Dr. Nelson Lee Novick, M.D.

Dermatologist | Procedural Dermatology

4/5(10)

500 E 85th St New York NY, 10028 Show map

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4/5

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About

Nelson Lee Novick, M.D. is a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY and an Attending Physician, and a former OPD Clinic Chief within the department of dermatology of the Medical Center. He has appeared on all the major television networks with personalities, such as Oprah Winfrey and Paula Zahn on a host of consumer affairs issues, and is the author and editor of numerous medical textbooks and chapters. Dr. Novick has also authored a dozen books for the general public, including Saving Face, SuperSkin and You Can Look Younger At Any Age. Dr. Novick specializes in the treatment of acne scars and the non-surgical rejuvenation of the face, neck, chest and hands. He is the developer of The Ten Minute Eyelift.

Education and Training

Mt Sinai Sch of Med of The City Univ of Ny, New York Ny 1975

Board Certification

DermatologyAmerican Board of DermatologyABD

Internal MedicineAmerican Board of Internal MedicineABIM

Provider Details

Male English, Hebrew

Dr. Nelson Lee Novick, M.D.

Dr. Nelson Lee Novick, M.D.'s Expert Contributions

My Latest Posts
My Answers

Acne Scars: Safe, Simple, Inexpensive & Time-Tested Treatments
In my daily practice devoted to treating all kinds of scars, most especially those arising from acne, I'm sorry to say that I routinely consult with patients who have not only suffered from years of acne but subsequently years of fruitless, disappointing attempts to treat the resultant acne scars....
Rejuvenating The Upper Face--Things CAN Look Up
Up to now, I've discussed the use of robust, injectable volumizing and lifting fillers for framing the face by treating the temples, as well as the rear angles of the jaw and chin. I also emphasized that it is no longer considered de rigeur to jump right into treating smile lines or sad lines...
Your Eyes: More Than Just Windows To The Soul--The Soul Of Youth
In my last blog, I discussed how natural, hyaluronic acid fillers (which are all basically complex sugars) can rejuvenate the "frame of the face" by lifting and volumizing the cheeks to recreate the ideal heart-shaped, high cheekboned look, and diminish tear troughs, smile lines, and sad lines. I...
Framing The Face With Fillers For A Fabulous More Youthful Look
In my last blog post, I explained how aesthetic medical science had made a giant leap forward about fifteen years ago when research findings put a new face to facial aging. We learned that so much of the sagging, drooping, jowls, and deep lines and crevices that appear with the passing decades,...
Getting That Immediate "Wow!" Nonsurgical "Liquid" Facelifts
About fifteen years ago a revolution took place in our understanding of what actually happens to us below the skin as we age. Until that time, the lay public, as well as their doctors, believed that the sagging of the skin that inevitably occurred with the passage of each decade from about age...
Raised Acne Scars: Quick & Simple Fixes To Flatten Them
In my previous blog, I discussed the various quick, simple and inexpensive ways to elevate and smooth sunken, indented boxcar, rolling and ice pick scars. However, not uncommonly, particularly when moderate to severe in nature, nodulocystic acne breakouts can give rise to several different kinds of...

