A. It sounds like you are describing dermatosis papulosa nigra, a benign, inherited condition where tiny, dark, sometimes rough raised "moles" grow on the face and neck. Although it is inherited it does not start to appear in most people until their 30's. It is usually seen in patients with Caribbean or African heritage. If there is one or two in particular that are easily irritated because of collars or necklaces, then insurance will allow and cover the removal. If you have many and they are not irritated, you should do the Iridex 532 laser. It has a small and precise spot size and is very safe on darker skin. In fact, I have been using this technology since 1998. I am on my 3rd updated version of this technology. I have never seen a scar or discoloration in my practice using this laser.
Q. I have blue veins on my legs. I have had sclerotherapy help the spider veins, but have had limited success on these blue ones. Should I try laser?
A. It is hard for me to answer this specific to you because every situation is unique. Some people do well with blue veins if I use the Excel V long pulsed 1064 laser. It is the first laser that I have felt worth purchasing for my practice to treat leg veins. I do, however, feel that in most patients, I try foam sclerotherapy with Asclera before using the laser. It is the technique I find the best for vessels that are blue on the legs. The nice thing about the Lupo Center is that you have options!
Q. Dear Dr Lupo: I have a simple question: which is better for spider veins: sclerotherapy or laser?
A. That is not just a simple, but an easy question to answer as well. Sclerotherapy is more effective, less painful and more cost-effective (less expensive over a course of treatments) than any laser device on the market. Don't let that little needle dissuade you. You will barely feel it and the new sclerosant, Asclera, does not burn upon injection.
More Sclerotherapy Related Questions
- Sclerotherapy New Orleans LA - I had a series of sclerotherapy treatment 5 years ago and I still have the stockings. I have lost a little weight since my last treatment series. Do I need new stockings?
- New Orleans Vein Treatment - I have veins in my legs I want gone. I am needle phobic. Do lasers work as well?
- Sclerotherapy Treatments New Orleans - I'm a 24 year old female, 5 '2" & 118lbs. I have had very visible green veins that don't bulge on my legs for the past couple of years - actually one on my leg has been very visible since I was 12. The veins seem to be worsening. I 've never been severely overweight (but in 2008 I was around 130lbs) and haven 't had any kids, but my job requires me to be on my feet. Sometimes it feels like I have dull pains in my legs. What would work for me?
- Leg Veins New Orleans - I am 33 and have had 2 children. With each pregnancy, my leg veins have gotten worse. I want to have one more child. Should I wait until all pregnancies are behind me, or come in soon and be treated even if I want to have another child in a couple of years?
- Sclerotherapy Treatment New Orleans - Do I need compression stockings after sclerotherapy?
- Spider Vein Treatment New Orleans - I have small dark moles on my neck. They run in my family. I think they make me look old, And sometimes they get irritated by my necklaces. Is there a safe treatment that will not change my skin color (I am mixed-race)?
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Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. - Connect on Linkedin
Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical and cosmetic treatments to all patients.
Board certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for approval of new drugs and devices and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.
