Tina West, M.D.

About >> Tina West, M.D.

My practice is 100% oriented to the highest level of patient satisfaction.

Dr. Tina West

Board-Certified Dermatologist and founder of the west institute

Tina West, MD, PC

Dr. Tina B. West, the founder of The West Institute for Skin, Laser + Body Contouring, is a board-certified dermatologist and leading expert in cosmetic dermatology, laser surgery, and body contouring procedures.

For over thirty years, Dr. West has provided her patients in the Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Chevy Chase, MD, areas the most cutting-edge and reliable minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures available, including non-surgical facelift (Facelift in a Syringe™), dermal fillers, Botox & Dysport®, laser skin resurfacing, CoolSculpting®, liposuction, and more.

Dr. West’s experience extends well beyond aesthetic medicine. Before completing her dermatology training, she completed a residency in internal medicine at The Washington Hospital Center, followed by a clinical research fellowship in dermatology. She then completed her dermatology residency at The Washington Hospital Center, where she served as Chief Resident from 1994 to 1996. She entered private dermatology practice in 1996 and has practiced at The West Institute for Skin, Laser + Body Contouring since 2000.

Throughout her career, Dr. West has combined clinical practice with research, physician education, publishing, and the evaluation of emerging technologies. Her robust background gives her a deep understanding of facial anatomy, skin health, injectables, lasers, energy-based treatments, and how the face and skin change over time.

View Dr. West’s CV here

Dedicated to Excellent Service & Top-Quality Results

Due to her artistry, experience, and commitment to her patients, Dr. West has become renowned in the area for producing outstanding and natural-looking results through the expert use of fillers, neuromodulators, and many other non-invasive devices and techniques. Dr. West’s “Skip the Scalpel” philosophy promotes the most advanced, minimally invasive technology to maintain a healthy appearance that never leaves any tell-tale signs that anything was done.

After three decades in cosmetic dermatology, Dr. West continues to approach treatment with the same emphasis on subtlety, anatomy, and long-term maintenance. Rather than focusing on a single procedure, she evaluates the face and skin as a whole and develops individualized treatment plans for every patient.

Dr. West values her patients’ time and discretion, which is why she designed her practice to have minimal wait times, comfortable and spacious treatment rooms, a convenient and discrete back entrance, a private reception area, and many other patient advantages.

Each of Dr. West’s patients meet with her personally in a consultation at which time they can ask questions, learn more about each procedure, and develop the treatment plan that best aligns with their goals. At The West Institute, you should always feel that all the attention is on you and your needs.

A leader in the field

A Pioneer in Non-Surgical Aesthetics

Dr. West was involved in pioneering some of the dermal fillers that came before hyaluronic acid and others in current use. She also co-authored the first article ever published in the medical literature on laser resurfacing of acne scars in 1996, as well as the first study demonstrating the correlation between dose and duration of neuromodulators, among other publications in international peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international meetings.

Her early research addressed many areas that would become central to modern cosmetic dermatology, including botulinum toxin, soft-tissue augmentation, CO2 laser resurfacing, acne scars, pigmentation, vascular lasers, and injectable materials. She has presented this work before organizations including the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery and has served as faculty for advanced laser surgery and resurfacing courses.

Additionally, Dr. West has served as a consultant and injectables trainer for Allergan and Galderma, two of the leading manufacturers/distributors of dermatologic injectables, training other physicians in advanced treatment techniques using Restylane®, Sculptra®, Dysport®, and Botox®. She participated in the original phase III FDA clinical trials for the approval of Botox Cosmetic®.

Based on her experience and her commitment to providing her patients with the best possible results, Dr. West continues to bring the newest and most advanced treatments into her practice.

