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Allura Skin & Laser Center is excited to announce its partnership with the Golden State Dermatology network. Dr. Bruce Maltz and Dr. Carie Chui are excited to bring their experience and expertise to the Golden State Dermatology team. Golden State Dermatology is a leader in dermatology and plastic surgery. With nine locations and over 30 providers (and growing) we are one of the most advanced and comprehensive dermatology clinics in California. We offer state-of-the-art treatments for everything from acne to MOHS surgery, to hair removal.
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Dr. Maltz has served as President and Medical Director of Allura Skin & Laser Center for more than two decades. During this tenure, he has established an unblemished reputation for understanding and addressing the needs of patients, with expertise in both medical and aesthetic services.
Dr. Chui is a Board-certified dermatologist whose career in this field began with a medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, where she participated in skin cancer research. That experience piqued a keen interest in dermatology, that has never waned. After completing a dermatology residency at Stanford University, Dr. Chui took extensive training in surgical techniques including a fellowship program in laser, cosmetic, reconstructive, and Mohs micrographic surgery at University of California - San Francisco.
Dr. Hession hails from Boston and spent many years as an East Coaster. As a Jefferson scholar, she attended University of Virginia to graduate summa cum laude (with the highest distinction), earning a bachelor's degree in biology. She completed medical school at Columbia University to become Dr. Hession and served dermatology residency at Boston University.
Dr. Mariam Amin is originally from Austin, TX. She studied at Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, CT. Dr. Amin completed her undergraduate and medical education at Brown University as part of the 8-year Program in Liberal Medical Education then she completed her residency in Dermatology at Emory University where she served as a co-chief resident while pursuing extra training in Quality Improvement. Her professional interests include general dermatology and cosmetics, health technology, quality improvement, and teledermatology.
Reviews (11)
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Tiffany Yang
Feb 06, 2022
I had recently visited Allura Skin for acne concerns, after trying many different other dermatologies in the Bay. I had been treated by Dr. Hession for acne/acne scars concerns, and I must say that I'm so glad I have finally found the doctor I trust! Dr. Hession is very experienced, patient, caring, and knowledgable, and I think as a patient I just knew immediately that I can really trust the doctor and am in good hands. Particularly, Dr. Hession really listens to patient's concerns, and she would come up with customized treatments/suggestions that really tailored to my specific issues.

Unlike other places where dermatologies just overly advertise on cosmetic treatments, give one-size-fits-all solution, or even prescribe medications that just don't work, Allura Skin is totally the opposite of those! Dr. Hession definitely meets and goes beyond my expectations, and I'm very lucky to have found her and Allura Skin Center :
Amanda Young
Nov 25, 2021
DO NOT COME TO THIS PLACE. The dermatologist I worked with was Dr. Amin and she was always late and in a rush. She would rush in out of breadth, tell me a few things and then swiftly leave. In addition, the office made multiple mistakes in regards to my Acutane/Isotretinoin medication, which caused my treatment to last 2 months longer than they promised it would. Allura Skin in expensive and has terrible customer service.
Olivia Bertolacci
May 29, 2021
I have been a patient of this practice for 5+ years - to the point of when I even moved out of the area I still commute over 30 minutes to the office for my appointments. However, this week when I was going in for my annual skin check I was running a few minutes behind schedule, when I got stopped by construction infront of their own building. I walked in around 6 minutes late apologized tried to explain and thought that since I was not even 10 minutes late I still had time in my appointment slot.

The ladies behind the desk were extremely rude and asked me to sit down and wait so they could check with the doctor. I watched the lady not even get up and then wait a few minutes to ask another lady behind the desk about the schedule. After about another 5 minutes the lady said I missed my appointment and would have to reschedule. I tried to explain that I was not even 6 minutes late and I don't understand how my appointment wouldn't have time since the doctor spends about maybe 5/10 minutes in the room and that I drove 30 minutes to this appointment. The ladies could care less, we're rude, and didn't care. I have never been kicked out of a time slot in my life. Unfortunately now I will have to find a new dermatologist.
Lucas Buxman
Apr 25, 2021
Dangerous during the pandemic I'm a frequent patient at the Allergy and Asthma Clinic next door but have always considered that I would checkout Allura when ready to have my skin checked. Unfortunately today an unpleasant Allura staff member (black scrubs and perhaps an MA or nurse, in 20s likely) was sitting in the shared back lobby for the two medical suites without her mask on.

