Dr. Missy Clifton never planned on becoming a dermatologist. In fact, she once envisioned herself in gynecology or surgery until her last semester dermatology rotation changed everything. Drawn to the field’s perfect blend of science, artistry, and patient connection, she set out to create something bigger than a traditional practice. Today, as the founder of Premier Dermatology and a triple board-certified expert, Dr. Clifton is leading the charge in integrative skincare, cutting-edge treatments, and a patient-first approach. From pioneering new anti-aging advancements to building a state-of-the-art practice where “All Things Skin” come together under one roof, she’s shaping the future of dermatology one patient and one innovation at a time.
An Arkansas native, Dr. Missy Clifton excelled from the start—graduating summa cum laude from UCA before earning the top spot in her medical class at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 1995. She refined her expertise through an Internal Medicine internship and a Dermatology residency, finishing as Chief Resident. Now a nationally recognized leader in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Clifton specializes in lasers, injectables, chemical peels, and dermal fillers. As a sought-after trainer for top aesthetic brands like Allergan and Revance, her influence extends beyond her practice, with research published in leading dermatology journals. Committed to staying at the forefront of innovation, she continually studies the latest advancements in skincare and aesthetics to ensure that every treatment is safe, effective, and tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
With this commitment to excellence, Dr. Clifton founded Premier Dermatology in 2004 with a clear vision: to blend the artistry of aesthetics with the science of modern medicine, helping patients enhance their natural beauty while prioritizing overall skin health. Premier Dermatology is more than just a practice—it’s a destination for personalized, cutting-edge care designed to empower patients to feel confident and radiant in their own skin. By combining medical expertise with an unwavering dedication to innovation and patient well-being, Dr. Clifton and her team continue to set the benchmark in the aesthetics industry, transforming not just appearances, but lives.
For Dr. Missy, patient care goes beyond just treatments; it’s about building meaningful, lasting relationships and treating each individual like family. She takes the time to truly listen to her patients, understand their specific needs, and design personalized care plans that not only enhance their appearance but also support their overall skin health. At Premier Dermatology, the goal isn’t just to provide a quick fix but to take a holistic approach, ensuring that every patient receives a full skin analysis, preventive care, and expert guidance. “We want you to feel welcome the moment you walk in,” she says, emphasizing the warm, family-like atmosphere she has cultivated. By fostering trust and long-term connections, Dr. Clifton and her team continue to set the gold standard in dermatology and aesthetics.
Dr. Missy Clifton is always pushing the boundaries of skincare, and the latest innovations have her particularly energized. With Alice Walton’s School of Medicine opening in Northwest Arkansas, she’s excited to see how the medical landscape in the region evolves. At the forefront of skincare advancements, Dr. Clifton is exploring growth factors and stimulants that can reverse DNA damage and reduce skin pre-cancer by up to 70%—and yes, it’s as revolutionary as it sounds! As a sought-after trainer for top aesthetic brands, she’s constantly teaching about neuromodulators, fillers, and practice-building. But here’s the twist: she’s just as dedicated to learning as she is to teaching. Her approach is rooted in an abundance mindset, focused on achieving the best possible results for everyone in the industry. Of course, I had to ask for some skincare tips. Her number-one must-have: Sunscreen with zinc or titanium—it doesn’t matter what brand, just use it every day. And one skincare myth she wishes would disappear? Harsh, drying products don’t clear acne; they make it worse by causing the skin to produce even more oil. So go ahead, moisturize away!
With cutting-edge treatments, a patient-first philosophy, and a passion for constant learning, Dr. Clifton is redefining what it means to care for your skin. And as if that weren’t enough, she’s working on launching her own line of DNA repair technology, pushing the boundaries of skincare even further. Premier Dermatology is not just a place for treatments, it’s a place where the future of skincare unfolds. Dr. Clifton is leading the charge, and there’s no telling where she’ll take us next, except that it will definitely be groundbreaking.
With a demanding career, I wondered how Missy stays balanced. Her secret? A few simple but meaningful self-care rituals:
Missy's Go-To Self-Care Practices:
- Reformer Pilates – “It’s magic for me.”
- Reading – A dedicated book club member for years
- Spending time with family & friends