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Redness Reduction

Redness Reduction PDL IPL Nd:YAG
Results +++ +++ ++
Downtime(*) None None None
# Treatments 2-4 4-6 3-6
Lasting results 5-10 years 4-6 years 3-6 months
Cost/session $400 $250-$400 $250-$400

Treatments: PDL , Nd:YAG, IPL

Unwanted redness usually occurs on the face, neck or chest of fair skinned individuals who have had chronic sun exposure. When paired with visible blood vessels and brown freckling it is referred to as poikiloderma.

IPL treats red and brown at the same time but many treatments are required and results are usually not lasting. Redness and blood vessels can be targeted very effectively and permanently with pulsed dye laser treatments. For brown freckles, several treatment modalities can be added on the same day. Sunscreens with a broad UVA range should be used meticulously and for life to sustain your results.

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2 Responses to “Electrolysis Hair Removal”

  1. Dena S says:

    How is electrolysis priced? Is the fee per area or per hour for example?

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2 Responses to “Facial Hair Removal”

  1. John Doe says:

    I have a question concerning facial hair removal for men. At what age are you able to get this procedure done? Although I under eighteen, I have thick, coarse facial hair that grows very quickly. As well, I am extremely pale. Facial hair does not fit me at all and never will and I am tired of shaving every morning to feel stubbles within a few hours. As well, what is the likelihood that it would eliminate the hair on such a coarse, thicker haired man like myself. Lastly, how many treatments are required for facial hair removal?

    • Franziska Ringpfeil MD. says:

      You can start laser hair removal at this time. In areas of very thick and coarse hair, you may about 6 treatments every 4-6 weeks to achieve about a 90% reduction of the hair. At that time you would stop and have maintenance treatments every few months or few years depending on when dormant follicles go into production. If you have not already done so, please watch the video on our website that alos explains this process.

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18 Responses to “Laser Surgery”

  1. Melissa says:

    Hi doctor!
    I am a 30 yr old woman who has sagging skin in the jaw area (jowls?) I was wondering what is the best way to get this corrected? Can it be done with fillers? If so, which ones and how many treatments?

    • Franziska Ringpfeil MD. says:

      Beginning jowls can often be corrected by several different fillers while moderate to severe jowls require a lower face and neck lift for best results. Radiesse, Juvederm ultra plus XC or Perlane are used in a single treatment. The amount can be determined after examination and may range between 1-2 syringes. These fillers last between 9-12 months for Juvederm and Perlane and between 12-18 months for Radiesse. Sculptra may also be an option, and between 1-3 vials can be injected in 2-3 sittings that are spaced 6 weeks apart. Sculptra last about 2 years. Artefill is a much longer lasting filler and between 1-2 syringes can be injected in 1-2 sittings.
      Your facial features, degree of laxity or any volume loss in the cheeks will determine which fillers are best for you.

  2. Nan G. says:

    I am interested in an injectable for under-eye tear troughs as well as one deep brow line. Is there a filler that is more natural and actually builds collagen over time? I know there are new products coming out all the time. I am not interested in Botox.
    Also, do under-eye injectables have side effect like noticable bruising (black eyes)??

    Thank you.

    • Franziska Ringpfeil MD. says:

      Hyaluronic acid based fillers are the only injectables currently considered appropriate for visible tear troughs. Unfortunately, none of the hyaluronic acid fillers available stimulate any significant collagen production. The most common brands are Restylane and Juvederm which typically last 6-12 months before our body’s own enzymes dissolve them. Other shorter lasting hyaluronic acid fillers are also available. The same way that any needle stick into our skin may cause a bruise, all fillers may cause bruising. If it occurs, it typically lasts 8-10 days.
      Tear troughs can also be corrected by fat injections, which have a high failure rate and are therefore not widely performed. Botox does not correct tear troughs.

