Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery: About Us

Doctor Ali Lashgari

Dr. Lashgari received his Bachelor of Science with honors from California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, CA, and then got his Medical Degree from University of California, San Diego (UCSD). He did his Internship at Yale New Haven Hospital, and returned to San Diego to undertake his Dermatology Residency training at UCSD Medical Center, which he completed in 1996. He is board certified in Dermatology and is a fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and American Society of Dermatology Surgery. He is the past president of the San Diego Society of Dermatology Surgery. He has been voted as one of the best Physicians and Surgeons by Bestof.com. He is also a member of the American Society of Mohs Surgeons, San Diego Medical Society, and San Diego Dermatology Society.

Darin Martel (PA-C)

Darin is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in general surgical and cosmetic dermatology since 2002. While he has many years of training and experience in the specialty, Darin continues to stay abreast of the latest advances in dermatology through ongoing education programs provided by the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA). He received his Bachelors of Health Sciences from the University of Arizona and attended PA school at Charles Drew University in Los Angeles. Outside of work, Darin enjoys surfing, travel and spending time with his beautiful wife and daughter.

Dana Armstead (Office Manager)

Dana is originally from Los Angeles, California and relocated to San Diego four years ago. She became a Certified Medical Assistant in 1994 and spent seven years gaining experience in multiple specialties including Internal Medicine, Oncology, Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Urology, and Family Practice and in management of a laboratory at UCLA. She then made the choice to transition into Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology over the past 7 years. She brings to the practice extensive experience as a Certified Medical Assistant, Referral Coordinator, Cosmetic Consultant and Office Manager. She loves people and is passionate about delivering the highest quality in patient care. She enjoys encouraging people on a daily basis for personal and professional growth and leading by example. She has returned to school to obtain her license as a Registered Nurse. She finds having a teenage daughter a joy and a challenge. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, yoga, the gym, beach, spending time with family and friends, riding motorcycles, and dancing.

Brenda Helps (Medical Assistant)

Brenda Helps came to our practice almost six years ago with many years experience in the cosmetic medical industry. Brenda has had many roles in the past such as Dental Assistant, Surgical Assistant, Medical Assistant, Patient Care Coordinator, and Office Manager. With her extensive aesthetics training background and a passion for the medical profession, Brenda is able to address any questions regarding our procedures, products or concerns our patients might have. Brenda is a longtime San Diego resident, aspiring artist and grandmother to eight. She has an appreciation and eye for beauty that fits very well with Dr. Lashgari’s aesthetic medical practice.

Lisa Padilla (Patient Care Coordinator)

Lisa has been dedicated to the healthcare field for the past 15 years, nine of those years in Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery. As a Patient Care Coordinator, she believes in educating patients on all aspects of our surgical and minimally invasive procedures so that they can make the best possible decisions regarding the services we offer, in a personal and caring environment. Lisa feels that it is incredibly rewarding and a privilege to share in the journey of transformation of our patients. As a patient of cosmetic surgery herself, Lisa understands the questions and concerns patients may have in regards to our procedures. She also understands the excitement of patients looking forward to feeling better about themselves. Together with Dr. Lashgari's outstanding credentials and personal attention and care with every patient, Lisa feels confident recommending our procedures to the patients. In her free time, Lisa enjoys reading and watching football; she has special interest in fashion and skin care. She is happily married and has two wonderful children.

Terri Parker (Front Office Coordinator)

Terri is the second Front Office Coordinator. She states that she is “extremely proud and excited to be working for one of the most prestigious medical offices in San Diego”. She also feels very fortunate to spend her days with our great patients and the BEST staff anywhere. Terri feels that this job is a perfect fit for her since she has an Esthetician background and has always enjoyed the Skin care/Beauty industry. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her wonderful family and friends. She has been married for 13 years and has an awesome 12 year old son. She really enjoys sports, so she is usually at her son’s baseball games or is watching her favorite teams, Padres and Chargers, play. She also enjoys shopping, scrapbooking, and spending time at downtown with friends.

George Talbot (Medical Assistant)

George considers himself one of the most blessed people for the following reasons: “I have a beautiful wife, three gorgeous daughters, a handsome son, and four great and loveable grandkids. In addition, I have a great job at Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery where I share my 30 years of experience and passion for patients’ care”, he states. George enjoys the opportunity to work with a very nice group of people in a very pleasant atmosphere, where he also has the privilege of meeting very nice patients on a daily basis. Furthermore, he feels that San Diego is the best place to live in the world. For all these reasons, he feels very happy and blessed.

Cyndi Tracy (Business Administrator)

Cyndi has been in the medical field for over fifteen years. Over five of those years, she has been a member of Dr. Lashgari’s financial team. Her passion is spending time with her adult children and grandchildren. Cyndi’s son and his family live in Central California. She likes taking the train up there as much as time allows. Her daughter and her family live four miles from her and they get together quite often to play tennis and go to the beach. Cyndi also loves singing karaoke with her husband on the weekends. Cyndi states, “If we haven’t met I hope to see you at your next visit.”

Heather Vittek (Medical Assistant)

Heather has worked in the medical field for over 10 years, both as a Certified Medical Assistant and in office management. Her background is in Internal Medicine and Cardiology. She has really enjoyed making the transition to Dermatology. She feels very lucky to be working with such a great group of people and patients. Heather is a San Diego native who resides in Carlsbad on the beach with her wonderful husband, beautiful daughter and rescued pets. She loves getting together with her extended family, being on the beach and spending time enjoying the wonderful local culture of San Diego County.