Before starting acne treatment, ask who will be treating you and what their credentials are, which treatments fit your type of acne, how long it usually takes to see a change, and how the plan will prevent scars and dark marks. Then cover the practical details: insurance, follow-up visits, languages spoken and office hours. The answers will tell you more about fit than any star rating.
Patient reviews can show how an office runs, which is why so many people searching for an acne dermatologist in Brooklyn start there. The questions below fill in what reviews leave out. Use them on the phone before you book, or bring them to your first visit.
About the clinician: who will I see, and what are their credentials?
- Who will I see at my visits? Many dermatology practices include board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants (PAs). Ask who handles acne care and how the team works together.
- What are their credentials? A board-certified dermatologist has completed specialty training in conditions of the skin, hair and nails. A PA-C is a physician assistant with national certification.
- Do they often treat acne like mine? If it applies to you, ask about experience with teen acne, adult or hormonal acne, body acne, or acne in medium and darker skin tones.
- Will I see the same person each time? Continuity helps when a plan needs adjusting over several months.
About treatment: what fits my acne, and how long will it take?
- What type of acne do I have? Blackheads and whiteheads, red inflamed bumps, and deep nodules or cysts are treated differently. Some conditions that look like acne, such as rosacea or folliculitis, need a different approach altogether.
- What are my options? Depending on the type and severity, a dermatologist may suggest prescription creams or gels such as retinoids, oral antibiotics for a limited time, hormonal treatment for some women, or isotretinoin for severe acne that hasn't responded to other treatments. In-office care, such as acne extractions, can also play a role.
- How long before I see a change? The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says it takes at least 6 to 8 weeks to start seeing fewer breakouts. Ask what progress should look like by your first follow-up. Individual results vary.
- What side effects should I expect? Some acne treatments cause dryness, peeling or extra sensitivity to the sun at first. Ask how to handle them so you can stay on track.
- What if I'm pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy? Some acne medicines aren't recommended during pregnancy, so share this up front.
- If isotretinoin comes up, what does the monitoring involve? It is prescribed under an FDA safety program with regular check-ins, and pregnancy testing for anyone who could become pregnant.
- What's the next step if this doesn't work? A good plan includes a backup.
About scars and dark marks: how will we prevent and address them?
- How do we prevent new scars? Treating inflamed acne early and not picking or squeezing breakouts both help lower the risk of scarring. Ask what else your plan includes.
- What about the dark spots left behind? Flat dark or red marks after a breakout are common, especially in medium and darker skin tones. They aren't true scars and often fade over months, though some need treatment. Daily sunscreen helps keep them from getting darker.
- What can be done for existing scars? Acne scar treatments range from topical products to procedures. Not every practice offers every option, so ask which are done in the office and which would mean a referral elsewhere.
About logistics: insurance, follow-ups, languages and hours
- Do you take my insurance? Ask whether the practice is in network, then check with your plan about coverage for visits and prescriptions. Cosmetic treatments generally aren't covered.
- How often will I need follow-up visits? Acne plans usually need check-ins so medicine can be adjusted. Ask how often, and whether you can book them online.
- Which languages do your clinicians speak? Clear communication matters when you're managing a treatment plan over months.
- What are your hours? Find out whether visits fit around school or work.
- How do I reach the office between visits? Ask how questions and prescription refills are handled.
How Bay Ridge answers the logistics questions
Here is how Bay Ridge Dermatology answers the practical questions above.
- Who you'll see: Dr. Evangeline Perez, a board-certified dermatologist with more than 20 years of experience, and physician assistants Nicole Marie Colucci, PA-C, and Kerry Ly, PA-C. You can read about each of them on our providers page.
- Insurance: The practice accepts most insurances, including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United, Medicare, Oxford, Empire and Humana. Coverage for a specific service depends on your plan, so check with your insurer. Our insurance page has more detail.
- Languages: Care is available in English, and Kerry Ly, PA-C, also speaks Mandarin and Cantonese. If you'd prefer care in either language, ask for her when you book.
- Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The office is closed Saturday and Sunday.
- Booking: You can book online at any time. Same-day appointments are offered. Ask the office whether one is available for your visit.
- Ages: The practice sees patients of all ages, so a teenager and a parent can both be seen in the same office.
- Getting started: Our new patient page covers forms and what to bring. The office is at 515 84th Street, 1st Floor, in Bay Ridge, and our contact page lists the ways to reach the office.
When acne needs a dermatologist rather than more OTC products
Over-the-counter products with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or adapalene can help mild acne. See a dermatologist if:
- Breakouts haven't improved after several weeks of consistent over-the-counter use
- You have deep, painful bumps or cysts
- Acne is leaving scars or dark spots
- Acne started suddenly as an adult, or came with other changes such as irregular periods or extra hair growth
- Your skin is red and irritated from trying too many products at once
- Acne is affecting how you feel about yourself or your daily life
A dermatologist can confirm what kind of acne you have and build a plan around your skin, rather than adding one more product to the shelf.
If you'd like to go over these questions in person, we're happy to help. You can book online or call (347) 497-4984.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For advice about your own skin, see a dermatologist.