Partner & Research Director • Facial Cosmetic & Ophthalmic Surgeon
Dr. Melissa Toyos, a board-certified ophthalmologist, serves as Partner and Research Director at Toyos Clinic, with locations across Nashville, Tennessee; Memphis, Tennessee; and New York City. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Louisiana State University, she began her career as a biochemist before entering medical school, blending scientific rigor with surgical precision.
Clinical & Aesthetic Leadership:
As an oculofacial surgeon, Dr. Toyos specializes in upper and lower blepharoplasty, advanced lid rejuvenation, and injectable treatments (Botox, fillers, Kybella, and Latisse)
She pioneered the Mixto Laser Lift, serving as its national trainer and integrating it into her acclaimed aesthetic practice as a non-invasive alternative to surgical blepharoplasty. This technique earned the International Non-Surgical Enhancement Award multiple years running.
Research & Device Leadership:
As Director of Research, Dr. Toyos leads FDA-regulated studies at Toyos Clinic on emerging ocular and aesthetic therapeutics, including involvement with verteporfin protocols for hair restoration and scar revision and Lumify (brimonidine ophthalmic solution). Her clinical research has contributed to FDA approvals for widely used medications
She serves as national director of research and training for the SmartGraft / SmartSolutions automated hair restoration system and introduced STIMUL8 protocols for FUE hair transplantation and regenerative wellness.
Academic & Professional Achievements:
Author and editor of over 100 publications, including her books Mixto Laser Lift and a guide on hair science during COVID-19, she is a frequent lecturer at major societies: AAO, ASCRS, and ARVO. She has been awarded ASCRS Research Grants, the Lieberman Award, and the Harold Stein and Earl Young Awards for her contributions.
Previous leadership roles include President of the Missouri Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons and various executive positions within the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Pioneer in Aesthetic Innovation:
Recognizing the intersection between ophthalmology and aesthetic facial rejuvenation, Dr. Toyos built the aesthetics division of her practice from the ground up —introducing Botox, lasers, injectables, and developing Toyos Clinic’s proprietary skincare line, leveraging her biochemical background and interest in ocular–dermal therapeutics
Patient Impact & Community Engagement:
Known for delivering natural, refined results, she receives consistent 5-star reviews for procedures such as blepharoplasty and Mixto treatments, with patients praising her artistry and compassionate approach
Beyond clinical practice, she co-founded the Toyos Foundation, providing donated care and outreach missions across the U.S., and has been recognized as one of Kansas City’s Most Influential Women and one of Nashville’s Most Beautiful People.
Summary of Leadership & Expertise
Aesthetic Surgery - Pioneered Mixto Laser Lift
Ocular Pharmacology - Led studies on Lumify (brimonidine) and verteporfin-based therapies
Hair Restoration - National research director for SmartGraft/STIMUL8 systems
Research & Publishing - Over 100 scholarly works; multiple award-winning grants
Training & Advocacy - Global trainer, mentor for female physicians, former society president
Dr. Toyos blends scientific insight, surgical excellence, and entrepreneurial innovation to drive forward the fields of aesthetic facial surgery, dry-eye/lid care, laser resurfacing, hair regeneration, and ophthalmic research. Her career stands as a model of leadership, pioneering contributions, and mentorship in both medicine and aesthetics.
