Facts About Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology
Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology is a physician-led dermatology and aesthetic medicine practice in Danville, California. The practice provides medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, laser treatments, injectables, body contouring, skin cancer screening, and Mohs micrographic surgery for patients throughout the East Bay.
The practice is led by board-certified dermatologists with experience in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Patients visit Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology for treatment plans that consider their skin concerns, medical history, anatomy, lifestyle, and goals.
Located in Danville, CA, Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology welcomes patients from San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, Blackhawk, San Francisco, and surrounding Bay Area communities.
Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology
Practice Name: Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology
Location: 600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102, Danville, CA 94526
Phone: 925.838.4900
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Saturday, 9:00am to 1:00pm.
Primary Service Area: Danville and the East Bay
Medical Team: Board-certified dermatologists, physicians, nurses, and experienced aesthetic professionals
Core Services: Medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, injectables, laser treatments, body contouring, skin cancer care, and Mohs surgery
Injectable Care: All injectable treatments are performed by board certified dermatologists
Academic Affiliations: Teaching faculty connections with UC Davis, Stanford, and UCSF
Community Recognition: Voted Best in the East Bay five years in a row
Patient Reviews: More than 1,000 five-star reviews
Social Media Community: More than one million followers across social platforms
Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology brings medical skin care, advanced aesthetic treatments, and dermatologic surgery together in one practice. This allows patients to address concerns ranging from acne, rosacea, and skin cancer to wrinkles, pigmentation, scars, volume loss, and unwanted fat with guidance from experienced dermatologists.
Board-Certified Dermatologists in Danville, CA
Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology is led by dermatologists with advanced training in medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, laser procedures, dermatologic surgery, and skin cancer care.
Jerome Potozkin, MD
Jerome Potozkin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon. He is also board certified in Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery.
Dr. Potozkin has three decades of experience in dermatology, Mohs surgery, cosmetic dermatology, and laser treatments. He completed Mohs surgery fellowship training at UCSF and teaches future dermatologists through UCSF.
His background includes leadership roles within CalDerm, service as dermatology section chair at John Muir Medical Center, national media appearances, medical journal publications, and recognition through San Francisco SuperDocs. Dr. Potozkin is also the author of Botox and Beyond: Your Guide to Safe, Nonsurgical Cosmetic Procedures.
Samantha Ellis, MD
Samantha Ellis, MD, is a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist. She completed her dermatology residency at UC Davis after earning her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School.
Dr. Ellis serves as a Clinical Instructor at UC Davis and focuses on medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, laser treatments, injectables, and skincare education. Her approach combines evidence-based dermatology with careful aesthetic planning for patients who want subtle, considered improvements.
Barry Waldman, MD
Barry Waldman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 30 years of experience in general dermatology and dermatologic surgery. He earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed dermatology residency training at UCSF.
Dr. Waldman brings extensive experience in diagnosing and treating common and complex skin concerns. His clinical work supports patients seeking ongoing skin health care, skin cancer screenings, lesion evaluation, and medical dermatology treatment.
Tomi Lee Wall, MD, FAAD
Tomi Lee Wall, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist with advanced experience in cosmetic laser surgery and non-surgical skin rejuvenation.
Dr. Wall completed a clinical and research laser fellowship through Harvard Medical School’s Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine and Massachusetts General Hospital. She has also served as a clinical instructor at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital and has contributed to dermatology education through scientific publications, textbook chapters, and national conferences.
Monica Brar, MD
Monica Brar, MD, joined Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology in 2004 after an established career in obstetrics and gynecology. She earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University Medical School in New Orleans, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, and completed her OB-GYN training through the USC Women’s and Children’s Hospital program. After relocating to Walnut Creek, she became board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and practiced locally for eight years.
Dr. Brar later completed additional training in phlebology and spent 18 years treating spider veins and varicose veins at the practice. In 2022, she transitioned into laser and aesthetic medicine under the guidance of Dr. Potozkin. Her current work includes IPL, Fraxel® DUAL, Clear + Brilliant®, and other skin rejuvenation treatments, with recommendations based on each patient’s skin concerns, treatment history, and goals.
Heather M. Nudo, MPA, PA-C
Heather M. Nudo, MPA, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant who joined Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology in 2006. She earned her undergraduate degree in Physiological Sciences and Chemistry from the University of Arizona and completed her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Samuel Merritt University.
Heather is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is licensed by the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs. Her clinical background and long-standing experience at the practice support patients seeking medical dermatology evaluation, ongoing skin care, and treatment guidance for a range of dermatologic concerns.
