Examining The Doctors

With today’s advances in cosmetic medical and dental treatments and procedures, it is easier than ever before to become the swan that symbolizes our unique vision of beauty. But even though procedures are FDA approved and run low risks of complications, there are times when misinformation and negligent practice can exacerbate risks. Finding a reputable professional who can not only transform, but also inform, is crucial to the process. And like all aspects of medicine these days, patients must become their own advocates and take ultimate responsibility for the quality of their care. It’s up to the patient to seek out professionals, check their credentials, and make judgements on their expertise. Such an endeavor, in a city such as San Diego — one of the nation’s most thriving centers for medical research and technology — is a daunting task. That’s why we’ve assembled an overview of some top local professionals worth a closer look, to give a head start in the critical doctor examination.

Martin Abelar, D.D.S.
Cosmetic Dentistry
La Jolla Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry
4510 Executive Drive, Suite 201, San Diego. 858/457-7994

Dr. Martin Abelar at the La Jolla Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry loves to see his patients surprised by how easy the entire dental experience can be when they are in the right hands.

“It always makes me smile,” he says when asked about patients’ responses to the office’s high-tech approach to dentistry. “It is refreshing and it builds a bond with the patients when I tell them exactly what to expect in a procedure, how it will affect their overall appearance,” he adds.

The La Jolla Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry uses the latest materials and most modern treatment techniques to ensure a pleasant visit. Over the last 23 years, Dr. Abelar has used his keen eye for design and style to create beautiful smiles for thousands of patients. “I see style in everything I do — including creating the look of our office. After all, cosmetic dentistry is as much art as it is science, and if you want people to trust you with their appearance, you need to put yourself in the right environment,” he says.

Along with teaching at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute, Dr. Abelar keeps up with the latest advances in cosmetic dentistry by constantly taking classes and additional training to learn about new techniques and equipment. “Contemporary materials and methods have changed the face of dentistry, and so much of my practice is different from what I learned in dental school. Now, much of dentistry focuses on the whole patient, not just the teeth” he says.

One of the advances Dr. Abelar has embraced is the use of CAT Scan technology in the examination process. “The cutting edge of dental technology is where I want to be all the time, giving my patients the best technology and style possible.”

Paul Chasan, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery
9850 Genesee Avenue, La Jolla. 858/450-1555
www.drchasan.com

Dr. Paul Chasan, has been practicing plastic surgery for over 11 years, nine of which were spent here in San Diego with his office in La Jolla. Although he performs all types of plastic surgery, Dr. Chasan specializes in facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty and revisionary breast surgery. In fact, he has written several articles and has just had his paper on capsulorrhaphy, a technique used in revisionary breast surgery, accepted to be published in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Chasan is nationally known for his work on breast surgery and facial rejuvenation and has been seen on the Discovery Channel, The E! Channel, and Extra for his expertise in the field.

Dr. Chasan’s surgical suite is state-of-the-art, fully equipped, and is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. He only uses the board-certified anesthesiologists from Scripps Memorial Hospital, and the majority of his nurses are certified in critical care. He leaves no stone unturned to accomplish the best result.

Dr. Chasan is continually improving his technique to stay on top of his profession. Not only does he run his private practice, but he is also on staff at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla and is an assistant clinical professor (voluntary), Department of Surgery at UCSD. Dr. Chasan is a board-certified member of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. And if that isn’t enough, he is also a Diplomate of the American College of Surgeons, the highest accolade any specialist can achieve in their field.

To hear Dr. Chasan talk about his practice, one knows that he is truly passionate about his field. “I believe my patients deserve the best,” says Dr. Chasan. “That is why I only use top-of-the-line equipment and the most knowledgeable personnel in the field. The best of the best, absolutely.”

Stephen Dankworth, D.D.S.
Kimberly Corrigan-Dankworth, D.D.S.
Restorative And Cosmetic Dentistry
La Costa Dental Excellence
7730 Rancho Santa Fe Road, Suite #106, Carlsbad. 760/633-3033
www.dankworthdental.com

Doctors Stephen Dankworth and Kimberly Corrigan-Dankworth treat their office, staff, and patients at La Costa Dental Excellence as one big family. They want all patients, whether it’s their first time in the chair at their Carlsbad office, or long-time visitors, to feel right at home.

“One of our main missions when we set up our dental practice was to create a feeling of comfort and friendliness,” says Stephan. Kimberly couldn’t agree more. “We get to know our patients and their families, we watch their children grow up. It’s great to be part of the neighborhood.”

