Union Square Laser Dermatology

I went to see Dr. Chapas in late fall about skin pigmentation, melasma, brown spots, redness, fine lines, and she recommended Fraxel dual laser. Due to various scheduling changes on my part, I didn’t go in for the appointment until just recently. I was charged $ 200 for the initial consult in the fall (to be applied to treatment) but was told after my second schedule change that, if I changed the appointment again, the $ 200 would not be applied to my treatment. So, I scheduled for just prior to Memorial Day Weekend. Prior to the appointment, I called to make sure that it is OK to get Fraxel dual treatment just prior to summer. I was told that lots of people do, and it was find as long as I wear sunscreen (which I do, plus a hat).
When I got to the office, I again asked whether it was OK to get Fraxel dual treatment just prior to summer and if I have melasma (I was reading about it just prior to going in and it seems that it’s not always appropriate for people with melasma), and was told it was fine. After sitting with numbing cream on my face, and getting a high dose shot of ibuprofen for pain in anticipation of Fraxel dual treatment, Dr. Chapas finally comes to see me and says that Fraxel is not really appropriate for me at this time of year because of my melasma. How frustrating! I have wasted a couple hours of my day and taken drugs that I didn’t need to take, when this all could have been determined if someone would have asked Dr. Chapas earlier when I first brought it up. When I voiced my frustration at having asked office staff about this, Dr. Chapas said that «the front desk staff is not authorized to give out medical advice.» So why didn’t the front desk staff check with the doctor before telling me that it was fine?
Since I was already there, numb and medicated, Dr. Chapas discussed a few other types of lasers with me, and we settled on using two — one to treat redness and one to treat brown spots. This was less expensive than what I was expecting to pay for Fraxel ($ 1000 vs $ 1600), but any skin refinement or tightening would have to be another time and with another treatment. It will be a few days before I see the results of what I had done today but, as of now, it looks like quite of few of my brown spots were not treated. I would have asked for her to do the rest, but she left pretty quickly after doing the procedure.
The office is lovely and the staff is friendly, but I am very annoyed that front desk and office staff were dismissive of my concerns about doing Fraxel at this time of year without ever checking with Dr. Chapas. It resulted in my spending much longer at the appointment than I needed to, as well as getting a high dose ibuprofen shot that I didn’t need. Also, I am not going to be getting the results that I was expecting with Fraxel — better skin texture and decrease in brown spots and redness.

I cannot say enough good things about Union Square Dermatology. I am a new patient there but my experience has been amazing. I had the good fortune to have Dr. Robin Gmyrek as my doctor, although I hear everyone in this practice is excellent. The entire staff is professional yet warm, patient and kind. You feel comfortable the minute you walk in. The office is modern yet warm and inviting. Dr. Gmyrek explains everything in calm way.
The actual procedure (I had Botox as well as fillers done), was far less painful than most people experience and it was because of Dr. Gmyrek’s light hand and gentle way. She really cares and wants to make you happy. She is a firm believer in staying natural and that is exactly the kind of doctor I was looking for.
The whole experience was wonderful and I highly recommend Union Square Laser Dermatology. My results have been awesome!

Had a totally bizarre experience there: went in for a $ 200 consultation with Dr. Shwalik. She doesn’t ask me if I’m wearing makeup or examine my skin closely in any way. She asks me why I’m there and I tell her that I think I’m interested in Fraxel and Ultherapy but that I’d like her opinion (which is why I’m there!). Without removing my makeup or anything she just goes through a list of the lasers they have and what each one does — information I can get anywhere. It was like she refused to give any recommendation at all, but just kept running through a laundry list of their lasers. Finally, she just gave me a bunch of brochures and guided me to the desk where I was to pay $ 200 for… er, I’m not sure what, exactly.
I would not recommend her or this practice to anyone interested in cosmetic dermatology. The place is a bad joke!

I have followed Dr. Gmyrek to this location, and I would follow her anywhere she goes. I think she is absolutely fantastic. She has made a huge impact on my life. I have gone to her for many laser hair removal treatments, and I trust her with all treatments I plan to get in the future. They may be expensive, but it is worth it.

