Divya Railan, MD

Dr. Railan’s staff is great. She, herself is OK — as the two star rating suggests: I’ve experienced better.
The two times I’ve gone into the office, she’s not been the most empathetic person, not remembering anything specific or unique about me. As a patient, I’m looking for a doctor who cares (or gives off the illusion that she cares).
She is decently thorough with her exams, but asks no real questions to get more context on any new activities between last skin exam and this skin exam. A really thoughtful physician would take more care in asking these questions.
Lastly, every time I go, I feel that she’s trying to sell me her products — last time it was ferulic acid, which she didn’t follow up on this time (which makes me think that she didnt’ care about me actually needing it) — this time it was powered sunblock, which I don’t think I need given I apply sunblock everyday and work indoors all the time.
Is it a bad office? no. The staff is totally friendly but the genuine-​ness of the physician and her care is not clear to me.

I was very impressed with the very thorough and attentive approach of Dr Railan.
She really took the time to check and explain everything and beyond. The stuff was super attentive and very friendly as well. Very professional attitude!

I’ve got acne. From when I first came into my first appointment and Dr. Railan had an advanced looking lens to examine my skin closely ready to go, I suspected there was quality here. I’ve been to one other dermatologist who was ok, and mostly just recommended medicines that helped but didn’t really solve the problem.
Dr. Railan set me up with several new prescriptions, and importantly also told me good habits like changing my razor and pillow frequently to prevent bacteria build-​up, and is clearly very detail oriented. On one prescription, she gave me a sheet of instructions to read, said there’d be a quiz, and walked out, and when she walked in she actually asked me about it. As someone who knows that my technique for applying medicine is an important factor, I appreciate that she really takes the time to get it right.
The office staff are incredibly courteous, professional, and helpful.
As far as results, my acne’s gotten significantly better, and is on track to go away fully soon. After seven years of dealing with acne, I wish I had met Dr. Railian seven years ago.

she’s horrible, doesnt care about patients and will carelessly harm your skin. receptionist guy is annoying and condescending. take your business elsewhere.

I’ve been going to Dr. Railan for years, and she never disappoints. She is extremely professional and provides excellent care. She’s very proactive and thorough, always producing fantastic results. I highly recommend her! Her staff is also wonderful — A++!

Dr Railan is great! She really takes the time to explain what is available and what to expect. There are good and bad docs out there… so assuring knowing I’m with an outstanding one. I would strongly recommend Dr Railan. Her entire office is amazing too!

In short: Dr. Railan offers fantastic expertise, clean, lovely office, great location, brilliant, focused support staff, and skincare that is not only effective, but delivered with the utmost care to one’s personal needs and concerns.
Most importantly, Dr. Railan is focused on results, and by visiting her, I got the results I desired.
Long version: I saw Dr. Railan first when experiencing terrible acne breakouts– just weeks before my wedding. For months, I conducted heavy online research and tried many different solutions, but nothing worked. Suffice it to say I was in a panic as my wedding day loomed closer and closer and my skin left me in a horrible mood every day.
In addition to giving me a skin care plan going forward and arsenal of medications and products to use (it can be so difficult to tell what will actually help when working alone), Dr. Railan paid close attention to my timeline and concerns and did not suggest anything she thought could cause complications before my wedding date. She even went out of her way to think through a skincare routine that would be easy to handle during a rigorous, hectic honeymoon.
Dr. Railan’s offices are comfortable and her staff is fantastic. I came in panicked, embarrassed, and hopeless, and came out feeling sweet, sweet relief and no more anxiety about my skin.

I have been a patient of Dr. Railan for several years now. I originally saw her at her previous location in San Jose-​Los Gatos. I am very happy with the treatment I have received from her staff and I especially am very happy with Dr. Railan. She takes the time to explain every step she is going to take, what causes your issues, how to treat your issues, and is very professional in her treatment manner.

