A World Leader in Laser Technology and Cosmetic Dermatology


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San Diego Dermatologist
Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick

Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick is a world-famous leader in Dermatology. He is also a caring and experienced doctor who wants only the best for his patients. This combination of innovation and experience makes him a wonderful resource for his patients.

“The most rewarding part of my work is watching the changes in a patient’s self-esteem and happiness when I improve aging, scarring, hair loss or whatever the problem may be.
I enjoy cosmetic dermatology because today we have so many options for treatment that are both effective and safe. Each time I meet new patients, I am interested to find out what their goals and expectations are for their particular concern.”
—Dr. Fitzpatrick

Innovating and Earning International Acclaim

Dr. Fitzpatrick is known internationally for his innovative work developing medical lasers. He created many well-known laser procedures including laser resurfacing of the skin with the UltraPulse CO2 laser. Dr. Fitzpatrick authored medical textbooks on laser surgery and more than one hundred scientific articles. He lectures all over the world. He has trained thousands of physicians in laser techniques.

“A decade ago, it was Fitzpatrick who pioneered laser resurfacing, which can reduce deep wrinkles while evening skin tone.”
—Allure Magazine

Allure Magazine named Dr. Fitzpatrick the "Physician Who Has Most Influenced Beauty" in 2005. That same year he was honored as the Sturge-Weber Society's 2005 "Physician of the Year." Some of the other honors given to Dr. Fitzpatrick include:

  • 2007 Ortho Neutrogena Envision Award for Lifetime Achievement in Cosmetic Dermatology. The ASCDAS Lifetime Achievement Award is given to that individual who has demonstrated an achievement or achievements that impact the field of dermatology in many ways. The award is voted on by the board of the ASCDAS and significant consideration is given to those individuals who have furthered the field of cosmetic dermatology.
  • 2005 Drake Ellet Lectureship Award from the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery.
  • 2004 Leon Goldman Memorial Lectureship Award from the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery for integrity, dedication, and overall excellence in clinical laser research and services.
  • 2001 Richard Webster Lectureship Award from the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery honoring his contributions to cosmetic surgery.
  • "Best Doctors in America" and the National Directory of Who's Who in Executives & Professionals.
San Diego Dermatologist Dr. Fitzpatrick
The American Academy of Dermatology, 2006

Enjoying His Clinical Role Caring For His Patients

Although Dr. Fitzpatrick lectures around the world and is respected by his peers as one of the foremost leaders in laser surgery, he finds his greatest pleasure when he is working one on one with his patients.

“We have the technology and experience to solve almost all of the problems successfully. “I think just as important as finding and performing the right procedure for each patient is in understanding the uniqueness each patient presents. Because we all have differences in healing capabilities, not all procedures can be 100% predictable.
As a physician, along with our dermatology team at LJCSC, we will be there with you from the first consult to follow-ups, insuring that any healing problems are resolved to a successful conclusion.”
—Dr. Fitzpatrick

Dr. Fitzpatrick’s patients come to him from the San Diego area and from around the world. They want to take advantage of the opportunity to receive medical care from such an internationally distinguished scientist and doctor.

On a personal level, Dr. Fitzpatrick is loved by his staff and admired by his colleagues. He is a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Dr. Fitzpatrick is the proud father of five children and two grandchildren. Along with his wife Betsy, he finds the best times are those spent just being with his family.

Developing a World Class Skin Care Line

Dr. Fitzpatrick’s scientific interest in photoaging led him to develop a unique skin care line. SkinMedica, based on biochemical and physiciological approaches to reverse photoaging and to protect the skin from further damage. He dedicated years of research to formulating advanced skin care products that rejuvenate skin. SkinMedica is based on the science of the skin's own healing abilities. Its restorative ingredients work below the skin's surface to regenerate the health of the skin.

Balancing Work and Family

San Diego Dermatologist Dr. Fitzpatrick with his wife
Dr. Fitzpatrick and his wife Betsy

When you ask Dr. Fitzpatrick what is most important to him in life, family tops the list. He and his wife Betsy are the proud parents of 5 ranging in age from 21 to 39. Being "Papa" to his grandchildren Kate and Topher keeps the child in him alive. Dr. Fitzpatrick enjoys getting to know his patients and their families and they in turn have kept up with his life and children through the years. "To me, patients aren't just a name or a condition. I like knowing about their lives so I feel that personal connection," said Dr. Fitzpatrick.

As much as Dr. Fitzpatrick loves a full schedule, he has made it a priority to take time off to travel or just be with the family. Each year, the entire family packs up and heads off for a group vacation either to a Lake House in the South or a trip up the coast of California. "Those are the greatest times for me. When we are all together in one house again and are laughing and playing games. It gives me such joy to see how our children are now happy in their adult lives."

Knowing Your Dermatologist - Professional Education and Training

A Princeton University graduate, Dr. Fitzpatrick went on to Emory University Medical School where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the medical honor society for academic excellence.

  • Internal Medicine: USC - University of Southern California.
  • Dermatology: UCLA - University of California at Los Angeles. Dr. Fitzpatrick's surgical interests led him into the field of laser surgery.
  • Board Certified: American Board of Dermatology
  • American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
  • Memberships:
    • American Academy of Dermatology
    • American Society of Dermatologic Surgery
    • American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. He served as President of American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery in 2000-2001.
    • Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.
  • Affiliations:
    • UCSD School of Medicine: Associate Clinical Professor in the Division of Dermatology
    • Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla: medical staff

Meet Dr. Fitzpatrick

San Diego Dermatologist Dr. Fitzpatrick
Dr. Fitzpatrick and his family celebrate his 2006
Physician of the Year Award New Orleans style 

Dr. Fitzpatrick in the Media

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Dr. Fitzpatrick's Curriculum Vitae

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LA JOLLA COSMETIC SURGERY CENTRE

About Dr. Fitzpatrick
A decade ago, it was Fitzpatrick who pioneered laser resurfacing, which can reduce deep wrinkles while evening skin tone.” —Allure Magazine
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