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43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Dermatology Care in San Diego
Welcome to the Dermatology Institute, a comprehensive dermatology practice in San Diego dedicated to medical, cosmetic, and surgical skin care. Founded in 1983 by Dr. Peter Rullan, our practice has grown to include board-certified dermatologists Dr. Jennifer Rullan and Dr. Maya Firsowicz, along with physician assistant Jennifer Piper Trimai. We combine time-proven procedures with cutting-edge techniques to diagnose and treat skin, hair, and nail conditions. Our bilingual team serves patients of all ages, offering personalized care for acne, skin cancer, cosmetic concerns, and chronic conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

With two locations in Chula Vista and Coronado, we provide advanced treatments including laser therapy, chemical peels, and Mohs surgery. Our mission emphasizes honor, trust, and excellence in dermatology, focusing on restoring skin health to reflect inner beauty. We accept PPOs, cash pay, and select HMOs, and have trained dermatologists globally for over 30 years.
Services
General Dermatology Cosmetic Dermatology Acne Scars Non-Surgical Facelift Skin Cancer Treatment Laser Therapy Chemical Peels Mohs Surgery Hair Loss Solutions Pediatric Dermatology
Details
  • Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
  • Board-certified dermatologists with 30+ years of combined experience
  • Bilingual services in English and Spanish for better patient communication
  • Advanced treatments for acne scars developed by globally recognized experts
  • Comprehensive care for medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology needs
  • Over 37 years serving San Diego County with personalized skin care
What people say
Kind caring derm Amazing staff Best dermatologist Caring physicians Professional bilingual services
Services
Acne Scar Treatment
Our acne scar treatments combine advanced techniques like chemical reconstruction, subcision, and laser therapy. We customize protocols using phenol acid, erbium lasers, and fillers to address ice-pick and boxcar scars. With over 30 years of research and clinical experience, we offer the Rullan Quatro and Trio protocols that stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. Patients receive personalized treatment plans combining multiple modalities for optimal results.
Skin Cancer Detection
We specialize in early skin cancer detection through comprehensive skin exams and mole mapping. Our board-certified dermatologists use advanced techniques to identify melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. We educate patients on the ABCDEs of mole evaluation and recommend annual screenings. For suspicious lesions, we perform biopsies and offer Mohs surgery with high cure rates for basal and squamous cell carcinomas.
Laser Therapy
Our laser services include fractional CO2, erbium, and pulsed dye lasers for skin resurfacing and vascular treatments. We use Alma Harmony XL and Lumenis M22 systems tailored to each patient's skin type. Treatments address acne scars, age spots, redness, and textural irregularities. Our providers customize laser parameters to ensure safe, effective results for all skin tones with appropriate downtime considerations.
Chemical Peels
We offer customized chemical peels ranging from mild AHAs to deep phenol-croton oil peels. Our signature treatments include the Rullan Trio protocol for acne scars and the Phenol-Croton Deep Peel for severe photodamage. Treatments are performed by experienced dermatologists who determine optimal peel depth based on skin condition and patient goals, with proper pre- and post-care instructions provided.
Hair Loss Solutions
Our hair loss treatments include PRP/PRF therapy, prescription medications like finasteride and minoxidil, and low-level laser therapy. We diagnose underlying causes through comprehensive evaluations and create personalized treatment plans. Our board-certified dermatologists offer both medical and procedural solutions for androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and other hair loss conditions affecting both men and women.
People
Dr. Peter Rullan
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Peter Rullan has practiced dermatology in Chula Vista since 1983. With over 40 years of experience, he specializes in cosmetic procedures and acne scar treatments. He has trained dermatologists globally and developed advanced techniques for skin rejuvenation.
Dr. Jennifer Rullan
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Jennifer Rullan, daughter of Dr. Peter Rullan, is a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in cosmetic dermatology. She has taught chemical peel techniques at national conferences and performs thousands of injectable treatments annually.
Jennifer Piper Trimai
Physician Assistant
Jennifer Piper Trimai is a board-certified physician assistant with dermatology expertise. She brings four years of family practice experience and completed her PA studies at Chatham University, focusing on comprehensive skin care treatments.
Dr. Maya Firsowicz
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Maya Firsowicz is a board-certified dermatologist with fellowship training in cosmetic dermatology. She completed her residency at UT Austin Dell Medical School and specializes in complex skin condition management and cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Jacqueline Mckesey
Dermatologist
Dr. Jacqueline McKesey earned her medical degree from Georgetown University with honors. She brings expertise in medical dermatology and has received academic awards, focusing on comprehensive skin care solutions for diverse patient needs.
Questions
What dermatology services do you offer in San Diego?
We provide comprehensive medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology services including acne treatment, skin cancer detection, laser therapy, chemical peels, and Mohs surgery.
Are your dermatologists board-certified?
Yes, our practice includes board-certified dermatologists Dr. Peter Rullan, Dr. Jennifer Rullan, and Dr. Maya Firsowicz, along with physician assistant Jennifer Piper Trimai.
Do you treat pediatric patients?
Yes, we treat patients of all ages including infants, with expertise in pediatric dermatology conditions and skin care needs.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call us at (619) 426-9600 to schedule your appointment at either our Chula Vista or Coronado locations.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept PPOs, cash pay, and select HMOs. Please contact our office for specific insurance verification.
Are you experts in acne scar treatment?
Yes, Dr. Peter Rullan has developed specialized acne scar treatments over 30 years of practice and trains dermatologists globally on these techniques.
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