About

Dr. William Groff is a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, CA who has specialized in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery for over 20 years. He is recognized as an acclaimed expert with laser procedures, cosmetic injectables, vein therapy, body contouring, liposculpture, tattoo removal, pearly penile papules (PPP), scar removal, and skin tightening treatments. He also has an excellent reputation for correcting “botched” laser and cosmetic procedures performed by others.
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Groff has achieved several prestigious awards, but the most meaningful recognition to him is from his patients. For consecutive years, Dr. Groff has been voted the winner in three San Diego “Best Of” contests. He is ranked #1 Dermatologist, #1 Cosmetic Surgeon, and #1 Cosmetic Dermatologist in all of San Diego.
For each of his patients, Dr. Groff creates a personalized plan based on their unique cosmetic goals. Every patient is considered special with their individualized needs. He uses state-of-the-art procedures and innovative techniques that are designed to ensure natural-looking results.
Men and women choose Dr. Groff to help them achieve their cosmetic goals because Dr. Groff has the experience you can trust!
Philosophy
Dr. Groff’s mission is to provide his patients with honest, thorough evaluations and to recommend and perform procedures to achieve optimal results. His philosophy is to enhance each individual’s natural appearance in a way that makes them look rejuvenated and produces a natural-looking result with minimal treatment.
Dr. Groff sets the standard for excellence in patient care. He feels that his patients deserve to receive the highest quality of care and service with each treatment. He strives to give his patients 5-star service!
Additionally, Dr. Groff believes that his availability is critical to his patients. His patients know they can contact him anytime with their concerns. He takes great pride in his ability to transform lives, one patient at a time. He has helped thousands of men and women throughout the United States gain confidence in their appearance and gain a new lease on life.
Proudly Served Our Country
Dr. Groff graduated from Penn State University with the goal of becoming a doctor. He entered medical school at PCOM in Philadelphia and received the highly-coveted U.S. Naval Health Professions Scholarship Award.
After graduating at the top of his class, Dr. Groff moved to San Diego to begin his postgraduate work. He completed a surgical internship at the Naval Medical Center San Diego, and, upon graduation, was accepted into flight school at the U.S. Naval Aerospace Medicine Institute in Pensacola, Florida. As a Flight Surgeon, Dr. Groff was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California and accumulated over 200 hours of flight time in the F/A-18 Hornet. He also deployed to the Persian Gulf aboard the USS Nimitz, accruing flight time and taking care of sick and injured Marines and sailors.
Once he completed a 3-year flight tour at MCAS Miramar, Dr. Groff was selected into the dermatology program at the Naval Medical Center, San Diego. During his residency, he trained under one of the top cosmetic laser surgeons in the world. Upon graduation, Dr. Groff had performed more laser procedures than any other graduating resident in the country. Board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology, he spent two years as the Department Head of Dermatology and Laser Surgery at Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan. Dr. Groff is extremely proud of his time in the Navy and serving his country. Click here to view Dr. Groff’s CV.
Innovator
Dr. Groff prides himself on staying on top of the newest techniques in order to offer his patients the most cutting-edge cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery procedures. Cosmetic Laser Dermatology has over 50 laser and light-based devices. Dr. Groff has also participated in many clinical research trials that have led to the FDA approval of several cosmetic laser devices and cosmetic injectables.
Dr. Groff prides himself on staying on top of the newest techniques in order to offer his patients the most cutting-edge cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery procedures.
Being an innovator, Dr. Groff has pioneered some of the latest advances in laser skin resurfacing, including a technique called Take10. Take10 is a non-surgical alternative to a facelift. By combining the use of multiple laser treatments and therapies (including fillers and Botox), Dr. Groff is able to rejuvenate the skin and treat the signs of aging by reducing the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, skin imperfections on a patient’s face, neck and chest. This technique provides patients with incredible results, making them look 10 to 15 years younger.
Training Physician & Lecturer
Dr. Groff is well-known among his peers for being an outstanding Training Physician for injectables and lasers.
