When asked why he became a doctor, Dr. Timothy M. Jochen says, “My grandfather, whom I respected a great deal, studied medicine during the Depression. Unfortunately, he ran out of funds and had to stop. It was his biggest regret in life, and so it sparked me early on that this must be something great to do.”
Medicine is not the only profession Jochen knows, however: He has also worked as an engineer, a skill that comes into play in his highly successful dermatology practice, Contour Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center, located in Palm Springs.
Here, Jochen’s commitment to his clients is matched only by his dedication to seeking out innovative dermatologic technology.
"I’m always looking at new devices,” he says. “It’s the engineering degree. Early on in my residency, I started a laser clinic. Fat removal is a big frontier where we’re seeing everything from radiofrequency to freezing to lasers to ultrasound.
“We’re also seeing better lifting capability with ultrasound and radiofrequency,” he adds. “The ultimate goal is to not have to do a facelift anymore, to not have to do any cutting.”
Contour Dermatology offers the latest laser services — if it’s out there, they have it — as well as aesthetic services and medical services such as the treatment of cysts, skin cancer, and all types of skin conditions including acne, eczema, fungal infections, melasma, psoriasis, rosacea, and more.
The clinic is also a comfortable place to spend the day.
“We really try to provide the highest level of customer service,” Jochen says. “I think this is lacking in many medical offices — the approach of treating you not just as a patient but as a friend and as a family member.”
“Making people look better” is what Jochen says is his motivation. He enjoys performing medical procedures for rashes, moles, or skin cancer, in which a patient might be disfigured if surgery is not done properly.
“If we can make them look better, if we can cure some people’s eczema and get rid of marks on their faces, or if we cure psoriasis in others, it can really change the way people feel about themselves,” he says.
VIDEO: A conversation with Dr. Timothy M. Jochen.