Author Archives: the local dish

Advanced Dermatology

Advanced Dermatology*

GENERAL • COSMETIC • SURGICAL

Advanced DermatologyAt Advanced Dermatology the team of board-certified dermatologists, Maryam Moinfar MD, Mahsa Abdollahi MD, and Jeffrey Lander MD, PhD, have been providing medical care to South Orange County residents for over 10 years. Their one and only office is located in the heart of Dana Point. It is regarded as the premier dermatology practice in the area, and it has set the standard for exceptional medical care while upholding its mission of providing a friendly and patient-centric setting.

All three dermatologists completed their training at the renowned University of Minnesota, one of the largest and most prestigious dermatology programs in the nation. They came together as a team in Dana Point by serendipity, and they have made it their goal to provide excellent medical care and superior customer service to the community. They believe in a collaborative approach to your care, regularly consulting with one another to bring forth the most precise, informed and detail-oriented treatment.

Advanced Dermatology patients have access to all aspects of skin, hair, and nail treatments at one location that houses a Cosmetic Specialist, Acne Specialist and the top Mohs Surgeon in Orange County. Services include: Mohs surgery, non-surgical treatment of skin cancer, pathology, pediatric dermatology, and cutaneous oncology. Cosmetic services include: Botox, Xeomin, fillers, Microneedling, Peels, Kybella, lasers and much more! They offer a minimally invasive neck lift using Dr. Moinfar’s unique technique that increases patient safety and yields beautiful results — ask about Dr. Moinfar’s Swan Lift. Advanced Dermatology also provides personalized skin care treatments and at home regimens to meet the medical and cosmetic needs of each patient.

Located on PCH in Dana Point, Advanced Dermatology is in a beautifully designed office with ample parking and 1st floor access. The practice utilizes cutting edge and state of the art technology. It offers the best of every skin cancer treatment option including non-surgical treatment of skin cancer and Mohs. Together, the dermatologists provide an academic level of dermatology in a family friendly and compassionate environment.

In addition to delivering exceptional care, the doctors pride themselves in their accessibility and provide patients their personal cell phone numbers should any questions or concerns arise. This level of attentiveness, combined with exceptional standards of medical care, is why most of the doctors in South Orange County and their families entrust their dermatologic care to the MDs of Advanced Dermatology.

ADVANCED DERMATOLOGY*
34213 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Dana Point
949.248.4547    DermSC.com

Advanced Dermatology

 

 

 

Elite Vein Institute

Elite Vein Institute

ANNE LUHAN, MD, FACS, ABVLM, RPhS, CWSP

The Vein Clinic at Elite MedizinExperience Healthy, Beautiful Legs Again.
People suffering from the harmful effects and discomfort of spider and varicose veins have discovered extraordinary results at the Elite Vein Institute. Founder Anne Luhan, MD, FACS has been chosen “Top Doctor of OC” as well as “Physician of Excellence” and “Best of Dana Point” several years in a row now.

Do you experience discomfort, ankle swelling, heavy legs or varicose veins?
If so, you may be one of 80 million Americans who are plagued with varicose veins and may not even realize you have them. Many who have experienced varicose veins believe they are simply a cosmetic issue that is more of a nuisance than a genuine medical concern. The fact is that varicose veins are a massively underdiagnosed and undertreated problem that can progress into a more serious medical condition, if not addressed properly. Dr. Luhan is making it her mission to educate patients and the community about varicose veins.

Venous reflux or venous insufficiency develops when the valves that usually keep blood flowing out of your legs become damaged or diseased. One of the most common clinical manifestations of venous reflux is varicose veins. Varicose veins are superficial veins that have dilated in response to increased pressure due to incompetent valves in the legs. The main treatment alternative is to re-route blood flow through healthy veins. In the past, this has been done by surgically removing (stripping) the troublesome vein from your leg. Now patients can be treated with minimally invasive alternatives to vein stripping.

Dr. Luhan’s practice offers a comprehensive approach correcting multiple causes of vein disorders and helps restore the look and health of every patient’s legs, whether the issue is cosmetic or health-related.