The Dankworths opened their first dental practice in Oceanside after graduating together from the University of the Pacific Dental School. They recently opened their Carlsbad office to serve a larger area of the North County coastal community. Their enthusiasm for top-quality dental service in a friendly environment carries over to their staff, and everyone from the front office manager to the dental hygienists wants patients to feel at home.

Both doctors are members of the American Dental Association, The California Dental Association, and the San Diego Dental Society. They each have advanced training at the Las Vegas Institute for Cosmetic Dentistry, PAC-Live, and the national Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. Stephen is a member of the American Society of Osseointegration, Academy of Osseointegration, and American College of Oral Implantology.

The friendly atmosphere seems to be catching on in Carlsbad. “We are thrilled that our patients refer their family and friends to experience dental care in an enjoyable and discomfort-free atmosphere at our office,” says Kimberly. “Too often, the dentist’s office is an unpleasant experience. Imagine a dental office you could visit where you felt like you were visiting a friend.”.

John Doemeny, M.D.
Karl Weingarten, M.D.
Varicose Vein Removal
3366 Fifth Avenue, San Diego.
12620 Monte Vista Rd., Suite A, Poway. 619/295-9729
www.rmgvvc.com

Serving the San Diego community for more than 80 years, the Radiology Medical Group (RMG) opened the Interventional Radiology & Varicose Vein Treatment Center — the first of its kind in California. This outpatient center is dedicated to utilizing minimally invasive, image-guided techniques to replace the need for more invasive surgical procedures for a variety of medical conditions.

Members of the prestigious group, Dr. John Doemeny and Dr. Karl Weingarten, have both trained as interventional radiologists and specialize in the treatment of blood vessel diseases by introducing small fibers and catheters guided by state-of-the-art imaging techniques. Their combined experience includes thousands of vascular procedures, including angioplasty and stenting of diseased arteries and veins and placement of stent-grafts for aortic aneurysms. Both are members of the Society of Interventional Radiology and the American College of Phlebology. They are also on the staff at Scripps Mercy Hospital, where they are members of the trauma team.

The doctors now offer a new application of minimally invasive technology to treat unsightly and painful varicose veins at the center. Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) uses ultrasound imaging to define effective treatment plans, and then guide precise placement of a small laser fiber into unhealthy veins. This laser is used to eliminate abnormal varicose veins, is virtually painless, usually takes less than an hour, and leaves no scars. Because there are no large incisions or general anesthesia to recover from, normal activities can be resumed soon after EVLT, including driving and exercise.

Shervin Erfani, DMD, FICCMO, FICOI
Implants, TMJ, Cosmetic And Rehabilitation Dentistry
3737 Moraga Avenue, Suite B-311, San Diego. 858/490-4281
www.dentaldesignspa.com

Dr. Shervin Erfani knows how a great smile can affect a person’s health, both mentally and physically. As head cosmetic dentist at Dental Design Spa in San Diego, Dr. Erfani practices four aspects of dentistry, including general dentistry, Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder therapy, cosmetic dentistry, and implant dentistry.

“When a person has a beautiful smile, they have more self confidence and feel better about themselves. When our guests come back for their checkups after we’ve designed their smiles, it’s as if a completely new person has walked in, more outgoing, happier, and more confident.”

Dr. Erfani is not only a graduate of the world renowned Las Vegas Institute, but also a clinical instructor to dentists from all over the world. Along with holding numerous fellowships from the likes of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and the International College of Cranio Mandibular Orthopedics, Dr. Erfani also retains an impressive success record. His work has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and in various publications such as Newsweek, Instyle magazine, and the Wall Street Journal.

Dr. Erfani strives for comfort and understanding with patients. At Dental Design Spa, not only do they experience exceptional overall dental care, patients also partake in relaxation treatments such as massages, eye treatments, manicures, and facials. To relax patients further, Dr. Erfani uses a machine called the Wand, a computerized version of anesthesia which produces small drips and small unnoticeable injections. Patients get through appointments with calm and ease.

“The comfort level is most important part,” he says. “Many dentists will rush people through. I offer a lot of one-on-one interaction and quality time with my patients. This way I can help them with a customized treatment that is ideal for their desires and needs.”

David Eshom, D.D.S.
General And Cosmetic Dentistry
8889 University Center Lane, Suite 245, La Jolla. 858/455-9151
www.eshomdds.com

When you talk to Dr. David Eshom, you realize his passion is in the details. Little things, like the use of the newest technology and friendly staff all add up to a comfortable experience for the patient.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Eshom has been perfecting his technique to provide patients with the best in cosmetic dentistry. Committed to excellence for his patients, he uses the latest high-tech equipment such as lasers, digital x-rays, and computer imaging so that patients have a more comfortable experience.

