clinical training

the L.A.B. aesthetic institute

The L.A.B. aesthetic institute offers training and development to physicians, PAs, NPs, and nurse injectors seeking to branch into aesthetics or current professionals aiming to master their craft, learn new techniques, or expand off-label product use.

Small groups of 1–2 attendees are preferred to ensure optimal hands-on training with live injections. We also host larger presentation-only events, allowing you to choose the learning style that best suits your skill level.

Educational material is customized for each trainee based on their neuromodulator and dermal filler experience. Trainings are held at the L.A.B. med spa, though off-site sessions can be arranged for an additional cost.

Sonya Ellis, APRN, CPSN, CANS, ISPAN-F — lead trainer and co-founder of the L.A.B. — has been a nurse since 2000, working in plastic surgery since 2004 and injecting since 2007. One of only two nurses in Texas certified in both plastic surgery and aesthetics, she maintains a practice of 3,000 patients and performs 50K procedures annually. She injects around 700 syringes of filler and 32,000 units of neuromodulators each year.

Sonya has trained since 2017 with leading companies such as Allergan, Merz, and Prollenium. However, her private off-label trainings remain the most sought-after.

Four women in black scrubs posing in front of the L.A.B. medspa sign, two seated and two standing.
Mentorship Program

Advanced Mentorship for Clinical Excellence

Our mentorship program is is built for licensed injectors and medical providers who want more than introductory training. It offers focused, real-world clinical guidance designed to sharpen decision-making, refine advanced techniques, and elevate patient outcomes.

Mentorships are customized to your experience level and professional goals, with direct access to expert oversight in an active clinical environment. Topics may include advanced facial assessment, treatment planning, complication prevention and management, and workflow optimization for real practice settings.

Spots are limited to ensure individualized attention. This program is best suited for providers committed to long-term growth and clinical excellence.

Four smiling women posing inside the L.A.B. medspa, two standing and two sitting by stairs.
the L.A.B. education

Shadowing Program

Follow one of our specialists in our office, observe as they treat our normal population base and learn valuable business and clinical pearls from our experts. You can ask questions, but there will NOT be a hands-on portion.

NOTE: You do need to have a TX license for this hands-on course.

Woman with eyes closed receiving facial markings from a professional using a white marker and black gloves.

Half-Day Shadow

$400 for 4 hrs.

Woman receiving receiving facial markings to her face by professional with black gloves.

Full-Day Shadow

$800 for 8 hrs.

the L.A.B. education

One-on-One Customized Training

Hands on injection training for one to two people with a specialist at our office with a customized program to fit your individual needs. Didactic and hands on included. Medical supplies (needles, syringes, etc.) are not included unless held at our training facility. Injectable product will be available for wholesale cost or you may provide your own. 4 hour training minimum. Off-site training rates incur additional charges plus travel.

Woman with closed eyes receiving an injection near her eyelid from a gloved professional.

Beginner/Intermediate

Pricing Based on Your Training Plan
4 hrs. (minimum)

A professional injecting lip filler into a woman's lips while she reclines with eyes closed.

Advanced

Pricing Based on Your Training Plan
4 hrs. (minimum)

Group Training

$600 pp for 4 hours

When we get enough attendees interested in one subject, we will conduct a class based on the subject matter and skill level of attendees. Didactic and live injection by specialist included, No hands-on training for attendees.

the L.A.B. education

Online Training Videos

Learn from the L.A.B. co-founders Dr. Stephen Ellis and Sonya Ellis, APRN, CPSN, CANS, ISPAN-F — a nationally recognized trainer. With two decades of nursing experience and work with Allergan, Merz, and Prollenium since 2017, Sonya and Dr. Ellis bring trusted knowledge and hands-on insight to every online training video.

Woman receiving facial laser treatment from technician wearing gloves and protective glasses in spa room.

