Posted By admin on March 1, 2010
Question:
I have about a dozen scars on my shins due to chemical burns (from Nair Hair removal cream) and electrical burns due to bad electrolysis. All of the scars are small (about pea sized) and shallow rather than raised, and are very discolored–brownish purple while I am very fair skinned. I’ve tried silicone sheets to reduce the scarring, but it hasn’t worked at all. I REALLY want to get rid of the discoloration, and would love to get rid of the shallowness, also, but it’s the discoloration that bothers me more. What type of surgery (dermabrasion?) could help with with these scars, and what’s a rough estimate of the cost? I hope you can help me. I can’t go another summer in pants every day, but I can’t bear to wear shorts with all of these ugly scars. Thanks for any help you can give me. Carla
Answer:
Dear Carla, The pigmentation can be readily removed with lasers although that will do little for the textural skin changes. You may wish to have the larger ones surgically removed to leave a fine scar that is level. The former should not cost too much - I charge $20 per spot per treatment with about 3 or 4 treatments required to lighten the pigmentation. The surgery costs about $200 per scar.
Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI
Question:
What would you recommend Laser eye surgrey, RK or PRK to correct myopia. And which is more cost effective(cheap). Thanx
Answer:
Dear Russ, PRK is generally considered an outdated procedure, and seldom performed except when certain medical conditions warrant it. LASIK is quicker healing, less painful, more predictable, and does not require the use of strong steroids, making it the procedure of choice. I urge you to make your choice of surgeon based on experience and reputation, rather than cost! There were a lot of discount LASIK centers in our state, and B.C. until last year. Most of them suddenly went out of business amid a flurry of lawsuits and bankruptcies. In many cases people who paid in advance got no surgery, but lost their money. Worse, many others, including a significant number who had complications, were left without the follow-up care and enhancements they were promised. They had to scramble to find other doctors willing to care for them…and pay hefty fees for the service! There are only a few discounters left, and I expect they are likely to go the way of their predecessors. The problem is, when you cut prices so drastically, you have to cut corners. These are your eyes. LASIK is NOT like a haircut; if it is done badly, it won’t grow back! You get only one chance to do it right; a low price is no bargain if you have to live with a bad result. In Washington State the average price of LASIK is currently around $1400 per eye (and rising), the price at most reputable clinics falls within about $200 of that mark. A clinic that charges a great deal less than this may be compromising on the quality of care, equipment, and staff-putting you at greater risk than necessary. Better to save up a little longer, or use financing options, and choose a well established clinic has a reputation for excellence. For more detailed LASIK information, you may wish to view our website.
Question:
I am a young female with a hair growth problem on my chest area and on my breasts. I would like to get rid of the hair, and get rid of the discoloration on the skin in this area. I know this may require two different procedures to correct. I have already done electrolosis but it caused more dark spots in the area and the hair grew back. I would like to know what procedures I should consider to possibly correct this problem if it can be corrected at all.
Answer:
I would get laser hair removal if I were you. The only way this wouldn’t work would be if the hair were very light or very fine. As long as the hair is darker than your skin one it will work. In addition, it should improve your pigmentation problems. The main drawback of laser treatments are that you need multiple treatments and they can get expensive. Make sure that you go to a reputable DOCTOR and not some salon to have this done.
Question:
Hello I am a 23 year old White Female and i have facial hair it is not dark, but it is semi-think. Every thing I try makes my face break out. Vaniqa, shaving with an electic razor, and Nair. Please help me I would love to have lazer hair removal but i just can not afford it.
Answer:
There aren’t any quick fixes to this problem. Ideally, if the hair is darker than the skin you would have laser. In many places the prices for laser hair removal have dropped due to increased competition. Have you considered electrolysis? This might be effective but will also probably leave you with breakouts. I would consider seeing your doctor or an endocrinologist. Sometimes facial hair is either due to a hormonal imbalance, or, even if the hormone blood tests are normal, hair follicles that are overly sensitive to hormonal stimulation. In this case, a combination of treatment with birth control pills and a medication called spironolactone (which decreases androgenic-male type hormones) can not only decrease hair growth but also reduce acne.
Question:
I am a 23 y/o african american male with a problem with razorbumps.What should I do? Should I continue use of topical treatments or should I go ahead with the laser hair removal treatment? If so, What are the various costs for such a procedure? I do not want the chance of any reoccurence so I guess the laser treatment is the best option to go with.What do you think? I have been currently been using benzamycin, but the problem still reoccurs.
