Lakeview Dermatology

No issues with the doctors here — they are helpful and seem to know their stuff. However, he admin staff leave a lot to be desired. They are rude, condescending, and unhelpful.
I was willing to put up with their attitude because I felt like I was getting positive results from Dr. Mandrea. But after multiple occasions of showing up on time for my appointment and waiting an hour or more to be seen, I am looking for an alternate provider.
As other reviewers have pointed out, the delay is only made more infuriating by the fact that if you, the patient, are late or miss an appointment, the staff are quick to admonish you and threaten a penalty fee.
I think Lakeview Dermatology should offer a $ 50 discount for every extra 30 mins you spend waiting to be seen. At least that would be fair– you miss your appointment, you pay the fee. The doctor misses your appointment, THEY pay a fee.
When and if this happens, I’ll consider coming back.

I was able to get a day of appointment for some suspicious looking moles. They got me in within a few hours of me contacting them and removed all the moles. Everyone there was nice, professional and incredibly efficient. I’ll be going back soon to take care of some other spots.

I haven’t left a Unilocal review in ages but I really want people to learn from my experience with this place. I wish I had listened to the reviews before I bothered going to Dr. Fine. First of all I had to wait over 45 minutes past my appointment time to even see her. Then she was with my for literally less than two minutes. I had come in for two concerns– some acne and a seemingly allergic reaction on my face. She looked at my face for a second, declared I had Rosacea and got up to leave the room. I brought up the fact that I had come for another reason as well and she looked at that for about two seconds and said she would give me a cream. Her assistant (who was the only positive about this place by the way) told me that they were giving me four prescriptions that I had to get online (not sure why) and that they were kind of expensive but they had some samples to tide me over. When I left and went to pay my $ 20 copay for this total waste of a doctor’s visit, they tried to charge me $ 100 for these samples. Do yourself a favor and DO NOT bother with this place unless you want your time and money to be completely wasted. Find a dermatologist who can actually be bothered to sincerely help you.

It seems as though scheduling is quite an issue for this office based on other reviews and my personal experience. I had a 9:15 appointment (and I arrived on time) and wasn’t seen by the doctor until 10:00. They have signs posted about how they reserve the right to cancel you if you’re 15 minutes late AND will charge you a $ 30 fee if you cancel less than 24 hours prior to your appt. It’s so odd to me how places enforce all these ridiculous rules and demand courtesy from patrons but don’t exude it themselves.
The doctor (and everyone else) were quite nice and treated me well. Just be warned if you have other obligations after your appointment expect to be late.

COSMETIC:
They’re fine for botox, though overpriced. For filler, they need to use the DermaSculpt cannulas that are flexible and blunt. Why bruise your patients because you can’t buy a $ 100 box of 20 cannulas? That is literally $ 5 per patient to avoid bruising, but they act like bruises are no big deal… who cares about a 3 week black eye, right? Prospective filler patients, google «dermasculpt» and/​or watch it on Youtube. It’s revolutionary. My new dermatologist uses these and its so much better. It is less painful with virtually no bruising in highly vascular areas. Also, they charge way too much for filler. Radiesse is $ 600 at my plastic surgeon’s office for 1.5cc I don’t know their current price, but it was (I think) $ 800
MEDICAL:
The doctors (S. Mandrea and Fine) are very nice. However, I would never go back here for anything complex. Many of the other reviews overlap with mine (and some are «not recommended» by Unilocal,but it echoes what I went through).
I had to have two surgeries in a formal OR with a specialist to repair procedures done here that left me with a pretty serious problem. I would go into more detail, but I don’t want it to be obvious who I am. Some of the choices the physician made in this procedure were just not sufficient for my problem, per what the specialist told me (hence, the later surgeries). I guess they were trying to help, but they should have said I needed a different specialist… or used a better technique. On a different occasion, I had a rash and one of the doctors was like — well, you can put xyz on it… or maybe abc… just try and see. They don’t have time to culture the rash or take it that seriously in 7 minutes. Google was more helpful than that. Was the doc friendly — yes. Medically helpful, no.
I said «7 minutes» because another dermatologist told me they see up to EIGHT patients an hour (each doctor does — not all 3 together) — unless it is fillers or surgery where they can’t run in and out. So, that is 7 minutes per patient. And, then you get a $ 150 – 300 bill for this (other reviews seem to match this complaint exactly). They have an army of nurses, scribes, medical assistants to pay — so it’s just a giant cash printing machine. I am not sure if patient care is even the priority.
To prove my point, the specialist spent 45 minutes in the OR fixing what the doctor at Lakeview Derm rushed through, but the surgeon charged less. and this repair was meticulous & perfect. Even other physicians were amazed by the way the skin was closed with such a hairline scar, you couldn’t even see it. On the other hand, I have stretched train tracks from the Lakeview Derm part of my scar because of the way the incision was closed.
I am debating if I want to post photos or not as they are quite graphic and may be disturbing to the casual Unilocal viewer. but I had to live through it, so i might post later. I am pretty bitter about the whole experience, despite the fact the doctors and (most of) the staff are very nice.
Their laser hair removal didn’t really work, either. In truth I did not complete the package, but usually you see some reduction. There was none. When i think of the money I have given this practice for cosmetic treatments and co-​pays over the years, it must be at least $ 5000. I don’t even know what I have to show for it other than bruises from filler, no change in hair growth from the laser, badly done surgery that had to be fixed elsewhere, an inclusion cyst treated as a «zit» that they couldn’t «pop» (can’t pop an inclusion cyst!), non-​diagnosed rash, confusion over billing, and some samples of CeraVe (cheap lotion). Wow… I never listed it out before like this — but that’s pretty sad. And the docs there are making, what, 300k more to create more problems than they solve? Lovely. I wonder how long I’d last in my job (not making 300k) to cause these kinds of problems & consistently fail to deliver. Must be nice to be in such a bubble.