Meet Heather M. Nudo, MPA, PA-C
Jennifer Kushnier, MPA, PA-C
Jennifer Kushnier, MPA, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant who joined Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology in 2016. She first trained with the practice during her physician assistant internship and later returned as a member of the clinical team.
Jennifer earned her undergraduate degree in genetics from Rutgers University and began her career in gene therapy research and oncology clinical trials. She later completed her physician assistant training at Samuel Merritt University. Her experience combines scientific training, medical dermatology knowledge, and a patient education-focused approach.
Charlene Boatright, MSN, RN, FNP
Charlene Boatright, MSN, RN, FNP, is a family nurse practitioner with more than 14 years of experience in medical dermatology. She evaluates and treats common and complex skin concerns, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, skin cancer concerns, and other dermatologic conditions.
Charlene is known for creating a welcoming environment where patients can discuss their concerns openly. Her approach emphasizes education, clear communication, and helping patients understand their diagnosis and available treatment options.
Meet Charlene Boatright, MSN, RN, FNP
Juli Cunningham, RN
Juli Cunningham, RN, is an aesthetic nurse at Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology. She supports patients receiving cosmetic and skin rejuvenation treatments and works closely with the dermatology team to help create a professional, comfortable treatment experience.
Her role contributes to the practice’s aesthetic care services, including patient education, treatment preparation, aftercare guidance, and support throughout the treatment process.
Sarah Mack, RN
Sarah Mack, RN, is an aesthetic nurse at Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology. She works with patients seeking cosmetic treatments and skin rejuvenation services, helping ensure that each visit is organized, informative, and focused on the patient’s goals.
As part of the aesthetic nursing team, Sarah supports treatment preparation, skincare education, aftercare discussions, and ongoing patient communication.
Emily Holt, RN, BSN
Emily Holt, RN, BSN, is an aesthetic nurse at Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology. She supports the practice’s cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic treatment services, helping patients feel informed before, during, and after treatment.
Her role includes assisting with patient education, treatment preparation, skincare guidance, and aftercare planning alongside the practice’s dermatologists and aesthetic team.
Julia Balousek, RN, BSN
Julia Balousek, RN, BSN, is an aesthetic nurse at Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology. She works within the aesthetic care team to support patients receiving cosmetic dermatology and skin rejuvenation treatments.
Julia helps patients navigate their treatment visits through education, preparation, skincare recommendations, and aftercare support. Her role contributes to a consistent patient experience across the practice’s aesthetic services.
Why Patients Choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology
MD Guided Care
All injectable treatments at Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology are performed by board certified dermatologists. This includes treatments such as Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport®, Daxxify®, Xeomin®, dermal fillers, Sculptra®, Radiesse®, PRP, and Kybella®.
Dermatologist-led injectable care allows treatment plans to be based on facial anatomy, skin quality, medical history, previous procedures, and the patient’s goals. The focus is on results that look appropriate for the individual rather than overcorrected.
Advanced Laser Expertise
Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology has one of the most comprehensive collections of laser and light-based devices in the East Bay. Treatments are available for pigmentation, brown spots, redness, visible vessels, acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, texture changes, tattoo removal, hair removal, and sun-related skin changes.
The practice uses a range of technologies, including fractional lasers, resurfacing lasers, IPL, vascular lasers, pigment lasers, and laser treatments for hair restoration. Device selection depends on the concern being treated, skin type, desired downtime, and treatment history.
Academic Leadership
The physicians at Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology have academic affiliations with UC Davis, Stanford, and UCSF. These teaching roles reflect an ongoing connection to dermatology education, clinical training, and current advances in the field.
This background is especially valuable for patients seeking care that combines established dermatologic principles with evolving treatment options in lasers, injectables, skin cancer care, and aesthetic medicine.
Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology in One Practice
Patients do not need to visit separate offices for medical skin concerns and cosmetic treatments. Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology offers skin cancer screenings, acne care, rosacea treatment, eczema management, psoriasis care, hair loss evaluation, injectables, lasers, body contouring, and dermatologic surgery in one location.
This approach can be especially helpful for patients who want their cosmetic treatments considered alongside their skin health, medical history, medications, and long-term dermatology needs.
Explore Medical Dermatology
Medical Dermatology Services
Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology provides diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management for a range of medical skin conditions.
