
Dr. Walter Nahm, MD, PhD
Cosmetic Dermatology,
Dermatologic Surgery,
Mohs Surgery
About Dr. Walter Nahm, MD, PhD
Walter K. Nahm, M.D., Ph.D. is a board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Nahm completed his dermatology specialty training at Boston University School of Medicine/Roger Williams Medical Center, where he was honored as chief resident.
Dr. Nahm's medical school training was at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX, where he completed the prestigious combined M.D.-Ph.D. Medical Scientist Training Program. He received his Ph.D. in the field of neuroscience for which his work was recognized with the Young Investigator of the Year Award.
Dr. Nahm is also fellowship trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery under the auspices of the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology at the Veterans Administration (VA) West Los Angeles Medical Center and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine. He also completed fellowship training in laser, cosmetic and liposuction surgery under the certification of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery at the UCLA School of Medicine.
Dr. Nahm specializes in the Mohs Micrographic Surgery technique, which is the most precise and effective manner to treat skin cancer. He is the past director of Mohs Micrographic Surgery at University of California, San Diego (UCSD), School of Medicine. His other specialties include laser and cosmetic surgery. As a fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, he has expertise in tumescent liposuction and eyelid and face-lift surgery. In addition, Dr. Nahm has extensive experience in laser therapy for wrinkles, brown spots, blood vessels, birthmarks and vascular anomalies. Other areas of expertise include Botox ®, injectable fillers (e.g., Restylane®, Radiesse™, Hylaform®), fat transfer, chemical skin rejuvenation, leg vein treatment (sclerotherapy) and acne scar treatment. He has performed extensive research on intense pulsed light (IPL™) technology and the ThermaCool™ device (allowing for the non-surgical facelift) and was recently honored for his work. He is also a director of a Joint Commission approved ambulatory surgery center, where he also performs many of his surgeries.
As an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UCSD, Dr. Nahm teaches both medical students and residents. He is also a teaching faculty for the both the residents of the Family Medicine Health Centers and Scripps Mercy Hospital. He has also authored numerous scientific articles and chapters (over 60) in the field of dermatology, cellular physiology, cosmetic surgery, laser surgery and skin cancer. He has also given many national lectures and surgical courses on such topics.
Dr. Nahm is actively performing clinical studies and has participated in over 100 clinical studies dealing in the development of novel medications and treatments for psoriasis, toenail fungus, feet fungus, wrinkles, local fat deposition, rosacea, acne, hidradenitis suppuritiva, and hair loss.
Dr. Nahm has a Ph.D in neuroscience and with this background has been a pioneer in neuronally-based receptor physiology in skin cells. His work was specifically recognized by the Society of Investigative Dermatology and the American Academy of Dermatology. He has served as past presidents of the San Diego Dermatological Society and San Diego Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
Conditions Treated
Procedures & Services
Patient Education Resources
A dermatologist can make you appear more youthful by using a variety of treatments, such as:Topical creams and serums that contain ingredients like retinoids and hyaluronic acid to improve skin textur...
There are several ways to reduce the skin redness caused by rosacea:Avoiding triggers: Triggers such as sun exposure, wind, high temperatures, stress, spicy foods, and alcohol, can worsen the symptoms...
Isotretinoin, previously marketed as Accutane, is a medication that is used to treat severe cystic acne that has not responded to other treatments. Isotretinoin is a form of vitamin A and works by ...
The cost of laser tattoo removal can vary depending on several factors such as the size, location, and color of the tattoo, as well as the number of treatments required to remove it. The cost can also...
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves using a device with fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. The needles are typically between 0.5mm and 2.5mm in length, and are used to ...
Education & Training
- Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship: University of California School of Medicine, Los Angeles
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery Fellowship: University of California School of Medicine, Los Angeles and VA Medical Center, Los Angeles)
- Residency: Boston University School of Medicine
- Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine, M.D.
- Graduate School: Baylor College of Medicine, Ph.D.