This go-getting duo brings beauty to Birmingham with top-notch dermatology and plastic surgery.
Story by Claire Sullivan / Photography by Alisha Crossley
Dr. Stephen Gunn dons a classic shawl collar tuxedo with custom bow tie from The Modern Gent. Dr. Holly Gunn wears a strapless emerald gown, available at The Clothes Tree by Deborah with hair and makeup by Melissa Moore Bogardus.
Holly and Stephen Gunn have been married for 15 years and counting. But their love extends beyond the household: Holly, a dermatologist, and Stephen, a plastic surgeon, are also passionate about making their patients feel confident as can be.
The Alabama natives met at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. “In our first conversation, Stephen said he was going to be a surgeon, and I thought, ‘I will never marry a surgeon,’” Holly recalls. “But it turns out he’s the nicest surgeon out there—so funny and humble.” Besides a degree, they also share something unique: Both of their mothers are artists. “And there’s a lot of artistry to what we do,” Holly explains.
Holly opened her boutique Mountain Brook practice, Gunn Dermatology, a little over a year ago, where her team provides medical, cosmetic, and even pediatric dermatology. “We see brides come in requesting three main things: Botox, Hydrafacials, and lip filler,” she says. Holly likes to consult brides-to-be as soon as they begin wedding planning; this gives time for injectables to settle and for you to evaluate the results. The same goes for non-invasive options like facials; it’s best to test-drive a treatment about two to three months out from your wedding, so you have a clear idea of how your skin will react.
Over at Stephen’s practice, Hedden and Gunn Plastic Surgery, you can find head-to-toe options, from body contouring to breast enhancements. Where Holly has the latest and greatest devices, Stephen owes his success to his minimally invasive technique. And many of their patients end up seeing both of them. “There’s no such thing as a non-invasive facelift, so if someone comes to me wanting that, I’ll send them over to Stephen,” says Holly. And if a surgical patient needs to improve their skin health before operating, Stephen will refer them to Holly.
Their biggest piece of advice: Find a provider that shares your same idea of beauty and has realistic expectations about the result. For the Gunns, it’s always about enhancing your natural features, so you look and feel your absolute best.
“Being your best self takes surrounding yourself with those that push you to be better. Whether it’s our marriage, skincare knowledge, or treatment techniques.Dr. Holly Gunn
Dr. Holly Gunn