I’ve been receiving laser treatments from Sue for several months for facial veins/​redness/​telangectiadias. The results have been amazing and Sue is awesome!

This review is for Dr. Eugene Mandrea. I have been coming to Lakeview dermatology for some time, and have seen both Dr. Fine and Dr. Steven Mandrea, both of whom were wonderful. Both of them worked with me through my adult acne, listening to my concerns carefully and my acne cleared up under their guidance. I noticed an odd bump on my arm, and Dr. Eugene Mandrea was the only doctor available when I called to make an appointment. I had my concerns after my first appointment, but scheduled the recommended 2 week follow up with him because I figured he knew my case, he had seen it first hand, so it would be best to follow up with the same doctor. When I came back, just two weeks later, it was as if Dr. E. Mandrea had no recollection of meeting me. He had no idea why I was there, what my symptoms had been 2 weeks ago, or the color and size of the bump the last time I was in. He referenced his notes, and still got it wrong. He recommended I continue with the same course of treatment, and come back in another 6 weeks. When I questioned why we would wait 6 weeks, he checked his calendar and said «oh, well 4 weeks would be after the holidays so you can come back in 4 weeks.» When I asked what the holidays had to do with his recommendation, he asked me if I wanted him to take a biopsy right then and there. I’m not a doctor. That’s why I came to a doctor for guidance. I left upset, frustrated, and still unsure of what is going on and made sure to schedule my next follow up with Dr. Fine instead.

This review is for Dr. Eugene Mandrea (the senior Dr. Mandrea) — I haven’t seen any of the other doctors at Lakeview Dermatology (Halsted location). It also doesn’t reflect on the receptionists or techs, who have all been great.
I was referred to Dr. Mandrea six months ago for what turned out to be plaque psoriasis. My psoriasis has not improved at all in that time, but okay, it’s a particularly stubborn case. Despite seeing me one to two times a month, I am not confident Dr. Mandrea remembers me from appointment to appointment. But okay, it’s a busy practice, he may not be able to remember all his patients.
My main concern, and the reason for the two star review, is the inconsistency of treatment. I was told to wear gloves overnight, for example, to help adsorb medication. The next time we went over treatment, he asked why I was wearing gloves overnight, and to stop immediately. The appointment after that, he said he wanted me to try wearing gloves.
Worse — a month ago, with ointments proving ineffective, I was started on a pill (suggested by the tech, after the doctor appeared stumped). Dr. Mandrea told me I would start on one pill a day and work my way up to six a day. After the doctor left, the tech told me he had been mistaken and that the dosage never went above two pills a day. The instructions in the starter pack I was given backed that up.
I had the followup this week (still no improvement, sigh), and the doctor asked how many pills I was taking a day. I told him two, AM and PM, as the starter pack very clearly laid out. He told me that was incorrect — that I should be taking six a day — and that was probably why I wasn’t better. I was taken off it regardless, due to side effects.
Dr. Mandrea is a nice man, but I will not be seeing him again. He may do well with basic and cosmetic treatments, but I have serious doubts about his ability to manage more serious medical conditions. I feel like a jerk for saying it, but he may simply be too old for it.