I can highly recommend Dr. Railan for her ability to listen to the patient. I had been seeing a dermatologist who has many offices around the bay area. He told me I had dermatitis under my eye. He spent less than 5 minutes with me and did not want to biopsy the site.
I remembered Dr. Railan from when she worked in Los Gatos and found she had moved to Menlo Park. When Dr. Railan saw me, she remembered me. More importantly, she listened to my concerns about my eye. Dr. Railan took a biopsy. I found out I had melanoma. Upon further biopsies, ten taken, I learned the melanoma had spread around my eye and the lids would have to be removed.
Dr. Railan arranged the entire treatment and surgery plan with UCSF. I underwent an intense six hour surgery and was in the hospital for four days. UCSF and Dr. Railan worked together with such care and professionalism. I remind the reader, I had been to see another doctor and was told I had dermatitis.
I am grateful and profoundly thankful that I went to see Dr. Railan. I real feel she saved my life. After several reconstructive surgeries with the amazingly talented doctors at UCSF, I returned to Dr. Railan for my three month check ups.
Not quite a year after extensive removal of melanoma around my eye and down my cheek, a suspicious site showed up above my lip. Dr. Railan biopsied the site. Again I was informed it was melanoma. Dr. Railan was very attentive to me. She was very compassionate as well. She cared.
Dr. Railan, once again, worked with UCSF to schedule my removal surgery and reconstructive surgery at the site above my lip. I have great trust and faith in Dr. Railan.
It will be in your best interest to choose Dr. Railan as your dermatologist.

I’ve been a patient of Dr. Railan’s for six years now, and I’m definitely a fan. She’s cautious about potential issues and very vigilant.

Dr. Railan is a great dermatologist! I first saw her with a series of concerns, and she was very proactive with treating each one. Prior to seeing her, I went to two other ineffectual dermatologists in the peninsula.
(One couldn’t even manage to correctly remove a mole, and the other only would give me an on-​going prescription of antibiotics to treat acne. Who wants to keep taking antibiotics when there are other methods that don’t mess with your digestion?)
I am so happy to find someone that listens and gives you appropriate treatments that work!
Also, the staff are ridiculously nice.

Last year, I moved to Palo Alto from NYC and needed a dermatologist. My dermatologist in NYC recommend Dr. Railan and I am so happy that she did.
Two of my friends from business school started going here and they have both have been really happy. One was new to cosmetic procedures and the other had been going to my derm in NYC for Botox and fillers until she also moved to Palo Alto.
Results: This was the deciding factor for me. Dr. Railan is very skilled in the art of placement. I look «refreshed».
Ease of appointment: The first time I made an appointment, I called the office but now I make appointments online.
Staff: Very professional and discreet.
I have calendar alerts so I can go regularly every few months. Also, for me, no frowning means no headaches!
Other positives:
My TMJ pain has disappeared since Dr. Railan started doing my Botox.
I like that there are occasional specials on products, I stocked up on my sunscreen last time.
Free parking in the underground garage below the office.

Absolute NIGHTMARISH experience. DON’T fall for 5 star ratings that are written for her and do the mistake that we committed. Wish we could have given some weight-​age to the quite a number of poor ratings, which more accurately reflects Dr. Railan. I found them rude, unprofessional, and not concerned about the patients.

If Stars are for her staff, I can give 5 stars.
But doctors herself, she does not have time for patients and give any of the medicines randomly and in next visit you go if situation is worse she will change the medicine without thinking we have spent so much money which she gave few days ago. Also she sells products every week
What I except from doctor is to give time to patients, listen to problems carefully, lexamine the face carefully Not only come asks for 2 min whats the issue and tell medicine to staff and go.
I had 4 – 5 visits and no luck in my problems and looks like I have wasted my time and money

