
Medical
Medical Dermatology in La Jolla
Diagnosis first, for skin, hair and nails.
Medical and surgical dermatology with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi at La Jolla Laser Derm.
Medical
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Behind every cosmetic outcome is medical dermatology. Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a board-certified dermatologist, treats the full range of dermatologic disease: acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss, nail conditions, suspicious moles and skin cancer.
This category covers diagnosis and treatment for skin, hair and nails at every age and skin type, from prescription care for acne and rosacea to mole evaluation, full-body skin checks, skin cancer treatment and Mohs micrographic surgery. Most insurance plans are accepted for medical dermatology visits. Annual full-body skin checks are encouraged for everyone living in sunny San Diego, and especially for patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer.
Dr. Shirazi treats the full range of dermatologic disease: acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss, nail conditions, suspicious moles, and skin cancer. Annual full-body skin checks are essential in sunny San Diego. We perform biopsies, excisions, and coordinate Mohs surgery for skin cancer with a focus on both cure and cosmetic outcome. From cystic acne to rosacea flares to eczema and psoriasis, we build evidence-based treatment plans that combine prescription therapy, in-office treatments, and skincare. Hair loss, alopecia, nail disorders, and pigmentary conditions are evaluated with the same dermatologist-led approach. Most major insurance plans are accepted for medical dermatology visits, including skin cancer screenings, acne, rosacea, eczema, and other diagnostic care; cosmetic treatments are not covered by insurance.
Most Requested
MedicalSkin ChecksRegular skin exams by a board-certified dermatologist help detect skin cancer early, when it is most treatable.Explore
MedicalAcneScars from skin blemishes can leave a lasting mark on your skin and your self-esteem.Explore
MedicalMelasma & SkinBRIGHT®Dr. Azi's signature SkinBRIGHT® is a customized plan to address and manage melasma.Explore
All Treatments
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Acne
Acne is caused by clogged hair follicles due to oil, dead skin cells and bacteria, and can appear on the face, back, chest and shoulders. Hormones, stress, diet, genetics and certain medications can all play a role in triggering breakouts.
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Melasma & SkinBRIGHT®
Melasma is defined by grayish-brown patches, often on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, upper lip and chin. Dr. Shirazi's signature SkinBRIGHT® program is a customized plan to address and manage this common skin condition.
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Mohs Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that removes skin cancers while minimizing the degree of scarring. The surgeon verifies that all cancer cells are removed at the same time as the surgery, reducing the need for additional treatments.
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Mole Removal
Mole removal starts with an accurate diagnosis; in medical terminology, benign moles are called melanocytic nevi. They usually appear as dark brown or tan bumps or brown spots on the skin.
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Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition marked by persistent redness, visible blood vessels, acne-like breakouts and facial swelling. It primarily affects the face and is often mistaken for acne.
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Skin Cancer & Melanoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and often looks like a shiny, pink or skin-colored growth that bleeds and scabs easily. Suspicious spots are confirmed with a skin biopsy examined under a microscope.
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Skin Checks
A skin check is a full-body exam by a board-certified dermatologist for spots that may be skin cancer. Annual full-body skin checks are encouraged for everyone living in sunny San Diego, especially patients with a personal or family history of skin cancer.
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Other
Dermatology consultations with Dr. Azadeh Shirazi and our team in La Jolla are available in person, by video or by photo. The practice has three consultation options for patients with multiple dermatological needs.
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Choosing a Treatment
How Dr. Shirazi Chooses
How a medical plan is chosenTreatment starts with diagnosis. Moles are evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist before any removal; suspicious moles are not removed by laser and are checked for melanoma. Rosacea plans combine prescription medications, in-office treatments such as BBL and V-beam, and lifestyle guidance. For skin cancer, Mohs surgery is used where it preserves the most healthy tissue.
Between visitsThe practice asks patients to perform self-skin exams monthly: look at existing moles and spots, and watch for new moles, changes in color, shape or size, irregular edges, and sores that do not heal. Any of these is a reason to book a skin check.

Not in San Diego?
Start with a photo consultation from anywhere.
Your Commonly Asked Questions
Does La Jolla Laser Derm treat skin cancer?
Yes. Dr. Shirazi diagnoses and treats basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, including Mohs micrographic surgery.
Does La Jolla Laser Derm take insurance?
Most insurance plans are accepted for medical dermatology visits.
How often should I get a skin check?
Annual full-body skin checks are encouraged for everyone in San Diego, especially with a personal or family history of skin cancer.
What are the warning signs of melanoma?
New moles in adulthood, moles that change color, shape or size, irregular or jagged edges, sores that do not heal, and moles that scale, bleed, itch or hurt.
Can a mole be removed with a laser?
Only after a dermatologist has evaluated it and diagnosed it as benign. Suspicious moles need to be evaluated for melanoma, not lasered.
Which Treatment Is Right for Me?
Start with a consultation with Dr. Shirazi's team; the plan, number of sessions and downtime are set there. If you are not in San Diego, begin with a photo consultation from anywhere.