I have had a spot on my face that looks horrible for 6 months. I saw two other doctors before going to Dr. Steven Mandrea. The other doctors not only weren’t helpful, but they delayed my recovery. On my first visit to Dr. Mandrea he took his time with me, laid out my treatment options and a plan to help me heal. He was so gentle and kind and all of the nurses were friendly as well. I am so grateful to Dr. Mandrea for taking me seriously and giving me hope that I’ll heal. I highly recommend him!

This is by far the worst doctor’s office I have ever been to. I’ve had two instances now of going for my scheduled evening appointment and having to wait over a full hour to be seen by the doctor. I saw Dr. Eugene Mandrea and he was fine, although the physician’s assistant on a separate visit was appalled when she found out the type of treatment he had recommended, as the information did not seem accurate to her. Dr. Fine was very nice, and I would give this place another chance if it were only based on her personality, but I am definitely not willing to wait an hour for sub-​par medical attention. I’ve also had several insurance issues with this office, and I haven’t had these same issues with other doctor’s offices.

My dermatologist was simply outstanding. He immediately diagnosed both my conditions at a glance and was extremely friendly and personable. He patiently answered all of my questions and provided tips on how to manage it in my daily life until it is cured.
Negatives: the wait was 20 minutes past my appointment time but that’s usual for doctors visits.
The front desk and nurses were friendly and professional. However, they keep your ID until you are called which I could see being the reason why other people on Unilocal had problems with them.
Definitely go to this place. Don’t let the bad score stop you I’m glad I didn’t!

I recently had a microdermabrasion and chemical peel for my very stubborn KP with the esthetician Ally. She was very thorough and explained exactly what to expect during and after the procedure. She even gave me samples and written instructions on how to use everything after the procedure. A week after the treatment, I received a phone call from her making sure I was doing well. Overall, I was extremely happy with my results and will be returning again.

The customer service is fine, but I don’t think my doctor actually did a very thorough exam of my body, especially when I have a family history of skin cancer.
During a previous visit, my doctor had photographed and notated several moles on the «watch list.» During the follow-​up visit, a year later, she didn’t look at those moles (which makes me think she didn’t look at her previous notes or photos). I had to point them out to her after she was apparently already done with the examination.
Also, I know from prior experience with dermatologists that you can get cancerous moles anywhere on your body, but I felt that my doctor just did a very quick superficial check and didn’t check under my bra or underwear. I actually think she may have been a little embarrassed?
It wasn’t a horrible office experience by any means — everyone was friendly — but maybe they’ve fallen victim to the «get ‘em in, get ‘em out» pressure that doctors’ offices are under. I just didn’t think the exam was very thorough.

I made an appointment through ZocDoc for one doctor, but I was seen by another doctor. No one even bothered to explain to me why the doctor I chose was being switched out.
Service was quick but treatment was not as effective as the one I received elsewhere.

This is the place to go if you want a facial or Microderm treatment but if you have an actual clinical condition I strongly recommend that you go elsewhere for treatment.
I went here on three different occasions & the doc spent maybe an accumulated total of 15min with me (and thats a generous estimate). Staff constantly mispronounced my name after several corrections; so its not surprising that upon my subsequent visits they could not recall what I was there for. Upon my last visit they informed me that my «moles were nothing to worry about & they were not cancerous» even though they have never examined them. If the docs cant recall why I have been coming here then how can they possibly treat me.
They never examined the area I was concerned about but listened to me describe my symptoms and then prescribed very expensive creams.
Was not happy at all and will not be back.

I visited Dr. Mandrea to have my skin looked at for skin acne. I’m a pretty active runner and my pores get irritated after a long run. The office is along Halsted street on the fourth floor. I did not have to wait very long to see the doctor. Two nice women at the front door had me fill out a basic paper work while I waited. I think it only took about 15 mins to be seen.
The doctor and nurse came to examine the tiny bumps around my chin. To my surprise, he encouraged me to start using a special soap on my skin and change my diet a little. I guess spicy food was contributing to my dermal problems. I had fully expected he would want me to have laser treatment. At first, I was skeptical this would work. After two weeks, I noticed a big change with my skin. I can totally get used to having a clear complexion.

