About
Inspired by his father to choose a profession that provided a valuable service to his community, Mitchel P. Goldman, MD started practicing medicine in 1982 and completed his dermatology residency in 1986. He is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology and a Diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.
Dr. Goldman was President of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) and Founder and President of the American College of Phlebology. Originally from Miami Beach, Florida, Dr. Goldman is a graduate of Stanford University Medical School and Boston University (Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa). Dr. Goldman is recognized for pioneering research on multiple laser techniques, skin rejuvenation, liposculpture, and vein therapy.
“Dr. Goldman is recognized for pioneering research on multiple laser techniques, skin rejuvenation, liposculpture and vein therapy.”
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 350 peer-reviewed medical publications. He was also named the #1 most published doctor in Dermatologic Surgery, the premier peer-reviewed medical journal in dermatology. Dr. Goldman is known as the godfather of sclerotherapy.
Additionally, Dr. Goldman has invented and/or helped in the development of many different laser procedures including the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), the Q-switched alexandrite laser for treating tattoos and pigmented lesions, the Ultrapulse CO2 laser and the laser resurfacing procedure, the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser for treating superficial veins and the Endolumenal radiofrequency and endoluminal 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 also serves as chairman of the Calecim Professional Medical Advisory Board.
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.” In 2022, Dr. Goldman was named America’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologist by Newsweek, ranking #1 out of 125 of the most renowned cosmetic dermatologists in the U.S. 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.
Dr. Goldman is considered a leading expert in laser surgery and resurfacing, liposculpture, sclerotherapy, laser closure of varicose veins, dermal filler treatments, Botox®/Dysport®/ Xeomin® therapy, photorejuvenation, and photodynamic therapy. Dr. Goldman is committed to using treatments that enhance your natural beauty, using a conservative approach to rejuvenation to limit necessary downtime.
As a well-known and trusted source of cosmetic dermatology information, Dr. Goldman has been featured in countless television news programs, both local and national, as well as in prominent print magazines, and has even been listed as a Top Contributor on RealSelf.
Read Dr. Goldman’s opinion on the newest anti-aging treatment you can try now.
When redecorating a house, people often want the kitchen redone first. But once the remodel is finished, the rest of the house looks bad in comparison and the entire house is eventually refurbished. In contrast, Dr. Goldman’s “treatment to transformation” method of cosmetic dermatology is to not just treat one area, such as the love handles, but to treat many areas for a full body transformation that looks great as a whole.
Dr. Goldman is a passionate cyclist and enjoys scuba diving, hiking, skiing, and music. He currently lives in Cardiff, California with his beautiful wife Laura. He is a father of 2 amazing daughters (Risa and Melissa) and stepson (Liam) as well as a grandfather to a grandson and granddaughter (Axton and Devi).
Professional Societies
1978 – current Member, California Medical Association
1978 – current Member, American Medical Association
1986 – current Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology
1987 – current Fellow, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
1986 – current Fellow, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
1986 – current Founding Member, American College of Phlebology (formerly North American Society of Phlebology)
1986 – current Member, San Diego County Dermatological Society
1986 – current Member, San Diego County Medical Society
1986 – 1997 Member, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
1983 – 2000 Member, Society for Investigative Dermatology
1986 – 1994 Member, International Society of Dermatology
1986 – 2010 Member, International Society for Dermatologic Surgery
1987 – 1994 Member, Century Club of Dermatology Foundation
1987 – 1992 Founding Member, Space Dermatology Foundation
1988 – current Member, Pacific Dermatologic Association
1991 – current Member, (HON), Australian-New Zealand Society of Phlebology
1992 – 2000 Member, American Society of Pediatric Dermatology
1992 – 2006 Member, American Venous Forum
Education
Sept 1973 – Jan 1977 Boston University College of Liberal Arts • Biology B.A. 1977
Sept 1978 – June 1982 Stanford University School of Medicine • M.D. 1982
June 1982 – June 1983 University of California, San Diego, Department of Medicine • Medical Intern
July 1983 – July 1986 University of California, Los Angeles, Dept. of Medicine, Div. of Dermatology Resident
Academic Honors
1976 Distinction Work in Biology, Boston University
1977 Phi Beta Kappa Epsilon of Massachusetts
1998 American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery “20th Century Award”
For Outstanding Contribution to Cosmetic Surgery in the 20th Century
2009 Presidents Award, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery For Outstanding Contribution in Teaching and Research
Academic Appointments
Voluntary Clinical Professor of Dermatology
University of California, San Diego Medical Center
Honorary Professor of Dermatology
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
Certification and Licensure
National Board of Medical Examiners (Passed, 1983)
Board Certified in Dermatology, 1986, American Board of Dermatology
Diplomate, 2002, American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
California License Upon Request
Nevada License Upon Request
Arizona License Upon Request
Hawaii License Upon Request
Maryland License Upon Request
Colorado License Upon Request
DEA Certificate Upon Request
Awards
Awards
#1 America’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists 2022, Newsweek
Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2004
Presidential Citation, American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery (ASLMS), 2016
“21st Century Achievement Award”, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Outstanding Contribution to Cosmetic Surgery in the 21st Century
Presidents Award, American Society for Dermatological Surgery, Outstanding Contribution in Teaching and Research, 2009
“20th Century Award,” American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, 1998, Outstanding Contribution to Cosmetic Surgery in the 20th Century
Healthgrades Honor Roll
Fellow
His other notable distinctions include being a fellow of the following organizations:
- American Academy of Dermatology
- American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
- American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
- American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
- American College of Phlebology
- American Society of Liposuction Surgery
Dr. Goldman is also the founder and past president of the American College of Phlebology as well as:
- Past President of the San Diego Dermatological Society
- Past President of the Sonoran Dermatology Society
- Board of Directors and Past President of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
- Pacific Dermatology Association, American Venous Forum
- Board of Governors for Stanford University School of Medicine
- Vice President of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery for 2011-2012, President in 2013-2014.
