I spent my early years in the sunshine of southern California in the greater Los Angeles area by Westlake Village. After high school, wanting a little independence, I moved to the Norther California Bay Area to complete the rest of my extended education.

I attended the University of California at Berkeley as an undergrad, where I graduated with a 4.0 GPA and was a University Medal finalist. From there, I went on to Stanford Medical School for four years.

I am widely renowned for my expertise, pioneering techniques, and scientific research on all topics of non-invasive cosmetic dermatology and aesthetics.  I am particularly well known for my experience, research, and having an “eye” for injectables like fillers, neuromodulators, Kybella, and biostimulatory fillers. This is not just part of my practice; The Derm Institute (TDI) is completely dedicated to cosmetic dermatology, and in these fields, I am considered a key opinion leader working with injectable companies, laser companies, and skincare companies alike to push forward the field. I am a sought-after expert both academically and in the media.

Since 2011, our vision and philosophy statement has remained unchanged:

Founded in 2011, TDI was developed to provide the absolute best in medical care, customer service, and state-of-the-art cosmetic treatments. We strive to be the premier cosmetic dermatology facility in the South Bay and Greater Los Angeles area. Our goal is to not only make our patients look their best but also make them feel as beautiful as they look.

As a company, we believe in treating each member of our team as family. Our goal is to maintain a cultural environment that fosters creativity and pride in their jobs, enabling employees to perform to their highest capability and potential.

The mission of TDI is to provide the highest absolute quality dermatologic services and premium service to our patients, partners, and clients.

I fell in love with dermatology in my second year of medical school. It was love at first sight! I loved the ability to walk into a room, recognize a pattern, and use my own eyes and experience to diagnose the patient quickly instead of relying on a barrage of tests like numerous other fields of medicine. I loved the instant gratification of seeing patients get better, and the bond of gratitude that is created when a patient sees improvement on any skin condition. As a dermatologist, the healing touch is still very much a part of the art, and I have always associated that with being a caregiving physician.

Being able to resolve patient’s issues typically with a visual knowledge that is not reliant on a bunch of medical tests. Often procedures are quick and simple, allowing patients not to have dragged out delays with either diagnosis, treatment, or resolution. Dermatology today is one of the few fields that combines both clinical skills as well as procedural work, and this balance keeps the work always fun and exciting for me.

Always care. Treat patients as you would family. Take no shortcuts. Remain curious, always continuing to improve and learn. Find what you love and don’t be average at it, work, learn, and stay involved every day you can to be one of the utmost experts in the nation. 

Guilty of being a shopaholic! Spending time with friends, eating (unfortunately), Pilates, reading, and following professional sports.

I was trained as a Board-Certified dermatologist, so I have a very in-depth knowledge of all areas of dermatology and am an excellent medical dermatologist. What I realized over time was that my passion was in cosmetic dermatology. And once you really become a deep expert in Cosmetic Dermatology, the time and effort it takes to truly be always on the cutting edge requires total devotion and specialization. 

When I was opening my private practice, the brand-new building I was leasing in was delayed quite a few times. I remember those being the hardest years, being so nervous if my patients would come back to me and stressing myself out to the edge of depression. If I could go back, I would tell myself that it would all work out—that as long as you pursue excellence and truly care about patients, the rest will come with time.

• Perfectionist
• Curious
• Empathetic

I’ve been blessed with an amazing array of mentors in the field of dermatology, as well as business leaders who teach me how to build and lead a better team.

Honestly? It’s a long road, and I am currently pulled in many directions, so sometimes it feels overwhelming. But I know I am so so lucky to be in the position that I am in—a practice filled with what I think are the most amazing patients, as a respected expert scientist in cosmetic dermatology, as well as great relations with media. It has just made me love the field more.

Cosmetic dermatology is not just a “part” of my practice. I have devoted my entire practice, research, teaching, and media life to all the nuances of this field. I never try to “sell” to my patients; my goal is to have everyone looking absolutely natural but their very best.  Good work is invisible is my motto. I care so much about each and every outcome, and I currently do every procedure myself without having a nurse or extender take part in the treatment. This is extremely rare nowadays, but I believe in offering physician-level care. You cannot separate out injectable treatments from other issues that can occur on the skin.

Only a board-certified dermatologist can treat everything related to the largest organ on your body!