Susan M Stuart, MD

I was recommended to Dr. Stuart, by a close and dear friend. She told me that Dr. Stuart, had been rated as the best Dermatologist by the LA Jolla Light readers poll, of course I verified it at the time… all true. She gave me a full body exam and a clean bill of skin health. She not only cleared my skin but eased my mind as no other doctor has done for me in the past. She is not just my doctor but other family members see her as well. Her professionalism, bed side manner and laymen’s term explanations as to what needs to be done for your skin health is top notch! Follow her recommendations she never steers you wrong. And oh, did I mention her wonderful staff! :-)

I was treated by Dr. Stuart in the fall of 2013 for varicose and spider veins in both legs. I had a bad feeling about the place from the get-​go but decided to stay the course and I couldn’t be more sorry that I did.
I won’t pull any punches– Dr. Stuart mangled me. I can’t include all the details here, as Unilocal allows reviews to be only so lengthy, but I’ve published a full account of the ordeal, including some lovely photos of the open wound that I had to bandage for months, at
. Suffice to say she didn’t follow common practice in treating me and she acted unprofessionally and irresponsibly and this resulted in an injury that will never fully heal.
The reason I’m writing this review a year and a half later is because I wanted to be fair and see how the injury progressed. I’ve seen virtually no improvement in about a year now, so I feel safe in saying that I will have a really ugly scar on my leg for all the world to see for the rest of my life. That scar is solely the result of Dr. Stuart’s negligence– during the treatment itself, through months of ineffective after-​care and in failing to refer me to a wound-​care specialist.
I’ve seen two medical malpractice attorneys about this and both told me that, while the details of the case showed clear negligence and that the damage caused was plainly the result of that negligence, I didn’t have much of a chance winning a case unless I had lost a limb or perhaps if I was a print model or someone whose livelihood depends on physical appearance. So, I guess the best I can do is warn others about this quack doctor. If the other negative reviews (mostly stemming from Stuart’s total disregard for patients’ time, her inexperienced staff and her ridiculously mismanaged office) weren’t enough for you, take it from me – Do not even consider undergoing even the simplest treatment at the hands of this woman. You will be sorry.

No, no, no Do NOT go there. was! Seek out a more professional, cost effective option. I saw her for initial consult. Yes, I waited a very long time to see her. I purchased a laser package for two treatments. My dad became very ill shortly after my first treatmentand I took 2 months off of work to take care of him and then arrange memorial details. He had cancer that was removed and then they had found him to have extensive bone cancer and he died very shortly after that diagnosis. The receptionist assured me Dr Stuart was very sympathetic and she was sure there would be no problem refunding the other half. This was all shortly after my first treatment. They were very nice over the phone multiple times all in all it took a dozen phone calls with them promising they would call me back and never did. Finally, after I was done with my dad’s memorial details and things had settled I still played phone tag with them for quite a while with many promises that they would call me back never called me back. Finally I had to go into the office in person to get any resolution and ended up losing over $ 1000. The treatment was 4100 for fraxel. I got a one time treatment and they refunded 1300 only. they say that there is no down time but you will look unpresentable. also keep in mind for that amount of money results only last about 6 months. avoid this office at all costs!

Dr. Susan Stuart is one of the most through in the industry. I started going to see her back in the 90’s when I had cystic acne. She was always helpful and got me in right away for an injection because they are very painful. I was going to many dermatologists and she was by far the best. Which is why I keep going back almost 20 years later. Her staff is always really great which is a reflection on the Drs.
They have an excellent reputation in the county and I would highly recommend going to see her. You are in for a treat!!!

First time I came in I had to wait over an hour to see Dr. Stuart. I rencently tried to make an appt as I had a bump on my back that was making me nervous. The staff said they would have a nurse look at the photos because they couldn’t make time for me to come in. I have never heard back from them. Not only did they not try to get me in to see the odd bump but never even looked at the pictures I sent. Horrible customer service and no care for the customer’s needs. Now I have a wonderful dermatologist who got me in right away for a biopsy and was completely understanding in my concerns.

I have been seeing Dr Stuart for about 10 years. I have a few comments:
She usually keeps me waiting a while. usually I leave the exam room because I am sure I have ben forgotten.
I have difficulty getting her to give me information about my condition, its causes, or information about the medicines she prescribes. She never fails to try to sell my laser treatment, but she has yet to explain how it works or what symptoms it will affect, or anything else.
Appointments are scheduled a long time out. Then several times she has rescheduled me (for more weeks out) to accommodate her personal schedule (then keeps me waiting after I have accommodated her).
She a fine doctor, I am sure, except that I would like to be given the consideration of information.

Waited 1 hr, never saw doctor, got up and left — had to go back to work.