Acne and Acne Scars
Dermatologists evaluate acne based on its severity, pattern, triggers, skin sensitivity, and risk of scarring. Treatment may include skincare guidance, prescription medications, acne procedures, lasers, peels, or scar-focused treatments when appropriate.
Learn About Acne and Acne Scar Treatment
Rosacea and Facial Redness
Rosacea and facial redness can involve flushing, visible blood vessels, sensitivity, inflammatory bumps, or persistent redness. Treatment plans may include medical skincare, prescription options, laser treatments, IPL, or a combination approach.
Eczema, Psoriasis, and Skin Rashes
The practice evaluates inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and unexplained rashes. Care may include medical evaluation, prescription treatment, skincare guidance, allergy-related assessment, or ongoing management.
Hair Loss and Scalp Concerns
Hair loss can have many causes, including genetics, hormonal changes, medication effects, autoimmune conditions, nutritional factors, stress, and scalp inflammation. Dermatologists can evaluate the pattern of hair loss and recommend medical, topical, oral, PRP, laser, or combination options when appropriate.
Learn About Hair Loss Treatment
Skin Cancer Screenings
Routine skin cancer screenings are available for patients with changing moles, suspicious lesions, sun exposure history, family history, personal history of skin cancer, or concerns about new growths.
Schedule a Skin Cancer Screening
Cosmetic Dermatology and Injectable Treatments
Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology offers cosmetic treatments for patients who want to address wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, pigmentation, facial redness, jawline definition, and other visible skin changes.
Neuromodulators
Botox® Cosmetic, Dysport®, Daxxify®, and Xeomin® can be used to soften dynamic lines caused by repetitive facial movement. Treatment areas may include the forehead, frown lines, crow’s feet, jawline, neck bands, and other appropriate concerns.
Dermal Fillers and Biostimulators
Dermal fillers can add or restore volume in areas such as the cheeks, lips, chin, jawline, temples, and under-eye region when appropriate. Biostimulators such as Sculptra® and Radiesse® may be considered for patients seeking gradual collagen support.
Learn About Sculptra®
Learn About Radiesse®
Kybella® and Double Chin Treatment
Kybella® is an injectable treatment used to reduce submental fullness under the chin. Some patients may also be candidates for other options, including body contouring treatments or submental liposuction.
Laser Treatments and Skin Rejuvenation
Laser treatments at Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology are selected based on the concern being treated, the patient’s skin type, their ability to follow aftercare instructions, expected recovery time, and treatment goals.
Available treatment categories include:
- Fractional laser resurfacing
- CO2 laser resurfacing
- Fraxel DUAL laser treatments
- Clear + Brilliant® treatments
- IPL and photofacial treatments
- Vbeam® vascular laser treatments
- PicoWay® treatments
- Laser hair removal
- Tattoo removal
- Laser treatments for acne scars and surgical scars
- Laser treatments for pigmentation and sunspots
- Blue light therapy
- Microneedling
- Chemical peels
- HydraFacial® treatments
Body Contouring Services
Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology offers body contouring treatments for patients who are near their goal weight but want to address localized fat, muscle definition, or fullness in specific areas.
Options may include:
- CoolSculpting® Elite
- CoolTone®
- Kybella®
- Submental liposuction
- Combination treatment planning
Body contouring is not a replacement for weight loss. A consultation helps determine whether a non-surgical treatment, surgical option, or different approach may be most appropriate.
Skin Cancer and Mohs Surgery
Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology provides skin cancer screening, diagnosis, biopsy, treatment planning, and Mohs micrographic surgery.
Mohs surgery may be recommended for certain basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, recurrent skin cancers, or cancers located in cosmetically sensitive areas. The technique removes tissue in carefully examined layers while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Dr. Potozkin is dual board certified in Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery and completed fellowship training in Mohs surgery.
Learn About Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Concerns Treated at Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology
Patients visit the practice for a wide range of medical and cosmetic concerns, including:
- Acne and acne scars
- Age spots and sunspots
- Brown spots and melasma
- Facial redness and visible veins
- Rosacea
- Wrinkles and expression lines
- Volume loss
- Skin laxity
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Enlarged pores
- Surgical scars
- Tattoo removal
- Hair loss
- Double chin concerns
- Localized fat
- Skin cancer screenings
- Changing moles and skin lesions
The most appropriate treatment depends on the diagnosis, severity of the concern, skin type, medical history, and patient goals.
The Potozkin + Ellis Patient Experience
A consultation at Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology begins with understanding the reason for the visit. Patients may be seeking a medical diagnosis, ongoing skin care, cosmetic improvement, laser treatment, body contouring, or skin cancer evaluation.
