Dr. Hoffman was unprofessional, wearing dirty street clothes, his breadth stink. He suggested biopsy cut to remove the mole and cut a huge swath of flesh. His nurse used her teeth to open a bottle. Horrible clinic. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Hoffman for about 10 years, for routine examinations and removal of blemishes and growths. He has been caring and helpful and 95% of my concerns have been resolved successfully in one examination visit, usually performing small quick topical surgical procedures without needing to schedule a separate visit. My red vein marks were all removed by his associate using the yellow laser in their office, this made a big difference to my appearance. His staff is friendly and helpful. The beautiful mural artworks in his offices were created by his late wife. His fees have always been reasonable. Now that he is retiring I will need to find a new dermatologist. I greatly appreciate his past services and wish him a wonderful and happy retirement! read more

He only accepts cash on weekends and probably pockets the money for himself to evade taxes so we're not technically entered into his patient database. But this is not an excuse for providing terrible service. I went to Dr. Tom from a friend's recommendation to get rid of some deep lines and wrinkles. He sounded very promising on our first visit. During the consultation, he guaranteed after the first botox procedure it will all be gone, and to come back in a month to fix it if it was still noticeable. Immediately, after the first week, I could still see the lines and he assured me to give it some time (a month or so). Claiming that after a month it will settle in, look more natural and the lines and wrinkles will disappear. He even told me during the consultation if we didn't get the results, the next visit would be free. A month later and I'm still seeing noticeable lines and he refused to fix it for free because he has to pay for his equipment. I have a very deep line in between my eyebrow and NOT once did he mention that it was so deep that botox would not be able to fix it. The second visit was when he finally blurted out that it needed fillers, because "apparently" botox would not fix the deep line. While the whole time he assured me during the first visit that it would be fixed. This is very unprofessional to not keep his word. Definitely would not recommend coming to see him as there are many other dermatologists/ professionals who are true to their words and can actually provide the results a patient needs read more

I went to Dr. Hoffman for a scar-like mark near my lip. He decided to do a biopsy to rule out skin cancer. They circled the mark on my lip and I confirmed that it was the spot that should be biopsied. Unfortunately, as my lip healed (it was quite a traumatic experience and took a very long time to heal), I realized he didn't biopsy the correct spot -- he took off skin about 1/4" from where I told him to. I now have TWO scars on my lip and look worse than when I started out. I returned to the office a few times to see if anything could be done. He offered a topical cream that hasn't done anything to reduce the appearance of the scar he made. He also offered to cut off the scar... hah! Like I'd let him cut me again! I cannot in good faith recommend that anyone go to him to handle anything cosmetic that could be visible later on. I'm so disappointed in my experience. read more

I've been a loyal patient of Dr. Hoffman's for close to 25 years. I had a serious staph infection on my skin that after 3 other doctors could not cure but Dr. H did and right away!!!! He gave me penicillin at his office and rushed my prescriptions by calling them in ASAP. He's knowledgeable, well informed, and never in a rush. The office staff, nurses and medical assistants make the office visits pleasant. Very professional and approachable. I've referred several friends to his practice. Thank you again! read more

In the last 17 years of living on the peninsula, I've had at least six dermatologists. I was just trying to solve minor skin irritations here and there over the years. Every one of those dermatologists got it wrong and never solved my problems. Enter Dr. Hoffman. For every little issue I've had, he diagnoses it within seconds, prescribes the proper medication and I'm cured. I have read some of the other reviews, and obviously some of those folks are looking for more of a relationship with their dermatologist like they have with their hairdresser. Dr. H. is quick and solves the problem, not much chit-chat, and I'm okay with that because my time is money. He's doing me a favor getting me in and out of there quickly. I find his team to be professional and there's a caring environment in the office. The good doctor has a bunch plaques of recognition for his involvement with the dermatologist community, and his works shows it. If you're disappointed with your dermatologist, like I was, give him a try. He knows his stuff and he fixes the problems efficiently. read more