Education, Training & Board Credentials

Dr. West’s medical and dermatologic training includes:

Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Wake Forest University — Phi Beta Kappa
Doctor of Medicine, Bowman Gray School of Medicine
Residency in Internal Medicine, The Washington Hospital Center
Clinical Research Fellowship, Department of Dermatology, The Washington Hospital Center
Residency in Dermatology, The Washington Hospital Center
Chief Resident, Department of Dermatology, The Washington Hospital Center, 1994–1996
Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine, 1991
Diplomate, American Board of Dermatology, 2007
Diplomate, National Board of Medical Examiners, 1989

Awards & Recognition

Over the course of her career, Dr. West has received numerous distinctions for both clinical care and patient experience, including:

Washingtonian Magazine TopDoc
Patient’s Choice Award — multiple-time recipient
Compassionate Doctor’s Award
On-Time Doctor Award
Top 10 Doctor — Maryland

Top 10 Doctor — Washington Metro Area

Professional Leadership & Affiliations

Dr. West has also contributed to dermatology through editorial, academic, and professional roles, including:

Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology
Fellow, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
Fellow, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
Contributing Editor, Dermatologic Surgery, 1996–2005
Reviewer, Dermatologic Surgery, 2005–2008
Reviewer, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
Vice Chairperson, Dermatology Foundation, 1996–1999
Member, Dermatology Foundation Leaders’ Society, 2004–2008

Professional appointment with the Department of Dermatology at The Washington Hospital Center, 1996–2009

Distinctions, Awards, and Publications

Practicing since 1996, Dr. West is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of both the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Dr. West has repeatedly received the Patient’s Choice Award, a national award given to physicians for top-quality patient care and service, along with the Compassionate Doctor’s Award, the On-Time Award, and Top 10 Doctor awards in both Maryland and the Washington Metro Area. She has also been designated as a TopDoc in Washingtonian Magazine.

Dr. West is also an accomplished lecturer and author, publishing work in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks on various topics. These include laser skin resurfacing for the treatment of aging and acne scarring, as well as other non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures. Additionally, Dr. West has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Men’s Fitness, Glamour, Washingtonian, Washingtonian Mom, and other national publications.

Her body of published work reflects the breadth of her experience in cosmetic and laser dermatology, with research addressing neuromodulators, injectable materials, laser resurfacing, scars, pigmentation, vascular conditions, and facial rejuvenation.

Selected Publications & Book Chapters

Dr. West’s published work includes:

“Commentary: Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Botulinum Toxin Topical Gel.” Dermatologic Surgery, 2010.
“Laser Treatment of Acquired Vascular Lesions.” In Principles and Practice in Cutaneous Laser Surgery, 2005.
“Human-Derived Filling Materials for Soft Tissue Augmentation.” In Cosmetic Surgery, 2001.
“Laser Treatment of Acquired Vascular Lesions.” Dermatologic Therapy, 2000.
“Human-Derived and New Synthetic Injectable Materials for Soft Tissue Augmentation: Current Status and Role in Cosmetic Surgery.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2000.
“Effect of Botulinum Toxin Type A on Movement-Associated Rhytides Following Cutaneous CO2 Laser Resurfacing.” Dermatologic Surgery, 1999.
“Effect of Pretreatment on the Incidence of Hyperpigmentation Following Cutaneous CO2 Laser Resurfacing.” Dermatologic Surgery, 1999.
“Effect of Topical Vitamin C on Postoperative CO2 Resurfacing Erythema.” Dermatologic Surgery, 1998.
“Laser Treatment of Facial and Leg Telangiectasias.” In Cosmetic Laser Surgery, 1998.
“Improvement in Infraorbital Hyperpigmentation Following CO2 Resurfacing.” Dermatologic Surgery, 1998.
“Autologous Human Collagen and Dermal Fibroblasts for Soft Tissue Augmentation.” Dermatologic Surgery, 1998.
“Comparison of the 590 nm Long-Pulsed and KTP Lasers in the Treatment of Facial and Leg Telangiectasias.” Dermatologic Surgery, 1998.
“Treatment of Scars: A Review.” Annals of Plastic Surgery, 1997.
“Laser Resurfacing of Atrophic Scars.” Dermatologic Clinics, 1997.
“Resurfacing of Atrophic Facial Scars with a High-Energy, Pulsed Carbon-Dioxide Laser.” Dermatologic Surgery, 1996.
“Ultrapulse CO2 Laser Ablation of Xanthelasma.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1996.