Yes, I have to start off by saying that I specifically created this Unilocal account to provide a review for Union Square Dermatology…
With that out of the way, let me just say that I Union Square has truly made a positive impact on my life. 6 months ago, I completed a cosmetic procedure with Dr. Chapas. I was born with a birthmark on the side of my face which I lived my entire life with but have always been conscious about since I can remember. Although I consider myself a confident person, I still always felt that people would notice my birthmark instead of me. On a recommendation from a family member, I went in and spoke to Dr. Chapas. To start off, the entire office staff was so great and friendly and really made me feel comfortable. From there, Dr. Chapas consulted me through the entire process and was very comforting with how she explained everything. She answered my hundreds of questions and really put me at ease as I was so worried that things could end up worse.
Once the procedure was booked, the staff was great with all the necessary preparation. The procedure went off without any issues and the follow up processes was just as wonderful as the prep. Again, the staff was so great with making me feel comfortable and everything was explained to me in such a way, not even I could have messed things up!
The real results have come months later with friends and family telling me that I have become more confident and outgoing. I no longer have the burden of constantly thinking that someone is staring at my face for the wrong reasons. I just simply feel happier and confident and can go out and interact with people without a worry.
I want to thank Dr. Chapas and her staff for her help throughout the entire process. Her counselling throughout each step put me at ease through a major point in my life. I am very thankful for what she has been able to do for me!

I highly recommend this office, had several laser treatments by Dr.Chapas.She is very knowledgable, professsional, topnotch Doctor and wonderful human being. You are awsome Dr. Chapas!!!

I recently visited Union Square Laser Dermatology for the first time. It was a quick Über from my downtown office. The space is sleek and modern with a great view of Union square. Upon arrival, the reception staff was welcoming and the wait time was short. Dr. MacGregor (who I’d researched beforehand) immediately made me feel comfortable. I got a quick Botox injection that I’m very happy with. The treatment itself was fairly easy and I saw results within about a week. People have commented that I look less tired. Overall, I was impressed with the entire staff’s attention to detail, something that seems to be lacking in most doctor’s offices. I’d recommend for anyone looking to see a dermatologist in the downtown area.

Very professional, always a great experience from beginning to end. Dr. MacGregor is very friendly and knowledgable. Highly recommend

Union Square Laser Dermatology is top notch. I have been to multiple dermatologists and this office is head and shoulders above the rest. I came into the office to solve three long standing issues 1) Back Hair 2) Excessive underarm sweat 3) Submental area fat. Dr. Robyn Gmyrek (who is wonderful) crafted a solution of laser hair removal for the back hair, Mira-​dry for the underarms, and Kybella for my neck. My treatments have been very effective and have exceeded my expectations.
One of the larger selling points of the practice is the seamless process between the office, doctor, nursing staff, and patient. I was kept informed throughout the whole process by Dr. Gmyrek and the Nursing Staff (Katie) so there was nothing unexpected. The nursing staff is a huge selling point for this practice, I found them extremely knowledgeable and were able to answer with depth my questions regarding post procedure care. All in all a wonderful experience and one that I have confidently recommended to friends and family.

Union Square Laser Dermatology is the best! I come from a family of dermatologists and skin care is definitely a high priority. When I moved to the city it was on the top of my list to find a great dermatologist and USLD exceeded my expectations. Dr. Jennifer Chwalek is one of the reasons why I love it so much. She is not only incredibly smart and knowledgeable as a doctor, but she has the type of nonjudgmental personality that makes you feel at ease and comfortable. HIGHLY recommend her for your dermatology needs.

I am writing this review to make people aware of what can go wrong at Union Square Laser. I have been receiving Fraxel and Botox services at this facility by Dr. MacGregor for about two years. I visit the facility at least seven or eight times a year. Each time I go, I discuss with Dr. MacGregor exactly what level of treatment I would like, and at some point in time we settled into a routine. I would let her know that I would like the same level of energy from the Fraxel laser as usual.
There have been several problems recently, however. It seems that the majority of the time when I visit, I am told that the prices are going up again. I was very alarmed the last few times because they were literally raising the prices each time I made an appointment.
On August 11^th, 2015, I arrived at Union Square Laser for my appointment with Dr. MacGregor and as soon as I sat down in the treatment room, I was approached by her assistant and asked for more money. I replied that I had come in for the identical treatment in April (face and neck fraxel) and that the prices had been raised at that time. I further added that the price increases were very frequent and excessive. I was already paying «market rates». I refused to pay the increase and was told that they were going to honor the old price, but that I had to sign that the next time there was going to be a 12% increase. Once again I informed the assistant that I was not going to sign anything about a price increase as I was already paying competitive rates.
I was very unhappy that this facility and Dr. Macgregor believed that it was appropriate to ask for more money a few minutes before the treatment was to be given. This is something I would expect from a snake oil salesman. Needless to say I was disgusted. My instinct was to leave, however I stayed and things got worse from there.
When Dr. MacGregor came into the room, she asked me what level of treatment I wanted from the Fraxel Laser. I replied that the level I usually get worked well and wanted to stick with that. She responded, «Oh you mean with your face red for three days?» «Yes», I responded, «Exactly.»
I’ve had the identical treatment with Dr. MacGregor on at least 4 previous occasions and knew exactly what to expect. Three days of redness and swelling, a lot of heat with ice packs necessary every 30 minutes for the first day, two weeks of constant flaking and shedding of skin cells, with some black speckles.
Well, I did not need any ice because I was not very swollen and my face and neck did not feel hot and burning like usual. The next morning, when I received the Union Square Laser survey, I filled it out and I complained about the frequent price increases, about being asked for more money a few minutes before the treatment was given, and I also complained that the level of energy Dr. MacGregor had given me was much less than we had agreed to. I explained that I had very little swelling and that the treated areas did not feel hot and I was barely red.
No one from the facility contacted me so I called on the 18^th to find out how this matter was going to be rectified. By that time a whole week had gone by and I had no skin cell shedding whatsoever.
I spoke with Steve over the course of the next few days, but I was not able to resolve the matter to my satisfaction. I have asked for a partial refund of a minimum of $ 700 since I did not receive the agreed upon service. I was told to come in for a future fraxel treatment and they would take off $ 200 from the increased prices I had been quoted. I informed Steve that I cannot see Dr. MacGregor again because there was a breach in trust. Steve then claimed that it was illegal to give a refund for a medical procedure.
«I find that to be absolutely amazing», I responded. «So we’ll see what the judge says when I take this to small claims court» At this point Steve was laughing quite hard and could barely hear me.
I advise that Union Square Laser and Dermatology and more specifically Dr. Jennifer MacGregor be avoided for the reasons that I stated. This is not how a good Laser and Dermatology facility is run.

