Dr. Douglas Wu, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
San Diego, California
NPI: 1861874885· License: A130151 (CA) verify
17+ years of experience · self-reported
Industry payments (2024): $8,080 across 19 payments (what this means)
3.68(5 ratings)
Consultation $250
In Dr. Douglas Wu's own words
How Dr. Douglas Wu describes their own approach, from their Instagram posts. Each statement links to the original.
Approach
- The practice's treatments are based on research, not guesswork.
- The practice's approach often involves blending multiple treatment categories for skin rejuvenation, rather than treating each concern in isolation.
- All of these treatments are single treatments. They heal quickly, no general anesthesia needed, very safe
Specialization
- As a board certified dermatologist who performs these masseter injections every day for TMJ pain, clenching, and facial slimming
- From injectables to lasers to body sculpting, here’s a look at every treatment we offer under one roof
Technique
- Crepey neck and thick skin. I love the Ultra Clear with laser coring. Take little cores out, tighten it up, and boom, you've got a great result with one treatment
Technology
- Dr. Douglas Wu's practice uses the Acupolis laser last in tattoo removal to remove ink by drilling tiny columns of energy into the skin, which vaporizes the ink and prevents blistering, scarring, and infection.
Training & credentials
- As board certified dermatologists, we have extensive training in these injection patterns
- Dr. Douglas Wu, MD, has participated in clinical studies to evaluate neuromodulators for masseter injections.
Consultation
- Schedule a consultation with Dr. Wu to see if Vbeam is right for your facial veins
Safety
- Dr. Douglas Wu, MD, and his practice implement specific safety checks and special injection techniques to prevent complications like affecting the smile.
Results
- Dr. Douglas Wu's approach aims for patients to look two to five years younger, prettier, and most importantly, like themselves.
Statements are quoted or closely paraphrased from Dr. Douglas Wu's own public posts and are their claims, not NavMDs' medical advice. Doctors can correct or remove any item via their claimed profile or support [at] navmds.com.
About
Dr. Douglas Wu is a Board Certified Dermatologist in San Diego, California, specializing in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. Practicing alongside Drs Goldman, Butterwick, Fabi, Groff, and Boen, Dr. Wu emphasizes achieving natural, balanced, and refreshed results that maintain a patient's natural features, rather than chasing youth. He develops thoughtful, strategic, and personalized long-term treatment plans that often blend multiple categories, including energy-based devices, injectables, and advanced technologies.
Dr. Wu offers a range of treatments such as Dermal Fillers, Botox, CoolSculpting Elite, and Fraxel Laser. He has successfully used Vbeam Prima laser treatment to address visible blue veins under the eye in a single session. The practice is also known for proprietary procedures like Take10 and 3xFacial, and all treatment combinations are supported by independently-vetted research, not guesswork.
Connect with Dr. Douglas Wu on Social Media
Specialties
- Board Certified Dermatologist
Procedures & Services
Select a service to schedule an appointment · each is approximately 60 minutes
Average Cost of Surgery
Healthcare costs shouldn't be a mystery. Below, you'll find crowdsourced data on the actual costs of surgeries performed by Dr. Douglas Wu, submitted anonymously by the patient community. Use this as a guide to better anticipate your own expenses. Please note that final costs can vary based on your specific medical needs.
Tattoo Removal
$750
Below typicalTypical in California: $938–$2,625 (median $1,500, 6 reports) compare ↗
Clear And Brilliant
$950
About typicalTypical nationally: $563–$1,363 (median $850, 6 reports) compare ↗
Vbeam Laser - Stretch Marks
$1,445
Picoway
$1,950
Help us keep this data current and accurate. If you've had a procedure with Dr. Douglas Wu, please take a moment to contribute your cost information.
Questions, Answers, and Information Directly from Dr. Douglas Wu
Sourced directly from Dr. Douglas Wu's social posts and replies.
Does the practice offer 'one-and-done' treatments for dramatic results?
Yes, for patients seeking efficient, meaningful results without a long series of appointments, the practice offers single-session treatments for concerns like neck skin tightening, eye area refreshment, wrinkle smoothing, stubborn fat contouring, and facial lifting for events. These treatments involve quick healing and do not require general anesthesia.
How does Vbeam Prima laser treatment work for visible veins, and what are the expected outcomes?
