Dr. Michael Contreras, MD
Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
Glendale, Colorado
● Taking New Patients
NPI: 1457367013· License: 48593 (CO) verify
Medical school: University Of New Mexico School Of Medicine · Graduated 2001
Industry payments (2024): $2,109 across 60 payments (what this means)
4.81(51 ratings)
About
Dr. Michael Contreras is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon practicing in Glendale, Colorado, with over 20 years of experience. He believes beautiful skin is cultivated through expert care, advanced technology, and personalized treatments designed to reveal skin at its very best. Dr. Contreras emphasizes that looking refreshed often comes from restoring natural volume, not always surgery. He applies thoughtful filler selection and precise placement, understanding that effective treatment requires deep knowledge of which product to use, where, and how much.
For acne scars, Dr. Contreras states treatment is never one-size-fits-all, creating customized plans that often combine techniques like fractional laser resurfacing, microneedling, or TCA CROSS. He approaches skin cancer removal with both precision and artistry, aiming for the best functional and cosmetic outcome. Dr. Contreras prioritizes listening to patient concerns, understanding their goals, and tailoring treatment plans to individual needs and budgets.
Connect with Dr. Michael Contreras on Social Media
Specialties
- Dermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
Procedures & Services
Select a service to schedule an appointment · each is approximately 60 minutes
Average Cost of Surgery
Healthcare costs shouldn't be a mystery. Below, you'll find crowdsourced data on the actual costs of surgeries performed by Dr. Michael Contreras, submitted anonymously by the patient community. Use this as a guide to better anticipate your own expenses. Please note that final costs can vary based on your specific medical needs.
Botox
$200
Dermal Fillers
$501
Juvederm
$1,275
Laser Resurfacing
$1,400
Restylane
$2,401
Fractional Laser
$2,999
Help us keep this data current and accurate. If you've had a procedure with Dr. Michael Contreras, please take a moment to contribute your cost information.
Questions, Answers, and Information Directly from Dr. Michael Contreras
Sourced directly from Dr. Michael Contreras's social posts and replies.
Does Core Dermatology offer package pricing for treatments?
Yes, package pricing is available on select treatments. For example, a package of 3 Microneedling Treatments costs $1,100, 3 Hollywood Laser Facials costs $630, and 2 Multifrax Laser Facials costs $1,200.
What aesthetic services are offered by the Licensed Aesthetician, Francheska?
Francheska, the Licensed Aesthetician, provides a range of services including Signature SilkPeel Dermalinfusion, which deeply exfoliates, removes impurities, and infuses customized serums for hydrated, radiant skin. She also offers the Core Clear Facial, perfect for post-summer breakouts, which includes extractions and high-frequency therapy. Other services include Multifrax Laser Facials to boost collagen, improve skin texture, soften fine lines, and reveal a smoother complexion, and the Hollywood Laser Facial, a no-downtime treatment that refines pores, smooths texture, and leaves skin luminous and refreshed.
What hair growth supplements does the practice offer?
The practice offers Xtressé™, a dermatologist-developed, science-backed, sugar-free, biotin-free hair growth supplement in delicious gummy form. It contains regenerative ingredients like NAD+, Pumpkin Seed, Taurine, and Pea Sprout Extract, designed to nourish hair from within and support healthier, stronger-looking growth. Xtressé™ is available for pickup at the office.
What are the treatment options for acne scars at Core Dermatology?
Core Dermatology offers a range of treatments for acne scars, often utilizing combination therapy for the best improvement, especially since many patients have more than one type of scar. Options include: Filler (e.g., Restylane) to lift rolling and superficial boxcar scars; Sculptra® as a biostimulatory option that gradually supports collagen production; TCA CROSS to target deep pitted scars and deeper boxcar scars; Superficial Peels for mild scarring, uneven tone, and active acne; Microneedling (with or without radiofrequency) to improve collagen and texture; Subcision to release tethered rolling scars beneath the skin; Fractional Laser Resurfacing to improve texture, tone, and overall scar appearance; VBeam® Laser to reduce lingering post-acne redness; and IPL to improve redness and unwanted pigment changes.
What is Rhinophyma and how is it treated at Core Dermatology?
Rhinophyma is a progressive condition, often associated with rosacea, that causes the nose to become enlarged, thickened, and misshapen over time. While not everyone with rosacea develops it, it is treatable. In its early stages, medical therapy may help slow progression. However, once tissue becomes significantly thickened, the most effective treatment is often surgical reshaping and/or laser resurfacing. Both Dr. Contreras and Dr. Renee Pride perform rhinophyma surgery at Core Dermatology. Treatment may include surgical debulking, laser resurfacing, or a combination of techniques to restore the nose's natural appearance, remove excess thickened tissue, restore natural nasal contours, and improve texture and appearance, helping patients regain confidence. The goal is to carefully reshape and remodel the nose, preserving its natural character, and every procedure is individualized. Early evaluation can help determine the best approach.