In January, Dr. Eshom and his team moved into their brand-new office in La Jolla. Designed from the ground up around making patients comfortable and delivering high quality care, Dr. Eshom was able to keep it right in line with his high-tech, high-comfort philosophy.

“Our high-tech, high-comfort philosophy and meticulous attention to detail combine to create healthy and beautiful smiles for our patients,” says Dr. Eshom.

In order to continually offer the finest choices and details for clients, Dr. Eshom is constantly continuing his education. Over the past 20 years, he has completed more than 1,500 hours of continuing education through the California Dental Association in endodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, and his passion, cosmetic dentistry.

The end result of this focus on technology and detail is an unparalleled skill in cosmetic dentistry. Currently, he is an Accreditation Candidate for the prestigious American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and has been elected as a board member of the organization.

Dentists who belong to this academy are the cream of the crop of cosmetic dentists. Dr. Eshom is one of 15 board members leading the future of cosmetic dentists in the United States. The World Clinical Laser Institute has nominated him for a board advisory position because of his vast experience in delivering top quality dentistry.

Mitchel Goldman, M.D.
Kimberly Butterwick, M.D.
Diana Breister Ghosh, M.D.
Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery, Dermatology
La Jolla Spa MD, 7630 Fay Avenue, La Jolla. 858/459-6868
www.spa-md.com

La Jolla Spa MD is one part spa and therapeutic rejuvenation center and one part cosmetic surgery nexus. In addition to licensed aestheticians and massage therapists, the facility houses four board-certified dermatologists, two plastic surgeons, and two facial plastic surgeons. With three types of specialty doctors, patients have numerous options for treatment. “We can cover everything our patients need or want to accomplish,” says the center’s founder, Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman.

Most noticeable about the center’s professionals is their experience and accolades. Says Dr. Goldman of his dual board certification, “Being certified in both dermatology and cosmetic surgery means I can provide the best patient healthcare possible.” Dr. Goldman is one of the top liposculpture doctors on the West Coast, and when he’s not busy with patients, he is helping train others by authoring over a dozen medical texts.

Dr. Goldman’s co-workers are equally invested in the field such as Dr. Kimberly J. Butterwick also carries the dual board certification. She was the first in America to perform FAMI, a French technique of fat grafting for the aging face. New to the center, Dr. Diana Breister Ghosh is an expert in the arenas of breast augmentation and soft tissue sculpturing following bariatric surgery.

The doctors are skilled in a number of treatments, including liposculpture, cosmetic surgery, injectables such as Botox, Restylane, vein treatments, cellulite reduction and PhotoRejuvenation. There are over 20 different laser machines on site as well to treat anything from varicose veins to stretch marks.

“Patients are very excited and gratified to improve a problem that made them feel old or unattractive,” says Dr. Butterwick. “Most of our procedures are quick, simple office visits performed without the need for general anesthesia. Patients undergo relatively simple procedures with little or no down time that result in smoother, radiant skin or a better-proportioned body.”

David Hornbrook, D.D.S., F.A.A.C.D.
Christopher Catalano, D.D.S.
General And Cosmetic Dentistry
7777 Alvarado Road, Suite 210, San Diego. 619/463-7797
www.hornbrook.com

Dr. David Hornbrook was born and raised in San Diego. He started his practice over 18 years ago and has built quite the reputation. Dr. Hornbrook was voted by his peers to be one of the top three cosmetic dentists in the world. He is a pioneer in developing the latest in dental techniques, consulting with dental manufacturers on the fabrication of new materials and equipment, and most significantly, founded an advanced postgraduate teaching program for dentists. Many of the dentists you see on the popular Extreme Makeover show were taught and mentored by Dr. Hornbrook.

In 1999, Dr. Christopher Catalano, a former student of Dr. Hornbrook’s, joined the practice, sharing in the belief of “non-compromising” dentistry.

From outstanding patient care to utilizing cutting-edge technology, you know you are getting the absolute best that dentistry has to offer. They believe that a great smile is something everyone should have.

“The warmth of an inviting smile can have a powerful effect,” says Dr. Hornbrook. “Cosmetic dentistry is very important to building one’s self-confidence and self esteem.”

Their expertise doesn’t just stop with the smile makeovers. They treat everyone from children to adults. Whether you are replacing old fillings or straightening your teeth with invisible braces, you know you are in great hands, because you are getting state-of-the-art care from the country’s leading dentists.