I actually sought out Dr. Railan, and drove an hour out of my way to see her. Some friends and I had been lamenting about how hard it is to find a good Dermatologist. Her husband had just had a bunch of cancer/​moles removed. My friend said there was only one Dermatologist that they ever liked at that place in Los Gatos, but she moved away. And I piped up –«Was it Dr. Railan?!!» I had originally been her patient for a few years when she was working in Los Gatos. Then she moved up to the Palo Alto/​Menlo Park area, so I started seeing another Dermatologist in Los Gatos.
I have had 3 different kinds of skin cancer (including melanoma) so I have to get skin checks every 4 months. Now every 6 months. So, over the past 13 years — I’ve been seen by 5 different dermatologist. I wasn’t happy with my current Dermatologist, so I searched out the only Dermatologist that I liked so far to date — and that is Dr. Railan. My experience has been great! She even remembered me from 3 years earlier. I feel that she is attentive to my concerns about skin cancer. She goes over the warning signs to look for, measured suspicious moles, documented & took pictures for future comparison — just a very thorough job. And I like that she is a one-​stop-​shop for me. She talked to me about the difference between Chemical Sunscreens and products with Zinc in them. (Zinc better). About what would be good for my skin at my age, protection, skin care, wrinkle prevention, etc. When I made the appointment by phone, I remember even the front desk staff was so friendly, accommodating —- soooo different than other Doctor’s offices I have visited. I remember thinking, «Yep…of course she would have friendly staff!» they emailed me directions, as it would be my first time up to Menlo Park.
I am so pleased that I have someone consistent for my cancer checks and for skin care that I can count on. Cancer’s no joke. I don’t want to die! And while I’m living, I want to have the best skin I can!!! So glad I went to you and I’m going to be sending you tons of referrals!

I had the WORST experience. I wish I could give this place ZERO STARTS! I actually saw Dr. Railan twice. The first time was OK. The second time I LEFT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE APPOINTMENT because she made me feel very uncomfortable. I came to see her with a few concerns. One of them was apparently out of her treatment scope. So she told me «I DON’T KNOW WHAT IT IS. MAYBE IT’S CANCER. I DON’T KNOW». I believe that a doctor should never use the word CANCER unless he/​she really diagnoses a patient with the disease. Also, she was pissed of with the nurse (in front of my eyes (!!!) for not asking me more questions. Finally, her general approach made me want to cry. Great dermatologists are very hard to find. I believe that I made it clear that I will never ever see her again! So disappointing…

I have been a patient of Dr. Railan for over a year and could not be happier! Of all the dermatologists that I have visited (4 – 5 on a regular basis, plus a few other more one-​off doctors) Dr. Railan is by far the best. My visits to dermatologists have focused primarily on acne and Dr. Railan’s approach to this condition has stood out.
Dr. Railan and her assistant April keep great notes from visit to visit that allow them to always be up-​to-​date. It was very common with previous doctors for every visit to feel like a clean reboot where all history from previous appointments was lost and we had to start over. When it comes to the actual regimen itself, Dr. Railan is very meticulous. She or her assistant will provide you with a detailed set of instructions for you to take home and memorize. I’ve had doctors do this sporadically in the past, but never consistently. To be honest, though, it really seems necessary. If a patient is not following the prescribed regimen closely, I can’t imagine how a doctor will be able to determine if the treatment is working and/​or make decisions on alternative treatment options. In my experience, Dr. Railan is very experienced in holding her patients accountable to their regimen — it is not uncommon for her to ask me to recite it back to her by memory when I visit.
Last but not least, April and Scott (Dr. Railan’s staff) are both extraordinarily pleasant and fun to chat with. I have very much enjoyed getting to know Dr. Railan herself over the past year I have seen her and I feel like she is very much interested in my well-​being!

It’s ok that we didn’t become BFFs on a personal level. I would prefer a gruff, old-​school, all-​business bedside manner to phony nice-​y nice, but phony nice-​y nice is ok.
What’s not ok is:
1. Never remembering what I do each time I see you after having several medically-​relevant conversations about what I do.
2. Acting visibly surprised upon hearing that my husband and I live apart b/​c I am on a grant right now, even though we have had several exchanges about this fact in visits past in which you have expressed sympathy about the challenges of being in a long-​distance relationship with one’s husband.
3. Never changing the mistake in your notes about which product I’m using, so that every single time I see you, you ask me if I’m using X, and each time I see you, I say no, I’m using Y.
4. Noticing my brightly colored flats and my brightly colored phone and pointing to both and then saying, «you must really like the color orange!» when only one of the two items was orange. As a dermatologist, isn’t it your job to be sensitive to even subtle variations in color? Don’t people’s lives depend upon your ideally better-​than-​average ability to see differences in chromatic shading?
5. After an appointment in which I was direct (yet polite, and explicitly not blaming anyone, saying that I recognized that this was a process/​experiment/​ongoing conversation) about saying I didn’t think the treatments we had tried had been effective, and did you have alternative suggestions or any new ideas, having your assistant call me and tell me that the office is going to be «at a conference» on the day that I happened to book my appointment, and that oh, by the way, here’s a referral for another doctor.
In short:
Do you know the expression 9s hire 10s– 7s hire 6s? The idea is that people who aren’t that good at what they do surround themselves with people who won’t notice that they’re not that good at what they do. When I noticed, I got quietly ushered out the back door.

