Mitchel  GoldmanMitchel Goldman, MD, Cosmetic Dermatology San Diego, CA

Mitchel Goldman, MD

Cosmetic Dermatology

Cosmetic Laser Dermatology: A West Dermatology Company, San Diego, CA 921217787.65 miles

View 4 Befores & Afters for Dermal Fillers & Injectables, Botox, Acne Treatment

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About Mitchel Goldman, MD

Dr. Goldman is considered a leading medical authority around the world and has authored 14 medical textbooks, some in 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th editions, on cosmetic and laser surgery, dermatology, sclerotherapy, ambulatory phlebectomy, and cellulite, several of which are considered definitive medical texts in their respective fields—as well as over 300 peer-reviewed medical publications. He is known as the godfather of sclerotherapy. Additionally, Dr. Goldman has invented many different laser procedures including the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), the Q-switched alexandrite laser for treating tattoos and pigmented lesions, the Ultrapuse CO2 laser and the laser resurfacing procedure, the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser for treating superficial veins and the Endolumenal radiofrequency and endolumenal laser closure procedure to treat varicose veins and holds multiple treatment patents. He also serves as a member of over 30 professional societies and a medical consultant to numerous companies, including Allergan, Galderma, Merz, Valiant, Lumenis Laser Corporation, and many others. Dr. Goldman remains extremely active in medical research and has even helped multiple new dermal fillers get FDA approval. He is the founder and Medical Director of Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, medical director for West Dermatology, founder of SkinMedica, as well as a volunteer clinical professor of Dermatology at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and Honorary Professor of Dermatology for the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Dr. Goldman is an associate editor of numerous medical journals including Dermatologic Surgery, Cosmetic Dermatology, and Venous Digest. He lectures both nationally and internationally on innovative surgical and treatment techniques and is a recipient of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery’s “21st Century Achievement Award,” the 2009 American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) Presidential Award for Outstanding Contribution in Teaching and Research, as well as the 2016 Presidential Citation, from the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery (ASLMS) for “invaluable contribution as an international ambassador and worldwide leader in laser and energy device education.” He is also the Director of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) Fellowship Program and has practice/hospital affiliations with Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California.

Professional Title

Founder and Medical Director of Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, Medical Director of West Dermatology

Top Procedures

  • Ablative Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser
  • Ablative Erbium Laser
  • Ablative Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
  • Ablative Non-Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
  • Acne Scar Treatment
  • Acne Scar Treatment: Dermabrasion
  • Acne Scar Treatment: Dermal Fillers
  • Acne Scar Treatment: Laser Resurfacing
  • Acne Scar Treatment: Subcision
  • Acne Treatment
  • Ambulatory Phlebectomy for Varicose Veins
  • Birthmark Removal by Laser Skin Resurfacing
  • Botox
  • Clear + Brilliant®
  • CoolSculpting®
  • Cryofacial
  • Dermabrasion Treatment
  • Dermal Fillers & Injectables
  • Dermaplaning
  • Dermaplaning Treatment
  • Hair Restoration
  • Hand Rejuvenation
  • Hand Rejuvenation with Dermal Fillers
  • HydraFacial®
  • IPL for Unwanted Hair
  • Intense Pulsed Light
  • Kybella®
  • Laser Hair Removal
  • Laser Hand Rejuvenation
  • Laser Skin Resurfacing
  • Laser Skin Tightening
  • Laser Tattoo Removal
  • Laser Tattoo Removal Procedure
  • Lip Augmentation and Injections
  • Lip Augmentation with Autologen
  • Liquid Facelift
  • Liquid Rhinoplasty
  • Microblading
  • Microdosing with Botox
  • Microneedling
  • Microneedling Treatment
  • Microneedling with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
  • Non-Ablative Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
  • Non-Ablative Laser Skin Resurfacing
  • Non-Ablative Non-Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
  • Non-Inflatable Penile Implant
  • Pearl® Laser
  • Permanent Lip Fillers
  • Pulsed Dye Laser
  • Radiofrequency Occlusion for Varicose Veins
  • Radiofrequency for Cellulite Treatment
  • Sclerotherapy
  • Temporary Lip Fillers
  • Ultrasound Skin Tightening
  • Vaginal Rejuvenation
  • Vein Treatment