I had a rash for a month that got worse and I was worried it's a tick bite. Dr Hoffman took one look and one touch and said it's a nummular dermatitis. Since my insurance is in Florida and can only get urgent care here is CA, Dr Hoffman gave me some sample lotion and changed the prescription to a less expensive one. He provided me the information sheet and explained to me in detail why I would have it and how to prevent it in future. Dr Hoffman is not only top notch doctor, he really cares about his patient. He is one the of the best doctors I have had and I would recommend him to anyone without hesitation. read more

Please do not go to Dr. Hoffman - I warn you from my experience where he belittled me repeatedly for raising my concerns about an abnormal looking mole which I believed was changing color and size. After a handful of times where I brought this to his attention (with no action on his part), I took my business elsewhere and had the mole removed and tested, as it was abnormal with incredibly concerning test results. I am thanking my lucky stars that my next doctor had the common sense enough to listen - she cleared the rather sizable affected area and resolved the major issue at hand. Funny how client care versus client quantity is a trade-off he's willing to make. read more

I have never felt more belittled or like an older doctor was "phoning it in" than I did when I last went to see Dr. Hoffman. I'm a twentysomething female with acne that becomes very problematic at a very specific time in my menstrual cycle. I'd gone in to see a) if there was anything I could do about acne that's tied to my period, and b) if there was anything I could be doing differently in terms of diet or lifestyle. My reasoning is that acne comes and goes from within my body, so maybe I could put something different into my body to help the problem. Smearing acid on my face will take care of the issue, sure, but if acne comes from within, there may be other more permanent and gentler solutions. My first mistake was to tell Dr. Hoffman that I had "hormonal acne," by which I hoped to mean "acne that comes and goes according to my cycle," but which he took to mean that I was a moron. "All acne is hormonal," he snapped, and then the appointment was pretty much over. He started to prescribe the same acne cream/pill regimen that I'm sure he'd done a dozen times that day. Hoping to still be heard as a paying customer, I pressed on with my second question. "Is there anything else I could be doing to combat the acne? Any kind of diet or exercise changes?" And then I made my fatal error, and added, "Anything maybe homeopathic?" This one really got to Dr. Hoffman. "Homeopathic? Well, sure, I mean, you could rub green tea on your face but there's no guarantees any of that will work." How absolutely condescending. Rub green tea on my face? Is he kidding? Yeah, I should've thought of that when I was meditating and burning incense and tripping on peyote and whatever other stereotype he might conjure up. He went ahead with the same pill and cream regimen, and I ran. I will never be back to Dr. Hoffman because, in my experience, he has stopped listening to patients, hearing their concerns, tailoring his responses to what's actually being asked, or interacting with them in a compassionate and understanding way. read more

If I could give zero stars, I would. I went into Dr. Hoffman after having rash-like reactions on my face after eating certain foods. After putting that I have a history of SIBO, food allergies, and bacterial imbalance problems on my "medical conditions" portion of my new patient info sheet, he proceeded to tell me that food has nothing to do with skin. FALSE. I couldn't believe it. Of course if someone has food allergies, they can have a reaction, either on their face or elsewhere. I showed him pictures of all of the times my face had broken out in this rash, and he said "well yes, that is a rash but I have no idea what it is. It's not there now so I can't tell you anything. It could be acne" Um what, acne is not a rash? And a rash is not acne? On top of it, if he looked at my chart, he would know my family has a history of eczema. He didn't even care to consider the possibility. He proceeded to shove prescriptions down my throat and not listen at all to my previous medical history. He definitely did not even understand what SIBO is and he jumped quickly to prescribe me oral antibiotics and RetinA. First of all, any doctor with any experience at all would know not to prescribe someone with non-SIBO specific antibiotics unless they were trying to make the condition worse. I told him this. He responded "well, don't you want to get better? Antibiotics will help your face." Maybe so, but they would make other conditions I have extremely worse. He completely dismissed any photos I had shown him of my condition. He interrupted me, didn't care to listen, and belittled me. After showing my concern for him prescribing me antibiotics, he said "have some milk and yogurt and you're poor tummy be fine" EXCUSE ME WHAT? My poor tummy? Too bad I'M ALLERGIC TO DAIRY. Not to mention dairy is known to make people break out EVEN MORE because of all of the hormones in milk. At the end of our 10 minute appointment, he didn't care to say goodbye or thank you. I'm sure he could sense my frustration and instead of providing comfort and maybe some alternatives, he stepped out in a rush and proceeded to (from what it looked like) slam his papers on his desk across the hall. The level of incompetence of this doctor (and lack of compassion/care for his patients) had me in tears on my way home. I am never coming back. read more

