Dallas Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics
8201 Preston Road #350
Dallas, TX 75225
Phone: (214) 631-7546
Fax: (214) 631-8546
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Training and Education
After earning her degree in biomedical sciences from Texas A&M, Dr. Polder studied at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. She graduated in the top 4% of her class, earning the Dermatology Outstanding Medical Student of the Year Award and a coveted place in the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.
Dr. Polder’s postdoctoral training began with an internship in internal medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School. After her time in Boston, she returned to her home state to complete her dermatology residency at UT Houston/M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. She served as chief resident during her final year.
In addition, Dr. Polder is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and holds the distinction of being a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD).
Credentials at a Glance
Education
- Residency –
University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center - Postdoctoral Internship –
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School - Doctor of Medicine (MD) –
University of Texas Medical School at Houston - Undergraduate –
Texas A&M University
Credentials
- Board Certification –
American Board of Dermatology - Fellow –
American Board of Dermatology - License –
Physician License, State of Texas
Select Society Memberships
- American Academy of Dermatology
- American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
- American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
- Women’s Dermatologic Society
A Life-Changing Patient Encounter, A Lifelong Passion for Research
As a third-year med student completing her internal medicine rotation at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Polder experienced a life-changing moment. She saw a man suffering from a rare and severe skin reaction to a new treatment medication; it caused him to lose skin over 80% of his body. The experience profoundly affected Dr. Polder and fueled her interest in clinical dermatology research.
“I saw the impact a doctor makes in the lives of her patients. We have the unique opportunity to use our knowledge to change lives for the better.”
— Kristel Polder, MD, FAAD
Research has remained an important part of Dr. Polder’s career. She has served as an investigator on several clinical trials, including studies examining the effectiveness and safety of laser procedures and studies investigating topical and oral treatments for various skin conditions.
Special Clinical Interests
Dr. Polder provides comprehensive, compassionate dermatologic care using the latest techniques, devices, and medical therapies. Some of her favorite and most rewarding treatments include:
Whether you want to beautify your skin, address an underlying medical concern, or contour your face and body without surgery, Dr. Polder is well equipped to meet your unique needs.
“We treat our patients like family and want them to know that we care about them as whole people— not just their skin care. I take great pride in treating entire families of patients—from the grandparents to the grandchildren. … I feel as much a part of their lives as they are of mine.”
— Kristel Polder, MD, FAAD
A Recognized Leader in Her Field
An advocate for skin cancer awareness and acne education, Dr. Polder frequently engages in live social media chats, talking with teens, beauty bloggers, and healthcare professionals about the latest trends, research, and treatments. She is regularly featured in both print and TV media and co-authored the acclaimed book Beautiful Skin Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Better Skin.
In addition, Dr. Polder has had the honor of serving as a national spokesperson for global medical companies and is a clinical assistant professor at UT Southwestern and Baylor University. She is active in several professional organizations, including the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the Women’s Dermatologic Society.
D Magazine has regularly featured Dr. Polder on their “Best Doctors” list since 2015, and Super Doctors has honored Dr. Polder every year since 2017, including 3 years as a Texas Rising Star.
“Until I found Dr. Polder, I would put off visits because of the pain of most procedures. Dr. Polder is my hero. She takes great care to see that I am comfortable and without pain during any procedure. She has changed my total outlook. I look forward to seeing her to learn about new developments in the cosmetic field. I know I can totally rely on her.”
— Real Patient Review
Our Team Leaders
Our board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Lori Stetler, Dr. Kristel Polder, and Dr. Jill Feetham, lead a team of experienced and highly trained aesthetic specialists who provide exceptional patient care.
Meet Dr. Stetler Meet Dr. Polder Meet Dr. FeethamIn Her Own Words: A Q&A With Dr. Polder
- What Do You Find Most Satisfying About Being a Dermatologist?
- Seeing a patient truly happy when their skin is clear and free of disease. For example, I’ve treated many patients suffering with severe acne using isotretinoin. When their faces are clear of acne, their personalities open up, and they become happier, more confident people.
It’s also satisfying to use my eye for aesthetics to enhance someone’s natural beauty. To see the joy on a patient’s face when their wrinkles or brown spots improve—it makes all the years of training and schooling worthwhile.
I’ve also suggested to patients who came in for cosmetic treatments to get screened for skin cancer. Sure enough, several were diagnosed with skin cancer and were able to be treated. - Why Is It Important To Teach Medical Students?
- Teaching medical students and residents is important because they are the future of our specialty. Seeing their faces light up when they try a new technique for the first time or learn a new concept is truly invigorating for me. I love to learn, and I hope to convey that love to those I teach.
When I look back on my own life, the teachers who left the greatest impact were the ones who were passionate about their subject matter. I am passionate about dermatology and hope to pass that on to those I teach. Giving back through teaching is important because it is incumbent upon us to “pay it forward” and honor those that taught us by teaching others. - How Has Cosmetic Dermatology Changed Since You Started Practicing?
- Fractional lasers were just coming out onto the market when I started practicing. I had published several studies examining their efficacy for a variety of cosmetic indications. It is an honor to have been a part of the beginning—meaning putting the devices to the test by publishing and conducting studies on their efficacy and safety.
When I first finished residency, very few anti-wrinkle filler products were on the market. Now, there are multiple FDA-approved fillers. Aging is a 3-dimensional and continuous process. By using fillers and neurotoxins, such as BOTOX, we can achieve beautiful results that weren’t possible before. - You’re A Native Texan. Where Did You Grow Up?
- I was raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, on the border of Oklahoma. I was actually born during an F4 tornado that struck my hometown. My mother went into labor as the tornado was passing through. Interestingly enough, I was married in Houston right as Hurricane Ike hit the city.
- How Do You Spend Your Time When You’re Not In The Office?
- My greatest joy outside of work is my family. My husband is an anesthesiologist, and we have 3 children. My sister is a pharmacist at Children’s Hospital in Dallas. I enjoy running, weightlifting, Peloton cycling, reading, and cooking. We also like to travel and typically choose a few new places (international and national) to go each year.
Start Your Journey With Dr. Polder
You can meet Dr. Polder personally and receive a customized “Total Skin Rejuvenation” plan by requesting a consultation using the online form or by calling (214) 631-7546 to schedule an appointment. Dermatology patients from Plano, Fort Worth, and other cities near Dallas count on Dr. Polder to make flawless skin a reality.