Don’t use ZocDoc to schedule an appointment with them, especially not over the weekend. I received an e-​mail notification (not even a phone call) that the appointment I had scheduled over the weekend was cancelled by the office — an hour and five minutes before my appointment was supposed to take place.
When I called to inquire, the receptionist said there was nothing he could do and that I should have «assumed» that my appointment wasn’t confirmed until Monday — despite the fact that they link to the online appointment system with no disclaimer to this effect.
The best he could do was have me seen by a PA on Wednesday — not exactly helpful when I’m terrified I might have skin cancer. Scheduling appointments is the most basic service — if you can’t nail that down, why should I trust you as a doctor?

My dermatologist recently retired, and I didn’t really know where to go. Truthfully, she didn’t recommend anyone, so I had to find someone on my own. I called and made an appointment over the phone, and the staff seemed fairly friendly. They said they would try to get my records from my old dermatologist, but I told them she wasn’t answering my calls, so good luck. Honestly, not sure if they ever did get the records, haha.
My reason for three stars over five stars simply is because of the wait. It was over an hour to see the doctor. I usually try and schedule doctor’s appointments on Thursdays, because it is my day off work, but I have a lot going on that day. Need less to say, having to wait an hour to see the doctor threw off my entire day.
The doctor, Steven Mandrea, was incredibly nice though, and apologized profusely for the wait. What I loved about him was he didn’t try to rush me out of the room. I don’t have any major skin issues, but enough to see a dermatologist to help clear them up. I brought all the medication my old dermatologist came me, and he explained that they medication she gave me for my arms was for acne, and not the condition I actually have on my arms, so it was doing me no good all this time. He prescribed a new cream, and said it should help clear it up a lot, though not cure it. Apparently it’s genetic and not curable. Rude.
He also eliminated some of the stuff she gave me too. For example, she gave me prescription shampoo for dry scalp, when I’ve never had a dry scalp problem. I used it anyway, as she was the doctor.
My old dermatologist also took away all of my soap products that I used to use from Lush, and Origins. She said I could only use soaps with 1 – 2 ingredients, and no scents. Need less to say, I haven’t been happy with the soaps. Dr. Mandrea said I could start adding them back into my life, and I didn’t need to completely change my life, like my old dermatologist tried to make me. I do have allergies to certain detergents, so I should keep that away, but the soap is fine as I never had a reaction to it.
All in all great doctor, but be prepared to wait. I’m hoping my follow up appointment doesn’t take nearly as long to be seen, but we shall see. I get the impression he is worth continuing to see, but not if the wait is always this bad…

Growing up, I cherished my relationship with my dermatologist. She coached me through heinous boughts of hereditary acne that plagued my adolescence and scarred both my face and chest, and also my confidence. Scoff as you like, but suffering the blows of fourth grade quips addled with hatred over a predisposition you can neither control nor hide is detrimental to an otherwise clueless ten year old. It was with my doctor’s treatment and stern chats regarding self esteem that I «survived» a childhood of embarrassment.
As my acne is long gone and the scars are lasered over, it never occurred to me to seek a new dermatologist when I relocated to Chicago. My tanorexic days were left in the Southern dust, and I have my mother’s Italian genes to thank for golden skin in the summer that doesn’t need a good burn to render the perfect tan. And no one in my family has needed sun-​caused imperfections removed. Until someone did. An uncle with the same beautiful Italian genes as my mother recently passed from Melanoma gone unchecked. That was the wakeup call I needed to find the nearest derm to check every freckle that has made an appearance since that fateful fourth grade year.
I have seen Dr. Lauren Fine multiple times over the last six months having this or that checked or removed since that wakeup call, and she has lived up to my expectations built from my hometown derm. She is kind, thorough, thoughtful, and unafraid to take action. My trips to her office are often riddled with nervous thoughts and wild scenarios, but Dr. Fine always eases my worries and ensures I receive the best care. Now I see her for all my skincare needs. Blotchy cheeks, fine lines, rosy nose– she does it all.
And my favorite thing about Dr. Fine– her schedule. I never have a problem getting a quick appointment with her. We’re talking same week, convenient hours, and minimal waiting.
If you are in your twenties or older and have not been checked by a dermatologist, please do so. Most insurances will cover the cost 100%, and it is completely worth the peace of mind. And hey, you may decide to seek out a little perk up for those crows feet while you’re there.

I had a little issue that needed to be fixed so I made an appointment with Dr. Steven Mandrea here at this location.
I did not have to wait in the office very long before I was brought into the examination room and I did not have to wait very long to see Dr. Mandrea.
Dr. Mandrea and all of the staff was very friendly, helpful and made me feel comfortable