Vbeam Prima is a pulsed dye laser that delivers energy directly into visible blue veins, particularly those under and around the eyes which are prominent due to thin skin, genetics, and sun exposure. The vein absorbs the energy, collapses, and is gradually cleared by the body over days to weeks. Most patients see significant improvement after just one session with minimal downtime, though temporary redness or swelling may occur for a few days. While a treated vein does not return, new veins can form over time due to underlying causes. A consultation with Dr. Wu is recommended to assess suitability for facial veins.
What are the benefits and considerations for Masseter Botox?
Masseter Botox can help with jaw pain, tension from clenching/grinding, TMJ/TMD clicking, tension headaches, and wear on tooth enamel. It can also result in a slimmer, more V-shaped jawline. While complications like affecting the smile can occur if the risorius muscle is inadvertently injected (which sits next to the masseter muscle's deep and superficial layers), board-certified dermatologists use specific safety checks and specialized techniques to avoid this. Patients typically notice less tension within 1-2 weeks, with visible jawline slimming appearing around 8-12 weeks.
What are neuromodulators (Botox/Dysport) and how long do results last?
Neuromodulator injections like Botox or Dysport take under five minutes to administer and work by smoothing lines. Results typically last three to six months, depending on the specific product used.
What is Photofractional light treatment and what is the recovery like?
Photofractional light treatment combines light-based rejuvenation with nonablative fractional resurfacing to improve overall skin quality. Patients may experience pinkness the day of and the day after treatment. If injectables are done during the same visit and cause bruising, a complimentary laser touch-up is offered the next day.
What is Ultherapy and how long do its skin tightening results last?
Ultherapy is a single non-surgical treatment that uses micro-focused ultrasound to tighten skin under the chin and along the jawline. Results can appear as early as three months, peak around six months, and typically last at least a year.
Can multiple treatments be combined for comprehensive anti-aging with minimal downtime?
Yes, the practice offers combinations like Neuromodulators, Photofractional light treatment, and Ultherapy to address every aging tissue layer without requiring significant recovery time.
What is Take10Eyes and what eye concerns can it address?
Take10Eyes is a signature, customizable treatment developed exclusively at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, offering a non-surgical approach to eye area transformation. It combines advanced lasers (like CO2 and erbium for resurfacing), energy-based tightening devices, and targeted injectables (fillers/neuromodulators) into a tailored plan. It can address concerns such as under-eye wrinkles, hollowing, crepey texture, hooded lids, upper/lower lid smoothing, and discoloration, aiming to reduce the appearance of aging by at least 10 years around the eyes in a single treatment.
What is the 3xFacial treatment?
The 3xFacial is a customizable treatment created by aesthetician Farzaneh Momeni-Salami, combining three complementary treatments to comprehensively address dullness, texture, congestion, and dehydration.
What is the Take10 signature laser treatment?
Take10 is a signature laser treatment developed and offered exclusively at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology. It combines three or more advanced laser, light, and energy devices in a single, customized session to treat wrinkles, texture, skin laxity, and discoloration, aiming to take 10+ years off the face. Early improvement is often visible within the first couple of weeks, with results continuing to build over 6+ months. Patients travel from across the US and internationally for this procedure.
What are the skin changes that can occur after significant weight loss?
Significant weight loss, while a milestone, can be accompanied by changes in skin volume and laxity.
Is the practice involved in any research studies?
Yes, doctors at the practice are conducting a new research study for women with décolletage wrinkles, involving an energy-based investigational device treatment to correct their appearance. There is no cost to participate, and participants may be compensated for their time and travel.
What is TotalTat³ and how does it approach tattoo removal?
TotalTat³ is a multi-laser tattoo removal approach developed by dermatologists at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, designed for multicolor and resistant-ink cases. Recognizing that not all tattoo ink responds to the same laser, TotalTat³ stacks 3+ laser technologies (including PicoSure, PicoWay, Q-switched Alexandrite, Q-switched Ruby, and Fractionated AcuPulse CO2) in a single session. The practice selects the appropriate laser based on each tattoo's specific characteristics, matching different wavelengths to different colors. This protocol is safe for all skin types and tones, minimizing pigmentation risk while maximizing ink removal, often requiring fewer sessions (typically 3-5, spaced 4-6 weeks apart) than traditional single-laser methods. Comfort is managed with cooling techniques, topical anesthetics, and intralesional lidocaine.