Blanche Box - Training Video

Free

A step-by-step guide to vascular occlusion management, covering early recognition, hyaluronidase dosing, ocular protocols, and recovery care.
Learn More

What if a patient at your aesthetic practice has a vascular occlusion, ocular occlusion, or a similar event while undergoing treatment? It will be much easier to tackle the situation if you have a well-equipped emergency box at your office. Here, Sonya Ellis, explains everything about the blanche (emergency) box at L.A.B. med spa; what it contains, the different protocols, and the conditions they help tackle. She gives step-by-step guidelines to all procedures and explains the importance of keeping all your staff members acquainted with it. Want to learn more about the blanche box? Call us at the L.A.B. aesthetic institute in Southlake, TX or check out our website.

Woman receiving cosmetic facial injection from a professional wearing black gloves in clinic.

PRP - Training Video

$50

Master PRP preparation and injection techniques for face, scalp, and body, including microneedling, hair restoration, and post-laser recovery.
Learn More

Watch this training video to learn everything you want to know about PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma). The experienced staff members of L.A.B. med spa explain the different uses for PRP, how and when the procedure should be carried out, pre- and post-care routines, and contraindications. It also shows some actual patient procedures under way for several treatments such as mesotherapy, hair rejuvenation, and microneedling. If you are interested in learning more about PRP technology, call us at the L.A.B. aesthetic institute in Southlake, TX or check out our website.

Woman wearing protective glasses receiving a facial treatment on her chin from a gloved professional.

Pellet - Training Video

$300

A real-time demonstration of female hormone pellet insertion, including prep, anesthetic use, sterile technique, placement, and aftercare.
Learn More

Join Dr. Stephen Ellis, a Board-certified anesthesiologist, as he performs face and neck lidocaine blocks on a patient getting ready for laser treatment. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that can be administered to different parts of the body to cause numbness when preparing patients for certain medical procedures. It is injected into the skin to prevent pain by blocking the signals at the nerve endings, providing a comfortable experience for patients. Want to learn more about the services offered by L.A.B. med spa? Dial (817) 251-1000 and visit us at 1910 East State Highway #114 in Southlake, TX.

Smiling woman sitting at a desk typing on a keyboard with a computer screen and lamp nearby.

Lidocaine Block - Training Video

$300

Dr. Ellis demonstrates precise facial and neck nerve blocks to improve comfort, control, and safety across aesthetic procedures.
Learn More

This clinical training video provides step-by-step uses and applications of the RHA injectable filler portfolio (Redensity, RHA2, RHA3, and RHA4). Starting with a consultative analysis, prep, injection, and final result. Learn tips and tricks to enhance your RHA knowledge and expertise while providing a larger profit margin to your practice.

Woman receiving cosmetic treatment on her face from a professional wearing black gloves.

Allergan - Training Video

$500

A full-face training on the Allergan portfolio with live injections, mapping, and product selection for natural, balanced aesthetic results.
Learn More

Let's watch Sonya Ellis, MSN, CPSN, CANS, as she works with the incredible Allergan Injectable Portfolio. You will see Sonya

  • Improve facial balance
  • Add volume where fat loss has occurred
  • Macrotox areas experiencing pain and to slim the neck
  • Discuss creating injection procedures for success
  • Dilution of neurotoxin and filler based on patients needs for customized results
  • AND many more amazing tips and tricks for success with the Allergan Injectable Portfolio!

Woman in spa robe receives cosmetic injection from clinician while another woman records notes.

Galderma - Training Video

$500

Two-model training on Galderma’s portfolio with mapping, advanced injections, and strategies for symmetry, longevity, and safe placement.
Learn More

This video is part of a premium training program to ensure that healthcare practitioners know how to use Galderma products safely and efficiently. At the L.A.B. aesthetic institute, we assist healthcare professionals in administering the Galderma product portfolio. Take a look at this step-by-step off label Galderma Training performed on two patients.

Woman wearing black gloves injects a substance into another woman's jawline in a clinical setting.

Hyperdilute Radiesse - Training Video

$500

A focused session on using hyperdilute Radiesse for body rejuvenation, covering dilution, technique, depth, and collagen-stimulating methods.
Learn More

Join Sonya Ellis, MSN, CPSN, CANS, as she delves into using Hyperdilute Radiesse and Sculptra for Body Biostimulation to meet her patient's aesthetic goals. In this video, you can look forward to:

  • Injection techniques with both needles and cannulas for the knees, buttocks, and arms
  • Taking the best before and after photos for well-represented results
  • The process to customize patient markings for injections
  • Choosing the right filler for each injection location
  • Creating and following protocols for safety, cleanliness, and managing injection procedure
  • Diluting procedures for Hyperdilute Radiesse and Sculptra
  • AND many incredible tips and tricks from Sonya's 20+ years of experience!