  3. James says:

    Dr. Ringpfeil,

    I’m considering having IPL treatments for rosacea. Down the line I would like to have fillers done (under my eyes for deep tear trough) such as Restylane. What I’d like to know is whether the needles (inserted for the filler) could cause damage to the blood vessels treated for the rosacea? Perhaps the blood vessels would already be closed off and “dead” then and it would not matter. However, this would all be in the same general area of the face so that’s why I’m curious.

    Thank you.

    • Franziska Ringpfeil MD. says:

      Fillers do not interfere with any blood vessels, not even those that may have become widened by rosacea. If the needle stick during filler placement scratches an intact blood vessel bruising can occur and may last 8-10 days on average. There is no long lasting effect form bruising, i.e. no widening of blood vessels. Therefore, the sequence in which you want to enhance your face is also interchangeable.

  4. p.maximos says:

    hello dr..what are the risks of sun exposure after q switched nd yag laser on nevi to lighten them and non ablative nd yag laser for post acne scars?can laser increase skin sensitivty or affects its barrier and thereby increase chance for malignant transformation of skin or nevi?thanks a lot.

    • Franziska Ringpfeil MD. says:

      Sun exposure must be avoided for 4 weeks after every laser treatment, regardless of the type. Laser treatment does not make your skin sun sensitive or vulnerable to skin cancer but intentionally causes inflammation to achieve a specific goal. UVA light that falls on an inflamed area of the skin darkens this area for many months, which can be avoided by diligent use of sunscreen. I assume that you ask about the treatment of a Becker’s nevus, which is a smooth muscle nevus. Please note that at this time we have very little safety data on lasering melanocytic nevi and therefore this procedure is not offered.

  5. jorge says:

    i have a couple of acne scars if i do the laser treatment how long before i see results, and i don’t have insurance so will the price be high.

    • Franziska Ringpfeil MD. says:

      Acne scar treatment is a process. If you only have several scars, spot treatment is recommended. It takes between 3-5 spot treatments every 2-3 months to see significant improvement. Please note that no insurance covers acne scar treatment. The cost per treatment depends on the number of scars treated and can range from $150 to $500 on the face. Near confluent acne scars are not suitable for spot treatment initially and will need resurfacing. If after resurfacing any single scars stand out, they can be improved with additional spot treatments.

  6. Lynn M. says:

    Hello Dr. Ringpfeil,

    I have come to you before and I have found that I can trust you over the other doctors I have seen in the past. I recently had a small cyst pimple that a derm I used to see injected with cortisone. Now, I have a very noticeable dent where the pimple was. I read online that the cortisone causes “fat atrophy” which some say will be permanent and some say it will fill in over time. I

    • Dr. Ringpfeil says:

      Dimpling and lighter discoloration are known side effects of steroid injections into the subcutaneous tissue and while they are rare, they can be very bothersome. They will typically resolve after 2 years but realistically, most will hardly be noticeable by 6 months. Saline injections can indeed help and we have performed them with success.

  7. Kim S says:

    Hello,

    I have what a previous dermatologist calls a gravel chin and was told that Botox injections would help. I see the price per unit but can you tell me how many units you generally use on the chin area and forehead (right eyebrow is lower).

    I currently live in Mass but am from PA, specifically; Penn Valley and would like to have some work done; hair removal (underarms), brownspot removal (on my left cheek) and would like Botox to my chin and forehead. I’m just trying to determine the approx cost of everything so I can make an appt for the next time I come home (probably March).

    Can you give me an approx estimate and tell me if I can get all of the above done at one visit.

    Thank you for your help.

    Kim

    • Dr. Ringpfeil says:

      The “gravel” chin is also referred to as “pebbly” chin or “dimpled” chin. It typically takes 2-4 units of Botox to correct it. The adjustment of an eyebrow requires between 1-6 units and the correction of forehead lines takes 8-12 units.
      Laser hair reduction is a process and not a onetime procedure. You may refer to our video under the section of laser hair removal for in depth information. However, we should be able to book your appointment in a way that you may receive all services at the same visit. I recommend that you call us as soon as you know your travel plans so that we can accommodate your needs. Please note that you must not be tan prior to treatment of brown spots on the face and you should not have a vacation in the sun scheduled within 4 weeks after treatment.