View All Procedures Performed

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
  • American Board of Dermatology

Years of Experience

39 years of experience

Education

  • Undergraduate School: Boston University
  • Graduate School: Stanford School of Medicine
  • Residency: University of California Los Angeles Department of Medicine- Dermatology
  • Fellowship in Dermatologic Surgery, Fellowship in Dermatology

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Social

Before & After Albums

Top procedures performed by Mitchel Goldman, MD

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Dermal Fillers & Injectables

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Botox

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Acne Treatment

Provider Gallery

Dr. Goldman at work

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of an IPL treatment?

If you have an active lifestyle that includes a lot of time outdoors in the San Diego sun, an IPL photofacial, also known as a lunchtime laser procedure, might be the ideal skin rejuvenating treatment for you! A minimally invasive procedure that entails little to no downtime, IPL, or intense pulsed light, uses high-intensity pulses of light to penetrate the skin and trigger your natural healing process, resulting in smoother, healthier skin. Each IPL Facial session lasts about 10-15 minutes each, and patients usually undergo 2-3 sessions every 1-2 months for maximum effectiveness.

How does Fraxel laser work?

Fraxel Re:store Dual is is a fantastic  laser treatment for reducing the appearance of unsightly brown spots on the skin. In fact, we have completed more Fraxel Re:store Dual procedures than any other medical practice in the world. Fraxel lasers are fractional laser devices that work by creating micro injuries in the skin to trigger the body to regenerate cells and boost collagen production. This healing process results in skin that is clearer, smoother, and more youthful as sun damage and pigmentation irregularities are addressed. Fractional lasers offer the advantage of working deeply into the dermal structure while leaving surrounding skin and tissue intact. The result is dramatic improvement to the skin with little or no downtime after treatment.

How do I get rid of Spider veins with Sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy is a safe, effective way to eliminate unwanted spider or varicose veins, which can form on the legs. The procedure involves a series of injections into the vein with a sclerosing agent. Through the skills and technique of Dr. Goldman, sclerotherapy safely and effectively cuts off the blood supply to the feeder vein. By wearing compression stockings, the blood supply remains cut off in the targeted vein, causing it to dissolve over a few weeks. Dr. Mitchel Goldman is a pioneer and leading authority in the field of veins and sclerotherapy treatments – he’s actually considered the godfather of sclerotherapy.

What can I expect from a Clear and Brilliant procedure?

Clear + Brilliant is a laser skin resurfacing treatment that combats the signs of aging by providing a smoother skin tone and texture. Seen as a less invasive and gentler alternative to traditional fractional laser resurfacing, the Clear + Brilliant treatment system is an innovative procedure that gives patients noticeable results without damaging the skin. Patients with uneven pigmentation, sun damage, brown spots, and large pores can undergo a Clear + Brilliant treatment in order to give the face a fresh and rejuvenated appearance.

Location

Credentials

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

  • California Medical Association
  • American Medical Association
  • American Academy of Dermatology
  • American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
  • American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
  • American College of Phlebology
  • San Diego County Dermatological Society
  • San Diego County Medical Society
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
  • Society for Investigative Dermatology
  • International Society of Dermatology
  • International Society for Dermatologic Surgery
  • Century Club of Dermatology Foundation
  • Space Dermatology Foundation
  • Pacific Dermatologic Association
  • Australian-New Zealand Society of Phlebology
  • American Society of Pediatric Dermatology
  • American Venous Forum

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

  • Phi Beta Kappa Epsilon of Massachusetts
  • Presidents Award American Society for Dermatological Surgery
  • Outstanding Contribution in Teaching and Research
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery "Twentieth Century Award," Outstanding Contribution to Cosmetic Surgery in the Twentieth Century
  • Distinction Work in Biology at Boston University

Mitchel Goldman, MD in the AEDITION

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Chinese-Rooted Beauty Secrets—Do They Work?