Results
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Videos
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5/5 Stars
“Dr Goldman was fantastic. Saw him to treat my Bell's palsy. He was considerate and helpful. Great personality. In addition, he gave me other options for treatment where I would be able to use my insurance.”
- Jean G.5/5 Stars
"Definitely will be my go to spot from now on. Thank you Dr Goldman & staff for helping me feel so beautiful!!!"
- J.J.5/5 Stars
"Dr. Goldman and staff are very encouraging, entertain all your questions, respect your time, and clearly have the expertise in vein treatment. My experience has been very positive, I'm happy with my decision and results thus far."
- Sarah Z.5/5 Stars
I highly recommend Dr. Goldman if you are looking to address skin pigmentation issues.
- Linly H.5/5 Stars
"Dr Goldman and staff are the most knowledgeable, attentive, and caring people in medicine. I was treated with the utmost respect and excellence. I highly recommend this office for any and all dermatological needs."
- S.H.5/5 Stars
"Dr. Goldman is at the top of his field and the treatments are worth the price."
- Carey J.Publications & Lectures
Publications
Goldman, Mitchel P. MD: Evaluation of Long-Term Outcome and Patient Satisfaction Results After Tumescent Liposuction, Dermatologic Surgery: June 25, 2020.
Goldman M, Hagen M: The forms of caricature: physiognomy and political bias. Stud Anthro Vis Comm 5:30-36, 1978.
Goldman M, Esserman L, Bausback K, Camargo C, Nagel D: A novel method for emergency immobilization of the wrist during cross-country skiing. Am J Sports Med 8:4-6, 1980.
Goldman M, Crosson J: What if? Medical care in a nuclear accident. New Physician 30:30-32, 1981.
Goldman MP: Ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding and leg nodules. Arch Dermatol 121:673, 1985.
Goldman MP, Rapaport M: Contact dermatitis to vitamin E. J Am Acad Dermatol 13:133-134, 1985.
Goldman MP, Kaplan RP, Oki LN, Strick RA, Bennett RG: Extravascular effects of sclerosants in rabbit skin: A clinical and histologic examination of intradermal aethoxysklerol, sotradecol, and hypertonic saline.
Goldman MP, Kaplan RP, Duffy D: Post-sclerotherapy hyperpigmentation: A histologic evaluation. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 13:547-550, 1987.
Goldman MP, Kaplan RP, Oki LN, Cavender PA, Strick RA, Bennett RG: Sclerosing agents used in the treatment of telangiectasia: Comparison of the clinical and histologic effects of intravascular polidocanol, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, and hypertonic saline in the dorsal rabbit ear vein. Arch Dermatol 123:1196-1201, 1987.
Goldman MP, Bennett RG: Treatment of telangiectasia: A review. J Am Acad Dermatol 17:167-82, 1987.
Bennett RG, Goldman MP: Chemosurgical debridement of osteomyelitic bone by zinc chloride fixative.
J Dermatol Surg Oncol 13:771-775, 1987.
Goldman MP, Kaplan RP, Heng MCY: Congenital Smooth Muscle Hamartoma: Case report and review of the literature. Int J Dermatol 26:448-52, 1987.
Ruiz-Esparza J, Goldman MP, Fitzpatrick RE: Tattoo removal with minimal scarring: The chemo-laser technique. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 14:1372-1376, 1988.
Goldman MP: Compression in the treatment of leg telangiectasia: Theoretical considerations. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 15:184-190, 1989.
Goldman MP, Fronek A: Anatomy and pathophysiology of varicose veins. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 15:138-
148, 1989.
Goldman MP: The role of the American dermatologist in Phlebology (Editorial) J Dermatol Surg Oncol 15:135, 1989.
Goldman MP: Sclerotherapy Problems in “Dialogues in Dermatology” O’Donoghue MN, ed. 24:6, 1989.
Martin DE, Goldman MP: A comparison of sclerosing agents: Clinical and histologic effects of intravascular sodium tetradecyl sulfate and chromated glycerin in the dorsal rabbit ear vein. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 16:18-22, 1990.
Goldman MP, Beaudoing D, Marley W, Lopez L, Butie A: Compression in the treatment of leg telangiectasia. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 16: 322-325, 1990.