Gilbert W. Lee M.D., F.A.C.S
Plastic And Cosmetic Surgery
Changes Plastic Surgery
11515 El Camino Real, Suite 150, San Diego. 858/720-1440
www.changesplasticsurgery.com

It’s not just that Dr. Gilbert Lee has a degree from UCSD, general surgery credentials from Rochester, plastic surgery training from Washington University, and a microsurgical fellowship from St. Louis, it’s that he complements this experience and skill with the vision of a true artist.

As the triple board-certified head surgeon of Changes Plastic Surgery in Carmel Valley, Dr. Lee has made quite a reputation for himself as the doctor to see for stunning transformations. His overwhelming results have led to appearances on ABC’s Prime Time Live, and have made him a routine expert source for news programs and newspapers.

“I try to create sculptures,” he says, “transforming art into reality. I’m extremely meticulous and precise in my work.” By carefully listening to his patients’ needs and concerns, Dr. Lee is able to meet their expectations. He performs many procedures, including face lifts, nose reshaping, body contouring, and a range of laser skin rejuvenation treatments.

“My patients tell me they feel very comfortable with our practice. They love that we speak in understandable terms, that we are caring and compassionate. It’s by carefully listening to them that we can identify what procedures are best for them and fulfill their needs,” he says. Changes Plastic Surgery allows Dr. Lee to conduct his work in this fashion. As a certified surgical facility, it maintains all the safety features of a full-time hospital, and has an expert nursing and anesthesiology staff.

When he is not reinventing his patients, Dr. Lee lends his time to help train the medical students at the UCSD Medical Center. In 1999 he received the Teacher of the Year/ Meritorious Service Award from UCSD for his instruction in plastic surgery. He has contributed over 30 plastic surgery publications to medical journals.

William Rawlings, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Christopher Hydo, D.D.S., M.S.
Pediatric Dentistry And Orthodontics
530 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach. 858/755-4223
1200 Gardenview Rd., Encinitas (March 2005). 760/944-5225
www.greatsmiles.org

Specialty care, caring professionals,” is a motto for Dr. William Rawlings and Dr. Christopher Hydo. They genuinely take this ideal to heart. Practicing and residing in the North County community for over 22 years has enabled these specialists to truly understand the area and their patients. They love what they do and it shows in the care they give each patient.

Dr. Rawlings’ and Dr. Hydo’s practice specializes in both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. Haven’t heard of a pediatric dentist? Many haven’t. “Parents insist on the care of a pediatric medical specialist, but often aren’t even aware of the pediatric dental specialty. Pediatric dental residents often train at large pediatric medical centers for a minimum period of two years alongside the medical residents,” says Dr. Rawlings.

Dr. Rawlings strongly believes that excellent dental health must begin even before the primary teeth erupt. He developed a packet for new parents that includes timely information emphasizing that “Great smiles begin at birth.” Their Dudley the Dinosaur school program has also educated thousands of children about the simple steps to maintain excellent dental health.

An impressive fact is that both doctors are board certified. They are Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics with Dr. Rawlings also being a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Diplomate status is the highest accolade any dental specialist can achieve in their profession. Fewer than 25 percent have earned this honor. An extremely small number of dentists nationwide have attained Dr. Rawlings’ accomplishment of dual-specialty Diplomate status.

“Orthodontics to a board-certified doctor is not just a job, it’s a passion,” says Dr. Hydo. “That’s the spirit we have in our practice, a passion for what we do.” This enthusiasm has enabled their practice to expand to a second location (March 2005) in Encinitas to better serve the North County community.

Carolyn White, DDS
Restorative And Cosmetic Dentistry
8910 University Ctr. Ln., Suite 670, San Diego. 858/558-8590
www.lajollasmiledesign.com

At the offices of Carolyn White, D.D.S., focus is on individual patient care and highly personalized service. A dedicated team of professionals skilled in the latest dental technology — digital x-rays, intra-oral cameras, laser cavity detectors, micro-dentistry — works with each patient to develop an understanding of the options available for enhancement of oral health and creation of a beautiful smile. One of the latest techniques introduced at Dr. White’s office is dental Botox, a new appraoch in reducing pain and headaches associated with grinding. “Self confidence can be directly related to a beautiful smile” is one of the underlying beliefs driving her practice.

