Rochester Dermatologists

Can a Dark Flat Mole Right on the Mucosal Lip Tissue Be Removed by Q Switch Laser?

I have a round dark flat mole right on my lip. What are my options of removing with minimal scar. How much would this cost?

Q switched lasers are great at removing pigmented mucosal lesions. Just make sure an experienced dermatologist diagnoses the lesion as benign before it is layered.

Beth Lertzman, MD

Rochester Dermatologic Surgeon

Can I Get EMatrix Treatment After Dermal Fillers?

I recently got Radiesse and some Restylane in cheeks and under eye area. How long would I have to wait to get an eMatrix treatment?

Hi,  your question is a great one.

The use of non ablative radio frequency devices after fillers is fine to do.

There have been studies on the use of lasers and radio frequency after dermal fillers and the lasers do not interrupt the efficacy of the fillers.  You may want to wait until the initial swelling from your filler procedure goes down to have the laser performed.  Although not the exact laser you are asking about, I have attached a scientific article that addresses your exact issue:

Goldman MP, Alster TS, Weiss R, A randomized trial to determine the influence of laser therapy, monopolar radiofrequency treatment, and intense pulsed light therapy administered immediately after hyaluronic acid gel implantation. Dermatol Surg. 2007; 33:535-542.

Good Luck!!

Beth Lertzman, MD

Rochester Dermatologic Surgeon

Fractional Co2 Laser: Who's Allowed to Perform?

Is it important that it is a dermatologist who is performing co2 fractional facial laser? Would a plastic surgeon be ok to? What about a beautician since they seem to perform co2 laser facial peelings as well? How reasonable is it to require/demand a dermatologist surgeon kinda doctor for this treatment instead of assistents, since they seem to perform these treatments as well? Should it be a pre? Like to discuss all what is relevant to this. Thank U very much for all your help again.

Hi. Fractionated CO2 laser is a great procedure for helping to decrease wrinkles and improving facial skin texture. This laser is ablative. That means it breaks the skin. It can go relatively deep for a laser. This helps it give such great results. This also makes it a bit more technically challenging to use. It has the risk to cause great scarring in the wrong hands. This is a procedure that should be limited to use by a highly trained dermatologist who has knowledge of the skin or a plastic surgeon with significant experience.

Beth Lertzman, MD

Rochester Dermatologic Surgeon