The Rise of the Super Power Spritz: Can a Face Mist Actually Protect Your Skin?

The Rise of the Super Power Spritz: Can a Face Mist Actually Protect Your Skin?

Good Bacteria, Better Skin: The Microbiome Era of Skincare

Good Bacteria, Better Skin: The Microbiome Era of Skincare

The New Face of HRT: Is Hormone Therapy the Ultimate Beauty Treatment?

The New Face of HRT: Is Hormone Therapy the Ultimate Beauty Treatment?

The Rise of Testosterone Therapy in Younger Men

The Rise of Testosterone Therapy in Younger Men

Under-eye Filler: The Most Controversial Injection in Aesthetics

Under-eye Filler: The Most Controversial Injection in Aesthetics

 In 2026: How Much Does It Really Cost to Maintain a “Natural” Look?

In 2026: How Much Does It Really Cost to Maintain a “Natural” Look?

The Overcorrection Era: When Anti-Aging Adds Years

The Overcorrection Era: When Anti-Aging Adds Years

Beauty After Weight Loss: How To Maximize Your GLP-1 Glow-Up

Beauty After Weight Loss: How To Maximize Your GLP-1 Glow-Up

Bakuchiol vs Retinol: What’s the Real Difference?

Bakuchiol vs Retinol: What’s the Real Difference?

Laser Season Starts Now: Your Summer Skin Timeline

Laser Season Starts Now: Your Summer Skin Timeline

Skin Longevity vs Quick Fixes: Aesthetic Care Evolves

Skin Longevity vs Quick Fixes: Aesthetic Care Evolves

Prejuvenation 101: The Ultimate Skincare Routine in Your 20s and 30s

Prejuvenation 101: The Ultimate Skincare Routine in Your 20s and 30s

Laser Hair Removal & Skin Tone: What You Should Know

Laser Hair Removal & Skin Tone: What You Should Know

Hair Restoration in 2026: The Regenerative Era

Hair Restoration in 2026: The Regenerative Era

Circadian Beauty: What Really Happens to Your Skin at Night

Circadian Beauty: What Really Happens to Your Skin at Night

Valentine’s Day, Rewritten: Confidence Is the New Beauty Standard

Valentine’s Day, Rewritten: Confidence Is the New Beauty Standard

Layered Treatments: How Thoughtful Pairings Are Elevating the Modern Salt Therapy Experience

Layered Treatments: How Thoughtful Pairings Are Elevating the Modern Salt Therapy Experience

PRX and FACTORFIVE: Choosing the Right Low-Downtime Peel for Your Skin

PRX and FACTORFIVE: Choosing the Right Low-Downtime Peel for Your Skin

What’s New in IV Therapy: The Shift from Hydration to Precision Wellness

What’s New in IV Therapy: The Shift from Hydration to Precision Wellness

Teaching Skin to Heal Itself: Why SkinPen Microneedling Works So Well

Teaching Skin to Heal Itself: Why SkinPen Microneedling Works So Well

The Clarity Laser Explained: The Safe, Effective Hair Reduction Option for Every Skin Type

The Clarity Laser Explained: The Safe, Effective Hair Reduction Option for Every Skin Type

Meet XERF: The New Skin Tightening Machine Set to Take Over 2026

Meet XERF: The New Skin Tightening Machine Set to Take Over 2026

Calm Is the New Cure: How Managing Inflammation Supports Longevity and Overall Wellness for a Better You

Calm Is the New Cure: How Managing Inflammation Supports Longevity and Overall Wellness for a Better You

Read the AEDITION

Professional & Academic Publications

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