532 nm VariLite Laser - Related Questions

Q: I am now 40 and over the past year, I have noticed a number of raised dark moles around my eyes and on my neck. Could this be a virus?

A: No, the most likely explanation is a condition known as Dermatosis Papulosis Nigra. This is seen in people of Caribbean or African descent. It is usually familial. The safest treatment is VariLite Laser, but if they are raised, they can sometimes be excised.

Q: I have heard dark skin cannot be treated by laser. Is this true?

A: Not completely true, but certainly, darker skin requires certain lasers be used, other avoided, and having a dermatologist with experience treating darker skin is mandatory. There are long pulsed lasers that are safe for darker skin when hair removal is needed. The most common laser for dark skin in my practice is the very gentle 532 VariLite laser. I have been using a version of this technology since 1999. I primarily use it on darker skin for a condition known as dermatosis papulosis nigra. These appear as tiny, slightly raised dark growths that are seen most commonly on the face and neck of people of African descent. While these growths are benign, they cause a lot of cosmetic concern since they increase in number as you age. The best approach is to take control and get 1-3 treatments each year in order to keep the growths from proliferating all over your face. I have found that the Iridex has the highest safety rating for treating these spots without a risk of loss of pigment.

Q: I am starting to see a number of deep red moles on my abdomen and breasts. Is this a concern?

A: The most common explanation is cherry angiomas. These are benign growths of blood vessels that are seen commonly in middle age. They have no medical significance. They are not cancerous or pre-cancerous. The most common and safe remedy is the use of the Cutera 532 VariLite laser. The laser energy is absorbed by the blood in the growth, and converted into hear that destroys the growth permanently. 1-2 treatments is needed. There is no downtime and it is well tolerated with minimal discomfort. I have been using this type of laser in my practice since 1999.

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Meet one of the countrys leading experts in the field of non-surgical skin rejuvenation.

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 the 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 the approval of new drugs and devices, and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.

Dr. Lupo was recently recognized as a trailblazer for women in dermatology and for her dedication to educating dermatology residents and fellows.

She has also received the following awards:

  • 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Recognizes full-time academicians who have dedicated their careers to educating dermatology residents and fellows;

  • 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐝, 𝐌𝐃 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 and 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 - Recognizes dermatologists of national prominence who have been trailblazers for women in some aspect of dermatology.

Dr. Lupo has authored over 90 published articles and book chapters and has spoken on various dermatological topics at nearly 480 national and international meetings and seminars.

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Dr. Lupo expertise and experience can't be beat! She's amazing :)
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