As an advanced cosmetic injector, Dr. Groff serves as a trainer and key opinion leader for Allergan Inc® (Botox Cosmetic, Juvéderm®, Voluma™ XC, Kybella, and Volbella), Galderma (Restylane®, Perlane®, Dysport®, and Sculptra Aesthetic), and Merz Pharm. (Radiesse®, Belotero®, Xeomin®). As a master trainer, Dr. Groff teaches other physicians advanced injection techniques using these products.
Having a true passion for cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery, Dr. Groff travels worldwide to lecture on the latest advances in cosmetic dermatology to fellow dermatologists and plastic surgeons. As a leader in his field, Dr. Groff has given over 100 lectures in 10 different countries on laser resurfacing, cosmetic injectables and body contouring. Dr. Groff has also published over 15 articles in peer-reviewed dermatology and plastic surgery journals.
Media Spokesperson
Dr. Groff has been featured several times on the nationally televised show The Doctors and has appeared on both national and local television news programs. He is also a regular Dermatology Correspondent on Fox News and has been named a “Top Contributor” on RealSelf.
Dr. Groff’s media appearances can be seen on his YouTube channel, which has over 100 videos discussing cosmetic dermatology topics and demonstrating various procedures. Dr. Groff adds new videos to his channel on a regular basis. To be alerted when a new video is released, SUBSCRIBE to his YouTube channel.
Caring Man
Dr. Groff and his wife, Stacey, reside in San Diego with their two daughters, Jenna Alexis and Piper Silk. While on his Naval tour of duty in Japan, Dr. Groff and his family fell in love with the Japanese culture and the people.
On March 11, 2011, the Groffs were devastated to hear about the tsunami that killed many of their Japanese friends and left thousands of children homeless. Even today, residents of Japan are still recovering from this disaster. Since the tsunami, Dr. Groff and his family work tirelessly fundraising and supporting Helping Hands for Tohoku, an organization that helps those living in temporary housing following the 2011 tsunami.
Giving back is a priority in Dr. Groff’s life. To help local children, it is a Groff family tradition to help the Marine Corps with fundraising and collecting toys to donate to Toys For Tots.
In his spare time, Dr. Groff enjoys weightlifting, surfing, snowboarding, and international travel.
Education
Laser Training
2000 – 2003 Naval Medical Center, E. Victor Ross, MD, San Diego, CA
11/03-12/03 Dermatology Associates of San Diego, Richard E. Fitzpatrick, MD, San Diego, CA
Residency
2000 – 2003 Naval Medical Center, Dermatology Department San Diego, CA
Aviation Training
1996 – 1997 Flight Surgeon Training Course, Pensacola, FL
Internship
1995 – 1996 Naval Medical Center, General Surgery Department San Diego, CA
Medical School
1991 – 1995 PCOM Philadelphia, PA College, Penn State University
1987 – 1991 University Park, PA, B.S. – Biology/Vertebrate Physiology
Awards
Dr. Groff has been voted and ranked #1 Cosmetic Dermatologist, Cosmetic Surgeon, and Dermatologist in all of San Diego by his patients in three San Diego “Best Of” Readers Polls!️ Dr. Groff’s patients voted him the winner of these contests because Dr. Groff has earned a reputation for his dedication to his patients and the care that he personally devotes to each of his patients.
2023 San Diego Union-Tribune Best Of Readers Poll
Best Cosmetic Dermatologist – winner 6 years
Best Cosmetic Surgeon – winner 6 years
2022 La Jolla Light Best Of Readers Poll
Best Dermatologist – winner 7 years
Best Cosmetic Surgeon- winner 6 years
2022 San Diego Reader Best Of Poll
Best Cosmetic Dermatologist – winner 1 year
Best Dermatologist – winner 1 year
National Awards
Dr. Groff has also achieved national recognition and consistently granted several awards by
distinguished organizations for his Excellence in Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Surgery.
