We recently connected with Sergio Gaitan MD FAAD and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sergio thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

The defining moment in my career was when I started my own practice. It was the first time that I had total control of the treatments that I could offer my patients. It ultimately led to me designing our Laser Microneedling Facial that has changed the way I treat aging.

It all started when I was finally able to get my first laser. I remember when I was in medical school, I worked with a dermatologist that was fellowship trained in lasers and I saw the amazing things lasers could do. I always wanted to offer the best lasers to my patients. However, practicing in Florida it can be difficult to use lasers. Patients typically have to follow strict sun protection protocols for the classic way of using lasers. Luckily, we have been able to design special protocols that allow us to use our lasers year-round. 

The first laser I bought was for pigment removal. Being Hispanic, I have always focused on laser treatments for all skin types. Knowing that even tone skin is one of the most youthful features, I bought a laser that focused on pigment removal. The funny thing is as I was searching for the perfect laser, I learned so much about how laser technology has advanced since I was in medical school. That led me to start working with my pigment laser in a different setting. With this I discovered an amazing feature, the laser could be used for skin tightening. The best part about this was that you can use the laser year-round for skin tightening. Then I paired it with microneedling, and our results have been spectacular. The best part is the treatment has minimal to no pain. I really feel it will change the aesthetic industry as the field moves into a more natural approach for skin rejuvenation. Our treatment focuses on one of the main causes of aging, skin laxity.

All this would have never happened had I not started my own practice. By being the boss, I was able to choose a laser that had the features I wanted. I was able to test different settings and discover the ability for my laser to tighten the skin. I was able to apply engineering principles to create a treatment that worked on multiple levels of the skin and give results that have never been seen before. We just finished acquiring the top-of-the-line vascular laser (DermaV) to our practice and plan on bringing the best of the best in laser treatments to Miami, Fl.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Sergio Gaitan and I am a Board Certified Dermatologist. Before going to medical school I graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Chemical Engineering. After graduating I went to medical school at Baylor College of Medicine and decided to pursue a career in Dermatology. I went on to do my dermatology residency at the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill. What I love about Dermatology is how objective it is. What I mean by that is either your skin is healthy and glowing, or it is not. My ability is to use my knowledge and expertise to give you the healthiest skin of your life.

Then in May of 2023 I opened my own dermatology practice, Certified Cosmetics and Skin Care. The goal being to provide patients with a trustworthy place to take care of their skin. When starting our practice we decided to not take any insurance so we could provide clear and transparent pricing to all our patients. By not taking insurance it has connected us with other businesses that allow us to get the medications and labs our patients need. It doesn’t matter whether they are uninsured, or their insurance doesn’t cover it, our patients get the treatments they need to get the results they want. 

What sets us apart is that as a Board-Certified Dermatologist I have a deep understanding of the skin science. Being trained as an engineer also allows me to design systems to customize skin treatments for each individual. What I am most proud of is allowing accessible and transparent dermatological care to everyone. If you don’t have insurance, you lose your job, or you change insurance, our prices don’t change. I am also proud of our exclusive skin rejuvenating treatments. I have already designed our exclusive Laser Microneedling Facial and I am working on plenty of other treatments to change the way we keep our skin the healthiest. I truly believe that if you are not innovating you are falling behind.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I think the most important thing for succeeding in Dermatology is appreciating the human connection of it all. Sure my training and knowledge allows me to deliver healthy skin for my patients. However, what matters to me is how I changed their life. Did I make them look amazing for their wedding, a moment they will never forget. Did I clear their acne to give them the confidence to go out and do more. Did I change the way they feel when they look in the mirror to bring them back to their younger days. To me that is what it is all about. That is why I say at Certified Cosmetics and Skin Care we transform lives through skin.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Starting my own dermatology practice that did not take insurance was a time I had to pivot. Previously I had worked at two practices that took insurance and I was just not able to provide the best care for my patients. I strive to provide a first-class experience where you enjoy going to the doctor. With insurance there were too many limitations, such as medications not getting covered or not having time for urgent skin issues. By not taking insurance I am able to do what is best for my patient without having to ask insurance for permission on how to practice my expertise. It truly has been liberating and our patients love the result. Our primary concern is to solve their problem. The biggest difficulty was figuring out how to stay profitable when starting such a different concept. Most patients are accustomed to thinking they need insurance to see a doctor. As a matter of fact, by not taking insurance I am able to charge clear and transparent pricing for my patients. By knowing what services cost we are also able to offer financing. Lucky for us my skills in cosmetic dermatology keeps us profitable and allows me to provide a first-class dermatology experience for all my patients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.certifiedcosmeticsmiami.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/certifiedcosmeticsmiami
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CertifiedCosmeticsandSkinCare
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccskincaremiami
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CertifiedCosmeticsandSkinCare