I have hyperpigmentation (dark scars) from acne and from aging. I know I look much older b/c of my uneven skin tone - I get a lot of ''you look tired!'' even after a good night's sleep! Can anyone recommend an esthetician/dermatologist who does microdermabrasion or any other treatment for that matter that would reduce the darkening? I did go to Dr. Bruzowski in Berkeley a year or so ago and just felt like she sold me things I actually didn't need for a lot of $$. I don't expect perfect just realistic improvement. Thanks so much! Always looking tired!

Kathy Fang, El Cerrito -- Just saw her for the first time and thought she was fine, nice woman, and I did notice that they offer Obagi in her office. I'm sure she would do a good job.

David MacGregor in San Francisco is very good and seems to do quite a bit of cosmetic dermatology. I would highly recommend him. I moved and changed insurance, so I had to move on.

I used to see Jeffrey Bortz in Walnut Creek(http://www.dermclinic.com/) years ago and LOVED him. He is very proactive and more picky about my skin and the way it looks than I am (a good quality in a dermatologist, if you ask me). I had more experience with him and therefore could give my highest recommendation. I don't see him now because his location is inconvenient for me and he doesn't take my insurance.

hope that helps! skin problems begone!

A couple pregnancies have left their mark on my face. During the pregnancies, it seemed that every pimple I got left a scar even though I didn't mess with them. Now that my children are here, my skin has cleared up (in that I don't break out anymore) but I am left with a lot of acne scarring that I would love to get rid of. It's not deep pockmarks, more just like red spots. Who should I see for treatment? I don't know if this is something that one sees a dermatologist for or if an esthetician could do it? Any recommendations for a good practitioner? I'm not interested in getting sold a whole new line of facial products - I just want to get rid of the scars. I Want My Pre-Baby Face Back!

I have decided that I want to do something about the deep ice pick acne scars I have all over my face. I am looking for a recommendation for a practitioner, preferably in the east bay, and/or a recommendation on the method that will achieve the best results. I have done some research and it seems like the more severe methods, such as ablative laser resurfacing or dermabrasion, are required to reduce this type of scarring. Any recommendations on this in particular or on a plastic surgeon in general? I have read the archives but none of the advice or recommendations seemed to fit this situation. Thanks for any comments or advice you can give me!

If there are problems with dark spots where the acne was or with ongoing acne, different skin treatment regimens are available.

To specifically design a treatment plan to meet your needs, I would need to see you in person, but I hope this information helps. Elizabeth (see Elizabeth Lee recommendations)