● Top Doctor Award, Castle Connolly Medical – 12 years
● Patients’ Choice Award, Vitals – Lifetime Achievement
● Compassionate Doctor Award, Vitals – Lifetime Achievement
● Top Aesthetic Doctor Award, Aesthetic Everything – 5 years
● Top Dermatologist West Award, Aesthetic Everything – 5 years
● Top Body Sculpting Doctor Award, Aesthetic Everything – 5 years
● Top 1% America’s Most Honored Professionals Award, Castle Connolly Medical – 13
years
Professional Societies
Dr. Groff’s other notable distinctions include being a fellow with the following organizations:
● American Academy of Dermatology
● American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
● American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
● American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
Results
For more advanced filtering/search options please visit our photo gallery.
Videos
View All Videos >Reviews
5/5 Stars
Dr. Groff is friendly and patient with the many questions I had at the start of our multi-session treatment. I've had a few different procedures done here by him, and I often recommend him to other people.
- Lisa A.5/5 Stars
Dr. Groff was wonderful, truly a class act. I was well-informed after my consultation and felt confident in Dr. Groff's treatment plan. Thank you very much!
- Johnny J.5/5 Stars
I was extremely happy with my experience. Dr. Groff is not only extremely professional but so down to earth and kind.
- Monica V.5/5 Stars
I just want to take the time to say THANK YOU Dr. Groff!! He has done amazing work. Just at the beginning of my treatments, but I am already satisfied with the results.
- Constance E.5/5 Stars
Dr. Groff and his staff have been attentive with me. I'm glad I went with him for my skin. He is a great listener. Thank you Dr. Groff!
- Seebs B.5/5 Stars
Dr. Groff is a very skilled, compassionate and knowledgeable cosmetic dermatologist. He can do "magic" with lasers. I have been extremely happy with the results of all my procedures.
- Cat O.Publications & Lectures
Research and Publications
Massaki A, Groff WF, et al. Treatment of Melasma With the 1,927-nm Fractional Thulium Fiver Laser: A Retrospective Analysis of 20 Cases With Long-Term Follow-Up. Lasers Surg Med. 2013 Feb;45(2):95-101.
Kono T, Kikuchi Y, Groff WF, Sakurai H, Yamaki T. Split-face comparison study of cryogen spray cooling versus pneumatic skin flattening in skin tightening treatments using a long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2010 Apr;12(2):87-91.
Kono T, Groff WF, et al. Treatment of Traumatic Scars Using Plasma Skin Regeneration (PSR) system. Lasers Surg Med. 2009;41(2):128-130.
Groff WF, Fitzpatrick, RE, et al. “Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser and Plasmakinetic Resurfacing,” published in Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, December 2008; 27:239-251.
Kono T, Groff WF, et al. “Treatment of Traumatic Scars Using Plasma Skin Regeneration System (PSR),” published in Lasers in Surgery, February 2008.
Kono T, Groff WF, Chan H, et al. ‘Long-pulsed neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser treatment for hypertrophic port-wine stains on the lips,” accepted Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy, June 2008.
Li Li, Kono T, Groff WF, Chan H, et al. “Comparison of a Long-pulse Pulsed Dye Laser and a Long-pulse Alexandrite Laser in the Treatment of Port Wine Stains,” published in Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy, 2008; 10:12-15
Kono T, Groff WF, et al. “Split-Face Comparison of Restylane Versus Puragen in the Treatment of Glabellar Lines,” published in Dermatologic Surgery, July 2008.
Kono T, Groff WF, Chan H, et al. “Comparison Study of a Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser Delivered with vs. without Compression in the Treatment of Dermal Pigmented Lesions,” published Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy, Aug 2007; 13:1-4.
Kono T, Groff WF, et al. “Direct Comparison Study of Fractional Resurfacing Using Different Fluences and Densities for Skin Rejuvenation in Asians,” published Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, Apr 2007; 39(4):311-4.
Kono T, Groff WF, et al. “Comparison Study of Intense Pulsed Light Versus a Long Pulse Pulsed Dye Laser in the Treatment of Facial Skin Rejuvenation,” published in Annals of Plastic Surgery, 59(5):479-83, 2007.
