Mindful Dermatology

Are you REALLY well insured? Dr. Lucas is the doctor for you.
One high-​light — she did a skin biopsy and left me an ominous phone message w/​the results — «possible precancerous growth — seek surgical intervention IMMEDIATELY…»
After a brief freak-​out — I knew enough to do some research & seek 2^nd opinion on my own. Mayo Clinic web site, etc.
End of story — rather than the $ 5,000 plus procedure the fine Dr. Lucas STRONGLY recommended — I went w/​the more conservative & cheaper on my high deductible insurance — «watchful waiting».
Eventually — it turned out to be a cyst of some kind — went away on it’s own.
²⁰⁄₂₀ hindsight — her offices directly above the luxury ladies day spa — not a good sign. Recommended by my Northwestern Med. primary care physician (that’s a story for another day) but not a good sign. Seek care elsewhere — unless — you’ve got money, anxiety & time to burn.

I have mixed reviews for Dr. Lucas.
I’d give her 5 stars for the acne regimen. I’ve always had acne and it didn’t clear up as an adult. I started on the prescription face products and have only had a pimple here and there. It’s sooo wonderful to be able to go make-​up free most days.
But the other reason I went was for a full body exam. I felt it was unnecessarily rushed. I felt like I had to point out the moles I was worried about rather than her asking me about them. It makes me not want to see her again in this regard.
I will continue to see her for the acne issues but for the skin cancer prevention I will likely see someone else.

I started seeing Dr. Lucas at the recommendation of my dermatogist Dr. Donnelly, who was moving out of the area. I was very hesitant about trusting anyone else with my skin, as I had been a patient of Dr. Donnelly’s for six years.
In the six months I have been seeing Dr. Lucas, she has been great. And has far surpassed the expectations I have for a doctor. In the past six months I have had four appointments, so I feel as though I can make a fair assessment of her professional abilities (Unfortunately, I need to go more often to check for signs of skin cancer, as I have light eyes, light skin, light hair).
She spends the time to discuss any questions you may have, and never makes you feel rushed. She has a great bedside manner, and I feel comfortable with her as my doctor.

Dr. Lucas is an extremely thorough and helpful doctor. She spends the necessary time with you to get to know you and your needs. I’ve been to a number of dermatologists over the years and never have I found someone as kind and caring, and knowledgeable as Dr. Lucas! I highly recommend her.

I adore Dr. Lucas. I love her holistic/​natural approach to healing the body. I’ve been wanting this kind of treatment for a long time and I finally feel like there is a doctor that understands me. It might not be the solution for everyone, but I know this is the best solution for my body and health.

i have been going to Dr. Lucas for years, but sadly, i will have to find another dermatologist.
2 weeks ago i talked to her and the medical esthetician (Mary) about creating a skin régime (now that i’m 30) for me and i left with purchasing $ 250 worth of serums, creams and sunscreen. after trying all of them, the sunscreen did not work for me. it was like schmearing cream cheese on my face and left me looking like a kabuki character. yesterday, i attempted to return the sunscreen (i had purchased 2 b/​c they were on special) and i was not allowed to because i had not had an adverse reaction to the product. the only way you can return products is if you have a reaction to them!
i am a hairstylist and i sell people professional products everyday. how would you feel if i sold you some shampoo that you didn’t care for and i would not let you return it b/​c your hair didn’t fall out? that is absurd, especially since professional products are backed by the manufacturer. i cannot support a practice who rips off their patients.
PS — the questionable sunscreen is La Roche-​Posay Anthelios SPF 40. its like cream cheese!

I’ve been to see Dr. Lucas twice within the last couple of years. I think she has been great. Her advice was right on. She spent time listening to me and responded to all of my questions. I highly recommend her.

I think Dr. Lucas is the cat’s meow. I first went to her when I had a little spot on my upper lip. I thought it was probably «nothing» since I was only 38 and live like a vampire. avoiding sun at all costs. To my dismay, she was immediately concerned about it and ultimately, it was found to be a basel cell skin cancer. It was upsetting, and she couldnt have had a more perfect bed side manor to assuage my fears. She and her staff were caring and wonderfully supportive throughout the process of biopsy and diagnosis. She referred me to a wonderul facial surgeon for the removal who she thought from experience would leave the least amount of scarring. Now, if I have a concern over a skin «bump» that Im afraid is another skin cancer, her staff will squeeze me in within a day or two. They are really great. She has a holistic approach to medicine but is also very grounded in the latest treatments. She’s the best. Go to her. Ive referred several ladies in the office and we all love her.

Dr. Lucas is my favorite doctor. She listens to her patients’ concerns in a way I’ve found that few doctors have. Yes, she believes that there is cause and effect between what you eat and your skin. She knows I have a huge sweet tooth, but has NEVER told me that I can’t eat sugar. She’s given me ideas on how I can improve my eating habits and what I should eat for healthier skin, but she’s also given me prescriptions to improve my skin. She’s also said that if I don’t want to hear about eating better and just want topical solutions, she’s more than happy to keep those opinions to herself and just focus on which prescriptions will work best. Because she’s earned my trust over the 5 or so years that I’ve been seeing her, I value her opinions.

I’ve been to Dr. Lucas’ office several times for adult acne and I like her approach to solving my problem. During my first visit I wanted to try chemical peels since that has helped me in the past and that’s what we did. (Not putting me on antiboitics like other doctors which I don’t think is a good solution) Now with problems again along with unemployment I cannot afford the peels and she has given me other options which are really helping and so much cheaper.
I think she listens to her patients. I like what she believe in. It’s been really easy to get in to her office even in emergency situations (huge cystic pimple two days before wedding)
I don’t really understand what Frederica is talking about. I really like Dr. Lucas and I do not think she is a quack! Although I have never had the conversation with Dr. Lucas, I strongly believe what you eat affects your skin.

Let’s just say that I don’t think I’ve ever left a doctor’s office more stressed. Also, let’s say that Dr. Roberta Lucas is a quack. Again, I’ll say that their billing department is so stupid that they sent me a bill for 300 dollars since they forgot to ask my birth date which according to them makes them unable to bill my insurance.
I made an appointment here to get facial acne and some warts taken care of. I left without having gotten rid of either. When I told Dr. Roberta Lucas about my acne problem she launched into a LONG rant about how pasteurized milk, unfermented soy, and sugar causes acne and «according to her theory» warts. So she told me I could not eat any sugar, dairy or unfermented soy. Before I conformed to this lifestyle changing diet I did my research. None of what she said was based on ANY credible research that I could find. So I went the place SHE told me to look for information which was Weston A. Price Foundation. The Weston A. Price Foundation is headed by a PhD nutritionist (doesn’t sound bad) and a woman with a Master’s degree in… English.
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
Wow, I thought someone who had gone through Medical school would know a little bit more about the scientific method and scrutinizing sources of information. To top it all off, when I told her I didn’t want children she stared at me and told me that I might change my mind. Ah, I love me some judgment in the morning.