Technologies & brands Dr. Douglas Wu mentions
Devices, implants, injectables and products named in Dr. Douglas Wu's own posts and videos. A mention is not an endorsement; ask the office what they currently offer.
Body contouringCoolSculpting
Skin tighteningUltherapy
Patient Experience
Dr. Douglas Wu Review Summary
3.86
Dr. Wu has a mixed bag of reviews. While his main profile boasts a strong 4.8-star rating from 82 reviews, other platforms like Healthgrades, US News, and Google Reviews paint a slightly different picture, with ratings ranging from 2.3 to 4 out of 5 stars. It's worth checking out the detailed reviews to get a comprehensive understanding of patient experiences.
Ratings from Other Platforms
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology
9339 Genesee Ave UNIT 300, San Diego, California
(858) 943-2113
Book a Service Consultation
Consultation fee: $250
Each service is approximately 60 minutes.
Industry Payments
Federal law (the Physician Payments Sunshine Act) requires drug and medical-device companies to report anything of value they give to a physician — consulting and speaking fees, research funding, travel, royalties, and even meals. Medicare publishes all of it in a public database called Open Payments. We show it here so you don't have to go looking for it.
Total received (2024)
$8,080
Payments
19
Compared to peers
Above average
Dr. Douglas Wu received $8,080 across 19 payments in 2024. That is higher than about 89% of the physicians here who received any industry payment. Most of it was categorised as consulting fee, and the largest single payer was ABBVIE INC..
What this means for your care
- A disclosed payment is a business relationship, not evidence of wrongdoing, and it says nothing on its own about the quality of your care.
- Most payments are small. Across the physicians listed on NavMDs, the single most common category is food and beverage at industry-sponsored talks.
- Larger consulting, speaking or royalty payments mean an ongoing financial relationship with a company whose products your doctor may use or recommend. That is worth knowing about, and it is reasonable to ask about.
- A fair question to ask: “Do you have a financial relationship with the maker of the implant, filler or device you're recommending — and what alternatives did you consider?”
Source: CMS Open Payments, the federal database created by the Sunshine Act. View the full record on CMS Open Payments ↗
Insurance Information
Please contact Dr. Douglas Wu's office directly for information about accepted insurance plans.
Phone: (858) 943-2113
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Location & Contact Information
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology
9339 Genesee Ave UNIT 300
San Diego, California 92121
Office Information
Phone: (858) 943-2113
Where does Dr. Douglas Wu practice?
Doctor's Office
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology (Primary)
9339 Genesee Ave UNIT 300, San Diego, California 92121
(82 reviews)
Hospital Affiliations
Hospital affiliations unknown
Do you know which hospitals Dr. Douglas Wu is affiliated with? This information helps patients understand where they might receive care.
Education & Experience
Education
Md, University Of Alberta Faculty Of Medicine
Certifications & Licenses
Board Certified Dermatologist (Canada)
Board Certified Dermatologist (Usa)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make an appointment with Dr. Douglas Wu online?
This information is not available based on the provided text. It's recommended to check the doctor's website or contact their office directly.
Does Dr. Douglas Wu offer telehealth?
This information is not available based on the provided text. Contacting the doctor's office directly is recommended.
What do patients have to say about Dr. Douglas Wu?
Patients praise Dr. Wu for his expertise and effectiveness in various treatments, including laser tattoo removal, tear trough filler, VBeam laser for stretch marks, and general skin rejuvenation. Many highlight his thoroughness and human approach, as well as the positive experience with his staff. Patients report visible improvements like smaller pores, lighter skin, and reduced scarring, with some even calling him the best dermatologist they've ever been to.
What areas of care does Dr. Douglas Wu cater to?
Dr. Wu's areas of care focus on cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. This includes treatments for skin rejuvenation, anti-aging, ethnic skin concerns, laser procedures (like tattoo removal and VBeam), injectables (like fillers for tear troughs), body sculpting, and vein treatments. The practice's philosophy focuses on achieving natural, balanced, and refreshed results that maintain natural features, rather than chasing youth. This is achieved through thoughtful, strategic, and personalized long-term treatment plans that often blend multiple categories like energy-based devices, injectables, and advanced technologies. All treatment combinations offered by the practice are supported by real, independently-vetted research, not guesswork. Injectables are used for smoothing and adding volume. Vein treatments are provided for facial and leg veins.