A woman receives a lip injection from a professional wearing black gloves in a clinic chair.

Radiesse Jawline - Training Video

$500

A guided demonstration of Radiesse mapping and injections for jawline and chin contouring, emphasizing structure, symmetry, and safety.
Learn More

Learn with us as Sonya Ellis, MSN, CPSN, CANS, works with Radiesse in her patient's jawline, chin, and cheeks. In this video, you'll see:

  • How to use Radiesse to balance the face and profile
  • Recognizing and using anatomy as a roadmap to create customized results
  • Usage of cannulas and needles for different areas of the face and why to use each
  • The importance of watching and recognizing changes as you inject
  • And many more tips and tricks when using Radiesse!

Two medical professionals wearing gloves and goggles prepare a woman lying down for a treatment.

Merz Portfolio - Training Video

$500

Advanced Merz portfolio training using two models to show product selection, layering, and off-label techniques for balanced, natural results.
Learn More

the L.A.B. aesthetic institute provides personal training and development to physicians, PAs, NPs, and other Nurse Injectors interested in branching out into aesthetic injecting, as well as current aesthetic medical professionals who want to master their craft, learn new techniques, and/or learn how to use off-label products. Check out this step-by-step Merz Training carried out on an elderly patient and a young patient.

PRP Sexual Wellness: "The Shot" - Training Video

$500

A complete PRP sexual wellness training covering draw, preparation, anatomy, injection protocols, comfort measures, and post-care guidance.
Learn More

Learn alongside us as Sonya Ellis, MSN, CPSN, CANS as she uses Versa to improve facial balance along with many other tips! In this training, you'll see:

  • Techniques for using Versa to create beautiful facial balancing for patients of various ages and with varied history of experience with injectables
  • Consultations with every patient to customize results based on facial anatomy, age, and patient history with injectables
  • Recommendations for skincare at all ages
  • The importance of creating procedures throughout your practice to guarantee safety and success when injecting
  • And so many more additional tips from Sonya's 20+ years of injecting experience!

Smiling cosmetologist in white uniform with hairnet stands by client covered in towel on treatment bed.

PRF - Training Video

$500

A deep dive into PRF science and application with live injections for face, neck, scalp, and regenerative protocols across multiple treatments.
Learn More

This video is ideal for those seeking advanced training in facial aesthetics and learning step-by-step protocols used by experts in the field. You will learn how to manipulate platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) for various facial indications.

Smiling woman sitting at a desk typing on a keyboard with a computer screen and lamp nearby.

RHA Portfolio - Training Video

$500

Advanced training on RHA fillers showing assessment, product selection, and injection techniques for natural, dynamic, expression-safe results.
Learn More

This clinical training video provides step-by-step uses and applications of the RHA injectable filler portfolio (Redensity, RHA2, RHA3, and RHA4). Starting with a consultative analysis, prep, injection, and final result. Learn tips and tricks to enhance your RHA knowledge and expertise while providing a larger profit margin to your practice.

Versa - Training Video

$500

A comprehensive masterclass on the Versa portfolio with facial mapping, contouring, neck and chest rejuvenation, and technique refinement.
Learn More

Learn alongside us as Sonya Ellis, MSN, CPSN, CANS as she uses Versa to improve facial balance along with many other tips! In this training, you'll see:

  • Techniques for using Versa to create beautiful facial balancing for patients of various ages and with varied history of experience with injectables
  • Consultations with every patient to customize results based on facial anatomy, age, and patient history with injectables
  • Recommendations for skincare at all ages
  • The importance of creating procedures throughout your practice to guarantee safety and success when injecting
  • And so many more additional tips from Sonya's 20+ years of injecting experience!

Cosmetic professional injecting filler into a seated woman's lips in a clinic setting.

