Kimberly J. Butterwick, MD
“My goal is to strive for excellence in helping patients feel beautiful and vibrant at any age using the most innovative and refined techniques, state-of-the-art equipment, and compassionate, gentle care. It is my greatest joy to watch patients return year after year and help them age through the stages of life with grace and beauty.”
About
Kimberly J. Butterwick, M.D. received her specialty in Dermatology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1989, and is today recognized as one of the most renowned skin care experts in the country. Board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology and a Diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, she is considered one of San Diego, CA’s leading authorities on injectables, filler technology, lasers, and liposculpture. Known for her comprehensive examinations as well as a meticulous technique and artistic-eye, Dr. Butterwick is committed to providing patients with the best options to restore and rejuvenate their appearance.
“I strive to earn the trust of my patients by listening, observing with an artistic eye, and going above and beyond to meet and exceed their expectations.”
Kimberly J. Butterwick, MD has been referred to as the nation’s premier “expert injector,” serving on the advisory boards for Allergan’s Juvéderm, Medicis—the makers of Restylane and Merz—the makers of facial fillers Radiesse and Belotero. In addition, she is a consultant and national trainer for Sculptra for face volumizing. She further serves on the National Education Faculty for Botox and is the principal investigator for a new filler, Voluma.
In 2004, Dr. Butterwick was selected by the American Academy of Dermatology to perform the first-ever live demonstration on facial fillers at their meeting and she has been invited every year to demonstrate her acclaimed techniques to thousands of the top dermatologists in the world. Dr. Butterwick has also directed numerous teaching workshops in filler and laser techniques. Click here to view Dr. Butterwick’s CV.
Drawn to science, Dr. Butterwick went into medicine when she realized she wanted to help people. Dr. Butterwick is renowned for her expertise in tumescent liposculpture. Participating in the first U.S. workshop in 1993, Dr. Butterwick has extensive experience with thousands of patients. Several of her pivotal studies and concepts on tumescent liposculpture have been published and she has served on The Council of Liposuction Safety for the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the Liposuction Task Force for the American Academy of Dermatology.
Dr. Butterwick has been at the forefront of facial volume restoration. Dr. Butterwick was also elected by her peers to the Board of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Liposuction Surgery and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.
Dr. Butterwick lectures frequently on new techniques in facial volumizing, liposculpture, laser rejuvenation, skin tightening, and non-invasive body contouring. She is an authority on non-invasive lipolysis as well, such as cryolipolysis and ultrasound. She has been on the forefront of facial volume restoration, directing the first U.S. workshop in the French technique of fat grafting for the aging face in February 2001.
She frequently writes and lectures on key concepts of fat transfer and aesthetic principles of volumizing the face. Dr. Butterwick was also elected by her peers to the Board of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), and most recently to the Board of the Women’s Dermatologic Society. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Liposuction Surgery, and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.
Dr. Butterwick remains at the forefront of technology and innovation in dermatology. In recognition of her extensive accomplishments and professional experience, Dr. Butterwick has earned the honor of being named one of America’s Top Physicians in 2003 and 2006 by the Consumers Research Council of America and Best Doctors in America from 2007-2009. In 2022, she was named one of America’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists by Newsweek, topping the list at #5. Her clinical studies have been published in nearly 50 peer-reviewed medical articles and book chapters. She has given well over 500 academic presentations. Dr. Butterwick has also served as a lead consultant with respected companies such as Olay and Pfizer to launch new skincare products into the market and is a founder of the Skin Medica product line.
Dr. Butterwick enjoys the unique distinction of having been selected for the American Medical Women’s Association Award for Academic Excellence in 1981, the year of her graduation from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Dr. Butterwick completed her undergraduate studies at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, where she earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Biology with academic distinction. She was recently honored with the “Excellence in Education Award” by the ASDS and has been named a “Top Contributor” by the medical information site RealSelf.
Dr. Butterwick’s outside interests include hiking with friends, walking the beach with her adorable miniature golden doodle and reading good novels. She runs the LaJolla half-marathon each year. She also enjoys traveling and is conversant in Spanish. She and her husband, Dr. Jonathan Scheff, reside in La Jolla with their son, Jacob, now in college.
Education
1973-1977 Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA • B.S., Biology, June 1977, with distinction
1977-1981 University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio • Doctor of Medicine, May 1981
1981-1982 Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, San Diego, • CA Rotating Internship
1986-1989 UNC School of Medicine, North Carolina Memorial Hospital • Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Professional Practice Record
2009-Present Dermatologist/Cosmetic Surgeon
COSMETIC LASER DERMATOLOGY
San Diego, CA 92121
2003-2009 Dermatologist/Cosmetic Surgeon
DERMATOLOGY/COSMETIC LASER ASSOCIATES OF LA JOLLA, INC.