Dr. Susan Stuart is one of the best around. She has a wonderful bed side manner and has always made me feel totally comfortable when I am at my most vulnerable. Because I travel often and have lived bi-​coastally for a few years, I have visited several dermatologists for various reasons and/​or skin conditions. As a result of all of my traveling, I have suffered from minor acne related to stress. Dr. Susan is the one I always want to go back to because she treats the problem immediately and always makes me feel more confident that everything will be okay. She treats you like a person and not just a patient. I have gone to Dr. Susan for my acne, my skin condition called psoriasis, and for my first botox injection. I never have left unsatisfied. She is a kind woman and knows what she is doing. Her compassion and kind nature are great qualities, but her ability to pinpoint the problem, treat it, and explain it to patients in an understandable/​approachable way makes her a GREAT DOCTOR. She gets it done fast and sends you on your way. I would highly recommend Dr. Susan for any dermatology needs. She is the BEST!

I was referred by Dr Stuart from one of my customers because probably she was sick and tired of me complaining about dark spots of melasma taking what seemed like permanent residence right on my face. I made an appointment right away because being in business «word of mouth» is the most trusted source of advertising. Anyhow office staff was wonderful, parking was fine, not the best not the worse. I really loved her when I first met her. She is rad actually. I love her personality, we totally clicked.
Before I walked in I was having anxiety thinking about what would be the treatment plan and most importantly the cost. She made me feel very comfortable. She really took her time, heard my story, cheched me out and recommended that we go with the most inexpensive way first and if it doesnt help we will discuss then. I felt really happy with that, she is not in to try and make a quick buck. I think she is in it to have a customer for life. So I have been on the treatment for a little over a month and it has been amazing and it is pretty simple to maintain because I am the type of person if I do not see results I lose patience. My sibling said they can barely see it anymore and I am actually taking better of my skin as a result. Thanks doc and staff.

I wrote a review in July that does not show up on Unilocal.It seems that if you write an honest five star review, it is automatically suspect and deleted. I meant what I said. I have taken my children to Dr. Stuart in the past, and have recently gone for treatment myself. Everyone was courteous and helpful. They were all professional and understanding. Why Unilocal continues to post bad reviews three years after the fact, and does not include mine from July is suspect.

This office is a joke. Though, the receptionist Jennifer, was very nice. That’s no reason to stay. I had an appointment at 10:10, waited in the waiting room for 45 minutes, after asking several times when I’d be seen, and being told that I was next, I finally got called in. Only to wait in the exam room and be told by the «nurse» that Dr. Stuart should be in shortly, but she didn’t know how long. Fifty five minutes of my time was enough to be wasted. I got up and left the room, asked the receptionist to shred all of my paperwork. They have no concept of time and surely don’t understand that people have jobs they need to get back too.
Dr. Stuart didn’t leave a good impression on me for a first time visit and I didn’t even get to meet her. And, based on these reviews, I think I’m better off not to have. Definitely wouldn’t even consider going back.

Amazing office friendly great staff. Very personable and caring make you feel like a patient and not just a number.

I had a similar problem that many of the other posters here did. The doctor seemed rushed and to leave most of the interaction to her staff. A small cyst was removed from my lip, but she didn’t tell me that it would leave a scar that is bigger and more noticeable than the original cyst. Ok, so far, this was normal «not what I expected» stuff.
Then I tried to get my records from her office so I could get a second opinion.
That’s when the fun started. I tried diligently, including visiting her office in person, to get my records (biopsy result of the cyst from ONE VISIT!!). My new doctor tried to. Her staff was beyond rude and bitchy. They told me that legally they have a right to wait to process my request for 30 days. ummmm… but WHY WOULD YOU??? My new dermatologist remarked that it was very strange and unprofessional for a doctor to not respond to another doctor’s request for records. When Dr. S finally called me a month later she was very apologetic and she told me her children had been sick which prevented her from returning my call. That would be ok for a hairdresser but a DOCTOR? REALLY? BEWARE. Some weird stuff going on here.

Dr. Stewart and her staff are awesome! They are extremely friendly and make you feel welcome. I had a problem that I have been to 4 seperate dermatologists about in the past years and nobody had actually been able to do anything more than provide some temporary relief until I came to Dr. Stewart. She has figured out what the root of the problem is and it looks like my dry skin/​whatever the hell this problem is has finally met its match. If you are looking for a great dermatologist look no further, this is the place. Thank you Dr. Stewart.

Every time I come into the office of Dr. Stuart, I feel welcomed. Everyone is friendly and easy to talk to, and my questions are always answered. I have never been so satisfied with a dermatology office. Dr. Stuart was wonderful to me, and her office is absolutely fantastic! She answered all my questions and concerns and made me feel comfortable. Her bed side manner is superb! I will definitely continue to bring my skin care needs to Dr. Stuart, because I know I can trust her to give me the level of care that I deserve. Thank You Dr Stuart!