Procedures can be performed without invasive anesthesia and require little down time and are often covered by Medicare and major insurance companies. As a faculty member of national phlebology organizations, Dr. Luhan is always at the forefront of the latest technologies in the treatment of vein problems. For many patients, receiving treatment is life-altering, enabling them to now lead active, productive lives that were once not possible.

Dr. Anne Luhan is certified by the American Board of General Surgery, the American Board of Surgical Critical Care, the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and the American Board of Woundcare Management. Having passed these prestigious boards shows full commitment to the treatment of venous disease. With these credentials and expertise, it’s no wonder that Dr. Luhan’s patients put their full trust in her hands.

Elite Vein Institute
34052 La Plaza, Suite 102
Dana Point
949.388.4800  •  EliteVeinInstitute.com

 

The Vein Clinic at Elite Medizin

Frank Mogavero, DDS

Frank Mogavero, DDS

ORTHODONTICS • FACIAL ORTHOPEDICS

Frank Mogavero, DDSFor 28 years, Dr. Frank Mogavero has been creating big, beautiful smiles for kids, teens, and adults throughout Southern California and beyond. He and his talented team are known for compassionate orthodontic care and exceptional results that are delivered in a cool, fun-loving environment. Through the utilization of clear and metal braces, Invisalign, early treatment, and surgical and airway orthodontics, Dr. Mogavero customizes a treatment plan to meet the needs and goals of each patient, whether it’s for preventative, restorative or cosmetic outcomes. Now, he is one of only a select group of orthodontists in the U.S. to offer an innovative technology that may transform the path to gorgeous teeth — INBRACE.

As one of approximately 100 orthodontists invited to offer the cutting-edge INBRACE system, Dr. Mogavero is uniquely positioned to provide this remarkable new technology that straightens teeth far more efficiently and quickly than traditional braces. “I think this is the most significant orthodontic advancement in many years.” says Dr. Mogavero, “I am proud to be one of only a handful of orthodontists across the country to be able to treat with INBRACE before it is released nationally next year.”

INBRACE was originally developed by a dedicated team of Orthodontists, Engineers, Biologists, Computer Scientists and Advanced Manufacturing Experts at USC’s Ostrow School of Dentistry. This revolutionary system works through the use of friction-free Smartwires made of flexible interdental loops that are designed to fit behind teeth, instead of in front of them. Unlike metal braces and Invisalign (which uses aligners and fasteners that can still be seen on the front of teeth), this makes INBRACE truly invisible.

“The Smartwires move teeth more efficiently with light continuous forces,” relates Dr. Mogavero, “which is the best way to move teeth. All of the activations are built into the loops of the Smartwire, which starts working immediately.” This translates into less dental visits for patients, more accurate results, and faster treatment times. Patients can also floss and brush normally while wearing INBRACE, due to the ingenious Smartwire design. INBRACE is also more hygienic than removable clear aligners, which tend to trap food and liquids, and can become stained and discolored over time.

Dr. Mogavero is a Board Certified Orthodontist (Baylor Orthodontics) with degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Dentistry from UCLA and he has taught Orthodontics for five years at USC. His practice includes locations in San Clemente, San Diego, and Mammoth Lakes. Give him a call today to schedule an appointment or visit SyncYourSmile.com.

DR. MOGAVERO
1031 Avenida Pico, Suite 101
San Clemente • 949.373.3737
SyncYourSmile.com • MyINBRACEdoc.com

Jeffrey Briney, DDS

Jeffrey Briney, DDS

GENERAL • COSMETIC • SURGICAL

Office Philosophy & Procedures
Jeffrey Briney, DDSDr. Jeffrey Briney and his comprehensive staff specialize in many facets of dentistry and body nutrition within his private practice. General, Laser, Cosmetic and Surgical Dentistry harmonized with facial aesthetics and body nutrition, bring the most complete oral, facial & nutritional healthcare to his patients. Since 1996, Dr. Briney and his staff have taken tremendous pride in offering the finest and most innovative procedures resulting in patients knowing that their result and experience will far exceed any expectations. Dr. Briney has made a commitment to excellence and perfection culminating in a dental visit that patients come to appreciate. The office thrives on having friendships with its patients and providing a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere to reduce any stress that is typically paired with a dental visit.

