I reluctantly gave up an excellent dermatologist in San Francisco who skillfully handled sun damage to my scalp and face and searched for someone closer. I just could not afford the lost time driving back and forth to the City from my business in Petaluma. My former doctor was exceptionally social and that put me at ease, but it isn't what I came to her for. Dr. Dalton is pleasant, but if you want him to be your friend, I don't think that's going to happen unless you meet him socially. I chose him because I was impressed with his intellect the first time I met him. When I searched for dermatologists in the North Bay, he stood out because he has both an MD and a PhD. Dr. Dalton has treated me for routine maintenance on my scalp (which has plenty unpopulated space) but he impressed me when I came to him with what I thought was a "boil" on my left calf. He correctily suspected a Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). If he did not act decisively, the consequences could have been grave and possibly fatal. If you have a strong stomach, Google MRSA because the photographs of what this can become are frightening. Dr. Dalton's office staff is excellent and efficient. They have managed to get me in to see him several times on short notice when I had symptoms that they recognized could be serious. It's not my place to comment on anyone else's experience except to say that the small thing that looked innocent and probably was on one appointment can quickly morph into something of concern at an appointment six months later. I've personally had a head full of pre-cancerous patches on a regular basis since the 1980s when my thinning hair left my scalp unsheltered. I've only had two things biopsied since that started, and so far, I've been extremely fortunate that none has progressed to basal cell carcinoma or worse. I'll stand by my choice, based on my own experience. read more

I agree with Ellis J.'s review. I'm in the middle of getting a condition checked out, but he's already got it diagnosed as poison oak when I had no contact with that, and my condition is worsening. He prescribed something to alleviate the itching but my condition is worsening. He was a real asshole to me also because I had actual questions that he didn't feel inclined to answer. He gave me the impression he was lazy and spoiled. His last words before he ran out of the room were, "Well, if it doesn't get better in two weeks, we'll try something else," as if I have indefinite money for his ridiculous appointments while he tries a little of this and that. I won't let him waste my time and I'll be going somewhere else. Very rude person and not AT ALL professional. Had a little "hissy" fit too. Idiot. read more

I went in to have some moles checked. All is well!! I had some dark spots on my face frozen and a week later, once the scab fell off, they are basically gone. Very happy! Dr. Dalton was professional, friendly, and thorough. Highly recommended. read more

I went to Dr. Dalton as he was recommended by a nurse at Sutter. He checked my face carefully and recommended that I have laser treatment 0n my face. He told me if I paid him $700 he would clear up my nose and some growths in other areas. Like a fool, I agreed. Several weeks later, nothing was improved. My nose was horrible and the other growths were still there. I asked for my money back and he said " We don't refund money for cosmetic procedures ". I strongly urge you to avoid this doctor. To my mind, he is unprofessional, and should be sanctioned by some board that controls such matters.. read more

I saw Dr. Dalton for a brief period when Dr. Frederickson was very busy. He did not ask enough questions, made too many assumptions, and allowed my painful skin condition to worsen before addressing it properly. He wrote prescriptions before even taking a sample to see what my infection actually was--and because of this my condition was left untreated for longer than need be! It spread all along my shoulders, chest, and face and left terrible deep scarring that took years to heal. At least now they're flat, but the scars are still plainly visible. I highly highly discourage you from seeing him. I would not want your condition to worsen from his negligence. read more

Lazier treatment was expensive and produced no significant results. I paid him $700 and ended up not much improved, Don't let him talk you into it . I feel like I was really taken. Don't let this happen to you read more

I've been doing cosmetic procedures with Dr. Stephen for over 3 years now. I decided to write a review because I've never been so happy with my face. Lately I get so many compliments on my skin and my lips. It is only fair that I share my experience with this amazing professional. Empathy, respect, cultural competence, compassion and curiosity are all important traits that should be possessed by a dermatologist. And Dr. Stephen has it all. He listens to your needs and taste and the results are just incredible. I'm 45 years old I have done my lip injections more than 3 times over 3 years with him, also botox and laser for redness (rosacea veins/small spider veins) and for dark spots in my hands. It's not just the external appearances I am talking about here, he also takes care of the heath of my skin. I have eczema in my face and sometimes in my hands. He takes care of that for me with specified lotions and treatments, and my hands look so much better now. I want to do face fillers which I never done with him before, but I'm super excited. I live a hour away from his clinic and I don't mind the drive to go to him. I genuinely recommend Dr. Stephen Dalton. read more

Stephen Dalton, MD PHD - This is right after the lip injection. First day. - Dermatologists Near Me - Novato, California

I changed my dermatologist doctor after 30 years and glad I did! Instead of trying to be sold all kinds of cosmetics I don't need at the end of appointments I now have a committed and personable doctor who listens to my needs and follows through on everything! He is honest, a good communicator and pleasant to be around. I highly recommended Dr. Dalton and love his welcoming office! read more

