Skin Care FAQs in Savannah, GA

Acne and Ethnic Skin

Question: Hello, I am a 36 year old African American female who has had acne since the age of 13. I have tried ALL of the over-the-counter acne meds., to no avail. I am a little leary of oral medications. What treatments do you offer and would recommend? I also have acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. Please help, I have had to deal with this ALL of my life. Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Answer: I would suggest an appointment with the Savvy Skin Medical Aesthetics and Laser Center in our office to begin intensive work on the acne using topical agents and short term antibiotics. When the acne is controlled we can consider working on the pigmentation. The scarring will be the most difficult problem to treat, so I would consider that last. Having lived the life of acne, I'm quite familiar with your concerns & frustrations. 

Answered by: Dr. Lawrence Ruf

Laser Hair Removal

Question: I have black course hair on my bikini line and under my arms. I have had laser hair removal before about 2 years ago. I still have a good amount of hair. Could you give me an estimated cost on how much this would cost? Thank you.

Answer: Price for laser hair reduction is about $175 per treatment for the bikini line and about $118 per treatment for the underarms.

Obagi Blue Peel

Question: I have been getting Micropeel Plus for four years. I am 32 years old and want to take it up a notch. Is the Blue Peel more dramatic than the M Plus peels?

Answer: The Obagi Blue Peel is a much more dramatic peel because it penetrates deeper into the skin. It requires a healing process of 7 days (i.e. no makeup). In addition, a pre-consultation has to be scheduled. 

Lead Esthetician

Facial Hair Removal

Question: I'm 47 and have alot of peach fuzz on my face. I've had it totally waxed (OUCH) and it came back. It effects how my make up looks and I'd like to know is there any permanent way to remove it.

Answer: If the hair is brown we can use the Altus Cool Glide laser. There is no other method of permanent removal for fine "peach fuzz" hair. If you would like to come in for a consultation, I can explain your options a little more fully. 

Lead Esthetician

Stretch Marks and Topical Cream

Question: I am an 18-yr-old female and had read that there is no treatment for stretch marks. I also heard that using tanning cream can help. I just want to know does it work and does it discolor your skin for good?

Answer: First the bad news. There is no treatment to erase or remove stretch marks. All the hype that you see on TV and hear on the radio is a lie, unfortunately, so don't waste your money. Now the good news. Although erasing the marks is not possible, you can camouflage them with a self-tanning lotion. I usually recommend an inexpensive store brand. Mix 6-8 marble sized amounts of the lotion with a quart of your favorite body lotion. Use over a few days to a week. It wears off if you do not keep applying it. Ultimately, surgery can remove some of the marks after you complete your family. 

Lawrence E. Ruf, M.D.

Oily Face

Question: I've tried oil free make ups, lotions,cleansers (obagi) and the toners,and my face still seem real oily..is there anything else that can be done to stop this??

Answer: Sometimes oil production is best controlled with oral Accutane. This requires monthly blood tests and monitoring by one of our physicians. We would be glad to see you in THE SKIN INSTITUTE AND LASER CENTER to discuss your problems further.

Lead Esthetician