How does Core Dermatology approach skin cancer treatment and scar revision?
At Core Dermatology, the goal is to cure skin cancer while achieving the best functional and cosmetic outcome possible. Dr. Contreras proudly refers patients to their Mayo Clinic-trained Mohs surgeon, Dr. Renee Pride, for expert skin cancer treatment and reconstruction, even trusting her to perform surgery on his own father. After successful Mohs surgery and reconstruction, Dr. Contreras performs laser scar revision to further soften the scar, improve texture, reduce redness, and enhance the final cosmetic result.
What are Dr. Contreras's approaches to cheek filler?
Dr. Contreras uses a customized combination of Restylane Lyft and Restylane Contour to restore youthful cheek volume and improve facial support, aiming for a refreshed, lifted appearance without looking overdone. Restylane Lyft provides structural support and lift, while Restylane Contour recreates the soft, natural curves of youthful cheeks. Cheek filler can restore age-related volume loss, lift and support the mid-face, improve facial contours and balance, and create a more youthful, refreshed appearance with natural-looking rejuvenation. Patients can expect immediate improvement and continued enhancement as the filler settles, with results that are long-lasting and can extend well beyond a year. Restylane Lyft and Restylane Contour are temporary and adjustable hyaluronic acid fillers.
What should patients know about under-eye filler with Dr. Contreras?
Volume loss under the eyes can create hollows and shadows, making individuals appear fatigued even when well-rested. Under-eye filler is considered one of the most powerful non-surgical treatments available, but also one of the most technically challenging areas to treat safely. Dr. Contreras uses Restylane® Hyaluronic Acid (HA) filler to restore lost volume, fill hollow tear troughs, reduce dark shadows and tired-looking eyes, and create a brighter, more rested appearance, refreshing the face without surgery. Patients can expect immediate improvement and continued enhancement as the filler settles. Results typically last 12–18 months, depending on individual metabolism and product longevity. Restylane® HA filler is temporary and reversible, providing smooth, natural-looking correction.
How are cherry angiomas treated at Core Dermatology?
Cherry angiomas are common, harmless growths made up of tiny blood vessels. While they are not dangerous, treatment can be simpler than patients might think. Dr. Contreras's favorite treatment for cherry angiomas is the VBeam® Pulsed Dye Laser. This laser specifically targets the blood vessels within the lesion, allowing for removal with little to no downtime and without scarring. Smaller angiomas often disappear after just one treatment, while larger lesions may require a second treatment 4–6 weeks later. VBeam laser treatment is safe, precise, highly effective, and results in clearer skin.
How does Core Dermatology treat stubborn pigmentation and dark spots?
Before discussing treatment for any dark spot, Core Dermatology performs a thorough evaluation and testing to rule out skin cancer and confirm the lesion is benign, as not every dark spot is the same and some require medical assessment before cosmetic treatment. Once a lesion is confirmed benign, a treatment plan is created. Dr. Contreras frequently uses the Spectra® Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser, one of his favorite technologies for stubborn pigmentation. This laser can target both superficial and deeper pigment, making it an excellent option for a variety of pigment concerns, including sun spots, flat seborrheic keratoses ('age spots'), freckles, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hemosiderin staining (often related to swelling), and certain birthmarks and other pigmented lesions. Patients interested in laser treatment for pigmentation concerns can schedule a consultation to discuss their options.
From Dr. Michael Contreras's Instagram
@coredermatology →Recent photos posted by @coredermatology, Dr. Michael Contreras's own Instagram account. Each image opens the original post on Instagram.
- @coredermatologySep 2026
- @coredermatologyAug 2026
- @coredermatologyAug 2026
- @coredermatologyAug 2026
- @coredermatologyAug 2026
- @coredermatologyAug 2026
- @coredermatologyJul 2026
- @coredermatologyJul 2026
- @coredermatologyJul 2026
- @coredermatologyJun 2026
Images © Dr. Michael Contreras / @coredermatology, shown here with a link to the original post. If you are the account owner and want an image removed, contact [email protected].
Patient Experience
Dr. Michael Contreras Review Summary
4.88
Dr. Contreras has consistently high ratings across multiple platforms. He boasts a perfect 5.0 from his patients, and near-perfect scores of 4.8 on both medicalnewstoday.com and healthgrades.com. He also holds a 5/5 on realself.com and Google Reviews. Overall, patients are extremely satisfied with his services.