La Jolla, CA 92037
1989-2002 Dermatologist
DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY/ COSMETIC LASER ASSOCIATES
La Jolla, CA 92037
1982-1986 General Practitioner for two Multispecialty Group:
General Med, Inc. and California Healthplan, Inc.
San Diego, CA
Licensure
- Licensed Physician, California
- Licensed Physician, Nevada
- Licensed Physician, Illinois
- Board Certified in Dermatology, 1989
- Board Examination of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery: Successfully passed in 2003, recertified January 2014
- ACLS Certified, American Heart Association
Faculty Appointments
- 1989 – 2003 Clinical Faculty, Department of Medicine SCRIPPS MERCY HOSPITAL, San Diego, CA
Hospital Appointments
- 1989-Present Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, CA
- 1989-2003 Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, CA
- 1989-2003 Scripps Memorial Hospital, Encinitas, CA
Awards
Dr. Butterwick enjoys the unique distinction of having been selected for the American Medical Women’s Association Award for Academic Excellence in 1981, the year of her graduation from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
Dr. Butterwick completed her undergraduate studies at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, where she earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Biology with academic distinction. She was recently honored with the “Excellence in Education Award” by the ASDS. In 2022, Newsweek named Dr. Butterwick #5 on America’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists. She was also listed as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, as well as an Exceptional Women in Medicine recipient, for Castle Connolly in 2022.
Dermatologic Service & Committee Service
- Board of Directors, American Academy of Dermatology 2016-2020
- Board of Directors, Women’s Dermatologic Society 2010-2014
- Board of Directors, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery 2003-2006
- Board of Directors, AAAHC 2003-2004
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
- Annual Meeting Committee Co-Chair 2013, Chair 2014
- Nominating Committee (elected position) 2014-present
- Media Relations Work Group 2011-2014
- Preceptorship Program 2006-present
- Future Leaders Network 2011 – 2012
- DermNext 2013-present
- Excellence in Education 2009
- New Technologies Workgroup 2006-2009
- Membership Workgroup 2005-2008
- Scope of Practice Workgroup 2004-2007
- Tumescent Liposuction Council 2000-2005
Women’s Dermatologic Society
- Chair, US Western Regional Committee 2014-2017
- Fundraising Committee 2011-present
- Annual Meeting Committee 2011-2014
- Mentorship Committee 2008-2011
- Dermatologic Surgeons Committee 2007-present
- Networking Committee 2004-2007
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Task Force
- Award for Excellence in Continuing Medical Education 2002-2003
- Reference Committee: Advocacy, Young Cosmetic Surgeons 2002-2003
- Liposuction Task Force 1999-2002
Other Service
- Resident Educator, Naval Medical Center of San Diego 2006-present
- Contributing Editor, Dermatologic Surgery 2001-present
- Editorial Advisory Board, The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery 2002-present
- Contributing Editor, Cosmetic Dermatology 2002-present
Results
For more advanced filtering/search options please visit our photo gallery.
Before and after photodynamic therapy for pre-cancerous lesions and facial redness by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after photodynamic therapy for pre-cancerous lesions and facial redness by Dr. Butterwick
Vbeam and Fraxel Restore to treat port wine stain by Dr. Butterwick
Vbeam and Fraxel Restore to treat port wine stain by Dr. Butterwick
Filler to enhance appearance by Dr. Butterwick
Filler to enhance appearance by Dr. Butterwick
Filler to enhance appearance by Dr. Butterwick
Filler to enhance appearance by Dr. Butterwick
Filler to enhance appearance by Dr. Butterwick
Fraxel Dual and Fraxel Re:store to reduce acne scarring and hyperpigmentation by Dr. Butterwick
Fraxel Dual and Fraxel Re:store to reduce acne scarring and hyperpigmentation by Dr. Butterwick
Fraxel Dual and Fraxel Re:store to reduce acne scarring and hyperpigmentation by Dr. Butterwick
Restylane Kysse to plump up the lips by Dr. Butterwick
ThermiRF to tighten skin under chin and on neck by Dr. Butterwick
ThermiRF to tighten skin under chin and on neck by Dr. Butterwick
ThermiRF to tighten skin under chin and on neck by Dr. Butterwick
ThermiTight with MicroLipo to contour the chin, jawline, and neck by Dr. Butterwick
ThermiTight with MicroLipo to contour the chin, jawline, and neck by Dr. Butterwick
Laser Resurfacing for Skin Rejuvenation by Dr. Butterwick
Liposculpture and ThermiRF to Treat Abdominal Fat by Dr. Butterwick
ThermiTight and Micro-Liposuction for Chin Contouring by Dr. Butterwick
Silhouette InstaLift to rejuvenate the face by Dr. Butterwick
Fraxel, Alexandrite, Vbeam lasers to treat sun damage on face by Dr. Butterwick
Fraxel, Alexandrite, Vbeam lasers to treat sun damage on face by Dr. Butterwick
Fraxel, Alexandrite, Vbeam lasers to treat sun damage on face by Dr. Butterwick