BioFiller EZ - Gel Training Video

$500

Learn the science, preparation, and injection techniques behind EZGEL with a full walkthrough from presentation to live model application.
Learn More

In this clinical training video, Sonya Ellis, MSN, CPSN, CANS of LAB med spa in Southlake, Texas, explains everything you need to know about the biofiller EZGEL. She describes the differences between PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin), their uses and benefits, how a patient is prepared for blood drawing, how the PRF is prepared, complications (if any), and factors like ethnicity and altitude that may affect their performance. She explains some procedures utilizing PRF, like microneedling, mesotherapy, hair restoration, mixing with fillers, including BioGel fillers, and laser resurfacing. Sonya also shows a PRF/EZGEL procedure being performed on a patient.

A white marble background with a black border.
Testimonial

What Our Patients Say

Booking is a snap and the practice is beautiful, filled with smiling friendly lovelies at the front desk ready to help. Sonya is a legitimate expert in tox, and can spot and plan around potential issues with your face for the best results. I refer to Dr. Ellis as “my lab wizard”. They both truly are amazing at what they do so you can be your best self. Intentional, well guided and purposeful path for optimized living.

Melissa Zerangue

I’ve been with Sonya for 20 years and she and her staff are top notch. Shelby is my go-to girl and she is amazing!! Highly recommend.

Stephanie Sanchez

Elizabeth was absolutely AMAZING!! She was extremely professional and kind the whole time. I felt comfortable through the whole process. And my results were even better than i imagined!! Every other staff member i talked to was also very kind and welcoming. I can’t recommend Elizabeth and The LAB enough to people!! Will be back for any future aesthetic needs!!!

Alyssa Abeyta

I’ve been a client of Sonya & her associates for decades!! And, I will never go anyplace else. I highly recommend Sonya & anyone she has hired as they have been vetted to meet her high standards! Dani’s facials are the best, especially the 90 min treatment extraordinaire!

Karin Book

My wife suffered a severe adverse reaction to Radiesse injections at a different aesthetic spa. We were recommended to urgently seek the assistance of LAB Med Spa in Southlake. Sonya & Stephen were eager to help her & got confirmed her appointment very quickly. From the moment that we entered their location; the attentiveness & concern was notable. The entire staff dedicated themselves to helping her & resolving the issues. They sat with us in an interview & documented all of the previous issues & associated treatments previously provided. From this information, they developed a remediation plan to resolve the issues that resulted from the adverse reaction to the injection. She is currently in the step-by-step remediation plan that was agreed upon. The results have been spectacular. Every visit involves a complete evaluation of the treatment progress & initiation of the next step. We could not be more pleased & grateful to Sonya Ellis, Dr. Stephen Ellis & their entire staff. We would highly recommend LAB Med Spa for any facial aesthetic treatments that you would require. Thank you again for helping us through this difficult situation!

Eric Dean

As always so welcoming! This is my 3rd time and I will be a regular. Everyone in this office is just amazing. Above and beyond to make you feel comfortable, at home and informed. I would recommend them over and over. Not one bad thing to say. These ladies are the best!

Jennifer Kennedy

Sonya and her whole staff are amazing!!! From the second you walk in they greet you and make you feel like family. The flow is timed perfectly meaning there is little waiting time. Sonya is the best at her craft! I always learn something new every time I see her! And I’m always happy with my results. Highly recommend

Candice Costa

Great experience, Shelby is a knowledgeable and caring provider. She’s prompt at answering questions and always available when you need her.

Sheena Less

I have been a customer of Sonya Ellis since 2019 and wouldn’t think of going anywhere else! She is absolutely the best of the best !! She is very authentic and easy to talk too. I know she always has my best interest at heart. I feel very fortunate to be her client.

Shelley Jensen

I had such a wonderful experience at the L.A.B. Med Spa. This was my first visit and it was warm and welcoming from the minute I walked in. The space is beautifully decorated, clean and well organized. I was a little nervous at first as this was my first experience with Botox injections. Everyone was kind and comforting and quickly put me at ease. Alyssa was my provider and she made me feel comfortable, took time to listen and explained everything clearly and thoroughly. Her energy was kind, calming, confident and professional throughout the process. Most importantly, my results were amazing! I am beyond happy with how everything turned out and sincerely appreciate the care and attention to detail she provided. I highly recommend this med spa to anyone looking for professional service, a clean and inviting environment, and fantastic results! I will definitely be coming back!