Background
Dr. Briney was born and raised in Indiana where he studied Biochemistry at Indiana University and continued to receive his dental degree at IU. He also completed a residency at the Indiana University Hospital concentrating in surgery and cosmetics. In 1997, he moved to Southern California where he bought a practice in Beverly Hills. Two years later, he found the true home for his private practice in Dana Point. He has become a global leader in teaching for many dental & medical manufacturers; Biolase Lasers, Coltene, CLEAR CORRECT Orthodontic Aligners  and Straumann Implants. Dr. Briney also writes for several publications who consider him a “Peer to Peers”! His office has the most current technology due to his dedication in research and development for several companies. Dr. Briney also commits several weeks a year to mission work in Haiti and local charities

Advanced Technology
Dr. Briney’s office has been referred to as one of the most advanced in the country according to various dental publications. A distinctive and highly impactful technology, which is rare in dental practices, is the use of microscopes. Dr. Briney believes every procedure should be performed under a microscopic view in order to provide the best oral health possible. His office also utilizes CAD/CAM dentistry that allows for same-day porcelain fillings, crowns, and veneers. Dr. Briney and his staff use four different lasers in order to provide a true laser dental experience for your implant, periodontal, and endodontic needs. Dr. Briney’s advancement in facial aesthetics (Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse) has allowed for true facial/smile makeovers that are custom to each patient. The newest technology for non-surgical facelifts and skin tightening is performed utilizing the Venus Legacy which has demonstrated proven patient results. One aspect that is commonly forgotten in offices is body nutrition and wellness, which is addressed through nutritional counseling and nutritional injections (Vitamin B12, HCG, Super MIC).

Contact Dr. Briney today for more information on a specific procedure or to schedule a consultation.

JEFFREY BRINEY, DDS
24921 Dana Point Harbor Dr., #B-120
Dana Point • 949.496.0131
Doc4Smiles.comDoc4Health.com

Jeffrey Briney, DDS

John Redmond Orthodontics

John Redmond Orthodontics

ORTHODONTICS

John Redmond OrthodonticsDr. John Redmond has been creating beautiful smiles in San Clemente for the last 17 years. His team has a combined 150 years of experience and they pride themselves in providing quality care in a warm and friendly environment where you will find yourself feeling more like family than patients.

Whether you’re wanting to straighten your teeth with traditional braces, lingual braces (behind the teeth) or Invisalign, Dr. John specializes in them all.

Traditional Braces
Braces can correct crooked and crowded teeth, a misaligned bite, and jaw problems. Braces also eliminate issues you may have with eating, speaking properly, or with keeping your teeth clean. With advancements in dental technology, traditional braces are now sleeker, smaller, and more comfortable.

INBRACE Lingual Braces
INBRACE dramatically improves on the most important aspects of orthodontic treatment. Hidden behind your teeth, INBRACE is quicker and more comfortable. INBRACE reimagines fundamental orthodontic principles with 21st century technology to create something both revolutionary and familiar. With nothing attached to the front of your teeth, enjoy the benefits of your improving smile with INBRACE within weeks.

Invisalign
John Redmond Orthodontics in San Clemente will help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve. With Invisalign, you can get the straight teeth you’ve always wanted without dealing with braces. Dr. John Redmond has earned “Premier” provider status with Invisalign, which means he has an exceptional amount of expertise and experience.

iTero Digital Impression System
No more goop, gagging, or discomfort! Using an iTero scanner, Dr. John takes a highly accurate digital impression. This new technology completely eliminates the tray and putty impression. The iTero scanner ensures a more accurate impression from the start, resulting in improved treatment and a more comfortable patient experience. Digital impression also gives you the ability to see an instant 3D simulation of what your teeth will look like after orthodontic treatment!

Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation. The office is open Monday through Friday and offers convenient evening appointments. John Redmond Orthodontics also accepts most insurance and provides flexible payment options including zero down and zero interest.