Fraxel Repair for Skin Rejuvenation by Dr. Butterwick
Fraxel Repair for Skin Rejuvenation by Dr. Butterwick
ThermiTight and Micro Liposuction for jawline and neck contouring by Dr. Butterwick
ThermiTight and Micro Liposuction for jawline and neck contouring by Dr. Butterwick
Light laser resurfacing for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Butterwick
Fraxel and Radiesse to Rejuvenate Upper Arm by Dr. Butterwick
Fraxel and Radiesse to Rejuvenate Upper Arm by Dr. Butterwick
Restylane Kysse to plump up the lips by Dr. Butterwick
Restylane Kysse to plump up the lips by Dr. Butterwick
Restylane Kysse for Lip Augmentation by Dr. Butterwick
Botox lip flip to augment and lift the lip by Dr. Butterwick
Combination filler treatment to enhance the facial contours by Dr. Butterwick
Laser Resurfacing and Alexandrite Laser for Skin Rejuvenation by Dr. Butterwick
Laser Resurfacing and Alexandrite Laser to Rejuvenate the Skin by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Kybella injections to reduce submental fat under the chin by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Restylane injections in the tear troughs by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Restylane injections for lines around the mouth by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after IPL and Picoway laser treatments for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Restylane to tear troughs by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Restylane injections to tear troughs by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Restylane injections to treat perioral lines by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Restylane injections to treat perioral lines by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Botox injections to treat crow’s feet with Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Botox injections to reduce a gummy smile by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after filler treatment for keyhole pout lip augmentation by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Radiesse filler injections for liquid facelift by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Voluma filler injections for cheek augmentation by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Radiesse and Belotero injections to treat wrinkles in the lower face by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Radiesse and Belotero injections to treat wrinkles of the lower face by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Radiesse injections to augment the cheeks by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Voluma injections to augment the cheeks by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Voluma injections to augment and contour the chin and jawline by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Botox injections into the masseter muscle to slim the jawline by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Botox injections to treat glabellar lines by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after liposculpture to treat bra rolls by Dr. Butterwick
Videos
Solutions to Eliminate Wrinkles and Fine Lines Around the Mouth | Cosmetic Laser Dermatology Webinar
Reviews
5/5 Stars
Dr. Butterwick and her team were amazing! She was thorough with explaining her treatment recommendations, all of my options and expectations I should have. I had my first treatment with her and couldn't be happier.
- Summer J.5/5 Stars
Dr. Butterwick is very knowledgeable and experienced with Asian skin. That was a "must" when I was researching good dermatology laser professionals.
- Wendy A.5/5 Stars
Dr. Butterwick genuinely cares for her patients! She is patient, intelligent, and an amazing doctor and artist. Don't go anywhere else.
- Shawn M.5/5 Stars
Dr. Butterwick is amazing. I have been to many big cities and experienced some very well thought of Cosmetic Derms and I always come back when I can to Dr. Butterwick. She is exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable.
- Helene D.5/5 Stars
I stated coming to this office a year ago and received Fraxel and other procedures. Dr Butterwick is the best at injections for fillers. I highly recommend anyone to see her.
- Michaelaine G.5/5 Stars
Hands down the staff at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology came through again with the royal like treatment for my 3rd visit. Dr. Butterwick is the epitome of the top physician in her industry!
- Mo M.Publications & Lectures
Publications
Butterwick, Kimberly MD: Evaluation of Long-Term Outcome and Patient Satisfaction Results After Tumescent Liposuction, Dermatologic Surgery: June 25, 2020.
Vanaman Wilson MJ, Jones IT, Butterwick KJ, Fabi SG. Role of Nonsurgical Chin Augmentation in Full Face Rejuvenation: A Review and Our Experience. Dermatol Surg 2018;00:1–9.
Butterwick KJ, Sadick N. Hand Rejuvenation Using a Combination Approach. Dermatol Surg 2016;42:S108–S118.
Narurkar VA, Fabi SG, Bucay VW, Butterwick KJ; et al. Rejuvenation Hydrator: Restoring Epidermal Hyaluronic Acid Homeostasis with Instant Benefits. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016;15(1): s23-s38.