Avoid this place at all costs. I went in to have them look at some skin tags and growths on my neck and back. During an extremely rushed visit (literally about 5-6 minutes, which seems the norm, according to other reviews on this site), I was offered an out-of-pocket service to remove the skin tags for $250, in addition to the insurance-covered procedure on another growth. I was told it would take a couple of months for them to fall off on their own, but most of them had not after over 3 months. I called, and they told me the only option was to PAY ANOTHER $250, since there were NO GUARANTEES. I asked the receptionist to verify with the doctor the cost, and she said she'd check and get back to me in a day or so, but it's been over a week with no response. On top of this, the receptionist has been pretty curt and rude since the beginning of my experience in the office. I strongly suggest avoiding this office at all costs. Judging from the other reviews on this site, this practice seems to also miss serious, possibly dangerous conditions because of their sub-par work. I also suggest reporting your bad experiences here to the Better Business Bureau, which I have done. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Dalton for about 5 years now and he always does a great job. I'm a complete whimp about needles and things like that and he constantly checks in with me during procedures, of which I've had several over the years. I had a cyst removed from my neck and there is no scar at all. I've also been getting botox for the last 2 years and I feel like the aging process has stopped. I get compliments all the time on how young I look. He also removed a super painful wart from my toe and I am finally able to wear closed toed shoes again. I recommend Dr. Dalton very highly to everyone. read more

I saw Dr. Dalton regularly over the course of 3 years. During that time I was a fairly satisfied patient. Although there were times I thought his chairside manner was not always to my liking, I didn't take issue with it because it seemed like more of a quibble than a real problem with his doctoring skills. In September, we switched health insurance due to a change in my work status. We are now Kaiser members. Kaiser's philosophy seems to be "No one gets out without some sh*t going down." Tetanus booster and whooping cough vaccine administered at OB/Gyn exam? Roger that! Four way breast check imposed? (This was a first for me.) Yes, yes, yes, OH yes. So when I went to the Kaiser dermatologist I was expecting only to get an Rx renewed. In addition to the Rx, I got to pull up my shirt and hear my tan be described as "cancer glow" and admonished for having any color at all on my prone to freckles, Welsh/German skin. Additionally, the doc noticed a small thing under my eye which had been there nearly a year. Dr. Dalton, who'd been seeing me quarterly, had never made a peep about it. A little lidocaine, a little blade, a little histology and it turns out it was basal cell carcinoma. So I had to go back for more slice and dice and enjoy a stint as Frankenface, and now I have one eye that's normal but wrinkled and one that's scarred but smooth. Not only do I have a BIGGER scar beside my eye than I would have had if the thing had been addressed earlier, I also have a MUCH BIGGER bill than I would have had if the lesion had been taken off while I'd still had my corporate insurance. When I was employed, I would have had the money to pay the bill. In the interest of giving useful feedback, I called Dr. Dalton's office. I very politely told the desk lady that I'd been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma something that Dr. Dalton should have seen over the course of the last nine months. "I know these things happen. I just wanted to let Dr. Dalton know, with the idea that he might be more attentive in the future." That was all. Did Dr. Dalton call back to apologize or express his regret or concern? Nope. Not a word. Dude, that's no way to handle a patient. I thought I'd coming back to you after my Kaiser stint was over but I can say for sure, that's not happening. read more

12/13/2011 Edit » I've been seeing Dr. Dalton for about 7 years now, and he easily qualifies for my highest rating. Shortly after I began seeing him he diagnosed a squamous cell carcinoma on my scalp. I believe most dermatologists would simply have excised it surgically, but in discussing it with me, he recommended we try Aldara cream on it first, to avoid having to cut. I was all for that, and it worked! I've been seeing him religiously, every 6 months since then, and he's been extremely thorough. A year or two following that experience, he found another squamous cell carcinoma on my leg, and the Aldara worked a second time. Dr. Dalton is empathetic, a good listener, conscientious, and very skilled. If you need a dermatologist in this area, I honestly don't think you'll find a better one. read more

UUUGGGHHHH..just received a $95 bill for what I thought was a "free" consultation. I called his office asking to come in for a consultation because I would like to see what my options were to remove the sunspots on my face. I asked if the consultation was free and was told Yes, and then was told what insurance was accepted and what insurance was not accepted - but never clarified that if my insurance wasn't accepted, my "free" consultation would cost me $95! I called to dispute the bill, left a message, and got a note in the mail today saying, too bad so sad you still have to pay the $95. Annoying, frustrating, and complete BS read more

To encapsulate my visits to Dr. Dalton I would use one phrase "Rush for dollars". The bills for 10 to 12 minutes of his time are outrageous at over $500 retail. Dr. Dalton is an expert at using the mighty nitrogen oxide gun and of course classifies that as "surgery". A couple of occasions I asked him to excise items I wanted removed that would in fact be real minor surgery. I believe he discouraged me from doing so because it would require a few minutes longer. He missed a growth on my left arm that turned out to be basal cell carcinoma. This was caught not long after my last Dalton visit by another "less-rushed" dermatologist. I have changed offiices. read more

