Dr. Walter Nahm, MD, PhD


Physician
Dermatology

Specialty

Cosmetic Dermatology,
Dermatologic Surgery,
Mohs Surgery

Provide Feedback
University Dermatology Group
7695 Cardinal Court Suite 200
San Diego, California 92123
For an appointment, call (858) 278-8835
Website

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

Acne
Aging Skin & Wrinkles
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Atopic Dermatitis
Hair Loss (Balding)
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Seborrheic Keratosis
Skin Cancer
Warts
Actinic Keratoses (AKs)
Fungal Nail Infection (Onychomycosis)

Procedures & Services

Biologic Medications for Psoriasis
Botox® Cosmetic
Botulinum Toxin for Cosmetic Uses
Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Augmentation)
Hair Transplantation
Juvederm®
Laser Hair Removal
Laser Resurfacing
Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer
Patch Testing for Contact Dermatitis
Phototherapy for Psoriasis
Tissue Tightening

Patient Education Resources

Does the acne on my back and chest require different treatment from the acne on my face?
Truncal acne, which refers to acne that occurs on the trunk of the body (such as the chest and back), may require a slightly different treatment approach than facial acne. This is because the skin on ...
How do biologics work to treat my eczema?
Biologics are a class of medications that can be used to treat eczema, a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation and itching. Biologics work by targeting specific parts of the immune syst...
How much does laser tattoo removal cost?
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...
What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and scaly skin. The condition is characterized by symptoms such as:Dry, itchy skin: The skin ...
What is the best brand of botulinum toxin to improve my appearance?
Botulinum toxin is a type of neurotoxin that is used for a variety of cosmetic and medical purposes. There are several different types of botulinum toxin available on the market, each with their own u...

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.

Professional Affiliations