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Dermatology Frequently Asked Questions

Can the laser remove hair permanently?
Many laser systems are currently available to remove unwanted hair. Although it is not possible to remove every hair with the laser, those hairs that are treated generally are permanently removed or reduced in number. Permanent reduction of hair is available today for most skin types to reverse the excessive growth of hair on the face, back, legs and bikini areas.

I've heard sclerotherapy can help treat varicose and spider leg veins. Can you tell me more about this procedure?
Sclerotherapy is a nearly painless technique in which medication is injected into a vein using a very fine needle. This often results in the disappearance or lightening of the treated blood vessel. This technique has no effect on the general circulation as the majority of the blood is returned to the heart through the deeper veins which are not treated with sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy frequently can improve circulation problems by redirecting blood away from the defective blood vessels and into healthier ones.

Will surgery produce a scar? If I get a scar I don't like, is there anything that will take it away?
Unfortunately, it is impossible to do surgery without producing at least a small scar. When surgery is carefully planned and executed properly, most scars are minor and become less noticeable within a year's time. Rarely, unsightly scars do occur and can be treated with cortisone tapes and shots. Silastic gels also are effective in reducing the appearance of some scars. Additional surgery may improve a scar that has resulted from an injury.

I have a mole that concerns me. Will you have to do skin surgery if I come in to have it evaluated?
Not all moles need to be removed, however any mole or skin lesion that has changed in either size, shape, color or texture, or that bleeds needs to be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist or a provider under his/her direction. By utilizing the most recent evaluation methods, we can determine whether or not skin surgery will be necessary. If skin surgery is necessary, we make every effort to create a pleasant environment while utilizing current techniques and quality materials to produce desired results. All moles that are removed are evaluated by a pathologist to determine if they are cancerous or not.

What can I expect if I have a skin care consultation?
Skin care consultations are provided by the skilled members of the dermatology team. Complimentary consultations for cosmetic concerns are available with our registered nurse who will discuss your questions and evaluate the cosmetic needs of your skin. In addition, you will receive suggestions on how to best manage your skin, as well as prevent wrinkling and future skin damage. For more detailed consultations, or to discuss medical or surgical problems, appointments can be scheduled with Dr. Shulman.

When is it too early or too late to treat wrinkles?
Depending on your genetics and history of exposure to sunlight, wrinkles can appear fairly early in life. Once wrinkles are noticed it is never too soon to treat them, and with rare exception, a patient's wrinkles can be treated into old age. There are many effective treatments for wrinkles which include BOTOX®, chemical peels, injectable fillers such as collagen, Restylane®, Radiesse®, and Sculptra™, as well as laser and intense pulse light solutions.

My physician recommended a chemical peel to help improve my acne. How can this help?
For many years dermatologists have recognized that chemical peels can significantly improve acne as well as skin tone and texture. This can be accomplished through the use of alpha and beta hydroxy acid peeling. These peels penetrate the skin to reduce pimples, and improve skin texture and tone with minimal down time for the patient. Stronger peeling agents can be utilized to impact acne scarring or sun-related skin damage.