Rhonda Rodriguez

The Lab MedSpa is superb. From lasers to Botox and facials, every facet of the business exceeds expectations. I recently had a laser treatment with Dr. Ellis and the results have truly surpassed what I hoped for. Communication was excellent, and the post-laser care and follow-up were just as impressive. Highly recommend!

Sommer Portwood

I’ve been a customer for 10+ years and trust Sonya completely! Always up on the newest and greatest beauty enhancers . So professional and caring!

Jacque Evans Gilliland

This place is gorgeous! Everyone is so kind and knowledgeable. I love how pictures are taken at every visit so you can really track your progress. Instead of overfilling my lips Shelby dissolved and started fresh and they are perfect! Her honesty and professionalism definitely gained my trust and I branched out into other treatments! Love how this spa is constantly learning and improving their techniques so you know you are in amazing hands!

Lesley Gurrola

I was so incredibly impressed by my visit! Everyone is so nice and incredibly knowledgeable. I loved how they are true consultants and don’t try to push any service or products. I’ve only been once so far and I haven’t had a breakout since! Candace was so amazing! I can’t wait for my customized facial with her in November. No one else will ever touch my face now. I will for sure be exploring more services! The before and after pictures they post give me all the starry eyes!

Danica Guerra

Love LAB such great staff and they do amazing work!

Sonnie Starr Rice

Love it here! The girls are amazing and knowledgeable! They make you feel right at home. There’s never any pressure. If anything, I always feel like they want me to take some time to decide on a treatment. They want it to be your decision and at the right time for you! It’s really a 5 star operation!

Jessica Clancy

Shelby has been amazing in analyzing my face and making recommendations that are both subtle and effective. Everyone at LAB are so nice and never push a service or product that you don’t need. Highly recommend for all your functional medical and aesthetic needs.

Martha Schirripa

I can't say enough wonderful things about Shelby at the L.A.B.! From the moment I met her, I knew I was in the best hands. Shelby has an incredible talent for enhancing natural beauty without ever overtreating. Her honesty and skill ensure that I always leave feeling more beautiful and confident. Beyond her expertise, Shelby is an amazing person who truly cares about her clients. I feel so fortunate to have been referred to her. Highly recommend!

M Bustamante

It was my first time experience to this facial spa and it was amazing! The space is clean, calming, and beautifully set up for a relaxing experience. The staff is knowledgeable, gentle, and truly passionate about it They take the time to understand your skin’s needs. Highly recommend if you’re looking to treat yourself or upgrade your skincare routine and I will highly recommend Shelby!

Luminita Watts

Best group training I attended during my aesthetics career. The trainers were knowledgeable and experienced. I enjoyed my training and I’m ready to practice the skills I learned. Can’t wait for the next one! Thank you Sonya and Shelby!

Jerrica Brooks

Sonya is a top notch educator! I appreciate her kindness and knowledge in technique and rheology. As a newer injector, she made me feel so comfortable and was able to explain things to me that was easy to understand. Thank you so much for your hospitality and knowledge. It was so worth traveling to train with her and her team! She did a great job to making us feel like we were apart of her team that day and she is also hilarious! You can really tell how passionate about her patients and the work she does. Shelby was also as amazing. She really inspires me with how knowledgeable she is. I love the dynamic her and Sonya have created together. They really share both perspectives on what works for them and it allowed me to feel like they cared about my learning without any bias. Shelby has a very calm demeanor that made me feel at ease with learning from her. Thank you so much to the LAB team and educators. It makes me excited to learn more from them in the future!

Liberty Yang

I have being a patient for over 3 years of Lab Med Spa and I always have an amazing experience with the team. From the front desk team to the injectors are simple amazing. A truly wonderful and exceptionally professionals, the level of expertises and attention to detail is evident throughout the entire process. I couldn’t be happier with my results and would highly recommend the Lab Med Spa team to anyone seeking skilled injectors.