Goldman MP, Fitzpatrick RE: Pulsed-dye laser treatment of leg telangiectasia: with and without simultaneous sclerotherapy. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 16: 338-344, 1990.
Goldman MP, Martin DE, Fitzpatrick RE, Ruiz-Esparza J: Pulse dye laser treatment of telangiectases with and without sub-therapeutic sclerotherapy: Clinical and histologic examination of the rabbit ear vein model.
J Am Acad Dermatol 23: 23-30, 1990.
Goldman MP: Sclerotherapy treatment of varicose and telangiectatic leg veins in the United States: Past, present and future. (Editorial) J Dermatol Surg Oncol 16: 606-607, 1990.
Goldman MP: Sclerotherapy of varicose and telangiectatic leg veins. Case Log Newsletter 1990;3:1-4.
Goldman MP: How many treatments are necessary to sclerosis varicose and telangiectatic leg veins? (Editorial) J Dermatol Surg Oncol 17: 62, 1991.
Medical TextBooks
Goldman MP: SCLEROTHERAPY TREATMENT OF VARICOSE AND
TELANGIECTATIC LEG VEINS, Mosby Year Book Inc. St. Louis, 1991. (Published in English & Portuguese)
Bergan JJ, Goldman MP (eds) VARICOSE VEINS AND TELANGIECTASIAS: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT, Quality Medical Publishing Co., St. Louis, 1993.
Goldman MP, Fitzpatrick, RE: CUTANEOUS LASER SURGERY: The Art and Science of Selective Photothermolysis. Mosby, St. Louis 1994. (Published in English & Portuguese)
Ricci S, Georgiev M, Goldman MP: AMBULATORY PHLEBECTOMY: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR TREATING VARICOSE VEINS. Mosby, St. Louis 1995. (Published in English, Italian & Portuguese)
Goldman MP: SCLEROTHERAPY TREATMENT OF VARICOSE AND TELANGIECTATIC LEG VEINS: SECOND EDITION. Mosby, St. Louis 1995. (Published in English, Portuguese & Italian)
Goldman MP, Bergan JJ (eds): AMBULATORY TREATMENT OF VENOUS DISEASE: AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE. Mosby, St. Louis. 1995. (Published in English & Portuguese)
Ratz JL, Geronemus R, Goldman MP, Maloney M, Padilla S (eds), TEXTBOOK OF DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY. J.B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia, 1998.
Goldman MP, Bergan JJ, Weiss RA: VARICOSE VEINS AND TELANGIECTASIAS: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT, 2nd Edition. Quality Medical Publishing, Co., St. Louis 1999.
Hooper BJ, Goldman MP: PRIMARY DERMATOLOGIC CARE. Mosby Yearbook, St Louis 1999.
Goldman MP, Fitzpatrick RE: CUTANEOUS LASER SURGERY: SECOND EDITION. Mosby, St. Louis 1999.
Fitzpatrick RE, Goldman MP: COSMETIC LASER SURGERY. Harcourt Health Sciences, St. Louis 2000. (Also published in Polish by Urban & Partner, 2004.)
Goldman MP, Bergan JJ: SCLEROTHERAPY TREATMENT OF VARICOSE AND TELANGIECTATIC LEG VEINS: THIRD EDITION. Harcourt Health Sciences, St. Louis, 2001.
GOLDMAN MP: PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY, Elsevier, London 2005 (Also published in Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese)
Goldman MP, Geogiev M, Ricci S: AMBULATORY PHLEBECTOMY: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR TREATING VARICOSE VEINS: SECOND EDITION. Taylor & Francis Group, LLC, New York, 2005
Goldman MP, Weiss RA: ADVANCED TECHNIQUES IN DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY. Taylor & Francis Group, LLC, New York, 2006
Goldman MP, Bacci PA, Leibaschoff G, Hexsel D: CELLULITE: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND TREATMENT. Taylor & Francis Group, LLC, New York, 2006
Goldman MP: CUTANEOUS AND COSMETIC LASER SURGERY. Mosby/Elsevier, London 2006
Goldman MP, Bergan JJ, Guex JJ: SCLEROTHERAPY TREATMENT OF VARICOSE AND TELANGIECTATIC LEG VEINS: FOURTH EDITION. Mosby/Elsevier, London 2007
Goldman MP: PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY, SECOND EDITION. Saunders, Elsevier, London 2008
Goldman MP, Hexsel D: CELLULITE: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND TREATMENT, 2nd Edition. Informa , New York, 2010
Goldman MP, Guex JJ, Weiss RA: SCLEROTHERAPY TREATMENT OF VARICOSE AND TELANGIECTATIC LEG VEINS: 5th Ed. Elsevier, London 2011
Goldman MP, Fitzpatrick, RE. Kilmer SL, Ross EV, Weiss RA: LASERS AND ENERGY DEVICES FOR THE SKIN, 2nd Ed., CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL, 2013
Karam AM, Goldman MP: THE AGING FACE: A Comprehensive Approach to Treatment. JP Medical Ltd, London, UK. 2014 (in Press)
For a more comprehensive list of Dr. Goldman’s medical textbooks, publications, and research, click here.