JOHN REDMOND ORTHODONTICS
181 Avenida Vaquero, Suite C
San Clemente
949.492.2141
JohnRedmondOrthodontics.com

John Redmond Orthodontics

 

 

Judy L. Bourget, MD

Judy L. Bourget, MD

BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT FOR MEN and WOMEN

Judy L. Bourget, MDHeard of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)? Do you have symptoms of hormone imbalance such as fatigue, low libido, foggy thinking, loss of muscle mass, increased fat tissue, intolerance to exercise, and depression?

Hormones can have an effect on your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. BioTE’s bio-identical hormone replacement therapy comes in the form of subcutaneous pellets. Rather than using synthetic hormones, try a more natural way with a custom-compounded pellet unique to each patient’s physiology. There is now a solution to keep your hormone levels more consistent throughout the day. 

Not only do patients enjoy the benefits of increased stamina, libido, astuteness and muscle mass, there are several medical benefits to BHRT. Multiple white papers confirm less heart disease, less diabetes, stronger bones, and decreased risk of Alzheimer’s. BioTE Medical administers BHRT pellets to maintain optimal hormone levels in both men and women.

Rather than taking daily medications, a BioTE patient only needs to get two to four pellet insertions per year to see a difference. Pellet insertion also helps prevent the rollercoaster-like effects patients receive as there is a more consistent administration of hormones.

One of the largest benefits of BHRT pellets over traditional pellets is that the hormones within BHRT pellets are structurally the same as naturally occurring human hormones. In addition to this, BHRT pellets are plant derived and can be found in nature. This means that the hormones used in BHRT pellet therapy are more natural in comparison to other options such as synthetic pellets. If utilizing natural hormones wasn’t enough, BHRT pellets also release these hormones on a more consistent basis. This allows for the body to absorb the hormones in a more beneficial way rather than having to suffer from the inconsistencies of pills and patches.

Dr. Bourget has administered bio-identical hormones for several years but avoided using pellets due to the large range of results she noted amongst patients. She became a certified BioTe provider because she knew the reputation BioTe carried. BioTe delivers a product that is known for only 0.3% variability and uses a dosing algorithm that takes the guess work out of properly dosing patients. If you are struggling with any of the above symptoms or are interested in learning more about BioTe, please call Dr. Bourget’s office at (949) 429-8760 and make an appointment.

JUDY L. BOURGET, MD
34052 La Plaza, Ste. 104 • Dana Point
949.429.8760
JudyBourgetMD.com

Judy L. Bourget, MD

 

Michelle Hure, MD, MS

Michelle Hure, MD, MS

ORANGE COUNTY SKINLAB

Michelle Hure, MD, MSOC SkinLab has continued to garner top reviews and accolades in Orange County for patient satisfaction, and their unique approach to medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Michelle Hure started OC SkinLab to provide dermatology and dermatopathology services in a warm and approachable environment. Dr. Hure trained at Yale-New Haven and the University of Massachusetts and is also board certified in dermatopathology, which gives her the unique tools to accurately diagnose and treat a wide range of dermatologic conditions in patients of all ages. Her expertise in dermatopathology is also recognized by dermatologists in the area who routinely send her biopsies for interpretation. She is also an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Dermatology at UC Irvine, where she routinely lends her expertise on complicated cases and teaches the residents and medical students. Her dedication and skill have been recognized within the community by being voted best overall Healthcare Provider in San Juan Capistrano by The Capistrano Dispatch’s Best of 2017 and one of the best dermatology offices in Orange County by Locale Magazine, in addition to, Yelp top dermatology office in San Juan Capistrano.

Dr. Hure contributes this overwhelming response to her sincere desire to spend more time with her patients and cultivate relationships. Having been in a large practice prior, Dr. Hure dreamed of having the freedom to design an office that centered around optimal patient care and satisfaction.  This dedication has led to the need for a recent expansion, which includes a new surgical suite with a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon for complicated skin cancer removal and a full-service spa retreat, BeautyLab, with her amazing nurse/aesthetician.

In addition to her robust medical and surgical practice, Dr. Hure ensures that all non-invasive cosmetic treatments, including hair restoration, non-surgical genital rejuvenation, microneedling, PRP injections, Botox and filler injectables and chemical peels are delivered in a relaxed environment where the emphasis is always centered around natural-looking results and are exclusively performed by her.