Her additional publications and complete academic record are available in Dr. West’s CV.

Lectures, Research Presentations & Physician Education

Dr. West has presented research and taught advanced techniques at national dermatologic and laser surgery meetings throughout her career. Selected topics and appointments include:

“Dose-Dependent Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin Treatment of Glabellar Frown Lines,” American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
“Effect of Botulinum Toxin Type A on Movement-Associated Rhytides Following Cutaneous CO2 Laser Resurfacing,” American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
Research on human collagen and soft-tissue augmentation presented to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
Research comparing long-pulsed dye and KTP lasers for facial and leg telangiectasias
Faculty, Advanced Laser Skin Resurfacing Course, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
Faculty, Advanced Cutaneous Laser Resurfacing Techniques, Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery
Faculty, Current Concepts in Cutaneous Laser Surgery: A Hands-On Course, Harvard Medical School

Dr. West’s procedures and expertise have also been featured by local NBC, CBS, and ABC news affiliates, and she has been featured or quoted in publications including Cosmopolitan, Men’s Fitness, Glamour, Washingtonian, Washingtonian Mom, and other media outlets.

Resurfacing of atrophic facial acne scars with a high-energy, pulsed carbon dioxide laser

laser resurfacing of atrophic scars

hypertrophic scars and keloids

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Tina West

The West Institute is simply the best option for patients in the Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Chevy Chase, MD, areas. If you would like to personally meet with Dr. West to see how she can help you pursue your aesthetic goals, your next step is to schedule a consultation with her by contacting us online or calling 301-986-9378 today. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Q & A with Dr. Tina West

Why or how did you decide on a career in medicine? What about Aesthetics?

Since early on I have always loved science and never thought of any career other than being a physician. I was drawn to dermatology because I find it fascinating that internal health is reflected in the skin. The practice of Dermatology involves making diagnoses through training of the eye as well as viewing pathology under the microscope, and additionally, it encompasses surgery and other in-office procedures.

Before dermatology, I completed an internal medicine residency and Board Certification. I discovered that I enjoyed procedures most of all, which led me to a fellowship position in clinical dermatology research, followed by the 3-year dermatology residency and Board Certification. Additionally, I’ve always been creative and have always loved art, traits that run in my family. In fact, I’m the only physician, but my siblings and children are all very creative in both visual arts and music.

What do you find fulfilling about your work?

I enjoy the artistic aspect of facial contouring and the technical aspect of applying lasers and energy-based devices to improve both the health and appearance of skin. The most rewarding aspect of my daily practice, however, is when patients are thrilled with their results and feel attractive and confident.

Is there anything from your personal life that you would like to share?

Personally, I am very focused on looking my best, as well as being fit and strong. Life balance is essential to me, and this benefits my patients because I don’t let myself get burned out. I practice yoga sculpt regularly, and travel for skiing, hiking, live music, and spending time with my college-aged kids. This allows me to feel refreshed and appreciative of not only my patients but also my fabulous staff, who are like an extended family to me.

What is your center like?

The West Institute is a clean, fresh space that is welcoming. The office is spacious but warm. I designed the office with patient privacy and discretion in mind by creating a small reception area and nine private patient rooms, with the goal of never having more than one patient in the reception area at one time. We also have two in-office restrooms for patient use as well as a “Wellness” area that is a separate room for our LightStim LED bed and includes the “Beauty Bar” skin prep area for applying active cosmeceuticals enhanced by the LED light.

We have an elevated and relaxing Medical Aesthetician room  used for advanced, customized medical facial treatments as well as the proprietary Hydrafacial device. There is a body contouring center that houses all of the most up to date CoolSculpting equipment as well as the Z-wave device that has been shown to improve the final results obtained from CoolSculpting. The CoolSculpting suite also has a monitor used for Netflix entertainment during treatment.

Additional treatments offered in our body contouring center include EmSculpt for proven muscle enhancement anywhere on the body, and Emsella for strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles in men and women. All of the other treatment rooms are home to multiple state-of-the-art lasers and energy-based devices.