Part of the Hippocratic Oath states as follows: "I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures [that] are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism. I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug. I will not be ashamed to say "I know not," nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient's recovery." Dr Irwin, lord and master of the Madison Skin and Laser Clinic, obviously believes this part of the Hippocratic Oath does not apply to her cosmetic dermatology practice. After my referral to this clinic for a mysterious scalp rash that has tormented me for more than 4 months, Dr Irwin saw me three times; once for a culture, once for a biopsy, and once to remove the stitches from said biopsy. Oh, she didn't remove the stitches. She had her assistant remove the stitches. For both the results of the culture and the biopsy, I had to phone the clinic multiple times to get any information about my culture and my biopsy. Naturally, I was quite nervous. When Dr. Irwin finally got on the phone after my query, she was "snippy" and told me, "Not to worry, it isn't malignant," and hung up. After three appointments, two investigative procedures, my rash was diagnosed as simple Folliculitis, and I should just use the shampoo Dr. Irwin's clinic sells. Huh? Folliculitis was diagnosed four months past, without any procedures, and all treatments failed. When I attempted to ask questions about her diagnosis, Dr Irwin turned to me and said, "I don't have time to argue with you!" Argue, I just want to ask a couple of questions. That isn't tolerated at the Madison Skin and Laser Clinic. I have lived a long time and never had a physician be so dismissive. Being a fairly well educated individual, I naturally have questions, and know doctors can be fallible. I have close friends who are world renown physicians at Sloan-Kettering, Hopkins, and Columbia Presbyterian, and they would never treat a patient in such a haughty manner. Some concise points to make regarding Dr. Irwin: 1. Her clinic specializes in cosmetology. It is designed to make a profit, and its goal is not to heal. 2. Dr. Irwin is the only physician on staff. That says something. Most clinics have multiple physicians available. Dr. Irwin obviously is not collaborative and rather not deal with anyone who might question her majesty. 3. Any physician who doesn't allow questions is a doctor to be avoided. It is imperative that patients be pro-active about their health. 4. If you need botox or want to clear up some acne, Dr. Irwin will be happy to take your money and provide treatment that may actually help. If you have a serious dermatological issue, Dr. Irwin will be happy to take your money. read more

From the moment you step inside the office, the whole process is designed to make you feel like you don't matter at all, and the Dr Irwin herself cannot be bothered to see you or deal with your mundane problems. Be ready to checkin 10 min prior to appointment time, wait 30-45 minutes, then once you're in, prepare for the most ridiculous speed date with two different rounds of assistants (while the doctor herself is somewhere else, resting in her lair on a mount of jewels?). Oh and did you run out of time? No problem, just go to the front desk and schedule another appointment, to go through the whole process again in a few weeks. After all, who knows, you may be just lucky enough to sight the doctor next time. If not, don't worry and just be relieved that none of the assistants are as disrespectful and condescending as her. They're actually kind of nice. (1 star because I can't give 0) read more

I have been buying products on line from SkinTour.com which is also by Dr. Irwin and after years of reading that site religiously, I found myself going on a trip to Seattle and so I decided to schedule an appointment with her myself! =) It was about time for my next dermatology appointment for Botox so I saved it for my trip. I was really excited about meeting her because I've been reading her dermatology blogs and recommendations for so many years, it was like meeting a celebrity. Can you believe she is 60? She doesn't look a day over 40! The office is beautiful with a view and while I waited (I did have to wait a bit) there was a lovely view and her staff took good care of me and even brought me coffee - the way to my heart! I was first seen by a technician who took some general information down. I've seen several dermatologists and so I'm familiar with how dermatology offices work. When Dr. Irwin came in she was really sweet and was excited that I had been reading her blogs and following her skincare recommendations. She was very humble and not at all arrogant about the recognition she has received over the years. She even educates other dermatologists! I explained about some of the pigmentation I have and some of the wrinkles in my forehead that don't seem to go away, they fade but not disappear and she easily created a plan of action to address my skin concerns. We did Botox and also used a laser for the pigmentation and its been a couple of months and already there is a HUGE difference. She is the best dermatologist I have been to! Very easy to talk to and very down to earth. She was actually shocked that I had booked an appointment with her just while I was visiting friends! Best dermatologist in the Northwest, I highly recommend her! read more

Terrible tone/environment of her office as a result of her unusually unkind staff. I never got to see Dr. Irwin herself. Her staff @ front desk told me that I was late when I came right at the time I was told to come in - my appt time. Her front desk receptionist team gathered all together & said, practically in unison, because I wasn't checked in 15 minutes prior to my appointment time (no one had told me this), plus that I'd also called in & cancelled an appointment FIVE years earlier, that I would never be able to see Dr. Irwin. Dr. Irwin looks fabulous in her photo! It makes u want 2 c her 2 learn her beauty secrets huh? But there r so many other equally as awesome Dr.'s with a staff that has a wonderful way of interacting with their clients! These front desk people ruin the everything potentially good about this place & Dr.Irwin. If she herself went anywhere & was treated the way her staff treated me - she'd never go back. Rules are fine. Being mean isn't fine. Move on - don't make a stop here! read more

