The Department of Dermatology provides dermatology care to inpatients and outpatients at BMC and other community clinics in the Boston area. Our providers offer expertise in various subspecialty areas within dermatology. Our commitment to continued research and our use of state-of-the-art technology enables us to develop more effective, less invasive treatment techniques, so you can get the best outcomes while minimizing side effects. ### Dermatology - [Contact Us](#contact-us) - [Specialty Clinics](#specialty-clinics) - [Related Departments and Programs](#related-departments-and-programs) - [Treatments & Services](#treatments-services) - [Our Team](#our-team) - [Patient Resources](#patient-resources) - [Department News](#department-news) - [Residency and Fellowship Information](#residency-and-fellowship-information) ## Contact Us ##### Department of Dermatology [ 725 Albany St., Boston, MA 02118 8th Floor, Suite 8B BMC, Shapiro Center ](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/725+Albany+Street,+Boston,+MA) [617.638.7420](tel:617.638.7420) Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. [ ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/bfc9329a-5a2c-47fb-a7a2-c64d0d17dfba/img_1611?io=transform:fill,width:300,height:200&format=jpg) ](/content/shapiro-center) ## Specialty Clinics [### Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Program (HHT) A program focused on providing diagnosis and treatment for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, a rare blood vessel disorder and helping manage complications such as bleeding and anemia with coordinated specialty care. ](/departments/hereditary-hemorrhagic-telangiectasia-program-hht) [### Lupus Clinic A clinic within the Department of Rheumatology providing diagnosis and lupus treatment, including medications, infusion therapy, and monitoring to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and address organ involvement. ](/departments/rheumatology/lupus-clinic) ## Related Departments and Programs [### Cosmetic and Laser Center The clinical experts at the Cosmetic and Laser Center specialize in cosmetic and laser treatments for a wide range of aesthetic and dermatologic issues. ](/departments/dermatology/cosmetic-and-laser-center) ## Treatments & Services The Department of Dermatology’s staff and surgeons are at the forefront of the field, offering personal consultation and guidance to each patient. Continued research and state-of-the-art technology enables our physicians to develop more effective, less invasive techniques for treatments. We care for adult and pediatric patients, providing the treatments below as appropriate. For cosmetic dermatology services, please visit the [Boston University Cosmetic and Laser Center](/departments/dermatology/cosmetic-and-laser-center "BU Cosmetic and Laser Center | Boston Medical Center"). ##### Cure Rates for Mohs Surgery Clinical studies have demonstrated that [Mohs micrographic surgery](/departments/dermatology/about-mohs-surgery "Department of Dermatology: About Mohs Surgery | Boston Medical Center") provides five-year cure rates of approximately 99 percent for primary basal cell carcinomas and 96 percent for recurrent basal cell carcinoma. Cure rates for squamous cell carcinoma are approximately 97 percent. These cure rates are significantly higher than those from other methods of tumor removal or destruction. Mohs surgery is preferred over other treatments for: - Tumors on the face - Tumors on other body sites that may be difficult to repair if too much tissue is removed - Recurrent (previously treated) tumors - Large tumors or tumors without clearly defined edges - Tumors that appear aggressive under the microscope ### Alopecia Botox therapy A therapy where injections of botulinum toxin, or botox, are used as a treatment for hair loss. [Read more](/content/alopecia-botox-therapy) ### Chemical Peel A Chemical Peel uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin by removing its damaged outer layers. It is helpful for those individuals with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation. Phenol, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) are used for this purpose. The precise formula used may be adjusted to meet each patient's needs. Although chemical peel may be performed in conjunction with a facelift, it is not a substitute for such surgery, nor will it prevent or slow the aging process. [Read more](/content/chemical-peel) ### Dermatologic Fillers Used to reduce wrinkles and signs of aging on the face. Brands used include Restylane®, Perlane®, Radiesse®, and Juvederm®. [Read more](/content/dermatologic-fillers) ### Dermatologic Surgery Dermatologic surgery deals with the diagnosis and treatment of medically necessary and cosmetic conditions of the skin, hair, nails, veins, mucous membranes, and adjacent tissues by various surgical, reconstructive, cosmetic and non-surgical methods. The purpose of dermatologic surgery is to repair and/or improve the function and cosmetic appearance of skin tissue. [Read more](/content/dermatologic-surgery) ### Laser Cosmetic Surgery Using lasers to reduce wrinkles around anywhere on the patient’s face, softening fine wrinkles, and removing certain pigmentations and other colored blemishes on the skin. [Read more](/content/laser-cosmetic-surgery) ### Mohs Surgery Mohs surgery removes less healthy tissue than excisional skin surgery. This type of surgery is typically reserved for melanomas on the face, where it is beneficial to conserve as much healthy skin as possible. [Read more](/content/mohs-surgery) ### Phototherapy with Ultraviolet (UV) Light Phototherapy uses two types of ultraviolet (UV) light to destroy cancer cells: ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB). Both types of UV light are administered using fluorescent lamps specially calibrated to maximize the effect of treatment while minimizing the risk of burns. [Read