NWA dermatologist marks 20 years in operation

Dr. Missy Clifton, founding partner of Bentonville-based Premier Dermatology and Premier Aesthetics, started her business in 2004.

“I started it because I wanted to do something that was not being done in Northwest Arkansas at the time,” Clifton said. “There were lots of dermatologists here, but none of them were doing aesthetic work …

“Our desire has always been to be all things skin under one roof. When patients come to us for a skin check, they can also have a skin analysis to see if they need certain skin care products… laser treatments or … cosmetic treatments like Botox or fillers.”

She not only wanted to offer dermatology services and dermatologic surgery but also aesthetic treatments like Botox, fillers and facials. And she’s remained on top of innovative technology, products and services, such as injectables, body sculpting and skin tightening.

Over the years, Premier has experienced significant growth, including the acquisition of a Bella Vista dermatology practice and expansion into Fayetteville. Premier started with five employees and now has more than 100 across three offices, including a Fayetteville location that opened in 2022. Some staff work in both the dermatology and aesthetics businesses.

“To a large degree, most of our patients are cross-fed,” Clifton said. “They see the dermatology side and the aesthetics side.”

As the business grew, she added other partners in the dermatology practice. In 2021, she rebranded the aesthetics business from The Spa at Premier and stopped offering massages because of limited space. Over the next few years, Clifton expects to offer more integrative dermatology and hormone replacement therapies and supplements.

A Dardanelle native, Clifton moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2003 after completing her residency and has been a dermatologist since then.

Premier has 20th-anniversary events planned this year, including an October celebration with giveaways, discounts and a donation to a nonprofit.