Best Surgical Dermatology Clinic in San Francisco

The California Center for Dermatologic Surgery is a leading dermatology and Mohs Surgery practice, serving the San Francisco, California and surrounding bay area. Founded and led by Dr. Ekama Carlson, MD, our office delivers the highest quality of exceptional medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatologic care.

We are located in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. Explore our website to learn more about our practice, and come visit us soon.

We are accepting new patient appointments, and would love to see you! Come visit us- we will take good care of you!

Featured Services

SKIN CANCER

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and dermatologists, play a vital role in your overall health. At the California Center for Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Carlson provides comprehensive skin cancer care: from evaluating your skin for lesions suspicious for skin cancer, to educating you on best practices for skin cancer prevention, and providing the latest, proven, standard of care treatment options for your skin cancer diagnosis. Dr. Carlson has experience and expertise in the treatment of all types of skin cancers, from the most common to the most rare and life-threatening, in all skin types, all body locations, and across all patient demographics.
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MOHS SURGERY

Mohs surgery, also called Mohs micrographic surgery, was first developed by Dr. Frederic Mohs in the 1930s as a specialized surgery technique for treating skin cancer. This technique involves surgery to remove skin cancer, followed by the immediate examination of the removed cancer and surrounding skin under a microscope by the surgeon to ensure that the margins are clear of residual cancer cells. If any cancer is seen under the microscope, more skin is removed layer by layer, but only in the area that contains additional cancer. This allows for removal of the entire cancer without taking any more normal skin than is absolutely necessary. This technique offers the highest cure rate of any other cancer treatment, a rate of up to 99% cure for most skin cancers, and is the gold standard for skin cancer treatment. When all the cancer is removed, the wound is repaired using a number of reconstructive surgery techniques, ranging from the straightforward to the advanced or complex.

Dr. Carlson is an exceptionally experienced double board-certified and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, with extensive expertise in Mohs surgery, advanced facial reconstructive surgery, and dermatologic oncology.

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COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY

At the California Center for Dermatologic Surgery, our approach to aesthetic dermatology is to offer individualized, science-backed solutions to reverse photoaging (sun and life-related changes) of the skin, helping to restore the natural health and appearance of your skin. With the careful eye of an artist, and the skill and expertise of a well-trained dermatologic surgeon, Dr. Carlson will help define your best features, accentuate your natural beauty, and in turn, help you restore your confidence in your physical appearance. We offer cosmetic dermatology treatments for men and women.

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A Dermatologic Surgery Center that Practices Outstanding Patient Care

At CCDS, our mission is to provide clinical excellence in Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, which translates to an exceptional care experience for all our patients. Our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Ekama Carlson, with extensive experience in all aspects of dermatology, along with an experienced team of caring, professional medical ancillary staff, are uniquely equipped to address a wide range of medical, surgical, and aesthetic skin concerns, including skin cancer, Mohs Surgery, rosacea, acne, acne scarring, sun damage, wrinkles, and many more, with an approach that is thorough, effective, safe, and customized to the individual patient.

Dr. Carlson headshot

Meet our Board-Certified Dermatology Specialist

Dr. Ekama Carlson, MD, FAAD, FACMS

Ekama Carlson, MD is a leading dermatologist, and University of California, San Francisco fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic and reconstructive surgeon, who has earned double board certifications in Dermatology and Mohs Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery, by the American Board of Dermatology. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), and is a member of the American College of Mohs Surgeons (ACMS). Dr. Carlson has extensive expertise in Mohs surgery, advanced reconstructive dermatologic surgery, dermatologic oncology (which is the treatment of skin cancer), and procedural cosmetic dermatology. This combination of double board-certification, fellowship training and practice expertise and experience, make her a highly sought-after specialist and leader in the field of Mohs surgery and cosmetic dermatology.

Testimonials- What our amazing patients are saying!

“Dr. Carlson did MOHS surgery on my nose. She and her assistants were gentle, kind, and the Dr. explained everything thoroughly even though I had a million questions. I returned today to get my stitches out and wow! I am very happy with my results. You can barely see the mark where she stitched me up. So thankful.”

“Dr. Carlson is wonderful. I felt very comfortable with her advice & care. She’s delight to be with and will be my dermatologist in SF. Her office is beautiful and her staff amazingly kind & thoughtful. The perfect place for all of my skincare concerns.”

“Dr. Carlson is kind, Skilled and prompt. She clearly discussed my procedure and expertly removed my cancerous mole with great precision. Dr. Carlson & her staff were personable, knowledgeable and had a wonderful sense of humor. I would highly recommend. A+”

Our Office Serves the Entire Bay Area, Including Oakland, Berkeley, Marin County, the Peninsula and Beyond

With a central location in beautiful and quiet Pacific Heights, our San Francisco dermatology center offers safe, convenient, in-building garage parking, easy access to public transportation, and garage parking for bikes. Visiting our dermatology clinic from anywhere in the Bay Area is a breeze!