care I received from him. We are all very fortunate to have Dr. Larian to take care of us.”

“Dr. Larian has a excellent way of explaining problem.”

Dr Larian,

You will always be in my prayers. Thank you for not giving up on me when others said there was nothing that could be done. You are totally awesome and I thank God for you.

-Lara “A miracle” 3/04

Dear Dr Larian,

Angie and all the kind assistants at the desk: Thank you so much for your extraordinary care in my health & well-being. Nothing is more important than my voice. I was very nervous about finding a good doctor in LA to help me with my allergies and related issues concerning my voice. However, you & your staff have done more for me than any other medical staff I have encountered. What a relief you all have been. All of you are great to work with. I am feeling much better in so many ways, and much of it is owed to all of you. Thank you! If every doctor’s office were like this, the world would be a much healthier place.

-Sincerely, Gavin L

“I decided to postpone after consulting my husband/sleeping partner, other family members, and my Internist, who all agreed that my condition was still mild, would probably worsen with age, at which point I would definitely want to select Dr.Larian to be my surgeon”

“Dr.Larian is not your average Dr. He makes you feel like you’re the only patient there.”

“Dr.Larian is an amazing soul!”

“Best Doctor I’ve had! I’m so glad I met him!”

“Dr. Larian is a true friend and professional physician.”

“The office and experience is top notch – no suggestions required in my opinion.”

“Dr. Larian’s staff were very helpful and kind. He was wonderful, very professional, good listener and thoughtful in his explanation of situation. I have appreciated his help and interest immensely.”

“Was one of the best doctor I have had from cedars, I loved his personality, and hands on, made me feel very comfortable.”

“He’s amazing, answered all my questions with such confidence and immediacy.”

“He was very knowledgeable and gave me great explanations.”

“Wonderful doctor, felt extremely comfortable.”

“Dr. Larian was kind, knowledgeable and professional.”

“Very wise and helpful doctor!”

“I have seen a lot of doctors over the years, this experience was exceptional. I followed Dr. Larian’s advice and I am already feeling better.”

“Amazing. Dr. Larian made me feel very comfortable about the surgery.”

“He is one of the most knowledgeable and professional physicians that I’ve met.”

“Dr. Larian was very welcoming, professional and allayed my concerns.”

“Dr. Larian is a very caring knowledgeable Dr. and is very kind and takes time to explain everything listen and friendly.”

“Dr. was amazing, friendly and knowledgeable.”

“I am very impressed that Dr. Larian has called me when I called and had pain and concerns and is very dedicated to his patients.”