Our Dermatologists

Julie Bittar de la Cruz, MD, FAAD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Professional headshot of Dr. Julie Bittar de la Cruz with long dark hair wearing a black blazer and necklace, smiling outdoors with a blurred urban background.

Dr. Julie de la Cruz is a nationally recognized board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology and hair transplant surgery. She is an expert in dermatologic laser surgery, injectables, and hair restoration. Dr. de la Cruz earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and holds degrees in Biology and Health, magna cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. de la Cruz completed her dermatology residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, where she served as Chief Resident of Academics.

Throughout her career, Dr. de la Cruz has received numerous honors, including the Gaylord P. Harnwell Honor Award from the University of Pennsylvania, the Elite 50 Award from Indiana University, and the Professionalism Award from the Rush Department of Dermatology. She has delivered over 40 medical presentations at national and international conferences, has dozens of publications in peer-reviewed journals, and has authored multiple textbook chapters in dermatology. She has been featured in multiple magazines and news articles including Newsweek, Women’s Health, and Real Simple.

Dr. de la Cruz is extensively trained in medical and cosmetic dermatology and hair restoration surgery, ensuring that each procedure enhances her patients' natural beauty and facial harmony. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. de la Cruz additionally completed a fellowship in advanced hair restoration through the American Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons.  Dr. de la Cruz is dedicated to providing personalized, patient-centered care, believing in a holistic approach that considers each patient’s unique needs and preferences. Through her commitment to continuous learning and innovation in dermatology, she strives to offer the highest standard of care, ensuring her patients receive the most effective and up-to-date treatments available.

Training & Recognition

  • Undergraduate: University of Pennsylvania

    Medical School: Indiana University

    Residency: Rush University Medical Center

  • Board Certified in Dermatology by the American Board of Dermatology

    Certified in Hair Transplant Surgery by the American Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons

  • Peer Reviewed Journal Articles/Abstracts

    • Bittar, J. M., Bittar, P. G., Wan, M. T., Kovell, R. C., Guzzo, T. J., Shin, T. M., . . . Sobanko. (2018). Systematic Review of Surgical Treatment and Outcomes After Local Surgery of Primary Cutaneous Melanomas of the Penis and Scrotum. Dermatologic Surgery, 1159-1169.

    • Rajabi-Estarabadi, A., Bittar, J. M., Zheng, C., Nascimento, V., Camacho, I., Feun, L. G., . . . Nouri, K. (2018). Optical coherence tomography imaging of melanoma skin cancer. Lasers in Medicine

    • Bittar J. M., Burton, K., Rahnama, S. Verrucous plaques of the perineum, umbilicus, and buttock. Gasteroenterology. July 2019.

    • Bittar, J.M., Gazzetta, J. Gardnerella Vaginalis Causing Pulmonary Infection in a Young Adult: A Novel Case. Respiratory Medicine Case Reports. July 2019.

    • Bittar, J. M., Kovach, S. J., & Ditre, C. Severe Phymatous Rosacea of the Nose, Cheek, and Chin Treated with Versajet Hydrosurgery. Cutis. October 2020.

    • Bittar, J. M., Warren S., Mark, L. (2019). Gamma Delta (γδ) Type Mycosis Fungoides in an Older Adult Male. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Case Reports. March 2020.

    • Bittar, J. M., & Ditre, C. Treatment of Refractory Postherpetic Neuralgia with Botulinum toxin type A. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. April 2019.

    • Beer, J., Bittar, P.G., Bittar, J.M., Persistent Agminated CD30+ Lymphoproliferative Disorder. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. October 2020.

    • Beer, J., Bittar, J.M., Hedberg, M., Seykora, J., Violaceous truncal plaques consistent with amyloid light-chain amyloidosis. Journal of Cutaneous Pathology. July 2021.

    • Bittar, P.G., Bittar, J.M., Etzkorn, J.R., Brewer, J. D., Aizman, L., Shin, T.M., Sobanko, J.F., Higgins, H.W., Giodano, C.N., Cohen, J.V., Pride, R., Wan, M.T., Lellenberger, J.J., Bar, A.A., Asai, S., Bordeaux, J.S., Miller, C.J. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Local Recurrence Rates of Head and Neck Cutaneous Melanomas after Wide Local Excision, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, or Staged Excision. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. September 2021.

    • Bittar, J. M., Bittar, P.G., Nugent, S.T., Raj, L.K., Neal, D.N., Dany, M., Wan, M.T., Sharkey, J., Etzkorn, J.R., Sobanko, J.F., Shin, T.M., Kovach, S., Kovell, R.C., Latif, N., Miller, C. "Interdisciplinary Management of Extramammary Paget's Disease using Mohs Micrographic Surgery with Frozen Section Cytokeratin-7 Immunostains." Urology. April 2022.

