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Skinworks The highly qualified skin care experts at Skinworks Dermatology work together to create a serene, welcoming environment at their three convenient locations in Maspeth and Chelsea, New York, and Park Slope, Brooklyn. Board certified Dermatologist and Internist, Dr. Javier Zelaya, with over 25 years of dermatology, cosmetic, laser and surgical experience works alongside a skilled team Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners and licensed Medical Esthetician.The practice offers customized skin care treatment plans, as well as preventative and corrective measures for optimal skin health and aesthetics.
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Make your payments, easily and confidently through our secure payment form. This link will take you to our secure server where you will be asked to fill out a brief security form. For billing questions, please contact the Skinworks Billing Dept at (718) 832-3313. You can also obtain an Explanation of Benefits from your insurance company.
Psoriasis is a common autoimmune disease affecting around 7.5 million adults in America, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Internist and skilled dermatologist Javier Zelaya, MD, works with a group of experienced skin care specialists offering effective solutions for psoriasis at Skinworks Dermatology in Maspeth, Chelsea, and South Slope, Brooklyn.
Rosacea can be irritating and uncomfortable, as well as a cosmetic concern. A diligent dermatologist and skin care specialist, Javier Zelaya, MD, offers multiple solutions to help manage your rosacea and soothe and heal your skin at Skinworks Dermatology, located in Maspeth, Chelsea, and South Slope, Brooklyn.
With the right medical care and treatments, you can effectively manage your painful, itchy eczema, find relief, and prevent future flare-ups. At Skinworks Dermatology in Maspeth, Chelsea, and South Slope, Brooklyn, prestigious dermatologist and internist Javier Zelaya, MD, offers an array of quality treatments and methods to ensure you feel more comfortable in your own skin.
Reviews (36)
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Ruth Auguste Cesar
Jun 11, 2022
Friendly staff, wait wasn't long. Doctor was extremely thorough. Great experience!
Sabine Thimot
May 24, 2022
Dr Zelaya is so nice and he makes you feel so comfortable. I love this place, staff are very friendly and professional.
Geraldine Sullivan
May 09, 2022
Have been going to Dr. Zelaya for over 20 years. Always receive the best of care. Highly recommend.
Audolina Manquenahuel
Mar 07, 2022
I meet Doctor Zelaya 18 years ago, since then every time I need is care, he's always there for me, I recommended him to my friends and family and everyone one was very happy with his professionalism and the way he treated everyone, very kind Love him
Pat Bernstein
Feb 10, 2022
This was my first visit, and the staff and doctor were friendly and professional. I felt very comfortable, and it was easy to ask questions and get easily understood answers. Highly recommend!
Hicy Francois
Feb 06, 2022
Today was my very first visit with Dr. Zelaya. He was very friendly, professional, respectful and he fully explained everything in detail and answered all questions. The office space was clean, I wasn't waiting long at all.what I loved mostly about my visit is how Dr. Zelaya was very patient and fully listened before replying. I recommend ALL to my new Dermatologist!
Janet Flynn
Feb 05, 2022
Upon entering the reception area, attractive and empty, I was immediately pleased. It told me the doctor was not stockpiling his patients! Always an excellent sign for me! The receptionist was pleasant and gave me the necessary papers to fill out. As he had other patients already in attendance, there was a short wait. Dr. Zalaya was great. Went for consultation about facial fillings.

