When it comes to medical aesthetics clinics, Valley residents’ choices are abundant.
But when it comes to one that’s owned and operated by a medical professional, that’s where Marie A. Baker, president and medical director of DermaCrush Medical Aesthetics, gains separation from the pack.
The board-certified nurse practitioner is one of the few medical spa owners to which “medical” truly applies. With her prescriptive authority, she implements medical-grade treatments and procedures while holding an active role as full-time medical director.
“It’s pretty rare for someone to have a medical background. But not having someone on-site can be dangerous,” says Baker, referring to possible reactions to products or procedures. “I meet every single patient that comes in. Nearly all of our treatments are medical grade. It’s important to be on-site.”
It’s also a reason DermaCrush Medical Aesthetics has thrived since launching in 2019.
Baker specializes in cosmetic dermatology and medical aesthetics, and she has performed thousands of facial, body, and laser resurfacing treatments. Her non-invasive procedures with injectables and other top-notch skin care can take five or 10 years off someone’s appearance.
Her patients range in age from their 20s to 80s. Although 90 percent of her patients are women, she sees more male clients wanting the benefits of stopping time in its tracks.
This includes seeking a boost that starts from the outside. Baker sees many middle-aged patients who want to stay competitive in a younger workforce. She has seen patients experience improvements in their jobs, whether it’s in performance or promotions.
This demonstrates that her work’s value is not just skin deep.
“There are occasions in our society when appearances do matter, so taking off sun-damage spots and fine lines to look youthful and natural, too, gives you confidence and that shows in other’s perceptions,” Baker says.
Born in Tucson, Baker’s father was in the Army and moved her family to Phoenix when she was a year old.
Baker wasn’t exactly sure what drew her to the medical profession at a young age. Perhaps it’s that her mother was a nurse in Korea, where her parents met, or admiring the military and medical professionals she encountered while going to routine checkups at Luke Air Force Base as a kid.
“I just always had the desire to help people,” she says.
Baker used her nursing degree at Mayo Clinic and also in the intensive care unit. She had been in medical aesthetics for more than 10 years before she decided to break out on her own with DermaCrush.
In addition to being a mom of a son, 23, who will graduate from Arizona State University in May, Baker is also engaged. She balances her family life with being a business owner who sees patients 48 hours a week while doing all the administrative tasks and marketing.
She’s learned to be a one-woman show with ease. She also mentions fellow women professionals who helped her along the way.
“I think women are generally good at multitasking,” Baker says. “I’ve been fortunate to know some amazing women.”
But when it comes to running a successful practice, Baker credits taking the time to develop personal connections with patients and building trust rooted in genuine care for their life and what they wish to accomplish, personally and professionally.
“I recommend what’s best for them, never trying to sell them too much, and giving honest feedback and being extremely conservative with treatment approach,” says Baker, who is accessible day, night, weekends, and holidays. “We almost function like a concierge. We take care of our patients.”