Butterwick K, Marmur E, Narurkar V, Cox SE, et al: HYC-24L Demonstrates Greater Effectiveness with Less Pain than CPM-22.5 for Treatment of Perioral Lines in a Randomized Controlled Trial. Dermatol Surg. In Press.
Almam M, Kakar R, Nodzenski BA, Butterwick KJ, et al: Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of the Incidence of Adverse Events Associated with Cosmetic Dermatology Procedures – Laser, Energy Devices, and Injectable Neurotoxins and Fillers. JAMA Dermatol. 2015;(3):271-277.
Lorenc ZP, Fitzgerald R, Vleggaar D, Butterwick KJ, et al: Consensus recommendations on the use of injectable poly-L-lactic acid for facial and nonfacial volumization. J Drugs Dermatol. 2014 Apr;13(4 Suppl):s44-51.
Palm MD, Butterwick KJ, Goldman MP: Mycobacterium chelonae Infection Following Fractionated CO2 Facial Resurfacing (Presenting as an Atypical Acneiform Eruption): Case Report and Literature Review. Dermatol Surg 2010 Sep;36(9):1473-81.
Palm MD, Woodhall KE, Butterwick KJ, Goldman MP: Cosmetic use of poly-L-lactic acid: A retrospective study of 130 patients. Dermatol Surg 2010;36:161-170.
Butterwick KJ, Lowe N. Injectable PLLA for cosmetic enhancement: learning from the European experience. J Am Acad Dermatol. August 2009;61(2):281-293.
Butterwick KJ. Understanding injectable poly-L-lactic acid. Cos Dermatol. June 2007
Acher B, Coleman S, Alster T, Bauer U, Burgess C, Butterwick KJ, Donofrio L, Engelhard P, Goldman MP, Katz P, Vleggaar D: Full Scope of Effect of Facial Lipoatrophy: A Framework of Disease Understanding. Dermatol Surg. August 2006;32:1058-1069.
Butterwick KJ, Bevin AA, Iyer S: Fat Transplantation Using Fresh vs. Frozen Fat: A Side by Side Two Hand Comparison Study. Dermatol Surg. May 2006;32(5):640-644.
Butterwick KJ: Treatment Options for Rejuvenation of the Aging Hand. Cos Dermatol. March 2006;19(3):199-204. 21
Butterwick KJ, Butterwick LS, Han A: Laser and Light Therapies for Acne Rosacea. J Drugs Dermatol. January 2006; 5(1):35-39.
Butterwick KJ: Fat Autograft Muscle Injection (FAMI): New Technique for Facial Volume. Dermatol Surg. November 2005; 31(11):1487-1495.
Butterwick KJ: Rejuvenation of the Aging Hand. Dermatol Clin. 2005; 23:515-527.
Jackson RF, Roche G, Butterwick KJ, et al: Low-Level Laser-Assisted Liposuction: A 2004 Clinical Study of its Effectiveness for Enhancing Ease of Liposuction Procedures and Facilitating the Recovery Process for Patients Undergoing Thigh, Hip and Stomach Contouring. Am J Cos Surg. 2004; 21(4):191-198.
Butterwick KJ: Enhancement of the Results of Neck Liposuction with the FAMI Technique. J Drugs Dermatol. 2003; 2(5):487-493.
Butterwick KJ, Lack EA: Facial Volume Restoration with the F.A.M.I. Technique, Preliminary Experience with a New Technique. Dermatol Surg. 2003; 29:1019-1026.
Butterwick KJ: Lipoaugmentation for Aging Hands: A Comparison of the Longevity and Aesthetic Results of Centrifuged Versus Noncentrifuged Fat. Dermatol Surg, 2002; 28:987-991.
Butterwick KJ: Should Dermatologic Surgeons Discontinue Hormonal Therapy Prior to Tumescent Liposuction? Dermatol Surg 2002; 28:1184-1187.
Keel DM, Goldman MP, Fitzpatrick RE, Butterwick KJ: Diamond Laser Scalpel vs. Steel Scalpel: a side by side comparison of Cutaneous wound healing. Laser Surg Med 2002 (Submitted).
Fitzpatrick RE, Goldman MP, Butterwick KJ: Reversal of Photoaging in Ten Weeks: A Novel Skin Peeling System with a Uniquely Formulated Post-Peel Regimen. International J Cosmetic Surg & Aesthetic Dermatol 2001; 3(3):199-203.
Butterwick KJ, Tse YT, Goldman MP: Effect of External Ultrasound Post Liposuction: A Sideto-Side Comparison Study. Dermatol Surg 2000; 26:433-435.