He spoke patiently and completely about different product, administration thereof, costs of each etc. He said he didn't have any openings for several weeks. I explained an issue in my life forthcoming and so he checked his schedule. As it happens he had an opening. He was able to do the procedure right then and there. Yay! I needed an ice pack in case of swelling which he promptly supplied. I had used Dr. Zalaya in the past for other dermatological reasons. Was happy then. And still. Recommend highly. Janet
Sasha Silverstein
Jan 25, 2022
I've been going to Dr. Zelaya for quite a while and I absolutely adore him. His staff is great as well. this time I did not have to wait at all. I feel like he is very thorough. he answers all my questions with good humor.
Moe Kornbluth
Jan 25, 2022
Appointment was on time. Waiting area was ordered, in good condition, welcoming, and clean. Responsive and polite receptionist. Very pleased with the professionalism of the staff and doctor. Would surely reccomend the service. Thank you.
Antonia M.
Jan 23, 2022
Dr. Zelaya has been my dermatologist for the past decade. He is hands down the best dermatologist! Dr. Zelaya has exceptional bedside manner and is very professional. I never feel rushed; answers all of my questions and clearly articulates treatment plan. I have referred my family and friends to him. Dr Zelaya is in a league by himself.
Lisa Schorr
Jan 12, 2022
Dr. Zelaya was kind, caring and thorough. Very nice staff. Not a long wait. Overall experience was excellent. Highly recommend!
Shonelle Pickering
Jan 01, 2022
Excellent service and friendly atmosphere. The doctor is very knowledgeable and willing to answer all your questions. The staff is friendly. The estethician is amazing.
Pearline Burton
Oct 29, 2021
I have alopecia. The doctor was attentive, concern and has nice manners. I would like to recommend that he begins to take pictures of the area in question. Because looking back at photos can show any, if any progress in hair growth, otherwise, he and his staff are fine.
Leesa Foerster
Oct 10, 2021
I love Dr. Zelaya! He is so calming and supportive. His staff is really friendly too Morning appointments can be busy. I recommend scheduling your appointment at off hours to avoid wait times.
Frank Sanpietro
Aug 24, 2021
Dr. Zalaya is always thorough, professional and informative. He caught an early stage melanoma on my wife's face that a previous dermatologist missed and "treated" for over a year. We're grateful for his expertise.
O. W.
Aug 21, 2021
I am extremely happy I saw the doctor today. He is great, definitely worth the appointment. Even if you're impatient like I am, take the appointment and he will help you. He will not nickel and dime you like other dermatologist.
Eleonora F.
Mar 16, 2021
Hands down, Dr Zelaya is one of the best dermatologists that I have ever seen. He is extremely professional and has an excellent bedside manner. He is also able to diagnose the most mysterious skin disorders. I've gone to him for issues that my regular pcp couldn't diagnose. His choice of treatment is also spot on. Any medication topical or oral that he has ever prescribed provides relief within days. His staff is also friendly and professional. Can't recommend him enough.
Sebastian D.
Feb 03, 2021
Great office and staff, Dr Zelaya is great! took my nephew for an acne problem almost a month ago, he had a severe acne. He was given medications and a month after, he is clearing up and felling much better. fully recommend this office!
Ben R.
Jun 20, 2019
I used the free website ZocDoc to easily make a last minute appointment. I decided at 2am that I needed to see a dermatologist and was able to make an appointment for that day at 11:30am. For that reason I didn't mind waiting around 30 minutes. The staff was considerate and apologetic about the wait. I was expecting to see an associate but I met with Dr. Zelaya.

He could not have been more compassionate and helpful during our appointment - his friendly manner put me at ease as I was feeling a bit distressed about my skin issue. I would definitely recommend Dr. Zelaya.
Marcio P.
May 08, 2019
My experience with Dr. Zelaya was excellent all the way. He demonstrated confidence, sincerity, and talent, so far I am very happy with the results of the work He did.
Melissa D.
Apr 19, 2019
Terrible, terrible and rude. The staff is always rude. Be very careful and aware of what and when they are billing your insurance company. I went to Dr. Zelaya for botox and fillers which I paid upfront for, he would always suggest doing little extra burning of brown spots and would bill my insurance company. In 2017 he billed my old insurance for a burning off brown spots treatment, and then sent me a bill one year later.

They expected me to pay them $780 because they made a mistake billing my old insurance company. Note the insurance company would have paid out $250 of this claim. This is so sad, I have spent almost $50,000 of my own money with Zelaya over the years and he has referred this to a collection agency.
David X.
Jan 05, 2018
As a follow up I was interviewed by phone by the Office of Professional Medical Conduct. They have three concerns: - Malpractice as evidenced by the overdose of the prescribed drug - Appearence of kickbacks from their "preferred" pharmacy - Appearence of kickbacks from the manufacturer of the prescribed drug that cost $800 and was not covered by my insurance and their failure to recommend another drug that was covered by my insurance.