    • Bittar, J.M., Decker, M.E., Damstetter, E., “Treatment of Injection Necrosis Related Complex Scarring with Er:YAG Fractional Resurfacing Laser-Assisted Delivery of Triamcinolone and Intralesional Triamcinolone Injections.” Lasers in Surgery and Medicine: Energy Based Therapeutics and Diagnostics. May 2023

    • Decker, M.E., Bittar, J.M., Ibrahim, O., “Successful treatment of herpes zoster scars using ablative fractional laser-assisted delivery of topical poly-L-lactic acid.” Lasers in Surgery and Medicine: Energy Based Therapeutics and Diagnostics. May 2023

    • Bittar, J.M., Hooper, P. B., Dover, J.S., “1726 nm lasers for the treatment of acne vulgaris.” Skin Therapy Letter. January 2024.

    • Sulejmani, P., Bittar, J.M., Amber, K., “Acneiform lesions in a 57 year old female.” International Journal of Dermatology. October 2024.

    • Negris, O., Bittar, J.M., Ehyaee, V., Amber, K., Extensive confluent and reticulated papillomatosis arising following initiation of paclitaxel and carboplatin. Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft. November 2024.

    Book Chapters

    • Miller, C.J., Jellinek, N.J., Damavandy A., Etzkorn, J.R., Sobanko, J.F., & Shin, T. M./ Video Narrator: Bittar, J.M.. (2018). Basic and Intermediate Complexity Nail Procedures: 34.2.3 Matrix Shave Biopsy for Longitudinal Melanonychia; 34.2.4 Lateral Longitudinal Excision; 34.2.5 Onychopapilloma. In Sher, Jellinek (Ed.), Sher's Nails (pp. 595-606). London: Springer International.

    • de la Cruz, J.B., Bhatia, A., (2024) Microcoring: Basic Science, Uses and Techniques. London: Springer International. Pending publication.

    Other Publications

    • Bittar, J. M., & Gazzetta, J.. (2019, August 02). Gardnerella vaginalis Causing Pulmonary Infection in Young Adult: A Novel Case.. http://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/insight , Pub Status: Published. 

    • Bittar, J. M., Dunfee, E. K., Wang, C. Y., & Rohr-Kirchgraber, T. (2018, August 03). An Unusual Presentation of Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease. http://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/insight/issue/view/1373 , Pub Status: Published. 

    • Bittar, J. M., Etling, A. A., Bittar, N. M., Hess, K., & Rohr-Kirchgraber, T.. (2019, August 02). Acquired Acrodermatitis Enteropathica (AE) after Enteral Nutrition in an Elderly Female.. http://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/insight , Pub Status: Published. 

    • Bittar, J. M., Hentz, E. A., Behrend, J., Burton, K., Hyrnewycz, K., & Rahnama, S.. (2019, August 02). Cutaneous Crohn’s Disease without Internal Involvement.. http://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/insight , Pub Status: Published. 

    • Bittar, J.M. (2013, October 02). Robot brain worms: New technology for targeting brain tumors. http://www.upennsynapse.com/uploads/3/1/7/8/31787151/fall_2013.pdf , Pub Status: Published. Hegde, K., 

    • Bittar, J. M., Childress, J., Collins, D., Koniaris, L., & Groh, E.. (2019, August 02). Systematic Review of Metastatic Glomus Tumors: Immunohistochemical Characteristics and Outcomes.. http://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/insight , Pub Status: Published. 

    • Paffen, S. E. Bittar, J. M., Muldoon, J. L., Bajpai, S., & Rohr-Kirchgraber, T.. (2018, August 03). Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans imitating pilonidal cyst. http://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/insight/issue/view/1373 , Pub Status: Published.

    • Bittar, N.M., Bittar, J.M., Fretwell, H. (2020). Angioedema Associated with Clozapine and Olanzapine. Insight Journal: Indiana University Medical Student Research Journal. http://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/insight/issue/view/1532/530 . Pub Status: Published

    • Bittar J.M., Xiao, H., Garcia-Dehbozorgi, S., Bittar, N.M., Somani, Ally-Khan. (2020). Dermatofibrosarcoma Protruberans Treated with Mohs Micrographic Surgery: Risk Factors, Tumor Characteristics, and Treatment Outcomes. Insight Journal: Indiana University Medical Student Research Journal. http://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/insight/issue/view/1532/530. Pub Status: Published

    • Bittar, J. M. (2015). Designer Bones: A look into the new revolutionary technology of synthesizing anatomically precise, custom-built, living human bones from human mesenchymal stem cells. SYNAPSE: Penn's Undergraduate Healthcare Connection.