He did not diagnose my wife's skin cancer. Please, really avoid. My wife went in for a little something we were concerned about on her face. He said he would empty it out but did not order any lab tests for the skin sample he took out. He also did not use stitches which made a scar. A year later, we noticed that the same spot on her face kept growing. Still concerned, my wife went to see another specialist to have it removed. This time, the skin sample was analyzed and we discovered it was cancerous (Basal cell carcinoma, c.f. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_cancer#Basal_cell_carcinoma, thankfully not the worse type). Hopefully, things should be ok now but certainly not thanks to Dr. Hoffman. I spoke to a surgeon friend of mine who told me that removed skin samples should always be analyzed, just in case. I don't care that my wife is young and that the odds are low, it should have been done. read more

He's excellent at what he does. For the past 10 years, he has treated me, my husband and both my daughters. He is consistent...both in expertise and in personality. I always know what to expect. He looks, he sees, he knows, he treats. I listen, I question, i heed, I pay. It works and I always get better. I don't see him because I need friends or fuzzys. I go because he is a master at what he does and saves lives in his own way. His ability to solve my problem and cure me is bedside manner enough for me. read more

A Wonderful Doctor! My family has seen Dr. Hoffman for many years. He treated one of my sons for two severe in-grown toenails. A previous doctor recommended that the nails be removed. Dr. Hoffman cured the problem and there has been no issues with the toenails since. My other son had warts on his foot. Over the counter medicine did nothing. Dr. Hoffman's treatment got rid of all the warts. My wife has seen Dr. Hoffman for many different skin problems - each of which was addressed professionally and quickly. And Dr. Hoffman quickly solved my skin problem on my eye-lid. Dr. Hoffman is thorough, patient and kind. He is a great listener and clearly knows his subject because at the end of every visit, the problem goes away. Highest recommendation! read more

I have been seeing him for several years now, and thought I was getting good treatment. Had skin cancer show up on my temple last year and he removed it with "good margins". It came back and we did it all over again. When it came back a third time I went to see another doctor. I was asked why MOHs surgery wasn't performed, to which I replied that I had never heard of it. Long story short, is if I had been referred to a MOHs surgeon the first time, it likely would not have spread and I wouldn't have a 1.5 inch hole on the side of my head now. It's very painful, and now I will have a large scar on my face. Whether his techniques are antiquated, or he wanted to keep me in his office to collect my money I don't know. What I do know is that I don't appreciate that he didn't utilize the latest medical advances, which would have been in my best interest. I highly recommend everyone steer clear of him. read more

I saw Dr. Hoffman for a couple of skin conditions and was quite dissatisfied with my visit. He spent a total of about 5 minutes with me and asked few questions regarding the history and presentation of my condition. Most of my symptoms had subsided by the appointment, so that was the only way he could have gotten an accurate picture and diagnosis of my condition. I went in part to confirm my condition was not contagious, but I don't feel he took the time needed or demonstrated a thoughtful approach. He took little time to explain his conclusions and rationale and didn't check to see if I had any questions about the diagnosis or proposed treatment. He practically had one foot out the door as I tried to ask a questions. Overall, I felt he was not attentive, thorough, or thoughtful. Should I need skin care in the future, I will seek out another dermatologist. read more

