Contact our La Jolla office, near Del Mar, to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist. Kristen Richards, M.D., Darrell Gonzales, M.D., and Harold Richards, M.D., would be happy to address your skin care concerns.






Torrey Pines Dermatology
(Inside the Scripps/XIMED Building)
9850 Genesee Avenue, Suite 460
La Jolla, California 92037

Phone: 858-866-9969
Fax: 858-362-8803

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In La Jolla, Near Del Mar, Our Dermatologist Team Is Here To Help

It is important to recognize that not all healthcare professionals are qualified to identify and treat conditions of the skin. Medical doctors who specialize in dermatology have specific knowledge and experience to provide safe and effective treatment for skin conditions ranging from common acne to skin cancer. Patients will find such dermatologists at our La Jolla office, near Del Mar. Kristen Richards, M.D., Darrell Gonzales, M.D., Harold Richards, M.D., and Lee Kaplan, M.D., are all Board-Certified in the field of dermatology and have the training and experience necessary to perform both medical and cosmetic procedures.

Kristen Richards, M.D.

Photo – Kristen Richards, M.D.Kristen Richards, M.D. is a Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeon. A native of La Jolla, this talented dermatologist received her bachelor of arts from Stanford University and her medical doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland.

Dr. Richards received her dermatology specialty training at Northwestern University School of Medicine in Chicago, following an internship in pediatrics at the University Hospitals of Cleveland. After completing her residency, Dr. Richards pursued her interest in skin cancer surgery and reconstruction through a fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.

Dr. Richards maintains staff privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, where she is currently the Dermatology Department Head. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology, and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

In her free time, Dr. Richards enjoys chasing her two boys, Jack and Ryan, around the house and spending time with her husband, Peter. She is an exercise enthusiast and loves outside active endeavors in the natural beauty of San Diego.

Click here to view the New Image Magazine article about Kristen Richards, M.D.

Areas of Expertise

Darrell Gonzales, M.D.

Photo – Darrell Gonzales, M.D.Darrell Gonzales, M.D. joined Kristen Richards, M.D. and Harold Richards, M.D. to serve La Jolla and Del Mar area patients in 2005. A Board-Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Gonzales has completed intensive training regimens at some of the top academic institutions in the country.

A native of California, Dr. Gonzales received his bachelor’s degree from UCLA, graduating with many honors including Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude, the Golden Key National Honor Society, and four straight years on the dean’s honors list. He went on to obtain his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where he was selected as a member of both the Department of Dermatology Review Committee and the Admissions Committee.

Dr. Gonzales received his dermatology specialty training at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, following an internship in internal medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital. In addition to his clinical training, Dr. Gonzales has been involved in a wide range of research, from basic science to health policy issues.

Dr. Gonzales was an active member of both the UCLA and University of Pennsylvania crew teams. He is also a former Assistant Scoutmaster and Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He enjoys running, bike riding, traveling abroad, and has developed a passion for surfing since moving to San Diego.

Dr. Gonzales maintains staff privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla and is a member of the Scripps Cancer Committee. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Areas of Expertise

  • Comprehensive Dermatology
  • Cosmetic Dermatology
  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • BOTOX® Cosmetic
  • Restylane® and Perlane®
  • Laser treatment for wrinkles, skin rejuvenation, facial vessels, sun spots, and tattoos
  • Sculptra™
  • Radiesse®
  • Chemical peels

Harold Richards, M.D.

Photo – Harold Richards, M.D.Harold Richards, M.D. is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, as well as a Board-Certified Dermatopathologist. A native of Michigan, Dr. Richards received his undergraduate degree, medical degree, and dermatology specialty training from the University of Michigan.

Dr. Richards spent two years as Chief of Dermatology in the United States Air Force, at Orlando Air Force Base. He has been in the private practice of dermatology in La Jolla since 1964 and has been an active staff member of Scripps Memorial Hospital since 1969.

Dr. Richards maintains staff privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla. This highly regarded dermatologist is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and is a past President of the San Diego Dermatology Society. Dr. Richards is also a former Dermatology Department Head at Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla.

Areas of Expertise

  • Comprehensive Dermatology
  • Surgical Dermatology for minor skin cancers and growths

Lee Kaplan, M.D.

Dr. Kaplan has been a practicing Dermatologist since his Board-Certification in 1981. He received his medical degree from UCSD in 1977. While enjoying a “national” education, he graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover, MA, received his BA from the University of Chicago where he was elected Phi Beta Kappa, and returned to UCSD to complete a residency in dermatology.

As a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dr. Kaplan has held such titles over the years as Director of Clinical Dermatology at UCSD, Chief of Dermatology at the VA Medical Center, San Diego, President of the San Diego Dermatological Society, and Head of the Dermatology Section at Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla.

Dr. Kaplan maintains staff privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla, and is a voluntary Clinical Professor of Dermatology at UCSD. Predominately interested in psoriasis treatments, including phototherapy and newer biologic agents, Dr. Kaplan continues to teach and lecture on a number of topics including General Dermatology, Wilderness Dermatology, and Psoriasis and Phototherapy.

Selected Top Doctor by his peers 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Areas of Expertise

  • Comprehensive Dermatology
  • Surgical Dermatology
  • Psoriasis Therapy and Phototherapy

Contact the Office of Kristen Richards, M.D., Darrell Gonzales, M.D., Harold Richards, M.D., and Lee Kaplan, M.D.

If you live in the La Jolla or Del Mar area and are seeking a skilled dermatologist, please contact our office to schedule a consultation with Kristen Richards, M.D., Darrell Gonzales, M.D., Harold Richards, M.D. or Lee Kaplan, M.D.

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