Butterwick KJ, Goldman MP, Sriprachya-anunt S: Lidocaine Levels During the First Two Hours of Infiltration of Dilute Anesthetic Solution for Tumescent Liposuction. Derm Surg, 1999; 25:681-685.
Butterwick KJ: A Half and Half Comparison Study of the Effect of the Silhouette Liponic Sculpting System When Applied to Cellulite of the Outer Thighs. Cosmetic Dermatol 1998.
Book Chapters
Butterwick KJ. Autologous Fat Transfer: Evolving Concepts and Techniques. In: Surgery of the Skin, 3rd Ed. Robinson JK, Hanke CW, Siegel DM, Fratila A (eds), Elsevier 2015. 22
Friedmann DP, Butterwick KJ, Ortiz AE. Tumescent Liposuction. In: Procedural Dermatology. Avram M, Avram M, Ratner (eds.). McGraw-Hill Education, New York 2015.
Butterwick KJ. Autologous Fat Transfer and Other Synthetic Facial Volumizers. In: Disorders of Fat and Cellulite: Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment. Goldberg D, Berlin A (eds), Informa Healthcare 2011.
Butterwick KJ. FAMI Technique and Fat Transfer for Hand Rejuvenation. In: Office-Based Cosmetic Procedures and Techniques. Eremia S (ed.). Cambridge University Press 2010.
Butterwick KJ. Liposuction of the Neck. In: Cosmetic Dermatology: A Comprehensive Medical and Surgical Text. Draelos ZD (ed), Wiley–Blackwell In press.
Butterwick KJ, Nootheti PK, Hsu JW, Goldman MP. Autologous Fat Transfer: An In-Depth Look at Varying Concepts and Techniques. In: Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. Maas CS (ed), Elsevier 2007.
Butterwick KJ, Goldman MP: Safety of Lidocaine during Tumescent Anesthesia for Liposuction. In, Shiffman MA & Giuseppe AD (eds): LIPOSUCTION: Principles and Practice. SpringerVerlag, Berlin 2006, 75-79.
Butterwick KJ, Cox SE. Chemical Peels. In: Surgery of the Skin. Hanke CW, Robinson JK, Sengelmann RD, Siegel DM (eds), Elsevier 2005.
Butterwick KJ. Autologous Fat Transfer: Evolving Concepts and Techniques. In: Surgery of the Skin. Hanke CW, Robinson JK, Sengelmann RD, Siegel DM (eds), Elsevier 2005.
Butterwick KJ. Fat Autograft Muscle Injection. In: Liposuction. Hanke CW, Sattler G (eds), Elsevier 2005.
Hanke CW, Satler G, Klein JA, Bernstein G, Butterwick KJ, Lillis PH. Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction From a Dermatologic Surgeon’s Perspective. In: Liposuction. Hanke CW, Sattler G (eds), Elsevier 2005.
Butterwick, KJ. Safety of Lidocaine During Tumescent Anesthesia for Liposuction. In: Liposuction. Hanke CW, Sattler G (eds), Elsevier 2005.
Butterwick, KJ. New Trends in Fat Augmentation Techniques with an Introduction to the F.A.M.I. Technique. In: Dermatologic Surgery . Goldman MP, Weiss R (ed) Marcel-Dekker, New York 2003
Butterwick KJ. Liposuction of the Medial Thighs, Knees, Calves and Ankles. In: Safe Liposuction. Naris R (ed) Marcel-Dekker, New York 2003
Lawrence N. Butterwick, KJ. Postoperative Considerations. In: Safe Liposuction. Narins R (ed) Marcel-Dekker, New York 2003
Butterwick KJ. Consultation and Pre-operative Considerations. In: Safe Liposuction. Narins R (ed) Marcel-Dekker, New York 2003 23
Butterwick KJ. Facial Volume Restoration with Fat Autograft Muscle Injection (F.A.M.I.): “Preliminary Experience with a New Technique”. In: Safe Liposuction. Naris R (ed) MarcelDekker, New York, 2002
As Seen On
Restoring Your Youth – The Many Approaches to Facial Rejuvenation | Douglas Wu, MD, PhD | Webinar
Acne and Acne Scarring: Light and Laser Treatments | Monica Boen, MD | Webinar
Introducing 5 Brand New Procedures | Jameson Loyal, MD | Webinar
Quickly Remove Unwanted Hair with the New Lumenis Splendor X at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology
Introducing The SaltFacial® Treatment | Webinar
Lasers, Lasers, Lasers: A Cosmetic Laser Dermatology Webinar With Dr. William Groff