Answer:
I would go with laser treatment. It is the easiest and fastest. BUT make sure the folks you go to are very experienced with african american skin, or seek out someone with a 1064 laser, as these are less likely to cause problems. Nothing is forever, so you may need occasional maintenance treatments to keep it away, but it works wonderfully for what you have. Find a doctor who does laser at www.aslms.org. Costs vary widely, but I recommend you go to a physician with a good reputation, even if he/she is not the one actually doing the procedure. You may pay a little more for it, but you are much less likely to have problems than if you go to a laser hair removal salon that says they have a doctor but one is never there!
Question:
I have a couple of questions wrapped into one. When I was younger, I had pretty severe acne which left me with many scars on my face. Some of them are purplish, and others are what look like little “pits”. Although they’ve faded quite a bit, I still find them hard to look at in the mirror each morning. What is my best bet to get rid of them? Also, I’ve noticed that I’ve been developing more facial hair (which I find disgusting) and it’s to the point that I can’t handle plucking and waxing anymore. I’ve heard of laser hair removal-what is this exactly? Is it painful? Is there any kind of miracle treatment that will cure me of my scars AND hair? If not, which should I try to clear up first? Approximately how expensive are the treatments? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Answer:
3 of the best choices for the acne scars would be laser resurfacing with either a carbon dioxide or an erbium yag laser, surgically removing the scars and then having a more superficial laser such as photorejuvenation, mild peels or microdermabrasion, or having treatments with the Cool Touch Laser. You need to find a laser specialist and aesthetic dermatologist. I would go to the American Society for Laser Surgery and Medicine website www.aslms.com and they have listing of their members in all geographic locations. Your hair, if dark, would best be removed by a laser as well (unfortunately a different one than we use for scars). The most expensive option is laser resuracing which would probably run more than $2500 for a full face. Most of these solutions for scarring will probably run into the $1000 range. But it would be better to consult with an experienced aesthetic dermatologist and laser surgeon to determine what it best for you. Good luck!
Question:
There is a woman in my area that offers treatment of facial hair by laser. She is not a doctor. I have tried many treatments. I would like a permanent treatment. Would this fall under plastic surgery, if there is a Permanent treatment? I have very heavy hair under my chin and a mustache.
Answer:
Dear Martha, Laser hair removal is permanent when done correctly. I would suggest that you look into a physician supervised hair removal program in your area (they all are supposed to be but many are so in name only). I have found that the best laser for really tough hair removal problems is a long-pulsed YAG laser as opposed to many of the diode or alexandrite predecessors.
Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI
Question:
I have unwanted body hair, especially on my back and shoulders. How do i get rid of it permanently and how much would it cost? Where would i go?
Answer:
By far the easiest and most effective way is via laser hair removal. There are many different laser systems that can achieve this. I would go to the website for the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery at www.aslms.org and try to find a practitioner in your area. Fees vary widely, so I would suggest having a consultation with an experienced laser surgeon or their laser specialist and find out what is involved and how much it costs. These consultations are often free.
Question:
I am wondering if Male Pattern Baldness always follows that same pattern defined by Dr. Hamilton in 1951. I am losing my hair but I have no receding hairline… could it be something else then?
Answer:
Most experts agree that “strawberry marks” otherwise known as hemangiomas, resolve spontaneously by ages 5-7. However, they can also grow considerably before they start to regress (go away). In your son’s case, the proximity to the eye is the most worrisome aspect, because if it grew large enough, it could obstruct his vision. If it were to start growing, I would seek out a pediatric dermatologist. If it doesn’t grow and you just wait, it will go away. Often you can tell if they are starting to go away because portions of the area turns a light greyish color. Laser treatments have been shown to hasten their reabsorption. Be sure if you want to look into this possiblity that you deal only with someone who is experienced with hemangiomas in the pediatric age group.
Question:
I have pitted scars from plucking ingrown hairs on my chin area, not knowing that plucking was making them worse. I have been having laser treatments for the ingrown hairs which has made a big difference and has helped me alot. Although I am still left with these small (not red) scars that are not deep, but bothersome to me and have heard alot of bad things about chemical peels which I do not think I want to have done. I have looked into laser treatment for resurfacing and was wondering if that is the way I should go, although these scars only on the chin area are not deep nor are they red, so I am stuck as far as where to turn, where to go, as the laser place has suggested the peels giving me all the side affects. I am ivory skin colored with dark hair, facial hair all over, which most is blode and not bothersome, aside from the dark ones that started appearing on the chin area, had hormones tested and that was not the case, was told that this was and is hereditary. Can you please give me some guideline as to where to start, if laser resurfacing would be the best route to go, so forth?
