Boston Dermatology and Laser Center

Boston Dermatology and Laser Center uses the most advanced laser technology available. Our staff ensure our patients the most comfortable and effective treatment possible.

Acne Scarring

The treatment of acne scars is tailored to the individual patient. Broad depressed scars often respond well to laser resurfacing with the Fraxel (make the work Fraxel a link to the fraxel page) laser. While ‘ice pick’ type scarring can often be removed surgically. After examining your skin we may recommend one of these treatments or a combination of both.

Café au lait

Café au lait macules are birthmarks, which as the name implies are the color of coffee with milk. Most commonly these spots are present at birth or appear shortly thereafter and can be anywhere from 1 cm to 20 cm in diameter. The café au lait macules can be effectively treated with a Q-switched laser.

Freckles

Ephelides (freckles) are tan or brown spots which appear in childhood and darken with sun exposure. Freckles are common in individuals with light skin who sunburn easily. Sun protection in conjunction with chemical peels, Q-switched laser treatment, or Fraxel laser treatment can markedly improve the appearance of freckles.

Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a safe, effective way to decrease unwanted hair in any skin type from fair to dark skinned. With repeated treatments the hair becomes finer, softer and less dense.

Lentigenes (sun spots or liver spots)

Lentigenes Before and After

Lentigenes or sun spots are very common in adults especially after extensive sun exposure. They are benign tan to brown spots commonly found on the hands, face and chest. Their presence gives a more aged appearance. With the Q-switched YAG laser these spots can often be removed in one treatment session, giving a more youthful appearance. For more extensive lentigenes on the face, chest, or hands, a series of treatments with the Fraxel can offer a dramatic improvement.

Nevus of Ito and Nevus of Ota

Nevus of Ito and Nevus of Ota are produced by an increase in the number of melanocytes (pigment forming cells) scattered throughout the deeper layers of the skin. Both types of lesions present as a blue-grey patch. Nevus of Ota differs from Nevus of Ito only by the location. Nevus of Ota is found around the eye whereas Nevus of Ito is found on the shoulder, neck, or upper back. These lesions are uncommon in Caucasians, but affect 1 in 200 Japanese, predominantly females, presenting at birth or shortly thereafter. The Q-switched YAG laser is the treatment of choice to lighten these lesions.

Pediatric Laser Dermatology

New types of lasers have been shown to be safe and effective for a variety of skin disorders, with their use beginning in infancy. Laser surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and has minimal side effects, making it an ideal modality to use in infants and children.

Port-Wine Stains

Port-Wine Stain Before and After

Port-Wine stains are a vascular birthmark. The stains appear at birth with flat, pink, red or purplish discoloration and occurs in 3 in 1,000 infants. Most often they are found on the face, neck, arms or legs and grow as the child grows. As the years pass, the stains may become thick and develop small bumps or ridges. Port-wine stains last a lifetime.
New laser treatments can significantly lighten port-wine stains and decrease the likelihood of these the lesion becoming bumpy. The best results are obtained when the port wine stain is treated with a pulsed dye laser in early childhood or infancy.

Rhinophyma

Rhinophyma typically occurs in men over the age of 40 years who have rosacea (see below). This condition results from enlargement of the nose's oil glands and thickening of the nasal skin. Patients with rhinophyma benefit tremendously from CO₂ laser treatment to restore a more normal nasal contour.

Rosacea

Rosacea Before and After

Rosacea, (rose-AY-sha) is a common skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. Often referred to as "adult acne," rosacea may begin as a tendency to flush or blush easily, and progress to persistent redness in the center of the face that may gradually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. As the disease progresses, small blood vessels and tiny pimples begin to appear on and around the central face.
When it first develops, rosacea may come and go on its own. When the skin doesn't return to its normal color and when other symptoms, such as pimples and enlarged blood vessels, become visible, it's best to seek advice from a dermatologist. The condition is chronic and worsens without treatment.
Treatment involves topical creams and gels as well as oral antibiotics. Pulsed dye laser treatment can significantly reduce persistent redness as well as eliminate telangiectasias.

Scars

Scars result when the skin repairs wounds caused by accident, disease, or surgery. They are a natural part of the healing process. The more the skin is damaged and the longer it takes to heal, the greater the chance of a noticeable scar. Advanced laser treatments with the CO₂, Fraxel, and/or pulsed dye laser can reduce the persistent redness of some scars or flatten out some raised scars. This can be done alone or in combination with injection of a corticosteroid into the scar.

Sun Damage

Results can be obtained for patients with all skin colors to correct sun-induced wrinkles splotching, and freckles. Treatments include chemical peels, Q-switched laser treatment, as well as Fraxel or CO₂ laser resurfacing.

Tattoo Removal

Tattoos are now part of American mainstream culture. While some people keep their tattoos for life, many people regret their decision to decorate their body and eventually want them removed. Until the development of Q-switched lasers in the late 1980s, tattoo removal was painful and often resulted in scarring. Lasers have become the standard treatment for tattoos. The Q-switched lasers can lighten or eliminate blue and black tattoos after a series of treatments. A consultation is required before a decision on treatment is made.

Warts

Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by a viral infection of the cells. There are several different kinds of warts and they all appear differently on the skin: common warts, flat warts, hand warts, foot (plantar) warts and genital warts. Warts are hard to prevent but treatment includes salicylic acid preparations, liquid nitrogen, cantharidin, and CO₂ laser removal.

Wrinkles

Laser resurfacing with the Fraxel or CO₂ lasers is specifically designed to remove superficial and moderately deep wrinkles of the face and neck. The laser helps to minimize wrinkles and scars by directly affecting the collagen within the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. The heat generated by the laser allows the collagen to re-form resulting in the tightening of the skin which provides a more uniform, smooth appearance.

Boston Dermatology & Laser Center
30-32 Lancaster Street • Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114 • 617-722-4100 • Fax 617-227-1134