  8. donna says:

    I had breast reduction that left horrible scars is there anything i can do

    • Dr. Ringpfeil says:

      I imagine that you meant to describe scars that are thick and perhaps discolored. Nowadays, there are several different treatment options for heaped up, spread or discolored scars available. Please schedule an evaluation.

  9. David Pace says:

    Hello,

    I have Sarcoidosis. It has effected my skin where I have very deep mark from boils. Mostly on my left side of my face. These are not normal acne scars, they are deep. What can I do to make my skin and appearance better?

    • Dr. Ringpfeil says:

      I know it must sound disappointing but without an actual evaluation I cannot be specific. In sarcoidosis, it is most often the second layer of the skin that suffers and many scars may look sunken in. Excision, laser treatment or any other techniques are dependent on the size of the scars, your skin color and texture and where on the face they are located. I strongly encourage that you be evaluated for the best options for you.

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2 Responses to “Hair Loss”

  1. apinke says:

    How experienced are you in treating hair loss in young black women?

    • Dr. Ringpfeil says:

      There are various causes of hair loss, some are related to the age of an individual however most are not. Hair loss is usually not a matter of skin color. A dermatologist is the professional trained to evaluate, diagnose and treat hair loss regardless of skin color or age. Please make an appointment for evaluation.

      Franziska Ringpfeil, MD

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8 Responses to “Laser Hair Removal in Philadelphia”

  1. elona says:

    Hi am a very hairy person I have hair growing everywhere that it is not suppose to. I have a white skin with black hair. the hair is thicker then what it should be and it is longer then what it should be. it feels like i get more and more every year and i don’t know how to stop it. I am a women and the hair is everywhere:arms, lower back, stomach ect. If I will start treating them with laser it will cost me a lot of money but i have to make sure that I will have good results and if it will work on my body and i can be free of hair.

    • Franziska Ringpfeil MD. says:

      Your description is suggestive of hormonal overstimulation of hair growth which may have a medical or genetic origin. You should be evaluated by your dermatologist for hormonal imbalances. If hormonal imbalances are detected, laser hair removal can start at the same time as you start medical treatment of these imbalances and will have the results your desire. If hormonal imbalances are present and are not treated, laser hair removal will only temporarily provide results. If hormonal aberrations are ruled out, laser hair removal may commence anytime and you will have good results just like everyone else.

  2. mayaa says:

    MY name is mayaa ,i have facial hair ,hair colour is brown ,at chin ,small portion of neck,below checks,i live in jakarta,can u tell me any solution ,hair type is thin,

    • Dr. Ringpfeil says:

      If hair is brown or black, laser can be used to reduce hair. The type of laser to be used depends on the skin color and the thickness of the hair, not the thickness of the skin. If you are originally from Jakarta, I must assume that your skin color is a light or medium brown. This means that Nd:YAG laser is best.

  3. Terry Shaw says:

    I would like to purchase laser hair removal for my wife, she wants to get he armpits done. I am wondering how many sessions is needed for this so I can she hat the otal price will be.

    Thank U.

    • Dr. Ringpfeil says:

      The underarms require between 3 to 6 treatments every 4-6 weeks to remove 90% or more of the hair. Each treatment is $90. The total cost therefore is between $270 and $540. Most people require a maintenance treatment every 6 months to 3 years because dormant hair cannot be targeted by laser and may lead to some stray hair after a while. Please check out our video on the website to familiarize yourself with the process.

  4. BJK says:

    I heard hair lasers are not effective for people with dark skin. I am an African American women with hair on my cheeks. How can I get rid of this hair?

    • Dr. Ringpfeil says:

      Lasers are very effective for dark coarse hair but are ineffective for light, especially white hair. The type of laser that can be used depends on your skin color. You are best treated with an Nd:YAG laser. This is a laser that does not damage your pigment but still removes the dark hair.
      Between 6-8 treatments are needed to remove 90% of the hair depending on density.
      Many people need maintenance treatments once every 6 months to 3 years because dormant hair follicles are not destroyed by the laser. If these dormant hair follicles start producing some hair, you may consider getting them treated.

