About the UPMC Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center
As one of the first academically-based skin health centers in the nation, the UPMC Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center gives patients access to state-of-the-art technology, the latest research, and an unparalleled commitment to patient safety and quality outcomes.
Our commitment to providing safe and quality care is demonstrated by our accreditation by The Joint Commission for Office-Based Surgery. This accreditation means we have agreed to have our care monitored, evaluated and measured on an ongoing basis, and consistently make an effort to improve all aspects of our care and service.
We offer a broad range of cosmetic surgery and skin care services including:
Our Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Experts
Physicians
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Suzan Obagi, MD
Director, UPMC Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center
- Associate Professor of Dermatology
- Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery
- Past Vice President, American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
- Past President, Board of Cosmetic Surgery Foundation
- Board certified by the American Board of Dermatology and the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
Read more about Dr. Obagi.
View Dr. Obagi's Find A Doctor profile.
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Alaina James, MD, PhD
General Dermatology
Dr. James, board-certified in dermatology, specializes in medical dermatology, skin cancer, and minor surgery. Upon graduation from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in molecular biophysics and biochemistry, she attended Baylor University, where she earned both her medical degree and doctorate. Dr. James completed her residency at the University of Pennsylvania, where she served as a faculty assistant professor. Dr. James is currently a member of the Women’s Dermatology Society and American Academy of Dermatology.
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Carolyn Willis, MD
Dr. Willis is a board certified Dermatologist. She received a bachelor’s degree in Biology from St. John’s University in New York, graduating first in her class and her medical degree with a research distinction in Immunology from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, NY in 2001. Dr. Willis completed her Dermatology residency at New York Medical College. For 10 years, she specialized in medical dermatology as a private practice Dermatologist on Long Island, New York. She completed her ASDS accredited Cosmetic Surgery fellowship at the UPMC Cosmetic and Skin Health Center (training was under the direction of Dr. Suzan Obagi). Dr. Willis is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society.
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Physician Assistants
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Vanita Kapoor, MS, PA-C
Vanita Kapoor, MS, PA-C, is a physician assistant who treats a broad range of skin diseases and is skilled using various laser techniques as a treatment option. Prior to joining UPMC, she worked at the University of Cincinnati treating patients referred for rare skin diseases. Vanita obtained a Masters in Science from Rosalind Franklin University in Chicago. She is a member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. With eight years of experience in general and cosmetic dermatology, her goal is to help patients feel confident about their skin and provide education about skin health.
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Mistica LaBrasca, MPAS, PA-C
Mistica LaBrasca, MPAS, PA-C, specializes in skin care, the treatment of scarring, and the use of lasers, Botox®, and soft tissue fillers. After earning her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Mistica joined the Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center. She went on to practice at Hillman Cancer Center where she focused on melanoma and sarcoma and took part in several successful melanoma and sarcoma clinical trials. Mistica specializes in general and cosmetic dermatology, and she is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants, and the Society for Dermatology Physician Assistants.
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Medical Aestheticians
As an integral part of our team, our aestheticians are skincare specialists who work with our patients to improve facial appearance. They provide a variety of services, procedures, and consultations that contribute to maintaining the health of your skin.
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Keri Goldinger-Valasek
Keri is a medical aesthetician with over 19 years of experience in the health, wellness, and beauty industries, and she has practiced esthetics in both the United States and the Caribbean. Keri holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a massage therapy diploma from Career Training Academy, and a certificate from the National Council on Laser Excellence. She also studied esthetics at the Boca Beauty Academy, and holds several active skin care specialist licenses in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Florida.
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Laser Technician
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Randi Gatto
Randi is a certified laser specialist with several years of experience in the health and beauty industry. She received her laser certification from Rocky Mountain Laser College and has worked as an assistant to Dr. Obagi for more than four years.
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Nurse Coordinator
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Teri Jo Carrier, RN
Teri Jo has been an RN for 28 years. She is a graduate of Citizens General Hospital School of Nursing and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership from Duquesne University. Her experience as a nurse encompasses many aspects of the field including hospital bedside nursing, Director of Nursing, Patient Liaison, and Case Management. Teri Jo is excited to embark in the field of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery with the UPMC Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center and assist you in your personal journey to your best self.
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