Ratings from Other Platforms
Main Office
4500 E Cherry Creek S Dr suite 600, Glendale, Colorado
(303) 355-3000
Book a Service Consultation
Each service is approximately 60 minutes.
Industry Payments
Federal law (the Physician Payments Sunshine Act) requires drug and medical-device companies to report anything of value they give to a physician — consulting and speaking fees, research funding, travel, royalties, and even meals. Medicare publishes all of it in a public database called Open Payments. We show it here so you don't have to go looking for it.
Total received (2024)
$2,109
Payments
60
Compared to peers
Moderate
Dr. Michael Contreras received $2,109 across 60 payments in 2024. That is higher than about 71% of the physicians here who received any industry payment. Most of it was categorised as food and beverage, and the largest single payer was Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc..
What this means for your care
- A disclosed payment is a business relationship, not evidence of wrongdoing, and it says nothing on its own about the quality of your care.
- Most payments are small. Across the physicians listed on NavMDs, the single most common category is food and beverage at industry-sponsored talks.
- Larger consulting, speaking or royalty payments mean an ongoing financial relationship with a company whose products your doctor may use or recommend. That is worth knowing about, and it is reasonable to ask about.
- A fair question to ask: “Do you have a financial relationship with the maker of the implant, filler or device you're recommending — and what alternatives did you consider?”
Source: CMS Open Payments, the federal database created by the Sunshine Act. View the full record on CMS Open Payments ↗
Insurance Information
Please contact Dr. Michael Contreras's office directly for information about accepted insurance plans.
Phone: (303) 355-3000
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Location & Contact Information
Main Office
4500 E Cherry Creek S Dr suite 600
Glendale, Colorado 80246
Office Information
Phone: (303) 355-3000
Where does Dr. Michael Contreras practice?
Doctor's Office
Main Office (Primary)
4500 E Cherry Creek S Dr suite 600, Glendale, Colorado 80246
(8 reviews)
Hospital Affiliations
Hospital affiliations unknown
Do you know which hospitals Dr. Michael Contreras is affiliated with? This information helps patients understand where they might receive care.
Education & Experience
Education
University Of New Mexico School Of Medicine
Certifications & Licenses
Board-certified Dermatologist
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor
Certified Alcohol And Drug Counselor
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make an appointment with Dr. Michael Contreras online?
The provided information doesn't confirm whether online appointments are available. Contact the office at (303) 355-3000 for scheduling information.
Does Dr. Michael Contreras offer telehealth?
One description mentions "No Video Visits Available," suggesting telehealth is not currently offered. It's best to contact the office to confirm.
What do patients have to say about Dr. Michael Contreras?
Patients consistently praise Dr. Contreras' skill and expertise, with reviews highlighting his effectiveness in treating various skin conditions, including rosacea, eczema, and aging concerns. Patients appreciate his ability to achieve youthful-looking results and describe him as the "best cosmetic dermatologist."
What areas of care does Dr. Michael Contreras cater to?
Dr. Contreras' areas of care include general dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, dermatologic surgery, skin cancer excision, and treatment of conditions like rosacea and eczema. He also offers aesthetic treatments such as laser resurfacing and dermal fillers. Emphasizes that acne scar treatment is never one-size-fits-all, with best results coming from a customized plan considering skin thickness, age, tone, active acne, and redness. Often utilizes combination treatment for optimal improvement. Focuses on carefully evaluating scars and matching the right treatment to the right scar, using a thoughtful, customized plan that fits the patient's skin, goals, and budget, rather than simply selling every available treatment. Believes beautiful skin is cultivated with expert care, advanced technology, and personalized treatments designed to reveal skin at its very best, providing personalized skin rejuvenation. Approaches skin cancer removal, especially on areas like the nose, with both precision and artistry, aiming to cure skin cancer while achieving the best functional and cosmetic outcome possible. Holds that looking refreshed doesn't always require surgery, and the most beautiful results can come from restoring volume that naturally diminishes over time. Applies thoughtful filler selection and precise placement to maximize results and efficiently use product, believing effective filler treatment requires deep knowledge of where, how much, and which product to use, not just adding filler. Stresses that years of injection expertise are crucial, teaching nuances of facial anatomy, product selection, and placement that cannot be learned from a textbook alone. Prioritizes listening to patient concerns, understanding their goals, and creating treatment plans tailored to individual needs and budgets. For under-eye filler, combines an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy with advanced injection techniques to achieve natural-looking results while minimizing risk. The goal is to help patients look like the most rested, refreshed version of themselves, not to change their appearance. Advocates for individualized evaluation for dark spots, recognizing that not every dark spot is the same and some require medical assessment before cosmetic treatment. Adheres to the philosophy that healthy, fuller-looking hair starts from within.