Dr. Lycia Thornburg, MD, FAAD, believes your skin is deeply connected to how you feel, how you live, and how you move through the world. With decades of experience, she partners with you to protect your skin, restore balance, and help you feel confident inside and out.
Experience and Credentials
Dr. Lycia Thornburg brings more than two decades of experience to her practice. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from the Medical College of Wisconsin and completed her dermatology residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology and holds active licensure in South Dakota.
Her commitment to continued learning is reflected in extensive advanced training in aesthetic medicine, including programs through the Allergan Medical Institute, MD Codes injector training, and Sciton laser certification. She is also Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certified and has participated in clinical research as an assistant investigator.
Inspiration and Background
Dr. Thornburg entered the field of medicine with a quiet determination to prove (to herself and to others) what was possible. Growing up in a middle-class family in Wisconsin, she didn’t always see a clear path to becoming a physician. When her guidance counselor discouraged her early on from pursuing pre-med, it sparked something stronger in her: resolve.
After transferring to the University of Wyoming, she found her footing in a biology lab that reignited her sense of purpose. During medical school, she explored many specialties, but dermatology stood apart. It brought together everything she valued in medicine, while also reflecting her own lived experience growing up with eczema. That connection made her work feel personal.
For Dr. Thornburg, dermatology is a calling grounded in a desire to help people feel comfortable in their own skin.
A Thoughtful, Patient-first Approach to Care
Dr. Thornburg believes that caring for your skin means caring for the whole person. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based medicine, but guided by something deeper: listening, education, and trust. She takes the time to understand your goals, your concerns, and your lifestyle so that every recommendation feels thoughtful and aligned with who you are.
You won’t find one-size-fits-all treatments here. Instead, she focuses on long-term skin health, natural results, and ethical care. Patients often say they value her honesty and transparency, knowing that every recommendation is made with their best interests in mind.
Expertise in Medical and Aesthetic Dermatology
Dr. Thornburg is known for her comprehensive approach to dermatology, with a keen emphasis on prevention and early detection. She performs thorough skin cancer screenings and helps patients understand how to protect their skin from damage. She also treats a wide range of conditions, including acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis, with personalized care plans.
At the same time, she has embraced the evolution of aesthetic dermatology, carefully and responsibly. By leveraging advanced skincare technology with clinical expertise, she offers treatments that enhance your natural features without overcorrection. Every procedure is approached with precision, safety, and respect for your individuality.
Leadership, Recognition, and Industry Impact
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Thornburg is a recognized leader in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. She serves on the Allergan Aesthetics National Advisory Board and has contributed to the Allergan Medical Institute Advisory Board. She was selected as one of only 22 physicians nationwide to participate in the Masters of Botox program.
Her work has earned numerous honors, including Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Allergan Top 500 Dermatologist, and the Best of the Black Hills award. In 2025, she also received the Wolfenson-Ratner Community Service Award and was invited as a speaking panelist at the Global Aesthetic Conference in Miami, where she presented on advanced Botox techniques.
A Commitment to Prevention and Community
Early in her career, Dr. Thornburg treated patients with advanced skin cancers that could have been prevented with better sun protection. Those experiences led her to found Made for Shade, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting children from harmful sun exposure.
Through this initiative, she has helped fund permanent shade structures across the Black Hills, creating safer outdoor environments for families and future generations. Her commitment to prevention extends beyond the clinic and into the community she serves.
Care That Reflects Who You Are
Dr. Thornburg’s work is based on a simple belief: you deserve to feel like yourself. Whether you are seeking medical treatment, preventive care, or aesthetic guidance, her goal is to help you feel heard, respected, and confident in every decision you make.
As a physician, a mother, and a member of the community, she understands how important trust and compassion are in healthcare. Every interaction aims to support not just your skin, but your sense of wellbeing, so you can move through life feeling confident and fully aligned.
Achieve Healthier, More Confident Skin With Dr. Thornburg in Rapid City
Your skin deserves thoughtful, expert care guided by both science and intention. Dr. Lycia Thornburg brings decades of experience and a deeply patient-centered approach to every visit. Whether you’re seeking prevention, treatment, or aesthetic guidance, you’ll be supported with genuine compassion. If you’re ready to feel more aligned in your skin, schedule your consultation with Dr. Thornburg in Rapid City.