As a resident of San Juan Capistrano and Chamber of Commerce member, Dr. Hure seeks to be an involved member of the community whether she’s routinely passing out sunscreen at the Swallow’s Day Parade or offering free skin cancer screenings for all active first responders (including firefighters, police, EMS and lifeguards) in town.

ORANGE COUNTY SKINLAB
31899 Del Obispo St., Ste. 130
San Juan Capistrano
949.359.6400
OCSkinLab.com

Michelle Hure, MD, MS

Monarch Veterinary Hospital

Monarch Veterinary Hospital

GLENN CRAFT, DVM and KELLY ALCALA, DVM

Monarch Veterinary HospitalMonarch Veterinary Hospital for 17 years has occupied part of the Clubhouse Plaza at the intersection of Clubhouse Drive and Niguel Road, tucked in the Hills of South Laguna Niguel. This residential area is known for pet owners who love to take their dogs for long walks down the canyon to Monarch Beach, Dana Point Harbor, or in the many local parks. Monarch Veterinary Hospital is known not only for exceptional pet healthcare, but for building long-lasting, trusting relationships with clients, and keeping the culture of the practice such that it is non-chaotic, peaceful, and a place their pets do not mind visiting.

Dr. Glenn Craft and his wife, Lisa, envisioned just such a facility when they returned home to California after spending four years serving in Thailand with Christian Veterinary Mission/World Concern, a community development NGO that operates in the poorest parts of the world where livestock is the main key to the local economy. Working together, their goal was to establish a high-end veterinary practice that balanced compassionate personal touch with exceptional high-tech veterinary medicine, without compromising the high standard of care. 

The exciting news this year is that the hospital facility is more than doubling in size before the first of the year at the present location. Don’t miss the January Open House! As the hospital has grown so much in recent years, in order to keep a calm practice environment, it’s increasing to four exam rooms, more room for doctors’ offices, and adding full grooming services, as well as an exercise area for hospitalized pets, and “geriatric day spa” services. The reception area will be wide and roomy so patients and clients do not feel crowded. The hospital will continue to offer the full range of veterinary professional services from wellness checks, immunizations, general surgery, dental care, therapeutic laser, ultrasound, as well as digital radiography with STAT radiology consult available. The staff at MVH is deep in experience as well as expertise.

Three years ago, Dr. Kelly Alcala became an Associate DVM at MVH and brings with her an impressive reputation. She and Dr. Craft are very like-minded in practice and in how they communicate with their clients. Both doctors have established strong relationships with carefully chosen specialists at facilities in South Orange County, including a cardiologist, Dr. Fred Brewer, who comes to the practice whenever he is needed, and Dr. Shenandoah Diehl, who is available for expert ultrasonography and consultation.

From the beginning the goal at Monarch veterinary hospital has been to deliver a personal experience that exceeds the pet owners expectations each and every visit. The staff is committed to that goal and takes much pride in accomplishing it every day with each client.

MONARCH VETERINARY HOSPITAL
31271 Niguel Road, Suite E
Laguna Niguel
949.443.1466
MonarchVet.com

Monarch Veterinary Hospital

Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry

NHU Q. TRAN, DDS, APC

Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Nhu Q. Tran has been taking care of “sugar bugs” on kids’ teeth in San Clemente for almost fifteen years. Her number one goal is to provide optimal dental care, in a gentle and caring manner to all her patients. Dr. Tran enjoys treating a wide age range of patients who visit her pediatric dental practice. She has fun tickling the teeth of infants and toddlers who visit her for their first check up and cleaning. She also takes pride and care guiding a fearful child or teenager through a treatment and helping them overcome their dental fears. Whether a child is excited to have their teeth “counted and brushed” or they are nervous about seeing “Mr. Slurpy” and “Mr. Thirsty,” Dr. Tran and her team strive to provide every child with a fun and educational experience that they enjoy and look forward to each and every time.

