Finding a doctor who actually listens feels like winning the lottery in a city like Los Angeles. If you’ve been looking into dermatologists near Cedars-Sinai, you have likely come across the name Dr Mekelburg Los Angeles. Specifically, we’re talking about Dr. Brian P. Mekelburg, a man who has basically become a fixture of the local medical community over the last four decades. But honestly, the medical landscape is shifting fast. With some patients mentioning retirement and others seeing his long-time physician assistants, you’ve gotta know what the current vibe is at Tower Dermatology before you fight traffic on 3rd Street.
Who Exactly is Dr Mekelburg?
Dr. Brian Mekelburg isn't some fresh-faced resident. He graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine way back in 1977. That’s a lot of skin checks. He’s board-certified in dermatology, but what makes him a bit of a "unicorn" in the field is his dual background. He actually did a residency in Internal Medicine at UCLA-Harbor before diving into his dermatology residency.
Why does that matter to you?
Most derms just look at the skin as an isolated organ. Because of that internal medicine foundation, Mekelburg has a reputation for being a "doctor's doctor." He’s the guy other physicians send their tough cases to—the ones where a rash might actually be a symptom of a complex systemic issue like vasculitis. He’s served as the Chief of Dermatology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, which isn't a title they just hand out to anyone.
The Tower Dermatology Experience
The office is tucked away in the Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers. If you’ve ever been there, you know the drill: the parking can be a bit of a nightmare, so give yourself a 20-minute buffer.
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People usually go to see Dr Mekelburg Los Angeles for a few specific things:
- Skin Cancer Screenings: He’s known for being incredibly thorough. We’re talking about the kind of exam where they actually check between your toes.
- Hard-to-Diagnose Rashes: Think shingles, chronic ulcers, or weird inflammatory conditions.
- Cosmetic Tweaks: He’s been doing Botox and fillers for over 30 years. He has that "conservative" artistic eye, so you don't end up looking like a different person.
One thing that stands out is the staff. Some of the front desk team has been there for over 20 years. In the high-turnover world of LA medical offices, that’s almost unheard of. It says a lot about how the practice is run.
Is he still seeing patients?
Here is where it gets a little "kinda-sorta." Recent patient reports from late 2025 and early 2026 suggest that Dr. Mekelburg is transitioning into retirement or is already partially retired. Many long-term patients are now being seen by his Physician Assistant, Charlotte, or other associates at Tower Dermatology.
Don't let that scare you off.
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The feedback on his PAs is actually stellar. They seem to have inherited his meticulous approach. One patient recently noted that even though they were bummed not to see the man himself, the PA spent nearly 30 minutes explaining a treatment plan for eczema. You don't get that kind of time at most "med-spas."
Why the Location Matters
Being right at 8631 W 3rd St puts the practice in the middle of a massive medical hub. It’s convenient if you’re already seeing specialists at Cedars, but it’s definitely "Big City" medicine.
The practice is technically under the DermCare Management umbrella now. This is a trend across the country—private practices joining larger groups to handle the insurance headaches. Speaking of insurance, they generally take the big ones: Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthCare. But seriously, call them first. Coverage changes faster than the weather.
What People Get Wrong
Most people think a "Top Doctor" award means a physician is just popular. For Mekelburg, the Super Doctor and Castle Connolly awards he’s won for 15+ years are peer-nominated. That means other dermatologists are the ones saying, "Yeah, he’s the best."
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Another misconception? That it's only a medical office. While the focus is heavily on pathology and skin cancer, they do a ton of Clear + Brilliant laser treatments and sclerotherapy for leg veins. It's a "medical-first" approach to beauty, which is a nice break from the sales-heavy atmosphere of many West Hollywood clinics.
Honest Pros and Cons
The Good:
- Insane level of experience. 45+ years is a lot of clinical "eye."
- Strong affiliation with Cedars-Sinai.
- The staff is actually friendly (rare for LA).
- Telehealth options are available if you can't make the drive.
The Not-So-Good:
- Wait times in the office can sometimes creep up.
- Dr. Mekelburg himself may not be available for every appointment.
- Parking costs at the Medical Towers can be annoying.
Moving Forward With Your Skin Health
If you’re dealing with a persistent skin issue or it’s just been way too long since your last mole check, this practice is a solid choice. Even if you end up seeing an associate rather than the legend himself, the culture of the office remains very old-school in the best way possible. They aren't trying to sell you a $500 serum the second you walk through the door.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your insurance: Call the office at (310) 659-9075 to verify they are still in-network for your specific plan.
- Request your records: If you’re switching from another derm, have your previous skin cancer biopsy results sent over before your first visit.
- Prepare a list: Write down the three "spots" or issues that bother you most. LA doctors are busy; having a list keeps the appointment focused.
- Ask for the PA: If you need a faster appointment, ask to see Charlotte or the current associate. You’ll likely get in weeks sooner than waiting for a slot with a senior partner.
Skin health isn't something to procrastinate on, especially in the California sun. Whether it’s for a medical necessity or a bit of cosmetic maintenance, the team at Dr Mekelburg Los Angeles offers a level of expertise that's hard to find.