Dr. Irwin is amazing! She really has an eye for beauty. I went in to see her as I really started noticing my wrinkles and overall aging. She spent a good amount of time talking to me about my concerns, and even let me show her pictures of myself from college (pre-wrinkles!). Ultimately she suggested Sculptra to add volume, Restylane under my eyes to get rid of my dark circles, Botox for my frown lines, IPL photofacial for my brown sun spots, and Thermage for my sagging skin around my jawline. I wish I could upload a picture to yelp as I love my new look. It is so natural - I just look like a younger version of myself. I'm definitely a patient for life, and highly recommend her. Nice office, seems like they have lots of state of the art lasers, and a nice selection of skincare for purchase as well. When I was in the waiting room I heard other women talking about that she is great with leg veins, so when my day finally comes for that I guess i'll know where to go. Good luck! read more

Have been going to this clinic for two years and agree with the reviews that this is the best spot in town! After struggling with terrible cystic acne since a teen, I developed rosacea in my mid 20s and her PA has taken great care of me! I know when I'm ready for laser and Botox that no other team will take better care. If you want to trust only the best with your face, look no further! read more

Came here for skin re surfacing. I showed up to her office and the staff was so kind and helpful. I appreciated the positive vibe and energy their office exerted. I did wait a little bit but it was worth it. Her skills should go known. She is amazing. Her talent is exquisite. I would recommend her to any of my friends. The results are un-deniable. Loved it! read more

I've been seeing Dr Irwin for over ten years and she's awesome! I'm in an industry where looks count, so I get injectable filers, botox, and an annual laser treatment. Plus monthly microdermabrasion. I have never had Dr Irwin and her staff steer me wrong, and I would not trust anyone else with my face. No, she's not the cheapest. I don't *want* the cheapest, I want the best! All you have to do is look at the faces of Dr Irwin and all the ladies who work there - they look great, not fake or "done", just: great. The whole team is super nice and helpful in every way. Highly recommend! read more

This is a cosmetic dermatologist only. If you need real medical care, keep looking. Dr. Irwin gave me an extremely superficial "once over" skin exam when I made an appointment for a skin (mole) check. She then proceeded to try to sell me expensive laser hair removal treatments. read more

I wish I didn't have to give such a poor rating to a place that I have been admiring from afar through Dr. Irwin's blog for a long while. It took me literally 6 months to see Dr. Irwin, originally when I called they insisted that I see her assistant for a $120 consultation appointment, I had been so impressed by Dr.Irwin's presence online that I was willing to do this. They moved my appointment 3 different times, each time giving me a date 2 months out, which is how it took 6 months to get to see someone in her clinic. I do have to say that the nurse that I did my consult with, I believe her name was Rita, was an absolute delight. She was very apologetic on the multiple cancellations, etc, she was very knowledgeable, competent and honest. After my consult with her, Dr. Irwin came in, talked to me for less than 5 minutes, refused to address any of my concerns, told me that if I am going to do anything with her only this first treatment would be completed by her, her assistant will be administrating the treatment for subsequent appointments and that I either am ok with that or I go somewhere else. I assumed that she must be an artist of her craft if her ego is this big and she obviously doesn't care how she comes across- I committed to treatment with her, I had no results to show for the procedure, I was out $550+ dollars and for the next 5 months her office kept harassing me-they mixed up my phone number with another patients and kept calling me about a bill. What a nightmare. Needless to say I am never going back there,if you like wasting your time, paying hard earned cash and getting no results from someone who degrades you and is condescending towards you as well as her wonderful assistants and if you love being harassed by incompetent front staff team whose disorganization levels are an accomplishment all in itself then please by all means go, otherwise run the opposite direction. I am being generous with the 2 stars I am giving this place. read more

Dr Irwin is an amazing dermatologist. I have seen her for several years and am consistently happy with the care I have received. During appointments she spends a lot of time with me, listening and looking, and then tailors her treatment approach to my specific needs. I have primarily seen Dr Irwin for cosmetic treatments and the results are always natural, subtle and pleasing. My husband has been seen in the clinic for non cosmetic reasons and his treatment has also been top notch. In short, Dr Irwin is fantastic and so is the entire staff at Madison Skin and Laser Center. read more

A friend recommended Dr. Brandith Irwin about 8 years ago and I really feel so fortunate to be under her care, she located some precancerous spots on my leg which were immediately dealt with and I now return every 6 months to receive a head to toe check. Her assistant Rita is also top notch and when they enter the room I call them the dream team.. The front desk staff remember me from past visits and are professional and friendly. I could not be more pleased with the services she provides, yes, sometimes it takes a while to get in to see but Dr. Irwin for injections and cosmetic procedures but if you have a medical issue I have always been able to get right in.. It is wonderful to have the confidence in your doctor and their staff. A plus..... read more