more](/content/phototherapy-ultraviolet-uv-light) ### Sclerotherapy Sclerotherapy is a procedure used by doctors to treat spider veins. The doctor uses a very fine needle to inject a solution into the problem veins, causing them to swell, stick together, scar, and eventually fade from view. Generally, 50 percent to 80 percent of injected veins disappear with each session; it takes 3 to 6 weeks for spider veins to disappear, with larger veins disappearing in about 3 to 4 months. [Read more](/content/sclerotherapy) ## Our Team BMC’s team of experts has a wide variety of experience. Some are affiliated with the [Boston University Cosmetic and Laser Center](/node/3294 "BU Cosmetic and Laser Center | Boston Medical Center") and many hold positions at the [Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine](https://www.bumc.bu.edu/derm/ "Department of Dermatology | Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine"). For select providers, new and existing patients can [book an appointment online](/node/3401 "Department of Dermatology: Immediate Dermatology Appointment Online Now | Boston Medical Center"). Select “Make an Appointment” next to a provider’s name to make an appointment. If your provider is not available for online booking, please call to book an appointment. ### Dermatologists ### [Christina Lam, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/christina-lam-md) Dermatologist; Interim Chief of Dermatology ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/6c06ea98-a0e3-466c-8253-4b3b311eae0b/Christina-Lam-Headshot?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Alejandro Barrera-Godínez, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/alejandro-barrera-godinez-md) Dermatologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/1c9c4703-5ba4-4f07-be1a-f9d70ca39320/Alejandro-Barrera-Godinez_636_2x3?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Jag Bhawan, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/jag-bhawan-md) Dermatologist ![Placeholder image for doctor](/themes/custom/bmc_base_theme/assets/images/placeholders/headshoticon-v2.svg) ### [Bilal Fawaz, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/bilal-fawaz-md) ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/0c160b83-7c73-4824-8fdd-b8f47c420cb5/Bilal-Fawaz-2x3?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Michael Kwa, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/michael-kwa-md) Dermatologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/e2ecc847-bd51-48d7-91aa-2243144763d5/Michael-Kwa_334_2x3?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Margaret S. Lee, MD, PhD, FAAD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/margaret-s-lee-md-phd-faad) Dermatologist; Director, Division of Pediatric Dermatology ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/e7150022-f0d0-4751-b241-231038d376e5/MSLee-headshot?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Allison M. Perz, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/allison-m-perz-md) Dermatologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/020613fd-a7e1-47a3-9abf-08ef099a79c1/Allison-Perz-Headshot?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Tania J. Phillips, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/tania-j-phillips-md) Dermatologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/a4a72ee7-e54d-444a-b975-29ac57cca4cd/Tania-Phillips__web?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Debjani Sahni, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/debjani-sahni-md) Dermatologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/e472358f-4be2-47a2-aaf4-e8f09dbb4435/Sahni-Debjani?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Lisa Y. Shen, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/lisa-y-shen-md) Dermatologist ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/837b2033-d111-44b8-83c0-b803d8fd22ac/Lisa-Shen-Headshot_version2?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ### [Anna V. Sutherland, MD](https://www.bmc.org/about-us/directory/doctor/anna-v-sutherland-md) Dermatologist; Director of Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/62de749a-706c-4f32-adae-3e014e5f102a/Anna-Sutherland-Headshot?io=transform:fill,width:333,height:500&format=jpg) ## Patient Resources [### About Mohs Surgery Mohs micrographic surgery is a special technique to remove skin cancer. Mohs surgery is unique because it allows the surgeon to map and remove not just the visible parts of a skin cancer, but also the roots that can only be seen under the microscope. When used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate of any treatment. This technique also allows the Mohs surgeon to spare normal skin to minimize scarring. ](/departments/dermatology/about-mohs-surgery) [### Book a Dermatology Telehealth Appointment The Department of Dermatology offers adult and pediatric telehealth (online) appointments. ](/departments/dermatology/book-dermatology-telehealth-appointment) ## Department News ### [Read Before The Rays: BMC Dermatologist Shares Sun Safety Tips ](https://www.bmc.org/news/read-rays-bmc-dermatologist-shares-sun-safety-tips) Read Before The Rays: BMC Dermatologist Shares Sun Safety Tips It’s summertime; school is out, the beach is open, and the warm weather has arrived. You may find yourself soaking up the sun, and… Jul 28 ![Person applying sunscreen](/sites/default/files/styles/image_620w/public/news-images/GettyImages-1351845745.jpg?itok=3RExNdeS "header image") ## Residency and Fellowship Information The Department of Dermatology at Boston Medical Center is affiliated with the [Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine](https://www.bumc.bu.edu/derm/ "Department of Dermatology | Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine"). To learn about residency training programs, graduate training programs, and fellowships, please visit their website.