Does scratching cause hyperpigmentation?
The precise at-home prescription medications and which in-office procedures you might need can only really be best determined after an in-person consultation. Sorry, there are no quick answers or treatments for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and treatment must be tailored to individual needs. READ MORE
Odd mole?
Any mole or growth that increases significantly in size, shape, color, or exhibits itching, tenderness, crusting or bleeding should be examined by a board certified dermatologist who most likely will recommend a simply biopsy to rule out the possibility of a skin malignancy. In the case of moles, early diagnosis of malignant moles (i.e. malignant melanoma) is essential, since delay may result in spread of the malignancy and poorer outcomes. READ MORE
Can a dermatologist help with skin cancer?
Dermatologists are specialists in diseases and conditions that affect the skin, hair and nails, so a dermatologist is definitely the specialist that should be consulted to evaluate and treat moles, especially those that are peculiar looking or have changed in size, shape, color, etc.. You would be well advised to seek consultation as soon as possible to ensure that your mole is actually benign and not a melanoma or other kind of skin cancer. Best of luck. READ MORE
What is the best vitamin for hair loss?
Unfortunately, there is really no one vitamin that directly helps hair loss. Biotin, which was recommended for years, has been shown to not being particularly effective, as was once thought. Instead, its use, especially in the high doses that were recommended in the past, has been shown to interfere with certain critical blood tests and can lead to misleading results. Your best best is a consultation with a dermatologist, a specialist in hair loss conditions, who can diagnose your specific type of hair loss and prescribe certain topical and/or medications that have proven safety and efficacy for retaining and even growing hair. It is best not to wait, since the early one intervenes, the more likely one is to be successful. Best of luck. READ MORE
How do you get rid of acne scars?
Without photos are even better an in-person, up close examination that allows for manipulation and palpation of the scars, I can only answer in general terms. Most persons with acne scars have the full range of scars, including boxcar and rolling scars and ice pick scars. They may also have generalized acne-related facial atrophy, as well. Each of these problems requires its own individual treatment or combination of approaches. As any follower of my answers knows well, I have been cautioning against falling prey to the intense marketing hype (but unfortunately little hard science) that surrounds the use of so many of the fraxel lasers and radiofrequency devices currently out there. If there is indeed generalized facial atrophy, then a Field Subcision to reflate the area would be a logical first step. Following this, individual subcisions may be used to elevate and smooth the boxcar and rolling scars. Subcisions may be performed either alone or in combination with fillers, although I would not recommend permanent fillers, such as Bellafil, as these may give rise to difficult-to-treat bumps and lumps complications five, ten or even twenty years after their use. TCA CROSS can be used for the ice pick scars, and finally, if necessary, professional medical microneedling may be used to further help blend the color and texture of the treated areas with the surrounding normal skin. It is important to bear in mind that ALL of the treatments, with the notable exception of Field Subcision--even when chosen for the correct purposes--typically requires between two to four treatment sessions to achieve optimal results. To save money and time and needless disappointment, do your due diligence when evaluating the next, relatively expensive "bells and whistles" device you may be offered and stick to the relatively inexpensive, proven and effective techniques just described. Best of luck. READ MORE
How do you get rid of deep acne scars?
If by deep acne scars, you are referring to boxcar scars, then, in my well over three decades of experience, subcision is the most effective treatment. It is relatively inexpensive, virtually painless when performed properly in experienced hands, and highly effective. All the bells and whistles devices, like lasers and radiofrequency devices are expensive, remain largely unproven and are supported far more by marketing hype than any hard science. Punch excisions have also been used for deep scars, but in most cases, they can result in surgical scars in place of the acne scars and, for this reason, I have largely stopped performing them. And, unlike subcisions, which engender little to no post treatment downtime, punch excisions, since they are small surgeries, do in fact do this. Ablative lasers and dermabrasion, which have also been used for deeper scars, have much longer healing periods and downtime. READ MORE
What is the best treatment for hair loss?
The first requirement is to diagnose the nature of the hair loss, i.e. is it early female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, traction alopecia or stress-induced alopecia to name a few common causes. You should schedule a consultation with a board certified dermatologist so that the cause can be determined. Once this is done, a proper treatment regimen can be prescribed. READ MORE
How to get rid of my acne?
Forget the facial foams, scrubs and toners. They typically dry out the skin, make the skin more sensitive, and don't do much for preventing (or even treating) break outs. Choosing the wrong type of moisturizer can also lead to increased breakouts. Your best bet for home treatments would be benzoyl peroxide gels, salicylic acid solutions or Differin. If this does not work, you would be wise to consult with a board certified dermatologist. The sooner the acne breakouts are controlled, the less likely you will develop permanent acne scars. Best of luck. READ MORE
Can chemical peels help with acne?
A series of superficial peels, such as with high concentrations of glycolic or salicylic acid; Jessner's solution and low concentrations of TCA have been used for decades to treat acne and to hasten the fading of the brown spots following acne flares. READ MORE
Can chemical peels make acne scars worse?
A series of superficial peels, such as with high concentrations of glycolic or salicylic acid; Jessner's solution and low concentrations of TCA have been used for decades to treat acne and acne and to hasten the fading of the brown spots following acne flares. Improperly performed, such by at-home attempts to self-treat or by inexperienced physicians and non-physicians using too strong peels or improperly applying them can cause scarring or damage to the skin. So, best to leave peels to experienced hands, so that the right choice of peeling agent will applied in the correct manner to be safe and effective. READ MORE
Can salicylic acid remove blackheads?
Yes, salicylic acid can help to reduce blackheads. However, higher concentrations, such as 30%, which can be applied by a physician in the office work more efficiently and more quickly than the OTC 2% salicylic acid products. In addition, a trained physician can literally clean out physically a hundred or more clogged pores in one sitting and can then apply immediately afterward the high concentration of salicylic acid as a preventative measure. READ MORE
How long does it take for acne scars to fade?
Unfortunately, true scars of all kinds, including those from acne, are permanent. They can certainly be improved significantly with simple and relatively inexpensive and tried and true treatments, such as subcision for boxcar and rolling scars; and TCA CROSS for ice pick scars and very dilated pores. But, they cannot be completely erased. However, if you are talking about post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory erythema (redness), these kinds of problems generally fade. In patients of skin of color, dark blotches generally take quite a few weeks to fade compared to persons of lighter complexion. Redness, too, generally fades, but it too can take several weeks. Dermatologists have simple in-office treatments and can prescribe prescription medications to speed the fading process. READ MORE
How can I remove scars from my face permanently?
You haven't said what kind of scars. However, the vast majority of my younger patients come to me for acne scar treatments. There are several different simple and relatively inexpensive treatments that can be used to treat boxcar, rolling, and ice pick scars, as well as others. READ MORE
Are face scrubs good for acne?
Unfortunately, they are not typically good for acne, or for that matter, any skin except for perhaps the most, most oily skin. And even there, I wouldn't necessarily recommend them. Scrubs basically dry out the skin, and when the skin gets too dry, it becomes intolerant to acne medications (which also unfortunately dry out the skin a bit, especially if not used properly). And the acne medications are the real weapons against acne. Short answer: forget the scrubs and instead use gentle cleansers and proper anti-acne topicals. READ MORE
Can PRP treatments be used after skin cancer?
PRP can be used after skin cancer. However, the real question is how valuable is PRP in the first place. The fact is that there is really not hard science (mostly just marketing hype) behind the use of PRP and it certainly isn't worth the $800-1000 per treatment cost here in NYC READ MORE
How often should you do PRP for the face?
The actual question is whether one should be doing PRP at all. Hard science is really not there to support its use. And its expensive price tag of $800-1000/treatment in NYC makes it a very poor choice for anti-aging treatment. READ MORE
Does PRP really work for wrinkles?
Perhaps, especially when combined with professional microneedling. However, there is really little need for the expensive $800-$1000/treatment (NYC prices). Other treatments work far better and far quicker and are typically much less costly. Save your money READ MORE
Does PRP remove acne scars?
If you ask me whether blood contains growth factors and wound healing factors that may help to promote new, native collagen and elastic fiber production to improve scars, the answer would be yes. If you ask me whether one needs to spend $800-$1000/treatment (NYC prices) to have your blood taken out, spun down and then sprinkled back on or injected back into your scars, I would say not to waste your money. If you have depressed acne scars, a simple, inexpensive subcision treatment creates a little blood pocket under the skin (at no extra charge) that contains the growth factors and wound healing factors to improve the scar. READ MORE
Can a chemical peel burn your face?
Yes, a chemical peel can burn the face, especially (and usually) when performed at home or by an inexperienced, non-medical practitioner or in a medspa type setting. In the hands of an experienced aesthetic physician, such as an aesthetic dermatologist, the proper chemical or combination of chemicals and the proper concentrations of each can be safely employed to treat whatever the particular skin problem. READ MORE
How do you get rid of skin moles?
There are a variety of methods for removing moles, but no true mole (beauty mark or birth mark) should be simply frozen off, lasered off or destroyed in any way. The safest way to remove a true mole is via Scalpel Sculpting, a simple, relatively inexpensive technique that simply sculpts the mole off without deep cutting or stitches (so little chance of scarring) and also permits the mole to be sent to a laboratory to make sure it isn't a serious condition (such as malignant melanoma) hiding like a wolf in sheep's clothing. READ MORE