Kono T, Groff WF, et al. “Long-pulse Pulsed Dye Laser Delivered with Compression for Treatment of Facial Lentigines,” published in Dermatologic Surgery, Aug 2007;33(8):945-950.
Kono T, Groff WF, et al. “Treatment of Resistant Port-wine Stains with a Variable-Pulse Pulsed Dye Laser,” published in Dermatologic Surgery, Aug 2007; 33(8):951-6.
Parlette EC, Groff WF, Domankevitz Y, Ross EV. “Optimal Pulse Durations for the Treatment of Leg Telangiectasias with a neodymium YAG laser,” published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, Feb 2006; 38(2):98-105.
Kono T, Groff WF, et al. “Evaluation of fluence and pulse duration on purpuric threshold utilizing using a variable pulse pulsed-dye laser in the treatment of port wine stains,” published in Journal of Dermatology, Jul 2006; 33(7):431-6.
Presentations
Tanyasiri K, Groff WF, et al. “Mongolian spots with involvement of the mandibular area,” published in Journal of Dermatology, Jun 2007; 34(6):381-4.
Kono T, Groff WF, Chan H, et al. “Comparison study of a traditional pulsed dye laser versus a long-pulsed dye laser in the treatment of early childhood hemangiomas,” published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, Feb 2006; 38(2):112-5.
Kono T, Groff WF. “Treatment of port wine stains with the pulsed dye laser,” published in Annals of Plastic Surgery, Apr 2006; 56(4):460-3.
“Ultherapy for Skin Tightening and Lifting, Our Experience”, presented at The Orange County Cosmetic Physicians Meeting, Irvine, CA November 11, 2011.
“Neuromodulators in 2011, A Discussion on Botox Cosmetic, Dysport and Xeomin”, Allergan Facial Aesthetics Advisory Board Meeting, The Omni Hotel, Los Angeles, CA, October 29, 2001.
“Botulinum (Botox Cosmetic and Dysport): Advanced Injection Techniques and Potential Complications, presented at The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Course: “The Art and Science of Fillers and Injectables”, La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla, CA, June 5th, 2011.
“Adding Aesthetic Laser Systems into Your Practice,” presented at OPSC Conference, San Diego, CA. February 24th, 2011
“Zeltiq Coolsculpting for Noninvasive Fat Reduction,” presented at the California Association of Cosmetic Surgery Meeting, W Hotel, San Diego, CA, October 15th, 2010.
“The Latest Laser Treatment Techniques for Facial Skin Rejuvenation,” presented at Cosmetic Physician’s Workshop, Atlanta, GA Oct 10, 2010
“Adding Aesthetic Laser Systems into Your Practice,” presented at Candela Cosmetic Laser Surgery Workshop, Chicago, IL. June 24th, 2010
“The Latest Laser Treatment Techniques for Facial Skin Rejuvenation,” presented at Cosmetic Physician’s Workshop, Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA, June 15th 2010.
“The Latest Laser Treatment Techniques for Facial Skin Rejuvenation,” presented at Cosmetic Physician’s Workshop, Dallas, TX May 2010.
“The Latest Laser Treatment Techniques for Facial Skin Rejuvenation,” presented at Cosmetic Physician’s Workshop, Roseville, CA, May 14, 2010.
“Maximizing Clinical Benefits Using Multiple Lasers (fractional CO2, standard CO2 and Erbium, Vbeam Perfecta, and Alexandrite Lasers) in One Treatment Session,” presented at The Aesthetic Show Meeting, Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, NV, May 22, 2010.
“Maximizing Clinical Benefits Using Multiple Lasers (fractional CO2, standard CO2 and Erbium, Vbeam Perfecta, and Alexandrite Lasers) in One Treatment Session,” presented at The Candela Cosmetic Physicians Meeting, Dallas, TX, October 29, 2009
“Maximizing Clinical Benefits Using Multiple Lasers (fractional CO2, standard CO2 and Erbium, Vbeam Perfecta, and Alexandrite Lasers) in One Treatment Session,” presented live via an internet webinar, http://www.candelalaser.com/. September 16, 2009