I have no idea why Dr Railan has 5 stars. I did not have nearly a 5 star experience w/​her.
Scott the receptionist was great. Very accommodating and pleasant.
The nurse (don’t know her name) was nice and pleasant too, taking down my info and asking me questions about my skin health.
I went to see Dr. Railan primarily for acne, which i have had for the last ten years. In those years, I’ve been on Accutane twice, tetracycline, Doxycycline (sp?), and a bunch of topicals, including Differin and Epiduo. Thankfully, my skin has been pretty clear (with minimal scarring) as a result of going on Accutane, but recently I had gotten a few breakouts on my chin, so I wanted to head off the breakouts early and WITHOUT going on generic Accutane again.
Dr Railan walks in 30 minutes late and greets me and turns to the nurse, who then downloads her on my background. Then she tells her what to prescribe me without doing any of the following:
1). looking at me
2). examining my skin
3). asking me about my skin/​med history or my experiences with them
4). asking what my preferences or goals were
This I thought was pretty unprofessional, because that implies that she uses the same regimen on her patients without really understanding what the patient NEEDS.
So I had to ask her to look at my face (which is crazy to ask a derm to do that) and immediately she goes, «You have acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea (or something like that), and depressions.» Now, my skin is NOT that bad, you’d think from her response I needed to walk around with a bag over my head. Thanks.
Anyways, so I basically had to force the conversation, especially about the meds she prescribed me, and a minute later she recommended that I go on Accutane again. I was pretty surprised she would even bring this up as an option so quickly. First of all, Accutane isn’t even available on the market anymore. Since it’s so strong, it was taken off and replaced with several generic options. Secondly, my skin is not nearly bad enough to go on Accutane, and I’ve never had any dermatologist recommend generic Accutane upon first meeting me. It should only be used as an absolute last resort since the drug is so powerful.
Since generic Accutane was out of the question, I had several questions about the topicals she was prescribing me, since she was prescribing me three different meds at once. This seemed pretty over the top to me, so I questioned her the rationale for each of them, what each of them uniquely did, why she recommended that specific mix, and how it was going to fight the acne. Dr Railan looked very startled to be asked these questions, like a deer in headlights, and said that she had to go finish another procedure and would get back to me. She had been in the room for maybe 7 minutes. I also had to be seen for two of minor things, and she implied that she didn’t have enough time to do them, even though I had told Scott that I wanted to be seen for three reasons.
So I waited and she eventually came back, answering in a rushed way the ways the meds would work. She also had some google printouts of articles that explained basic causes of acne and some other stuff, saying that she didn’t know specifically the answers to a few of my questions and that I could read up on the literature. Which was extremely alarming to me, because she’s a dermatologist, and acne is one of the most common skin afflictions — how can she not know?
So, the entire visit was really disappointing:
30 minutes late
didn’t look at me before prescribing too many meds
answered minimally basic questions about the meds, mix, and causes of acne
googled articles on acne for me (I can do this myself, thanks)
interrupted my visit (after spending 7 minutes with me) to finish another patient
didn’t have enough time (or didn’t know) to examine/​treat the two other things I came in for
This is a big disappointment, because I really wanted a good derm in the Bay area and now I have to search again.

Dr. Railan is probably the most professional and accommodating doctor I’ve been to thus far. She and her staff, Scott and April, are always there to help with any questions/​concerns. There was a time when I couldn’t make the original appointment because something came up out of the blue. Dr. Railan and her staff went out of their way to make sure they were flexible enough to fit me in a couple of days later. I couldn’t ask for more. So glad to have found these guys!