    • Omorogbe A., Abam C., Rodriguez G., Bittar J.M., Haran A., Kuo K., Bush A., Srivastava G., Nahin I., (2018). Resolution 19-17. AMA-MSS Region V. Promoting Proportionate Representation of African Americans in Clinical Trials. American Medical Association Interim Meeting. Baltimore.

    • Bittar, J. M., Bittar, P. G., Etzkorn, J., Shin, T., Sobanko, J., Pride, R., . . . Miller, C. (2019). Local Recurrence Rates for Different Surgical Techniques to Treat Cutaneous Melanoma of the Head and Neck: A Systematic Review. American College of Mohs Surgeons. Baltimore.

    • Bittar, J. M., Neal, D. E., Wan, M. T., Sharkey, J. M., Howe, N. M., Shin, T. M., . . . Miller, C. J. (2019). Mohs Micrographic Surgery for DFSP: No Local Recurrence in 67 Patients and Minimal Negative Impact on Patient-Reported Quality of Life. American College of Mohs Surgeons. Baltimore.

    • Bittar, J. M., Neal, D. E., Wan, M. T., Sharkey, J. M., Bittar, P. G., Etzkorn, J., . . . Miller, C. J. (2019). Developing Standards for Surgical Technique and Multidisciplinary Care of Mohs Micrographic Surgery with Frozen Section Cytokeratin-7 Immunostains for Primary Extramammary Paget’s Disease (EMPD): No Local Recurrences and Favorable Patient-Reported Assessment. American College of Mohs Surgeons. Baltimore.

    • Bittar, J. M., Neal, D., Wan, M. T., Sharkey, J., Shin, T. M., Etzkorn, J. R., . . . Miller, C. J. (2019). No local recurrence for Extramammary Paget’s Disease (EMPD) treated with standard and modified Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) with immunostaining for cytokeratin-7: methodology and report of 20 cases. American Academy of Dermatology. Washington D.C.

    • Bittar, J. M., Booth, K., Warren, S., & Rahnama-Moghadam, S. (2019). Localized Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm Treated with Intralesional Triamcinolone. Indiana University Simon Cancer Center Research Day. Indianapolis.

    • Bittar, J. M., Bari, O., Kunz, M., Alomari, A., & Somani, A.-K. (2019). Cutaneous Metastasis in a Patient with Muir-Torre Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Indiana University Simon Cancer Center Research Day. Indianapolis.

    • Bittar, J. M., & Mark, L. (2019). Gamma Delta (γδ) Type Mycosis Fungoides in an Older Adult Male. Indiana University Simon Cancer Center Research Day. Indianapolis.

    • Bittar, J. M., & Ditre, C. (2018). Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia with Botulinum toxin type A. Harvard Skin Inflammation in Human Health and Disease: 2018 International Conference. Boston.

    • Bittar, J. M., & Ditre, C. (2019). Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia with Botulinum toxin type A. American Academy of Dermatology. Washington D.C.

    • Bittar, J. M., & Fretwell, H. (2019). Angioedema associated with olanzapine and clozapine. Harvard New England Science Symposium. Cambridge.

    • Bittar, J. M., Dunfee, E. K., Wang, C. Y., & Rohr‐Kirchgraber, T. (2017). An Unusual Presentation of Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease. American Medical Women's Association. San Francisco.

    • Bittar, J. M., Dunfee, E. K., Wang, C. Y., & Rohr‐Kirchgraber, T. (2018). An Unusual Presentation of Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease. Harvard Skin Inflammation in Human Health and Disease: 2018 International Conference. Boston.

    • Bittar, J. M., Dunfee, E. K., Wang, C. Y., & Rohr‐Kirchgraber, T. (2018). An Unusual Presentation of Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease. Indianapolis: Indiana University Student Research Symposium.

    • Bittar, J. M., & Fretwell, H. (2019). Angioedema associated with olanzapine and clozapine. American Psychiatric Association, SanFrancisco.

    • Bittar, J. M., Kovach, S., & Ditre, C. (2019). Severe Phymatous Rosacea of the Nose, Cheek, and Chin Treated with Versajet Hydrosurgery. Dallas Cosmetic & Rhinoplasty Meetings 2019. Dallas.