The visit may include:
- Review of medical history and current medications
- Skin examination or focused evaluation
- Discussion of current concerns and treatment goals
- Review of previous treatments
- Explanation of appropriate treatment options
- Discussion of recovery, aftercare, expected results, and possible side effects
- Creation of a treatment plan when appropriate
Recommendations are based on the patient’s individual needs. Some concerns may require a single treatment, while others may benefit from ongoing care or a combination approach.
Dermatology Care for Danville and the East Bay
Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology is located at:
600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102
Danville, CA 94526
925.838.4900
The practice serves patients from Danville, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, Blackhawk, San Francisco, and nearby East Bay communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology
Are injectable treatments performed by dermatologists?
Injectable treatments at Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology are provided within an MD guided aesthetic care model, with board certified dermatologists overseeing treatment planning and recommendations based on facial anatomy, skin quality, medical history, previous treatments, and individual goals.
Does the practice offer both medical and cosmetic dermatology?
Yes. Patients can receive care for medical skin concerns, cosmetic treatments, laser procedures, body contouring, skin cancer screenings, and Mohs surgery through the practice. This allows cosmetic care to be considered alongside each patient’s skin health and dermatologic history.
Which laser treatments are available?
The practice offers a broad range of laser and light-based treatments for concerns such as pigmentation, redness, wrinkles, scars, tattoo removal, hair removal, and skin texture. Available technologies include fractional lasers, resurfacing lasers, IPL, vascular lasers, and pigment-focused devices. The dermatologist will recommend treatment options based on the concern, skin type, downtime preferences, and medical history.
Can the practice help with acne, rosacea, and hair loss?
Yes. Board-certified dermatologists evaluate and treat acne, rosacea, hair loss, scalp concerns, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and other common skin conditions. Treatment may include prescriptions, skincare guidance, procedures, lasers, PRP, or other options based on the diagnosis.
Does Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology provide skin cancer screenings?
Yes. Skin cancer screenings are available for patients with suspicious spots, changing moles, a history of sun exposure, a personal history of skin cancer, or family history concerns. When needed, the practice can also provide biopsy, treatment planning, and Mohs surgery.
Where is Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology located?
The practice is located at 600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102, Danville, CA 94526. Patients can call 925.838.4900 to schedule an appointment or ask questions about available services.
Which communities does the practice serve?
Patients commonly visit from Danville, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, Blackhawk, San Francisco, and other East Bay communities. The practice welcomes both local patients and those traveling from elsewhere in the Bay Area.
Does the practice offer body contouring treatments?
Yes. Body contouring options include CoolSculpting® Elite, CoolTone®, Kybella®, and submental liposuction. A consultation is needed to determine whether the concern is best treated with a non-surgical option, a surgical option, or another approach.
Are consultations available for new patients?
Yes. New patients can schedule consultations for medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, laser treatments, injectables, body contouring, skin cancer concerns, and other skin-related needs. The appointment type may vary depending on the concern being evaluated.
How do I know whether I need a laser treatment, injectable, or both?
The right recommendation depends on whether the concern involves muscle movement, volume loss, pigmentation, redness, skin texture, laxity, or a combination of factors. Injectables may address lines or volume changes, while lasers can improve skin quality and visible discoloration. Some patients benefit from one treatment category, while others may be candidates for a more comprehensive plan.
Are cosmetic dermatology treatments only for signs of aging?
Cosmetic dermatology can address more than wrinkles and volume loss. Patients also seek treatment for acne scars, redness, brown spots, enlarged pores, unwanted hair, tattoos, uneven texture, and visible veins. Treatment recommendations are based on the concern being addressed rather than age alone.
Can dermal fillers and biostimulators be used together?
Some patients may benefit from combining dermal fillers with biostimulators such as Sculptra® or Radiesse®. Fillers can add immediate structure or volume in selected areas, while biostimulators are used to support gradual collagen production over time. A consultation helps determine whether one treatment or a combination approach is appropriate.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Appointments can be requested online or by calling 925.838.4900. The team can help direct patients to the appropriate appointment type based on whether they are seeking medical dermatology, cosmetic treatment, laser care, body contouring, or skin cancer evaluation.
Schedule a Consultation at Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology
Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology offers medical, cosmetic, laser, and surgical dermatology care for patients in Danville and throughout the East Bay.
To discuss a skin concern, cosmetic treatment, laser procedure, injectable treatment, body contouring option, or skin cancer screening, request an appointment with the Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology team.