Went to USLD last week. My doctor of preference was Dr. MacGregor. My appt was 1:30. I got there a few minutes early, the front desk girl was super friendly and the office itself very modern and clean (plants watered). The nurse came to get me at my exact appointment time.
The consultation– Dr. MacG was, of all things, Honest! The office prices are not cheap and I really, genuinely appreciated that she wasn’t pushy. I walked her thru my daily face regimen and she gave me actual suggestions of what I can do AT HOME to improve my skin. We Both agreed on a treatment that I would really benefit from. I had laser done that day with a future plan and some samples. The staff was nice and my overall experience was great. The next day they called to see how I was feeling, A+ for outstanding service.

I have been going to USLD since 2013. I first started with Cool & True sculpt, and wow that was amazing. No matter how much gym time spent some of those unwanted bulges will never go away. Cool sculpt gets rid of them, and Thermage tightens any of the leftover loose skin !
I then had Botox/​Dysport and fillers. The next was full face Fraxel repair & Restore, Alex Laser, Ulthera, and V Beam laser. This healed within –1– week with amazing results. The only feet I have now are in my shoes… recently I had a NEW procedure Infini, and these results are amazing. All the procedures done here are non-​invasive & do not require any cutting, or anesthesia. I believe this is the way of the future for any skin rejuvenation.

In the last century I have had CO2 full face laser, chemical peels, cryo peels, liposuction, fillers, botox and others I have long since forgot. Not to mention using Retin A since it was on a ‘trial’ basis, again in the last century !
Any of these procedures involve discomfort, this is very different from pain. If you are a person that does not know the difference none of these procedures are for you. The healing will vary depending on your body’s healing. There will be some swelling, and some bruising. If you expect to just go in, get it done, and do nothing afterwards –forget it-​. These procedures need the patient to do your part for healing. The results continue improving weeks/​months afterward. The follow up here is GREAT .
I have been seen by ALL the doctors at USLD at different times for various conditions. Dr. Mac Gregor was my first and I must say my favorite. From the minute you get off the elevator/​reception, its like visiting your favorite relative’s home. The entire staff is benign, yet friendly in a most professional way. Doctor Mac Gregor has done 90% of my procedures, explaining clearly everything being done in a way I can understand. Dr. Chappas, Gymrek, and Chawalek are all equally great. The nurses, are all the best of any office. I cannot finish without mentioning Maria the facial woman. Facials are the best to keep that skin ”happy” .

A very grateful patient, Christian Johnson
PS: the treatment I have had for thinning hair growth is working better than anyone could ever hope for.

Love this place, everyone is so helpful and courteous and it looks so clean. I went to get a laser treatment with Dr McGregor and she is extremely nice and knowledgeable. The treatment itself was not painful as I had read, just a bit uncomfortable, but it was done fast and with extreme care and I am sure this is whh it did not hurt as much. Thank you so much for making my visit so pleasant.