I've seen Dr Dalton on several occasions, for various matters. He is an outstanding dermatology diagnostician! I went to see him, for what I thought were tiny spider bites on my forehead, and he immediately diagnosed them as herpes zoster (shingles). If I wasn't completely confident in his skills, I would have put it off (I'm one of those who is often skeptical about seeing doctors). I avoided a serious outbreak by contacting him early, and he was able to see me immediately. I cannot recommend Dr Dalton highly enough. I trust him (the basis for the 5 star rating). read more

I found him to be very attentive, fixed my problem the 1st time... asked for follow up and responsive to my questions... sorry about the prior patients experience.. why 5-stars... cuz he did what he needed to do got it done quickly! read more

Professional. Courteous. Friendly. Knowledgeable. Good bedside manner. The best dermatologist ever.

I have been seeing DR. Dalton for years and he is excellent ! Great bedside manner and very knowledgeable.

I have been going to Dr. Dalton for years and found him to be personable and competent. I have an annual skin check and this last time there was something that looked unusual so he shaved off the top for biopsy and it was a melanoma insitu. I returned so he could remove it and he forwarded the biopsy to UCSF and they confirmed the margins were clear so all good. A reminder, get your annual preventative skin checks and I highly recommend Dr. Dalton. I no longer work in California and I live out of state so I'm switching to a local Dermatologist but I will miss Dr. Dalton and his staff. read more

Dr. Dalton actually listens to what your concerns and is interested in how you're feeling. He spends as much time with you as needed. He's always friendly and focused on the job. I can't say the same for his office staff. The desk people are rude and short tempered - I understand that you're busy and there's a lot to do, I have a job too, but honestly. They just brush you off and cut you off when you're talking. They have yet to be friendly when I call or go in for an appt. Last time I was in, they had 3 people booked at the same time... I don't know how that happens, but if they had been nicer to me, I would have been more than willing to let one of the other patients go in front of me, since I wasn't in a rush. But the doctor is pretty good and I would definitely recommend him to anyone that doesn't mind needing to be a little on the aggressive side with the staff. read more

I developed a bump below my earlobe and was worried that it was something bad. The office staff were very nice & the appointment process was easy. Dr. Dalton skillfully treated me with minimal pain and it healed very well. He determined it was not what I feared. I would recommend him to anyone. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Dalton for several years and he is an amazing dermatologist who is incredibly knowledgeable and spends quality time with his patients. His staff is warm and welcoming and their new offices are beautiful and state of the art. read more

I have been coming to see Dr. Dalton for 15 years. I have extremely sun damaged skin and he has been completely thorough with all my skin checks over the years. I had an episode of basal cell carcinoma on my arm which he excised and was very gentle with me. He has a great sense of humor and warm bedside manner. He also called me afterwards to check on me and let me know that he had "gotten all of it". I have two teenage daughters who both presented with facial acne and he made them feel so comfortable, explained all the treatment options and side effects. The treatment was successful for both of them and we are so grateful to him for helping them over this period where they were so self conscious! We are all very thankful! read more

Unsure why Yelp continues to filter my reviews. Recently had a basal cell carcinoma (yet another skin cancer, my 5th) removed by Dr. Dalton on my right cheek. It healed beautifully and stitches came out in 1 week. Have a full skin exam every 6 months. Very happy to have these detected early before they grow very large and cause damage. Dr. Dalton's attention to detail has been superb. read more

I brought my daughter to see Dr. Dalton after seeing a local doctor for over two years. My daughter's acne was horrible, and Dalton recommended more creams, more pills, and sent us off to buy his products that were available at his office. Now, with this being said, we returned due to the horrible backlash that was happening after using the new topical treatments, and was told Acutane may be the next step. Returning to school, my daughter got so distressed with her results that she stopped all the medications, went to a holistic treatment, and her face is clear. This all happened weeks after leaving Dr. Dalton's office. I mean in a matter of six weeks her face was clear. Now, why did Dr. Dalton not talk about what is happening internally with my daughter, and just jump to the common practice of medications made by these pharmacy companies that reward these doctors when they use their medications? My daughter would have been going to take more controversial meds to clear her face, when the new approach that focused on probiotics, sulfur, milk thistle weed, and camphor was the winning combination all along. To say I have no faith in the local dermatologists is an understatement. Unreal. Always explore and ask questions, push the doctor, and do not just go along for the ride. Always realize that there are other options besides standard medicine protocols. Watch out for the front office and the outlandish distribution of personal numbers and information. Also, they order lunch in front of the patients, which at times can be extremely rude and should be done behind the scenes. read more