Although hydroquinone and Retin-A can be effective in lightening pigmentation, some skin types are too sensitive to tolerate these creams. The skin can become irritated and turn red. After the redness subsides, the skin can turn darker as a result of the irritation. There are lower concentration formulations of hydroquinone and other lightening creams that can help fade the pigmentation, but it will take several months to work.    « less

Prior to cosmetic removal of brown spots, it is important that these spots are evaluated by a dermatologist to make sure that they are of a benign nature and not related to skin cancer. Some brown spots can be lightened by prescription lightening creams accompanied by the use of effective sunblocks. Other brown spots can be more stubborn, and require laser or pulsed light treatments to lighten them.    « less

Laser treatments can be an excellent treatment for "smokers' lines or lines around the mouth. Once the desired smoothness is achieved, the result can last for several years. Injectible fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm can also dramatically improve the appearance of lines around the mouth. These injections should be administered by an experienced provider for the most natural results.   « less

Unfortunately, some people have a genetic tendency to have deep set eyes, thin lower eyelid skin and dark circles. Thinner skin allows the blood vessels under the skin to show through, resulting in reddish/purplish circles. An excellent solution to inject Restylane under the eyes. Restylane is made of hyaluronic acid, which is a sugar-like substance that is naturally present in the skin. As we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid diminishes in the skin. Injecting Restylane helps replace what we lose with age, and results in an improvement in the appearance of dark circles. Allergies and sinus problems can make dark circles appear even darker. Taking an over the counter allergy medicine, like Claritin or Zyrtec, can help reduce dark circles that are caused by environmental allergies. But you should consult with your doctor if you think you have allergies as there are other prescription solutions as well.    « less

Acne scars can be a stubborn problem, and, in general , a series of treatments is needed for the best results. A single peel might not have been enough to treat the scars. Chemical peels can be effective when performed by a experienced provider. In general, higher-strength chemical peels are needed to improve the appearance of acne scars and pigmentation. While this can be quite effective, there is usually several days of downtime, where the face will be pink and swollen, like a moderate to severe sunburn. Laser treatments can be very effective for acne scars and pigmentation, and with less down time than traditional chemical peels. This is also why it is so important for people with acne to make sure it is properly treated, as years later the scarring is more of a problem than the acne itself.    « less

Yes, we offer glycolic acid peels in various trengths to suit our clients' needs and individual skin types. After a thorough cleansing of the face, the glycolic liquid is applied to the skin and washed off after a few minutes. Some people experience a mild tingling sensation that can last for a minute or so. Glycolic acid peels can refresh the appearance of your skin, and can improve acne and pigmentation problems. There are many other types of chemical peels available such as salicylic acid peels, trichloroacetic acid peels, and combination peels.You would need to have your dermatologist examine your skin to see which peel is best suited for your skin needs.    « less

Dark shadows under the eyes can be caused by several factors. As the face ages, the lower eyelid skin can become darker from sun damage. It also becomes thinner, and the underlying blood vessels become more apparent. This results in brown/ purple pigmentation, more commonly known as dark circles under the eyes. A series of fractional laser treatments are a non-invasive way to reduce the appearance of dark circles and also reduce fine lines around the eyes.    « less

There is no single cure for acne, as it has many different causes. In adults, this could range from hormonal imbalances, prescription medications, or genetic causes. As a dermatologist, I warn my patients that we may need to try several different approaches to control the acne breakouts. One of the newer treatments that I am excited about is photodynamic treatment. It basically uses lightwaves of a specific wavelength to help treat acne, without the use of pills.   « less

The American Academy of Dermatology has some patient information on moles: http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/Moles.htm But the only way to be sure is to consult with your dermatologist. If you have an unusual mole or a new skin lesion, you should see your dermatologist before beginning any cosmetic treatments.   « less

Sagging of the lower face and neck can make you look tired and older. As we age, the collagen in our skin diminishes, resulting in loss of firmness. This often results in the “waddle” that people see under their neck. Skin tightening treatments are gaining quite a bit of buzz in the media. I’ve seen them demonstrated on all sorts of TV shows and even on Oprah. Thermage, Titan, LuxIR, and many others are emerging on the market. They are all energy-based technologies that use infrared or radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production within the skin. These energy technologies create tighter, firmer skin and have been especially useful for areas around the neck and jawline. These types of treatments are also being used for body contouring and cellulite reduction. The results depend on your body's ability to produce collagen, and therefore can vary from person to person.   « less