I love Dr. Hoffman's quick assessment which I think comes from years of experience. My hairdresser told me to see him for an inflammation on my scalp. He took care of my problem right away. My son had some skin infection. Dr. Hoffman walked through the door and said you must be a wrestler which was true and prescribed something that worked. I think he is great but he is quick which I like. I belong to an HMO but I pay him by for the visit out of my own pocket because he takes care of my problem and is very reasonable in his charges and I can usually see him much faster than at my clinic. Betty T read more

I've seen Dr Hoffman several times for a variety of minor skin problems. He's smart and insightful. He works fast and the other reviewers seem disappointed with this. But it is my experience that he will take whatever time you want to explain his diagnosis, the alternative therapies, the likely course of the treatment - and why he came to his diagnosis so quickly. Also, his fees are reasonable and he is generous with samples. Most large practice groups (e.g. Stanford) have a no-sample policy. Dr Hoffman has saved me thousands of dollars in drug costs while I found the best therapy for the small area of involved skin. read more

Firstly, there is never a wait b/c the Dr only looks at you for maybe 3 seconds. I came in 6 months ago with what I thought were hives. He took one look said it was bug bites and gave me cream. Three more visits and still bites. Finally after 6 months I saw my internist who ordered lots of blood work and suggested a biopsy. Went to dr Hoffman and again, with the look of "not her again" proceeded to biopsy the lesion and left without a word. Frantic now I searched for a new doctor. What a difference!!!! She looked at me! Not through me she looked at every inch of my skin. She started to treat me! Both as a patient and as a person. We are still searching for an answer but I now have a doctor and an advocate. Dr Hoffman has the worst bedside manner of any doctor I have ever met. I was belittled and made to feel as though he was the professional and how dare I propose it was more than "bug bites". I had my house fumigated, all animals checked in addition to regular treatment and literally tossed my bed and sheets even though i, to this day, have never seen a bug and I am the ONLY one in my house of 4 with bites. It's not bugs!!!! Thank goodness for the amazing new team who are helping me get to the bottom of this. Bottom line, besides running as fast as you can from this doctor, is be your own advocate and never allow a doctor to treat you as anything less than the person you are. Big fat ZERO! read more

GREAT DOCTOR! Dr. Hoffman is a great doctor. Takes the time when me or any of my family members see him to listen to us and walk us through the diagnosis. I would recommend him to anyone. read more

I have gone to the Doc for over 15 years. Yeah, I know his personality is not the warmest around. But, when I go see a doctor I want a doctor, not a BFF. He is no-nonsense, no cute banter, no getting-to-know-you. I agree with another Yelper who said Hoffman can spot things before you even say anything. Look at the diplomas/certifications on the walls. He knows skin and thats what I want. read more

I'm in my 50s, have been to Dr Hoffman twice so far and greatly appreciate the depth of expertise and experience he brings to visual examination of my various skin conditions, and the quick and efficient removal of growths. His staff and office are caring and efficient, and he is a great resource for my health care. read more

I visited Dr. Hoffman at his Menlo Park office. Being a new patient I had to fill out some forms, which is always annoying but needed. I was called promptly after they had my paperwork put together. I was led into an examination room by a nurse and asked what I was there about. He took the information down and in a few minutes the doctor came in. Without examining my skin in any way he had made a diagnosis and was ready to perscribe me something. I was kind of shocked that this would happen. I tried to ask him about some specific areas of my skin that I was having problems. He briefly glanced at them and stuck with his original suggestions. He might be a good doctor but his style of "treating" patients left me questioning his ability. It felt more like a conveyor belt than a doctor's office. My entire time with the doctor was less than 5 minutes. He probably billed the insurance company several hundred dollars. Nice work if you can get it. read more