About Your Doctor
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
– Maya Angelou
A Message from Dr. Rotunda
I am a double board-certified dermatologic surgeon specializing in Mohs Micrographic Surgery, the most precise and effective technique for treating skin cancer. I had the privilege of training under Dr. Richard G. Bennett, an internationally recognized Mohs surgeon, through an intensive fellowship in Mohs and Reconstructive Surgery with the American College of Mohs Surgery. His mentorship was the pinnacle of my training—building on a decade-long foundation—where I learned the science of skin histopathology and the art of surgical reconstruction. Mohs surgery remains the gold standard in our mission to treat and cure skin cancer.
My commitment is simple: exceptional care, delivered with honesty and heart. That’s the way I was raised, and that’s the way I practice medicine.
I come from an Italian-American family, was raised in New York (as we say, “It’s in the water!”), where values like hard work, sacrifice for growth, helping others, sharing passions, and trust weren’t just taught—they were lived. My mother was a traditional stay-at-home mom, my father a bandleader (the “Starduster’s Big Band), commercial artist, and entrepreneur, and my two brothers (I’m the middle child) are artists. In our family, we cared for one another without hesitation and believed that integrity and hard work define a person’s character. We also believed that a bowl of pasta with fresh tomato sauce and a good conversation around the dinner table could solve almost anything. Those same values guide me every day in my practice—and if you’ve ever tried my homemade cookies, you know exactly what I mean!
Growing up in a household that valued health and discipline, I often heard my father say, “Treat the body like a temple.” Through his example, I learned that a strong character, a strong body, and solid nutrition lay the foundation for success. My personal commitment to health and discipline began as a teen bodybuilder, where I embraced the grit and resilience that would later carry me through the demanding road of medical training. The discipline to push through challenges—whether in the gym, in the classroom, or in the operating room—shaped my unwavering commitment to my patients. Today, I am privileged to work with a dedicated team that shares my belief in giving back and serving others with skill and compassion.
As a physician and surgeon, I know that beyond the diagnosis and procedure, what truly matters is how a patient feels—safe, heard, and cared for. Every person who walks through my door is met with the same level of dedication and respect I would give to my own family. Our surgeries are not just about removing cancer; they are about restoring health, confidence, and peace of mind. It is a partnership built on trust, and my team and I are committed to always doing what is best for you.
Most of my patients come to me through referrals from other physicians or from friends and family who have entrusted me with their care. If you are a patient, I look forward to meeting you and guiding you through this process with clarity and support. If you are a referring physician, I deeply appreciate the trust you place in me. In either case, it is my privilege to be part of your healthcare journey.
Adam M. Rotunda, M.D., F.A.A.D., F.A.C.M.S.
Board Certified Dermatologist
Board Certified Mohs Micrographic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Credentials & Expertise
Dr. Rotunda is a fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic skin cancer surgeon and is one of only a handful of specialists in Orange County, CA, devoted almost exclusively to skin cancer treatment. (“Almost” because he also offers lipoma, cyst and mole removal surgeries, and treatment with the FDA-approved Kybella™, a non-invasive fat reduction therapy, which he co-invented).
Education and Medical Training
- B.S., Valedictorian and Honors in Nutritional Sciences, Summa Cum Laude, Cornell University (Ithaca, NY)
- M.D., Valedictorian, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center (Brooklyn, NY)
- Internship, St. Vincent’s Hospital (New York, NY)
- Residency, Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA (Los Angeles, CA)
- Fellowship, Mohs Micrographic Skin Cancer and Dermatologic Surgery, Bennett Surgery Center (Santa Monica, CA)
A Passion for Innovation
In addition to treating skin cancer, I’ve also had the opportunity to contribute to medical advancements. During my dermatology training, I co-invented a technique that led to the development of Kybella™, the first FDA-approved injectable treatment for reducing fat under the chin. My research has been published in numerous scientific journals, and I remain active in medical education and innovation.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose a Fellowship-Trained Mohs surgeon, who has been accredited by the American College of Mohs Surgeons?
Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons undergo an additional year of specialized training beyond dermatology residency, making them uniquely qualified to perform both cancer removal and reconstructive surgery in one (office based, non-hospital based) setting. This means that I not only remove your skin cancer, but also personally analyze the tissue under the microscope and reconstruct the area with the most natural result possible.
When choosing where to establish my practice, I saw a critical need in Newport Beach, where skin cancer rates are among the highest in the country. With no full-time, private practice Mohs surgeons in Orange County, I knew this was where I could make a difference. Today, I’m honored to serve as a trusted resource for patients and referring physicians from Newport Beach, San Diego, Riverside, and Los Angeles counties and beyond.
My approach is simple: Expertise, Precision, and Compassion. Your health is my priority, and I am here to provide you with the best possible care in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Why should I choose a Mohs surgeon instead of a plastic surgeon for my skin cancer removal?
When it comes to skin cancer removal, Mohs surgery offers the most precise, effective, and tissue-sparing approach—something that is particularly important for delicate areas like the face, nose, ears, and hands.
Here’s why a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon is the best choice:
- Highest Cure Rate (Up to 99%)
- Mohs surgery is the gold standard for treating basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the two most common types of skin cancer.
- The technique removes cancerous cells layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope in real-time until only healthy tissue remains.
- This ensures that all cancer is removed while preserving as much healthy skin as possible—a level of precision unmatched by other methods.
- Dual Expertise: Surgeon & Pathologist
- A Mohs surgeon is both the skin cancer surgeon and the pathologist, meaning they personally analyze the tissue rather than relying on a separate lab.
- A plastic surgeon removes the tumor but does not perform microscopic analysis—this means there’s a higher chance of leaving behind undetected cancer cells, leading to recurrence and additional surgeries.
- Minimal Scarring & Best Functional Outcome
- Because Mohs surgery preserves the maximum amount of healthy tissue, it leads to smaller scars and better cosmetic outcomes.
- Mohs surgeons are also skilled in reconstructive techniques and can perform precise closures, often eliminating the need for a second procedure with a plastic surgeon.
- Lower Risk of Recurrence
- Standard excision techniques used by plastic surgeons rely on estimation—removing a margin of tissue around the visible cancer but without immediate microscopic confirmation that all cancer is gone.
- If cancer cells remain, additional surgery is needed. Mohs surgery ensures that the cancer is completely removed in one visit before the wound is closed.
- Cost-Effective & Performed in an Office Setting
- Mohs surgery is done in a comfortable office setting under local anesthesia, avoiding the need for general anesthesia and hospital fees.
- Plastic surgeons often perform excisions in an operating room, which can increase cost, recovery time, and risk of complications.
When might a plastic or oculoplastic surgeon be involved?
In some cases, after Mohs surgery removes the cancer, a plastic or oculoplastic surgeonmay assist with complex reconstructions for larger or deeper defects. However, this decision is typically made after cancer removal, not beforehand, to ensure the best possible outcome.
Most Mohs surgeons, including myself, are highly trained in advanced reconstructive techniques and can perform closures immediately following surgery, minimizing downtime and the need for additional testing or procedures. However, if a patient has been referred to me by a plastic or oculoplastic surgeon, I will focus on meticulously removing the skin cancer using Mohs surgery, and then return the patient to my colleague for reconstruction, ensuring seamless continuity of care. My priority is always to provide the best possible functional and aesthetic outcome while preserving both health and natural appearance.
And so, the bottom line?
If your goal is the highest cure rate, the smallest scar, and the best long-term outcome, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon is the most qualified specialist for your skin cancer removal and reconstruction.
If you have questions about your skin cancer treatment, I’m happy to discuss your options and how we can be of service to you.