Dr. White graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1988 in Dallas, Texas. Her background includes a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, also from Baylor, where she graduated first in her class for clinical excellence, receiving the Phillip Earle Williams Award. In addition to attending advanced continuing education classes, Dr. White is a graduate of the Seattle Institute for Advanced Education. She regularly devotes a significant amount of time to advanced training and continuing education, pursuing the best and latest technology that dentistry has to offer her patients. She has a passion for creating great smiles while maintaining the highest standards in all aspects of dentistry.

Dr. White’s memberships include the level of sustaining member in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a prestigious organization dedicated to the art and science of cosmetics. She is also a member of the American Dental Association and the San Diego County Dental Society, as well as various local study clubs, such as the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Cosmetic Dentistry, where she is currently serving as membership chair.

Whether you need a routine cleaning or complete smile makeover, the office atmosphere is professional, yet relaxed and friendly.

Valerie Youngblood, M.D.
Holistic Aesthetic Medical Practice
Continuum
4510 Executive Drive, Suite 125, San Diego. 858/642-1838
www.continuumcenter.com

Whether it’s a fantastic painting or striking face, Dr. Valerie Youngblood has a deep love for all things artistic that showcase balance. Her love of art led her initially to the pursuit of a fine arts degree at Purdue University. Then, in a twist of fate, a case of tonsillitis shifted her focus to the medical world. A career about-face led to a degree in nursing and a new career assisting others.

However, her desire to learn and grow made her restless for more. She graduated from Michigan State University with a medical degree. Even as she detoured off her initial artistic endeavors, she never lost her love of art and balance. After completing an internal medicine residency and spending 12 years blending internal and emergency medicine with meditation, yoga, and fine art, she decided to integrate and focus on holistic medicine.

Dr. Youngblood founded Continuum in 2003 as a holistic-aesthetic medical practice focused on traditional medicine intermixed with evidence-based complementary, functional 21st century medicine and anti-aging services. Anti-aging medicine is a clinical specialty that extends the concept of preventive health care to embrace the very early detection, prevention, and reversal of aging-related diseases, coupled with the aggressive yet gentle disease treatment. Her patients enjoy a wide variety of services and treatments, such as Restylane, Botox, laser treatments, and cellulite reduction, along with “inside-out” services such as weight management, meditation, and yoga.

Artists seek to transform viewers with their vision and style. Dr. Youngblood sees her philosophy as quite similar: “Our office works to transform the individual from within and without to create a more balanced life, lifting the body, mind and spirit,” she says.

Michael J. Brucker, M.D.
Plastic Surgery And Aesthetic Skin Care
Rejeuviné MedSpa
At The Forum (above Borders), Carlsbad. 760/753-5757
www.rejeuvine.com

At the heart of Rejeuviné MedSpa, Michael J. Brucker, M.D. and spa founder, Paul Cattaneo, (pictured with Dr. Brucker) take pride in creating the ideal complement of services for their clients by combining the finest aesthetic clinical skin care in an environment of first-class service.

Building upon the success of his cosmetic surgery practice in La Jolla, Dr. Brucker, one of San Diego’s finest board-certified plastic surgeons, along with the team of clinicians at Rejeuviné offer their clients a variety of personalized skin-rejuvenating treatments. The most advanced laser technology and medical products are utilized for the variety of treatments offered, including IPL, laser vein and hair removal, the finest peels and dermabrasion, as well as the latest injectables, including Botox and Restylane.

“Our patients value the importance of receiving exceptional care by the finest clinicians who administer effective solutions for their skin,” says Dr. Brucker.

Aliya Ferouz-Colborn, M.D.
Otolaryngology Sleep Medicine
North County Head & Neck Medical Center, Inc.
1200 Garden View Road, Suite 100, Encinitas. 760/471-9933
www.nchnmc.com

For people who suffer breathing ailments while sleeping, Aliya Ferouz-Colborn, M.D., is their saving grace. She is the only physician in California board certified in both ear, nose, and throat surgery and sleep medicine. And this on top of being the medical director of Twin Oaks Center for Sleep Health.

“I’m often amazed at the extremes patients’ families will go to to avoid the sound of snoring,” she says.

“Thankfully, now it’s easy to treat.”

Receiving her credentials from the University of Pennsylvania, her main focus is treating snoring, sleep apnea, and nasal problems.

“Sleep apnea is one of the most under-diagnosed problems that affects a person’s health,” she says, “including high blood pressure, diabetes, and even memory issues.”

According to Dr. Ferouz-Colborn, the newest in-office treatments for snoring and mild sleep apnea have helped hundreds of her patients and their spouses sleep better at night.