A native of Southern California, Dr. Tran went to UC Berkeley for her undergraduate education, then relocated to the Midwest and attended Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry in Cleveland, Ohio. Having graduated among the top of her class, she became a recipient of the Pierre Fauchard Scholarship, and earned a membership into the National Dental Honor Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Following dental school, Dr. Tran returned to Southern California to pursue two years of additional post-doctorate training in pediatric dentistry, at the University of Southern California. After receiving her Advanced Pediatric Dental Certificate from USC, Dr. Tran pursued further advancement in her specialty by achieving the status of Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Aside from taking care of her private patients, Dr. Tran has given back to her Trojan roots, by being a part of the USC Advanced Pediatric Dentistry Faculty since 2006. Furthermore, she spent five years as the Pediatric Dental Residency Director at the Children’s Dental Health Clinic at Miller Children’s Hospital, in Long Beach. Dr. Tran’s involvement in academia enables her to provide the most up-to-date and thorough treatment for her patients. She recently decided to step away from her role as director to spend more time with her family and her private practice. So, whether you see Dr. Tran in the office or on the baseball field rooting on her boys, be sure to say hello! And whether your child is 1 or 16, excited or nervous, healthy or have special health care needs, Dr. Tran and her team are trained and ready to provide the best care for your children.

NHU Q. TRAN, DDS, APC
Pediatric Dentistry
1171 Puerta del Sol, Suite A
San Clemente
949.481.5437 (KIDS)
SCKidsDentist.com

 

Pediatric Dentistry

Samer Kaanen, MD, FACS, FCCP

Samer Kaanen, MD, FACS, FCCP

MINIMALLY INVASIVE THORACIC SURGERY

Samer Kaanen, MD, FACS, FCCP

Dr. Samer A. Kanaan, MD, FACS, FCCP combines compassionate care and state-of-the-art technology to bring the best in minimally-invasive thoracic surgery to Orange County. His revolutionary approach utilizes the da Vinci® Surgical System to ensure a high rate of success in treating cancer and lung disease, including faster recovery times and less risk of infection, pain, and scarring.

Dr. Kanaan is a Harvard-trained, board-certified surgeon specializing in minimally-invasive robotic surgery, and is one of only a handful of doctors in the United States qualified to use the da Vinci® Surgical System to perform high precision thoracic surgeries. Dr. Kanaan received his medical degree and general surgery training from North-western University. He completed his thoracic fellowship at USC and a lung cancer fellowship at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Since then he has worked as an attending surgeon at numerous hospitals and medical centers throughout California, and in 2018 was appointed Chair of the Cancer Committee at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo.

Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer in America and the world, and has previously been treatable only through chemotherapy, open chest surgery, or 2-dimensional video-assisted surgery.

The da Vinci® Surgical System works by greatly increasing the surgeon’s visualization of the operating field through a 3D camera, which provides a magnified, high-resolution image of the lung and chest area. The surgeon controls four interactive robotic arms through miniaturized EndoWrist surgical instruments, which mimic the exact movements of his hands as he sews, staples, and dissects tissue.

The benefits of minimally-invasive robotic surgery go far beyond surgical precision during the operation. Since the procedure only makes small, 1 cm. incisions in the rib space, it does not require spreading or cutting the breastbone or ribs. This means the operation is safer for patients, who experience less blood loss, have shorter hospital stays, and can usually return to normal activities within a few weeks. Robotic thoracic surgery also makes lung surgery a viable option for older patients in their 80s and 90s, who would normally be prohibited from considering a surgical care option.

Unlike with many other specialists, patients at Dr. Kanaan’s Laguna Hills and Mission Viejo offices don’t have to wait weeks, or even months, just to get an appointment. Dr. Kanaan usually gets patients in for an appointment within one week, and will often be performing robotic assisted surgery a week later.

Dr. Kanaan is so highly respected in his field that the makers of the da Vinci® robotic system have asked him to train other surgeons in its use. He routinely travels across the country teaching expert surgeons at some of the most prestigious hospitals and universities in the nation.

To learn more about Dr. Kanaan and robotic thoracic surgery, or to schedule an appointment, www.SamerKanaanMD.com. He is a preferred provider for most medical insurance plans, including Medicare.

SAMER KAANEN, MD, FACS
Mission Viejo / Laguna Hills
949.444.LUNG
SamerKanaanMD.com

Samer Kaanen, MD, FACS, FCCP