    • Bittar, J. M., Kovach, S., & Ditre, C. (2019). Severe Phymatous Rosacea of the Nose, Cheek, and Chin Treated with Versajet Hydrosurgery. Cosmetic Boot Camp. Aspen.

    • Bittar, J. M., Hentz, E. A., Behrend, J., Burton, K., Hyrnewycz, K., & Rahnama, S. (2019). Cutaneous Crohn’s Disease without Internal Involvement. The Medical Women's International Association Centennial. New York City

    • Paffen, S. E., Bittar, J. M., Muldoon, J. L., Bajpai, S., & Rohr-Kirchgraber, T. (2018). Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans imitating pilonidal cyst . American Medical Women's Association. Philadelphia.

    • Paffen, S. E. Bittar, J. M., Muldoon, J. L., Bajpai, S., & Rohr-Kirchgraber, T. (2018) Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans imitating pilonidal cyst . Indiana University Student Research Symposium. Indianapolis

    • Bittar, J. M., Etling, A. A., Bittar, N. M., Hess, K., & Rohr-Kirchgraber, T. (2019). Acquired Acrodermatitis Enteropathica (AE) after Enteral Nutrition in an Elderly Female. Indianapolis: Indiana University Student Research Symposium.

    • Bittar, J. M., Hentz, E. A., Behrend, J., Burton, K., Hyrnewycz, K., & Rahnama, S. (2019). Cutaneous Crohn’s Disease without Internal Involvement. Indianapolis: Indiana University Student Research Symposium.

    • Bittar, J. M., & Gazzetta, J. (2019). Gardnerella vaginalis Causing Lung Infection in Young Adult: A Novel Case. Indianapolis: Indiana University Student Research Symposium.

    • Hegde, K., Bittar, J. M., Childress, J., Collins, D., Koniaris, L., & Groh, E. (2019). Systematic Review of Metastatic Glomus Tumors: Immunohistochemical Characteristics and Outcomes. Indiana University Student Research Symposium. Indianapolis.

    • Hegde, K., Bittar, J. M., Childress, J., Collins, D., Koniaris, L., & Groh, E. (2019). Systematic Review of Metastatic Glomus Tumors: Immunohistochemical Characteristics and Outcomes. Indiana University Simon Cancer Center Research Day.Indianapolis.

    • Hegde, K., Bittar, J., Childress, J., Collins, D., Koniaris, L., & Groh, E. (2019). Malignant Glomus Tumor of the Buttock with Pulmonary Metastasis. Indiana University Simon Cancer Center Research Day. Indianapolis.

    • Bittar, J. M., Etling, A. A., Bittar, N. M., Hess, K., & Rohr-Kirchgraber, T. (2019). Acquired Acrodermatitis Enteropathica (AE) after Enteral Nutrition in an Elderly Female. The Medical Women's International Association. New York City.

    • Bittar, J. M., & Gazzetta, J. (2019). Gardnerella Vaginalis Causing Pulmonary Infection in a Young Adult: A Novel Case. Harvard Boston Bacterial Meeting. Cambridge.

    • Bittar, J. M., Kunz, M., Bittar, P., & Somani, A.-K. (2019). Cutaneous infection caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia after Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ in an immunocompromised patient with Diffuse Large B Cell lymphoma. Harvard Boston Bacterial Meeting. Cambridge.

    • Bittar, N.M., Bittar, J.M., Fretwell, H. (2020). Angioedema Associated with Clozapine and Olanzapine. Indiana University Student Research Symposium. Indianapolis.

    • Bittar, J.M., Xio, H., Garcia-Dehbozorgi, S., Bittar, N.M., Somani, Ally-Khan. (2020). Dermatofibrosarcoma Protruberans Treated with Mohs Micrographic Surgery: Risk Factors, Tumor Characteristics, and Treatment Outcomes. Indiana University Student Research Symposium. Indianapolis.

    • Beer, J., Bittar, J.M., Hedberg, M., Seykora, J.(April 2021). Violaceous truncal plaques consistent with amyloid light-chain amyloidosis. American Academy of Dermatology.

    • Nugent S, Raj L.K., Bittar J.M., Neal D.E., Bittar P.G., Wan M.T., Sharkey J, Etzkorn J.R., Sobanko J.F., Shin T.M., Giordano C.N., Higgins H.W., McMurray S.L., Walker J.L., Miller C.J. . (2022) Mohs micrographic surgery for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: No local recurrence and high patient reported quality of life. American Academy of Dermatology 2022 Annual Meeting. Oral presentation.