Answer:
Laser resurfacing is a really intensive treatment which I would use only as a last resort. Chemical peels vary by the strength and the chemicals that are used. Mild chemical peels- salicycilic acid 20-30% (Beta-LIft Peel) or glycolic peels 30-40% virtually have no risks and in a series may help you. Another option would be microdermabrasion, which I favor as a treatment for this type of problem, but you will also need multiple treatments, at least 5-6. Finally, you could try to find someone who has a Cool Touch II Laser. These are known to improve acne scars without much risk. Go to the web site www.aslms.org to find a laser practitioner in your area.
Question:
Thank you for the quick answer. The hair growth is dark hair but light in density. What kind of doctor would prescribe Vaniqa? I am, also, on Estratest, for estrogen replacement and I have seen an increase in hair growth since I began taking it a year ago. My doctor has tried several kinds of hormone replacements but this is the only one I have had any relief from hot flashes and mood swings with. Thanks again!
Answer:
If your hair is darker than your skin it can be removed with a laser. But facial hair is the most resistant to permanent removal. The Estratest has some testosterone in it, which may be mood stabilizing for you but may contribute to the hair growth. Any doctor can prescribe Vaniqa, which is a pretty harmless cream- perhaps the doctor that put you on Estratest would do this for you? Another consideration would be Spironolactone, an oral medication that blocks hormone action at the level of the hairs. If your gyne is not interested in discussing these things with you, see a dermatologist or an endocrinologist. Good luck!
Question:
I have had light facial hair for many years and have spent a great deal of time and money on electrolysis. Most of it has been very successful but I still continue to have facial hair on my jawbone, chin and throat. I tweeze daily but it still looks terrible. Would laser surgery permanently remove this and is there swelling or redness and for how long? Please help me.
Answer:
By light do you mean light colored or light in density? Light colored hair does poorly with lasers, not that it is impossible but it isn’t ideal. If the hair is darker than your skin tone than it will be possible. The thinner and lighter colored the hairs, the more difficult a good result from laser will be. Laser hair removal when performed properly results in minimal redness of a few hours, if that. You should be able to apply makeup immediately after. I would recommend you also look into Vaniqa, a new prescription cream which retards hair growth.
can laser surgery is it perment for hair removeal?can you get the laser surgery done all over your body, except for top of head and pubic/hair, but can you go in and around buttocks,well you know and all over face, i used to be a cute person, inside yes, but hairy and hate shaving everyday sometimes twice a day
Answer:
Dear Karen, Yes, laser hair removal is a permanent procedure. Once the hair is gone it is gone and, although a few follicles my resurect over the years, it is as permanent as electrolysis. It usually takes three to four treatments for near complete hair removal. I would suggest that you seek out a third generation laser such as the LYRA for best results.
Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI
Question:
hi sir! i am concerned about the dense black and kind of hard hairs on my arms and legs,is there any surgery 4 the complete removal of hairs?and how much will it cost, i am 17.6 yrs/m/nc.waiting for reply. khurram
Answer:
Dear Khurram, There is good news for your. Laser hair removal is able to reduce the number of hairs in the areas that you mention rather readily and with very few side-effects. Large areas can be treated and, although most people find that 3 or 4 treatments are necessary, the hair is permanently removed. I would suggest that you visit with a laser specialist in your area to discuss the procedure further.
Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI
Question:
help!! I’ve had chin hair since I was little, but now it’s becoming worse and worse. I heard of laser surgery to get rid of this problem, but it seems different doctors are saying different things. Please help since I would really like to get rid of this problem
Answer:
Dear Jennifer, I was on the FDA approval panel for hair removal lasers in the US and can tell you that the news is good. Third generation lasers are able to effectively and permanently remove hair and reduce its growth. Now, skin color is not even a major problem but the hair still needs to be dark - we have not lasers for removing white or blonde hair. I would suggest that you visit with a laser specialist in your area and preferably one with a long-pulsed YAG laser for hair removal. You should be very pleased with the results.
Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI
Question:
I am a 21 year old African American women who as of late has had abnormal growth of facial hair. At first I thought that I might have polycystic ovaries or it could be attributed to the 85 lbs I have gained these past four years at college. Others say that the hair is so thin that they can’t see it. Nonetheless, I am very self-conscious about it. Is laser hair removal a safe alternative for me? I am not ‘fair-skinned’ and in my research I’ve found that the surgery is recommended for people with very dark hair, which I have, and light complexions. I have also heard that hormone replacements might do the trick. I believe that I have solicited this hair growth by removing hair when there was very little growth ( i.e. waxing, shaving, etc). Much to my dismay the hairs have grown back thicker. Which lasers would be best used on me? What is the scar risk? Alternatives? How much would the surger cost?
Answer:
Dear BH, You are looking into this at a very opportune time since third generation hair removal lasers have just become FDA approved in the US. These lasers will remove the unwanted hair with very little risk (when used by the right laser surgeon) and give very good results after 3 to 5 treatments of an area. I would not suggest hormone replacements since they have far more universal effects on your body. Weight loss always helps since hormones are altered by fat in the peripheral tissue. The best lasers to use are long-pulsed YAG lasers of which there are several, the most effective, likely, being the LYRA laser by Laserscope. I would suggest that you find a laser surgeon in your area with this laser. Treatment costs vary across the country. My office charges $50 per square inch of facial skin treated per treatment. Scarring almost never occurs.
Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI
Question:
Can repetative waxing offer permanent hair removal ? If so how many times would it take?
Answer:
Dear Jackie, No, the follicles are not injured in this process. The only means of permanent hair removal are electrolysis and laser hair removal.
Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI
Question:
I am a 40 year old man. Ten years ago, I had some hair transplants done, but they have turned out ugly: I have a very unnatural hair line, and not enough donor sites to fix the problem. I would like to find out if laser or some other surgery can help get me a “polished” bald look? Can this be done on an outpatient basis? And how should I find the doctors in my area (Central New Jersey) who may perform such a procedure? Thank you in advance!
Answer:
It is possible to reverse the unwanted hair transplants but there will be some residual scarring as a result. To discuss your options with a qualified reconstructive surgeon call the American Society of Plastic Surgeons at 1-800-635-0635.
David Ross, MD
Chicago, IL
Question:
i am trying to find a doctor in us or canada that does laser resurfacing, hair removal, laser stretchmarks and vein removal, even body resurfacing besides face. I cant seem to find one that does all of these? Do u know any? Or know how i can find one?
Answer:
I do not personally know a plastic surgeon who performs all of the procedures that you requested. You may get help from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons by calling 800-635-0635.
Question:
Hi, On Dec. 29, 1997 I was attacked by a Lab/Chow mixed dog. The animal bit a large whole on the left side of my face, under my cheek. I recieved plastic surgery which involved 30 stitches on the surface and 10 dissolving stitches on the inside of my face. I was left with a scar. It could of been a lot worse than what it is, but I am very insecure about it. I try to do everything in my power so people do not see the scar. I always wear my hair down, I try to cover it with my hand, etc… My question is I would like to know if there is anything (laser or plastic surgery)that can be done to improve the appearance of the scar? My doctor told me that he could cut open the scar again and I would have to go through the same healing process as I did before, but I don’t think I could go through it again. Please HELP ME. Thankyou
Answer:
Sorry to hear about your accident. Without seeing you, I can’t give you specific advice about how your scar can be improved. Scar revision usually involves rearranging the skin to make the scar lines fall in less noticeable planes, or recutting portions of the scar so that the texture of the scar is better. Laser is not usually useful for this. Nothing will make a scar disappear; we can only try to make it less obvious. While it is true that if the scar is revised, you will go through a wound healing process again, that process should be less of an ordeal with revision. In dog bites these is a lot of crushing and tearing of tissue which is much more traumatic than scalpel incisions. You migh consider consulting a couple of plastic surgeons about what might be done for you specifically. Another thing to remember is that people are not as concerned about your appearance as you are, especially if you do not call attention to it. Good luck Carmen Paradis M.D.
Question:
would like to know how much one session for permanent laser hair removal would cost?
Answer:
Permanent laser hair removal is probably a misnomer, since no one can achieve this with a single treatment and there are reports that even multiple procedures don’t permanently remove all of the hair from the treated areas. Therefore, I do not perform this procedure and I do not know what fees are usual and customary for a single treatment.
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chemical peels are also damaging if not properly administered-.;
i think there are studies that also show that chemical peels might be cancerous~,-