Dermatology is not just a job for Dr. Melanie Kingsley.
For as long as she can remember, Dr. Kingsley knew she wanted to be a doctor, inspired by her artistic side, love of procedures and an unyielding passion for helping others. After attending Indiana University School of Medicine for medical school and dermatology residency, Dr. Kingsley moved to Boston for a prestigious fellowship in Cosmetic Dermatology, Lasers and Surgery. Her fellowship provided additional training which led Dr. Kingsley to become an expert in the field of lasers and cosmetic dermatology. During her time as a fellow in Boston, Dr. Kingsley also participated in clinical trials for a variety of dermatology products and procedures, such as Xeomin, Kybella, MiraDry, CoolSculpting, Pico lasers, hyaluronic acid fillers and more.
Returning to Indiana in 2010, she was invited onto faculty at Indiana University School of Medicine with the goal of starting their cosmetic program. It was there where she founded the Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Center at IU Health Physicians (IUHP) and was named the Director of Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Surgery. She also held a role as Assistant Professor of Dermatology- continuing with this role she still holds today – educating medical students and future dermatologists.
For over 13 years, Dr. Kingsley dedicated her time and talents to academia but always had a burning desire to open her own practice. “My time at IUHP was a huge part of my growth and development, and I cherish the many relationships I made that will continue on,” said Dr. Kingsley. “However, if I was going to act on my lifelong dream of starting my own dermatology practice, I knew it was time.”
MK Dermatology became a reality in May 2023, opening a temporary office space in Noblesville while designing and planning was underway for a more permanent space. Originally opened with an experienced team of four, the team has continued to grow with the addition of a Physician Assistant, a nurse, two medical aestheticians and a second patient registration specialist. Just one year later, Dr. Kingsley officially opened her brand new, state-of-the-art facility in Carmel in May 2024.
Walking into this modern, beautifully designed office feels like a luxury. From the warm and inviting lobby and the skincare products lining the walls, to the artwork, design and care put into each of the private rooms, MK Dermatology is completely differentiated from a traditional doctor’s office in looks, feel and vision. “We built this new office to be more of a destination for our patients, a place they look forward to visiting, receiving treatment and relaxing all while receiving the quality care and expert treatment they deserve,” said Dr. Kingsley. “It’s crucial they feel confident in who they see, not only for dermatology, but also for cosmetics.”
MK Dermatology specializes in dermatologic and cosmetic treatments such as laser therapy for cosmetic and medical skin concerns, injectable treatments (including filler, neurotoxin, and platelet-rich plasma), skin resurfacing, skin tightening, as well as treatments for acne, rosacea and scarring. The practice also performs surgeries and treats dermatologic diseases and skin cancers through pioneering technology. “We pride ourselves in treating any and all skin concerns and many times this includes both a medical and cosmetic focus. Our patients very much appreciate all of our treatment offerings and flexibility,” Dr. Kingsley said. “In addition, we offer medical aesthetic and facial treatments by certified providers who have years of expertise in the field.”
As she constantly stays up to date with the latest technological advancements and provides the best treatments and resources in the field, Dr. Kingsley and her team always put their patients first. By improving the overall appearance and health of their skin, patients leave feeling confident and better about themselves.
What also makes MK Dermatology unique is that it is the only Direct Care dermatology practice in the state of Indiana. With a patient-centric approach to healthcare, this model means insurance companies have zero influence as to how they treat patients. By eliminating the red tape, patients are provided with the best possible treatments and solutions, without the fear of surprise bills, copays or the constraints of reimbursement concerns.
Direct Care also means that pricing is transparent, as patients know exactly what they will pay, and are provided with everything they need to easily self-submit their invoice to their insurance company. Overall, costs are reasonable and – in some cases – less than what the cost might be after an arduous process through an insurance company.
But the biggest benefit, Dr. Kingsley noted, is how the model places the focus on patient care. “With Direct Care, we have more time to spend focused on our patients’ care and well-being,” Dr. Kingsley said. “There’s no influence of insurance or corporations; it’s just us as providers and our patients. The Direct Care model provides us the freedom to customize care, allowing us to emphasize the time we have with our patients to address their needs and tailor a treatment plan that is right for their care, not what the insurance companies dictate.”
Additionally, Dr. Kingsley’s patient-centered dedication to her craft led her to launch her own skincare company, Skin Therapy MD. After years of research and working one-on-one with a chemist, Dr. Kingsley came to market with her two product lines: CAMU Anti-Aging and CAMU ClearSkin. Each two-step process contains clean, non-harmful ingredients and consists of an exfoliating wipe to remove dead skin cells and a moisturizing serum to seal in powerful ingredients deep into the skin. “I was able to put all of my favorite skincare ingredients into these two simple steps, making it easy to stay consistent with your daily routine while giving beautiful results,” Dr. Kingsley said.
After decades in the field and thousands of patients served, it is clear dermatology is not just a job for Dr. Kingsley. It’s a passion.
“I love what I do, and I love my patients; I only want the best for them,” Dr. Kingsley said. “MK Dermatology is a destination, a place you want to come for treatment, relaxation, beautification and to see familiar faces. It is incredibly important to me to maintain a strong, healthy, happy culture for my patients and the MK Dermatology team.”
She concludes, “I believe our patients feel this the minute they step in the door.”
The new MK Dermatology is located at 12174 North Meridian Street, Suite 210, in Carmel. For more information, call 317-620-0024 or visit mkderm.com and follow @melaniekingsleymd and @MK_Dermatology on Instagram. For more information about Dr. Kingsley’s skincare line, visit skintherapymd.com.
Comments 1
I would like to schedule an appointment to have a “skin survey” performed. I am unhappy with my current dermatology group. Do you accept Medicare and Advantage Plus supplement? 317/840-9898