After completing eight years of training at Mayo Clinic and fellowships in cosmetic and Mohs surgery at Northwestern University, Dr. Proffer moved to Austin with her husband to launch her first practice.
In October, she officially opened ProDerm Skin & Surgery, marking the start of her mission to bring comprehensive dermatologic care to the community.
“I’ve always toyed with the idea of opening my own practice,” Dr. Proffer said. “[My husband and I] knew we wanted to be in Austin long-term, so we’re super excited to be serving the Austin community.”
What services are offered?
Dr. Proffer wanted a practice where patients could receive cosmetic, medical and surgical care under one roof.
She said her first love in dermatology is oncology, and she is deeply passionate about Mohs surgery.
“Mohs surgery is a type of skin cancer surgery where you want to find a specialized dermatologic surgeon or someone who has the fellowship training to do such procedures,” Dr. Proffer said. “This type of surgery is for skin cancer on special sites of the body, such as the face, neck, hands and genitalia.”
During Mohs surgery, a precise technique is used to remove the cancer. Then, the cancer is frozen, stained and examined under a microscope to see if 100% of the margin is clear.
“It’s a very specialized technique where [we] can clear skin cancer same day, with a 99% cure rate,” Dr. Proffer said. “Some people who come in have had a huge fungating tumor on their face for months...then same day we can remove it and reconstruct them. They’re usually so grateful.”
Dr. Proffer’s training allows her to care for patients longitudinally, guiding them from routine dermatology visits to specialized surgical care, if needed.
“I like to be the one that sees patients through to the end,” Dr. Proffer said.
Her cosmetic training complements the surgical care, allowing her to offer advanced procedures, including Botox, fillers, liposuction, lasers, chemical peels and more.
“Cosmetics are fun. I did a fellowship in cosmetic surgery, which included higher-level cosmetic procedures,” Dr. Proffer said. “I’ve done thousands of [botox and filler procedures]. ... I wanted to make sure we offer full-service care for our patients.”
What technologies set ProDerm apart?
Dr. Proffer emphasized the importance of using the right device for each patient. Her office offers five specialized devices that allow for customized treatment plans:
- IPL machine: a versatile device targeting red, brown, hair and acne concerns; ideal for photofacials
- Diode hair removal laser: used primarily for routine hair removal
- Multifrax laser: stimulates collagen and treats sun damage, early scars and pigment issues
- Excel V laser: targets red scars, veins and conditions such as rosacea
- Fully ablative CO2 laser: resurfaces deeper wrinkles and scars
How does she help patients decide what care is right for them?
Patient-centered care guides every interaction at ProDerm.
Dr. Proffer said some patients just want to hear their options and think about them, while others are ready to move forward with treatment full force.
“Putting the patient at the center of their care and taking autonomy is what I really value, and it emphasizes the culture we have in the office here,” Dr. Proffer said.
She also treats rare and complex conditions, from pediatric dermatology to midlife women’s health issues, such as hair loss. Additionally, she maintains expertise in cutting-edge dermatology through literature review, committee work and even a podcast called Derm Surgery Digest.
“I do a podcast on [dermatologic] surgery once a month,” she said. “Every month, we review the literature on what’s new in derm surgery. ... Once a year, I do an hour-and-a-half round table [discussion] with a senior expert in the field.”
What’s next?
Dr. Proffer is enthusiastic about building relationships with North Austin patients and other local physicians. She also hopes to host community wellness events as the practice grows.
“I’m really excited to get to know the patients and their needs,” Dr. Proffer said.
With a full spectrum of medical, surgical and cosmetic services under one roof, ProDerm Skin & Surgery offers patients in North Austin a unique combination of expertise, personalized care and cutting-edge technology.
Click here to dive deeper into ProDerm Skin & Surgery’s services, or click here to schedule an appointment today.
Location: 4516 Seton Center Pkwy., Ste. 150, Austin
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
