Paula S. Malhotra, MD

Dr. Paula S. Malhotra, MD is a board‑certified dermatologist dedicated to delivering comprehensive medical and cosmetic skincare with compassion and expertise. Based in the western suburbs of Chicago, she practices at SKN Institute in Elmhurst, Illinois, where she embraces a holistic, inside‑out approach to skin wellness.

Dr. Malhotra began her academic journey at Saint Louis University. She returned to her home state of Kentucky to earn her medical degree and complete her dermatology residency at the University of Louisville where she also served as Chief Resident in 2008. Following residency, she moved to Chicagoland and spent a decade at Northwestern Medicine's downtown Chicago facilities, both practicing and teaching cosmetic and medical dermatology from 2012 to 2022.

Now a proud resident of the western suburbs, Dr. Malhotra brings her extensive background in treating medical conditions—such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, and benign lesions—as well as cosmetic expertise with injectables (Botox, Dysport, Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra, Kybella, PRP), laser therapies, microneedling, BBL, Fraxel®, and more. She’s known for personalized, science‑driven plans and for ensuring patients of all ages and ethnicities feel heard, informed, and cared for.

A natural communicator, Dr. Malhotra encourages honest dialogue and patient education so individuals understand treatment options and outcomes, reflecting her belief in empowering patients for lasting results. Her excellence has earned a 5.0‑star rating from over 50 patient reviews and accolades such as "Patients’ Top Choice", "Chicago Top Doctor", and "Castle Connolly Top Doctors" awards recorded from 2022-2025. Her academic contributions include publications on vasculitis, folliculitis, and calciphylaxis in prominent dermatology journals .

At SKN Institute, Dr. Malhotra fulfills her lifelong vision of centering her practice on holistic anti‑aging and skin wellness. She integrates cutting‑edge cosmetic treatments—Botox, fillers, PRP, Diamond Glow facials, microneedling, Fraxel®, Sofwave^TM, and laser hair removal—with a foundation of medical dermatology. She is passionate about providing the most up to date treatments for her patients.

Outside the office, Dr. Malhotra lives life to the fullest: traveling, working out, playing tennis, and reading. She’s also a devoted wife and mother of two young boys—and affectionately refers to her husband as her "third" child!