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2 Responses to “Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra”

  1. AGriffin says:

    I think I have Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra. I have read several articles and saw a few pictures of this condition and the moles that I have look and sound similiar to this condition. I have 25-30 small moles that I want removed. My insurance will not cover treatment because this is an elective procedure. How much will removal cost and is there a great chance that I will need more than one treatment to have these moles removed? My moles are small and raised, they appear around my eyes and on my cheek bones.

    • Dr. Ringpfeil says:

      Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a benign condition that can sometimes be aesthetically unpleasing. There are several safe and well tolerated methodologies to remove unwanted DPN on all skin types. Contraindications for removal are rare and will be assessed during an in-person examination.
      We charge $400 to remove DPNs from one anatomic area, such as the entire face. The charge may be higher if removal of lesions from face AND neck AND/OR chest is desired. The charge may be lower if the total number of growths is less than 15. Usually only one treatment is required and the spots do not grow back once removed. However, when you have DPN, you may occasionally develop a few new spots over years than can also be removed. To date, we are unaware of a preventative treatment.

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4 Responses to “keloids”

  1. Meme says:

    i was wondering how much it would cost to get two keloids on my ear removed..they are about the size of a nickel. also you dont accept my insurance but i was wondering how much it would be as far as a consultation. anyway i am really lookin to get them removed so any information would be great

    • Dr. Ringpfeil says:

      Our fee for localized examination and consultation for keloids is $115. The likelihood for keloids to recur after surgical removal is extremely high and it is expected that any new keloid is much bigger than the original one.
      Therefore, intralesional steroid injections are recommended into firm keloids to treat symptoms and to reduce these keloids. If keloids soften or shrink but do not completely flatten after a series of 3 intralesional steroid injections, surgery may be attempted. Steroid injections must also be performed at time of surgery and every 2 weeks thereafter to prevent keloid formation at the site of surgical removal. Usually, 3 injections after surgery are required to minimize the risk for keloid formation.
      Keloids that do not respond (soften or flatten) to intralesional steroids may benefit from excision with subsequent radiation.

      Franziska Ringpfeil, MD

  2. LMR says:

    I once had a genital piercing that has left me with what I believe is either a keloid or a hypertonic scar, which I would like removed. What are my options and how much are the costs? Any information would be greatly appreciated!

    • Dr. Ringpfeil says:

      Hypertrophic scars and keloids are very different in their biologic behavior. Both cannot be removed without trace but both can often be injected with a steroid and will reduce significantly or may resolve to a flat scar. There are circumstances under which scar revision by excision for a hypertrophic scar may be preferred, especially when the expected scar is minimal. However, the chance of another keloid developing, when an existing keloid is excised, is about 90%, and therefore excision is usually not an alternative. If several steroid injections soften a keloid without flattening it, shave excision may be attempted with additional steroid injections at time of excision, as well 2 and 4 weeks after to minimize the risk of a returning keloid. In very rare instances, when a keloid does not respond to steroid injections or is so large that it cannot be injected, radiation may be necessary.
      Cost of the procedure depends on the size of the lesion. We typically charge $50 per injection and anywhere between 1-3 may be needed for hypertrophic scars and between 2-10 treatments for keloids. Revision of hypertrophic scars by complete excision ranges between $150 (up to 5 mm) and $400 (over 4 mm). Shave removal of keloids may range between $130 (up to 5 mm) and $230 (over 2 cm). Three steroid injections needed after shave removal are charged in addition to the shave removal as mentioned above.
      Radiation is not a service that our office performs because it is rarely needed.
      While the revision of hypertrophic scars is not always an insurance covered service, most insurances cover the treatment of keloids.

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Ringpfeil Advanced Dermatology | 569 W. Lancaster Avenue | Haverford, PA 19041 | rad@ringpfeildermatology.com | 610.525.5250