Lady PR

Absolutely phenomenal experience at The L.A.B. Spa! From the moment I walked through the door, I felt welcomed, pampered, and completely at ease. The spa itself is beautifully designed—clean, modern, and calming, with an attention to detail that instantly puts you in the mindset to relax and rejuvenate. But the real standout here is Sonya Ellis. She is a true artist and professional when it comes to aesthetics. No one compares to her level of expertise, care, and precision. Sonya takes the time to truly understand your goals and explains everything thoroughly, so you feel confident and informed every step of the way. Her eye for natural beauty enhancement is unmatched—subtle, refined, and always tailored to what suits you best. I walked out feeling refreshed, youthful, and most importantly, like the best version of myself. If you're considering any aesthetic treatments, trust me—Sonya Ellis at The L.A.B. Spa is the one to see. Professional, kind, and incredibly talented. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. Highly recommend 10/10! 🌟

Heather Hernandez

I had the absolute pleasure of attending a hands-on injector training with Sonya and Shelby. Wow! What an incredible experience! It was well-organized and detailed. This was one of the best trainings I’ve ever attended. They weren’t only knowledgeable, but warm, welcoming, and passionate about teaching. Their techniques, focus on safety, and attention to detail made the trip from St. Louis absolutely worthwhile! I left feeling confident and ready to apply what I learned. If you get the chance to attend a training with this dream team, don’t pass it up. I cannot wait to come back to The LAB!!!

Amber Childress

From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the incredibly attentive staff. Everyone goes above and beyond to make sure I feel comfortable, and cared for. Their professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail truly set this place apart. The customer service is outstanding-friendly, and genuine. I feel like a valued guest from start to finish, Every interaction is thoughtful and personal. It's clear the team takes great pride in what they do, and it shows in the way they treat their clients I highly recommend The LAB Med Spa because they care so very deeply about each client.

Elaine O' Gorman

Shelby has been doing my facial balancing over the past few months and I SWEAR she’s a witch. She completely transformed my face in the best way. Everything looks super cohesive, feminine, and I have never felt prettier. Go see her!

Chloe Powell

I’ve been going to LAB Med Spa for years, and every visit continues to exceed my expectations. The entire staff is truly 10/10—professional, welcoming, and always attentive. I see Natalie for my treatments, and I honestly can’t say enough about her. She is incredibly skilled, precise, and has an eye for natural, beautiful results. I just saw her today for a lip treatment and a quick touch-up, and once again, I’m blown away. Natalie is simply impeccable. I trust her completely. Her talent and consistency keep me coming back every time.

Esmeralda Gonzalez

Sonya is the asthetics queen! I've seen her for over a decade, I won't have anyone else touch my face. She is so kind and knowledgeable, I trust her completely. Everyone in the office is so nice and welcoming. Chelle is amazing for all your laser needs(I do Halo & BBL every winter) as well as, weight management. Don't hesitate to make an appointment, you're worth it!

Ashley Barbey

I am writing to express my highest recommendation for Sonya at The Lab.. Her expertise and professionalism have genuinely transformed my experience as a client. The quality of service provided has exceeded all expectations, and I consider the outcomes to be exceptional by any standard. Sonya demonstrates remarkable skill, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to client satisfaction. What particularly stands out is her ability to make clients feel comfortable and informed throughout the entire process. The facility itself maintains impeccable standards, and the entire staff exhibits the highest level of professionalism. If there were a rating system beyond five stars, they would undoubtedly earn it. I cannot overstate the positive impact this experience has had on my wellbeing, and I wholeheartedly recommend Sonya and the entire team to anyone seeking similar services."

Carla Caisse

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Interested in learning more about private trainings or availability?  Contact the office today! (817) 251-1000.

Connect With the L.A.B.

Train with the L.A.B. aesthetic institute

Ready to elevate your injection skills? Fill out the form to learn more about our personalized, hands-on training with expert guidance from Sonya Ellis, MSN, RN, CPSN, CANS. Discover customized education designed to match your experience and advance your aesthetic expertise.

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