Scheduled a visit to Dr. Stuart based on a recommendation. During my first visit, apropos of nothing, Dr. Stuart asked me, as she was leaving the room, if I had children. When I said no, she responded, rather cattily, «Probably don’t want to lose your size 2 figure do you?»
Wow.
What if I have fertility issues? Making chit-​chat is one thing, throwing out passive-​aggressive statements is another.
Needless to say, I wasn’t tremendously impressed with this medical office — shouldn’t your dermatologist doctor’s skin be amazing? not so here.
Dr. Stuart put me on some benzoyl peroxide and minocycline for my adult acne — which is not that revolutnionary and when I went back to see her for a follow-​up and said that I still didn’t feel like my skin issues were being addressed she made some comment that made me feel bad for trying to «seek perfection» and that basically what I got from her was doing «good enough.» I’m just trying to get rid of obvious adult acne — sheesh.
also, six months after my first visit I received a $ 250 «Past due» bill for Dr. Chahoof (or some other doctor, her husband I think?), even though I paid at my first visit for Dr. Stuart. Dis-​organized office!
I have mild acne and aging concerns and would recommend Dr. Hilinski’s office in Mission Hills over this office.

I went to Susan at my brothers recomendation. I have been having skin problem for many many years and no one had been able to help me until i went to Susan she solved my prblem with a couple of visits.
I am greatful to her and i recommend highly to anyone.

I’ve been going to Dr. Stuart for about a year now with my daughter for mostly acne issues. I’ve been to other dermotologists and none of the treatments did much good in clearing the acne but Dr. Stuarts recommendations have really cleared both our skin! She makes her own acne cream that she sells at her office which is really amazing!
I sent my husband there yesterday to have some skin tags removed, he called me immediately after raving about how kind and knowledgeable Dr. Stuart is… not to mention all the lovely ladies that work with her. He removed the tags quickly and almost pain free!
Thank you Dr. Stuart & Staff !!!

Dr. Stuart is a very very friendly lady and her front office staff is quite pleasant. I went in for a couple of issues, acne and a weird mole. I was pretty stressed out and really wanted to talk about all my symptoms as well as what options there were to treat me (I know my ailments weren’t the most urgent, but when it is happening to you it seems like a huge thing). Dr. Stuart really did not give me enough time to talk with her, she was basically in and out within 7 – 8 minutes.
The mole was actually a water bump and she removed it from my lips. But instead of starting with a more conservative way of removing it, she cut off a chunk of my flesh (for reals). I now have a scar and it feels weird on my lips… I am always licking it. I went back to her and after examining the scar she says I can go to this plastic surgeon she works with to get that fixed.
I really want to say wonderful things about the friendly Dr. Stuart, but I just can’t at this time.

I had an amazingly unprofessional run in with Dr. Susan Stuart who runs this office. It was bizarre to say the least and I still can’t believe she would treat a client (me) like she did…
I was seeing a woman who works here for electrolysis treatments and I had no idea that I was being grossly overcharged because I was referred to this place and didn’t bother shopping around. I was paying $ 60 for 20 minutes and now I’m seeing a woman who is just as good who charges $ 70 for an HOUR. From $ 60 to $ 25 — I guess I’m lucky this Susan lady was such a bitch to make me never want to go back to her office.
Anyway, the electrolysis woman asked me to try and take the last appointment of the day on Fridays (which would be 11:40 am). Now, I get off work at 11:30 so I had to leave a half hour early to make this appointment but it was the best I could get so I reserved like two months worth of appointments in advance.
However, every Friday she would have an appointment after me and I started to get annoyed because if I could get an appt at noon then I wouldn’t have to take a half hour of my vacation time every Friday. It didn’t seem fair to me that I was making my appointments weeks in advance and they were adamant about 11:40 being the latest and yet they were adding people in at noon.
I called La Jolla Dermatology and told the woman who answered that I see Vickie and that she asked me to reserve her last appt every Friday so that she could keep me on the table for a few minutes (on her own time — not the doctor’s). I went on to explain that I reserved like two months in advance and yet every Friday there is an appt after me and I would like to know if it were possible in the future to let the person take my time and give me the 12 noon time and call me so I don’t have to leave work early.
Well, she got incredibly rude and kept focusing on the fact that Vickie was willing to keep me on the table for a few minutes and accused me of trying to finagle free time and got real nasty with me! I got angry at this point and asked her to PLEASE LISTEN TO WHAT I’M SAYING and again explained that I don’t want to have to leave work early if I can get a noon appt! She was so incredibly rude that I was planning on complaining about her when I went in the following week.
However, I let it go and had no intentions of complaining when I went in for my appt. I was sitting in the waiting area and some short, fat woman walked down the hall shooting daggers at me with her eyes. Turns out it was this Susan Stuart person. Vickie informed me that it was her (Stuart) that I spoke with and that she gave Vickie hell (even though it was Vickie’s own time) and told her that I was not to EVER receive a minute over the 20 minutes that I overpaid for… I was shocked to say the least. I told Vickie I was sorry that she had to work for such a woman and I never went back.
I find it really hard to believe that she treated a client that way. I guess $ 60 a week is not enough money to warrant professional treatment from the owner of this business. Odd, because I was told that her husband (a plastic surgeon) moved out of his office and into hers because things were so slow because of the economy…