There was a $5 alternative. They also gave me a "discount" card from the Pharma company but in order to take advantage of the $300 discount I had to participate in their drug study. Another indicator of what is called "steering" meaning they appear to be receiving a kickback for prescribing a drug to a patient who then becomes a study patient for the Pharmaceutical company.
Rebecca I.
Jan 31, 2017
Dr. Zelaya is the worst. I mean that, stay away. Besides the wait time and the unfriendly bedside manner, he botched my procedure and left me with an unnecessary scar, and that's not just my opinion, but my general doctor as well. Please please stay away from him and his practice.
Berna F.
Sep 20, 2016
Have been to this location few times and have always waited at least 40 minutes. What makes then think that their time is more valuable than the patients. Can't they schedule the appointments more acurately in this day and age?
Michael N.
May 18, 2016
A slew of issues led to a poor visit to the doctor. I had to wait over an hour to be seen, at the end of the day. I had a serious medical skin issue and this was not appreciated. His time with me felt rushed, and he quickly pushed through the visit. To make matters worse, I had called Citi MD to confirm the name of a medication that I was allergic to.

I told the doctor, but when I get to the pharmacy, he had actually PRESCRIBED THE MEDICINE that I was allergic to. If not for the watchful eyes of New London Pharmacy (a great place) I would have a serious medical issue.
Demetra K.
Sep 28, 2015
I have been going to Dr. Zelaya's office for about ten years and have had only good experiences. I especially want to laud Maria Sierra, the aesthetiian on her professionalism, effervescent personality and excellent advice in skincare. She is insightful and willing to listen to you express your dermatological concerns. I enjoy my visits and will continue to support this practice.
Lee R.
Sep 22, 2015
I actually had a good experience at this location. The wait was about 30-45 mins but it came my kids time to get a nap since they went right from school and I had the usual paperwork to fill out. I waited another 10 mins before the Physician Assistant came in but once she did she was very nice and friendly. She examined both kids, give me a diagnosis and knew exactly what to prescribe.

She also gave suggestions and advice on other things to do to keep the pain level to a minimum. I also did not have to worry about the prescriptions since they sent them electronically over to the pharmacy. Meeting with the physician was not the quick in and out like I read about in most of the previous reviews.
Shaynee D.
Sep 11, 2015
I went to see Dr. Zelaya yesterday after work at his Manhattan office. Big difference from the wait in the Brooklyn office. It was a breeze in and out in 1/2 hour. As usual he was very nice, polite, and inquired what has been bothering me. He removed two moles quickly and alerted me of other options I can take if interested in in the future. He's always been very professional and friendly which I like.
J. S.
Jan 11, 2015
I made an appt to see the doctor last week in his Brooklyn office. When making the appt I specified I wanted to see the doctor. When arriving at the office I was told to wait in the room the doctor would be in. In walks his P A. I thought she would do some preliminary exam but I was wrong. She looked at the growth on my nose and told me they would be taking it off, which she proceeded to do.

Then told me I would receive the results shortly. I walked out of the office amazed that I had driven from Staten Island to Brooklyn to see a dr that I never saw at all. I could have gone anywhere. As it turned out the results were basal cell and the dr did call. I would never return to this office.
K. B.
Dec 01, 2014
This is for the Bklyn location. I went there looking to get treatment for an ongoing skin condition. Since I'm a new patient, I was given that awesome packet of forms to fill out. On the bottom of the first page was a standard HIPAA agreement, asking permission to share your info w your insurance company(ies) for billing purposes but what struck my eye was the following sentence (verbatim) "Please note patient is responsible for any/all charges not paid for by insurance company".

When I asked for clarification I was told this (again, verbatim) "What that sentence means is that let's say the office bills (Insurance Company) $150 but (insurance company) only pays $148. What happens to that $ 2.00? You will be billed" If the provider is in your network (meaning a "participating provider" of your insurance plan) they CANNOT bill for the difference as they have a CONTRACT will your insurance company that states whatever they are paid is considered payment in full (with exception of if you are having procedures NOT covered by your insurance company independent of the facility performing them) I walked out. Wonder how many people they ripped off since no one usually reads anything they sign
Alvina D.
Feb 04, 2014
(Brooklyn location) today was my second time making an appointment for a consultation and waiting over an hour for it. You would think that there would be some consideration if they were running behind they would at least say something. The waiting area was completely empty today. I ended up just leaving because there was no way I could consult with someone about such a sensitive procedure and not feel pressed about the time. I go there for laser treatments but I won't be returning there again for any further services.
Michelle R.
Jul 23, 2013
I have unfortunately had the negative experience of meeting with this dermatological office- I would definitely state that I did not have a negative (nor positive for that matter) visit with Dr. Zelaya but my feedback is geared more to the front desk staff- they are extremely unprofessional (minus Amy who was at least helpful after she received an earful from me regarding an unfulfilled prescription) and at certain points rude.