    • Raj L.K., Nugent S, Bittar, J.M., Bittar P.G., Neal D.E., Dany M, Wan M.T., Sharkey J, Etzkorn J.R., Sobanko J.F., Shin T.M., Miller C.J. Interdisciplinary management of extramammary Paget’s disease using Mohs micrographic surgery with frozen section immunostains: Local recurrence rates and patient-reported outcomes. American Academy of Dermatology 2022 Annual Meeting. Oral presentation.

    • Bittar J.M., Alabkaa, A., Kalimullah, F.K.(2022).Multiple Eruptive Periorbital and Facial Xanthogranulomas with Smoldering Myeloma. Chicago Dermatological Society Meeting May 2022. Oral presentation.

    • Bittar J.M., Alabkaa, A., Piette, W.(2022).Subcutaneous Panniculitis-like T-Cell Lymphoma. Chicago Dermatological Society Meeting May 2022. Oral presentation.

    • Bittar, J.M., Decker, M.E., Damstetter, E., (2023) Treatment of Injection Necrosis Related Complex Scarring with Er:YAG Fractional Resurfacing Laser-Assisted Delivery of Triamcinolone and Intralesional Triamcinolone Injections. American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery 42nd Annual Conference. Oral presentation.

    • Decker, M.E., Bittar, J.M., Ibrahim, O., (2023) Successful treatment of herpes zoster scars using ablative fractional laser-assisted delivery of topical poly-L-lactic acid. American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery 42nd Annual Conference. Oral presentation.

    • Bittar, J.M., Skopis, P., (2023) Metastatic Crohn Disease. Chicago Dermatological Society Meeting May 2023. Oral presentation.

    • Bittar, J.M., Baczynski, A., Madu, P., (2023) Pruritic Plaques on Bilateral Feet: Consider Non-HIV Related Kaposi Sarcoma. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery 2023 Annual Meeting. Oral Presentation.

    • Negris O, Bittar J, Amber K. “Extensive confluent and reticulated papillomatosis arising following initiation of paclitaxel and carboplatin.” Medical Dermatology Society Annual Meeting. San Diego, CA. March 2024. Poster presentation.

    • de la Cruz, J.B., Riegert, M., (2024) Pyoderma Faciale, Chicago Dermatological Society Meeting May 2024. Oral presentation.

    • Igiede, J., Bittar, J.M., (2025) Botulinum toxin for the treatment of acne vulgaris and acne scarring. American Academy of Dermatology. Orlando, FL. March 2025. Poster presentation.

    • de la Cruz, J.B., Steele, C., Bittar, P.G., Joy, N., Waibel, J.S., (2025) “A two year safety evaluation study of a novel third generation carbon dioxide resurfacing laser.” American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery 44th Annual Conference. Orlando, FL. Oral presentation. Accepted

    • de la Cruz, J.B., Boyd, C., Lain, T., Steele, C., Bittar, P.G, Joy, N., Waibel, J.S. (2025) “A multi-center evaluation of the efficacy of axolotl derived gel to decrease recovery time after non-ablative fractional laser resurfacing.” American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery 44th Annual Conference. Orlando, FL. Oral presentation. Accepted

    • de la Cruz, J.B., Bittar, P.G., Waibel, J.S., (2025) “Insights into dermal tissue remodeling: final gene expression analysis following dermal micro-coring.” American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery 44th Annual Conference. Orlando, FL. Oral presentation. Accepted.

    • Waibel, J.S., Thu N., Ziegler, M.m Le, J., Qureshi, A., Widgerow, A., de la Cruz, J.B., Meckfessel, M.,  (2025) “Gene analysis of biostimulators: plla-sca triggers regenerative morphogenesis while caha-r induces inflammation upon facial skin injection.” American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery 44th Annual Conference. Orlando, FL. Oral presentation. Accepted.

    • Waibel, J.S., Thu N., Ziegler, M.m Le, J., Qureshi, A., Widgerow, A., de la Cruz, J.B., Meckfessel, M., (2025) “Comparative Bulk RNA-Seq Analysis of PLLA VS Calcium Hydroxylapatite Reveals Novel, Adipocyte-Mediated Regenerative Mechanism of Action Unique to PLLA.” American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery 44th Annual Conference. Orlando, FL. Oral presentation. Accepted.

    • de la Cruz, J.B., Bittar, P.G., Steele, C., Joy, N., Waibel, J.S. (2025) “A split face clinical study assessing a novel post-operative recovery cream when applied after fractional ablative laser treatment.” American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery 44th Annual Conference. Orlando, FL. Poster presentation. Accepted.

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