When I told her I would "feel more comfortable in this indoor environment if she wore her mask", she just gave me a sarcastic "thank you very much" and went back to watching YouTube videos on her phone, leaving mask off. When perhaps a hundred patients with respiratory illness need to use that lobby daily it's shocking how little they care. If a staff member would endanger those with respiratory illness, do you think she's going to be that careful when giving you your latest botox shot or chemical peel?
J. G.
Feb 02, 2020
My sons and I have counted on Dr. Hession for all of our skin care needs for the past two or three years. We all have fair complexions, so we have had more than our share of skin related issues including acne and dry skin for the boys, as well as milia, precancerous skin conditions, botox, and laser treatments for me. Dr. Hession is always outstanding.

In addition to being thorough, knowledgable, and effective, she is thoughtful and kind. We feel very fortunate to have Dr. Hession for our dermatologist and feel that she is among the best in dermatology in the Bay Area.
Joseph Han
Jan 09, 2020
Choosing this clinic was the worst decision I could've made. I was treated by an incompetent dermatologist who permanently damaged my nose. They tried to cover up their mishap with a series of ineffective methods which has only wasted my time. Dr. Matlz, the Director of this clinic, has refused to properly compensate me to seek second opinions elsewhere.
Nicholas Severais
Aug 16, 2019
I strongly disagree with the negative comment posted about Allura and specifically about Dr. Hession. My wife has been several times to Allura and recommended it to me when I had a disturbing spot on my forehead. She sees a different Dr. However when I called for an appointment that Dr was unavailable and I was told I could have an appointment with Dr. Hession. Knowing how easy it is to post a negative comment I accepted without hesitation.

I was very impressed with the efficiency and pleasant aspect of the clinic on my arrival. Dr. Hession was very professional though not without warmth. She explained the procedure clearly and after some brief prep got straight to it. At all times I felt I was in the hands of an experienced practitioner and was made comfortable with the procedure. Frankly, what more can you ask from a medical experience? If I am in need of this type of service in the future I have no doubts about returning to Allura and requesting Dr. Hession.
Gary Esch
Feb 01, 2018
I have been seeing Dr. Meghan Hession for over a year. I worked as a lifeguard when I was younger and have spent my career outdoors, have skin damage and a previous skin cancer. I started seeing Dr Hession when she first started working at Allura Skin. She is very knowledgeable and educated on skin cancers and conditions which are the result of sun damage.

She is always energetic and takes time to explain what the different suspicious spots on my skin are and when to be concerned. Dr. Hession is not one of those doctors that seems to be in a hurry to leave as I regularly need check ups and she takes the time and documents what she observes to see if there are any changes. I have also seen her for some cosmetic procedures which she is very skilled in performing.
Jaclyn Kossmann
Jan 10, 2018
Dr. Hession is outstanding. She is an expert in her field and very thorough as a physician. She is dedicated to patient care and is very friendly and thorough. I totally trust her with my care and can't recommend her enough! The clinic itself is spotless and welcoming and I never have to wait to be seen. Great service all around.
Johann Thomas
May 29, 2017
My advice to stay away from this place. Took my wife to this clinic to get treatment for acne problem. The doctor was in a hurry she came and looked at her from far and prescribed antibiotic and an ointment to apply everyday. We double checked with her to see if the antibiotic is safe for people who are trying to get pregnant. She replied saying " Totally safe, i even prescribe it for teenagers".

We decided to double check online and found out that it is TOTALLY NOT SAFE FOR GETTING PREGNANT. We called the clinic and they checked with some other doctors and confirmed that is true.
Riley Majestic
Nov 25, 2016
Have been going to Allura for many years now and highly recommend them. Mercedes and Dolcina work with the latest technology and work with you on a personal basis to address your areas of concern. They have a good product line as well. Give them a try!