They didn't return phonecalls, entered misinformation and gave me the run around on a prescription that my insurance wound up ultimately denying. It was frustrating to say the least. I will not be going back to Dr. Zelaya's office and I am extremely disappointed that his staff could not conduct themselves in a more professional manner.
Janie T.
Dec 18, 2012
These reviews are really acurate. Dr. Zelaya zooms into the room like he is in a race to get to the next patient. He amazes me when I ask for a prescription for something that he hasn't remedied. He doesn't have a clue about what medicines are on the market. How did the get out of medical school? He jumps up to alert if asked about a laser treatment.

When I ask him the price of a procedure I am shocked. He is more expensive then derms on Park Ave. His staff overbooks so you can honestly sit there for an hour waiting for this inept doctor. Wish there were a dermatologist around that was competent and did medicine rather then cosmeticis.
James C.
Dec 01, 2011
I've only had occasional need for dermatology services. Annual check-ups and the like. Dr. Javier is the second specialist I've used in New York for skin-related issues. I found the experience pleasant, professional and efficient. And I would also say I found the doctor (as well as his staff) very personable and relaxed. Not at all the stiff, uncaring automaton that other reviewers have portrayed him to be.

Certainly worth trying if his offices are convenient and on your insurance policy. I have no plans at this time for seeking a different dermatologist and have arranged a follow-up session. I'd give him a 5, but I don't think I have enough experience with New York dermo's to justify it.
Lauren M.
Jul 22, 2010
Who the hell misspelled "dermatologist"? I'm sorry, that is bugging me. I still have this guy as my doctor so I should probably be careful. This guy is probably perfect for people getting botox and all that because it's quick in and out. Unlike his Brooklyn office, the wait is easy here. -He doesn't know what prescriptions you're on, you have to record this stuff for yourself. -Probably has no recollection of you in general. -He doesn't ask about lifestyle choices but has on occasion made me frustrated because my skin will have random irritated break outs even though I wash my face regularly; making me feel like I don't have options because I don't want to take a pill that will destroy my immune system.

But the topical gel at least helps treat my skin even if it won't keep it all the way clear. So 2 stars to the gel. And he'll give cortisone injections as soon as you want them (it's not as horridly vain as botox so no guilt here). Just drink lots of water, folks.
Megan L.
Nov 12, 2009
I went to see Dr. Zelaya maybe two years ago and now find myself in need of visiting a dermatologist again.and am still searching, because I will not see Dr. Zelaya again. Since I'm here on Yelp looking around I figured I might as well review my experience. The front office was fine, I waited a bit but not too long, filled out forms, etc. They sent me back to an exam room and Dr. Zelaya came in immediately.

He looked at the spot I wanted him to examine, said, "Oh, that's [condition], it's totally harmless, no one knows why it happens, but it will always be there. Nothing to worry about." He wrote down the name of it for me and then started to leave. As he walked past me he said, like an afterthought, "What about that acne?" I guess referring to the little breakout I was having on my forehead.

I was taken aback and stammered something and he quickly wrote out a prescription for something or other which I never filled because for a few minor zits I'd rather figure out how to change my diet or moisturizer or whatever, rather than smear a bunch of chemicals into my face. (He didn't ask me any questions about my diet or lifestyle or suggest anything other than whatever he prescribed, and he didn't explain what the prescription actually was.) Since I never asked him about my "acne" in the first place, I think he really could have addressed it more politely.

All in all, I spent *literally* under five minutes with him, and we never even sat down. Fast is good, and is fair enough given that I didn't have a serious condition, but feeling rushed or like a bother is not cool. I'm grateful I didn't have skin cancer for obvious reasons, but also because I'd hate to have to hear it from a doctor with such terrible bedside manner. I suspect the office deals more with cosmetic dermatology, so maybe you'd get better service with that.