Answer to the business response below: Dr McGregor contacted me via email after I wrote this review. She wanted to discuss what happened. I told her how I felt in an email and let her know I had no interest in discussing it further. There was NO appointment scheduled in 2 days, absolutely untrue. I had a very excellent top doc in Chicago who used the Canola needle because it bruised much less and I never had a problem like this. David you can say whatever you want but the truth is I was treated badly and there is NO excuse for that.

I have been seeing Dr. MacGregor for over a year now. She has honestly changed the way I feel about myself! I had struggled with acne and as a result had severe scarring on my face. I had very low self confidence and had a hard time believing that the dark spots would ever go away.
Dr. MacGregor immediately made me feel comfortable and safe to ask her anything. She was extremely attentive and personable. I truly felt listened to and understood by her.
In just a couple of treatments my skin started to change drastically! My skin is now completely scar free! I am constantly complimented on it. She performed magic!
I have also been going to Dr. MacGregor for laser hair removal on my face and the experience has been equally amazing! I had dark thick, hair on my face and with the treatments the hair is almost entirely gone. Dr. MacGregor has transformed my face and restored my self confidence.
The products that Ive been recommended make my skin feel soothed and nourished. It is also a very easy skin care regimen to follow and maintain.
The office itself also feels like a spa. The moment that you step out of the elevator you are greeted with smiles, and given delicious chocolate treats while you wait. I often find myself arriving early for my appointment so that I can relax there! The nurses are very friendly and knowledgable. The entire staff works together to provide you with an amazing experience each and every time! Dr. MacGregor is exceptional and I truly feel lucky to have found her and Im absolutely certain that you will too!

Five stars for Dr. Jennifer MacGregor and the entire team at Union Square Laser Dermatology… and I would give six if that was an option!
Truly, I can’t say enough about how pleased I am with my results nor can I overstate how highly I would recommend Dr. MacGregor to friends and family. The Dr. and her team are professional, incredibly welcoming, and clearly sophisticated. On one dermatological issue in particular, I’ve seen dramatic results. Specifically, I’ve dealt with melasma discoloration on my face for years. I’ve never felt good about it and I’ve seen multiple doctors who’ve tried various remedies all with little noticeable result. Then, a friend recommended Dr. MacGregor. In less than a year as Dr. MacGregor’s patient, my forehead no longer has even a hint of discoloration – I am back to just looking like «me” – with noticeable improvements after each appointment. I’ve now had a few other procedures and I’m just as pleased with my natural-​looking, glowing, line-​free results.
Again, if I could, I would rate Dr. MacGregor and Union Square Laser Dermatology with more than 5-​stars, and based on my outstanding experience I would highly recommend her for any dermatological work.

I have been seeing Dr. Chappas every 3 – 6 months for the last 3 years. (Followed her from her last office). I was diagnosed with melanoma and Dr. Chappas was recommended for my body checks by my oncologist. She is caring, helpful and has an amazing memory. She has preformed Mohs surgery on me and even helped make a previous scar look much better.
The office is well run and I have never had a poor experience here. I also have never waited more than a few minutes to be called back.

While the office is beautiful and the front staff are very sweet, everything else about this place is less than desirable. The comments and low ratings from 2013 are spot on (I wouldn’t pay any attention to that guy who is responding to the posts)…
Why the 1 star?
— I had to wait almost 45 minutes to be seen
— Was seen for maybe 15 minutes ($ 300 consult fee) where prices weren’t discussed at all, just really one option available with before/​after pics from the treatment company rather than real results from this office
— Was given to a different billing person who just showed me a paper with prices of things not even discussed in the consult (she also had a really bad attitude)
— This billing person also asked me to pay $ 300 without even checking that I had already paid $ 100 online (could have overpaid $ 100 and no one would have said different)
While it really really tears me up about it, this experience was probably the worst I’ve ever had at a doctor’s office and consequently I’ve just lost $ 300. You couldn’t pay me to go back here. Steer clear of this place.

Fantastic Dermatology Services from start to finish. The office is State of the Art, spotless (translation: extremely hygienic), and staff is very polite, professional and considerate. When considering skin care treatment, the front desk person speaks volumes for the rest of the Staff and the Doctors. In this location, everyone in the office is very caring; something that is lacking in most offices of any kind.
I have now been to this location three separate times for skin care matters, and found everyone amazing. If you are ‘Dermo-​Doctor Shopping’, this is one location to consider a Consultation with to see for yourself what everyone else is raving about.
The office is a block or so away from the N, Q, R, 4, 5, and 6, Trains — it’s located directly on Union Square and easily accessible by a Crosstown bus off 14^th street. For more transportation methods, check with the New York websites
I wouldn’t hesitate in referring a close friend or family member here, and can say with confidence, that you will be very content with the services offered. Check with the office to see if your insurance is accepted.