Expert Publications

Data provided by the National Library of Medicine

Areas of expertise and specialization

I specialize in the treatment of Acne Scarring and in Non-Surgical Rejuvenation of the Face, Neck, Chest, and Hands

Faculty Titles & Positions

Clinical Professor of Dermatology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai 2003 - Present

Awards

Lifetime Achievement Award 5 Albert Nelson Marquis 2017
Inductee Realself 100 & 500 3 HALL OF FAME 2019
TOP DOCTORS Dermatology 2 New York Magazine 2020
NYTOPDOCS 5 NYTOPDOCS 2017
AMERICA'S BEST PHYSICIANS 5 National Consumer Advisory Board 2017
Who's Who In America 1985-2020 0 Marquis Who's Who Publications

Treatments

Cosmetic Treatments, Cosmetic Skin Care, Hair Problems And More

Professional Memberships

Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology
Fellow of the American Society For Dermatologic Surgery
Fellow of the American College of Physicians
Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
Fellow of the Skin Cancer Foundation

Treatments

Expertise in Subcision, TCA CROSS, Professional Microneedling

Internships

The Mount Sinai School of Medicine--Internal Medicine

Fellowships

The NYU Skin & Cancer Unit-Dermatology

Professional Society Memberships

FAAD, FACP, Fellow, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Fellow, Skin Cancer Foundation

Articles and Publications

Published numerous articles in the medical literature and over 100 articles for the lay public in such magazines as Good Housekeeping, Lears.

What do you attribute your success to?

Intense love of medicine, hard work and perseverance

Areas of research

nonsurgical rejuvenation techniques

Awards

cited above

Philanthropic Initiatives

The American Cancer Society

Teaching and speaking

Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Mount SinaiFormer OPD Clinic Chief, Dept of Dermatology, Mount SinaiAttending Physician, Mount Sinai Medical Center

Favorite Place to Vacation

Israel

Hobbies / Sports

Writing Historical Novels. Published: In the Path of the Wolf.

Favorite professional publications

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Journal of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Aesthetic Medicine

Areas of research

Nonsurgical rejuvenation techniques for the face, neck, chest, arms and hands

Dr. Nelson Lee Novick, M.D.'s Practice location

500 E 85th St -
New York, NY 10028

Get Direction

New patients: 212-772-9300, 212-535-6737

Mon:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tue:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wed:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thu:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Fri:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed

Dr. Nelson Lee Novick, M.D.'s reviews

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Patient Experience with Dr. Novick

4.0

Based on 10 reviews

Dr. Nelson Lee Novick, M.D. has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on the reviews from 10 patients. FindaTopDoc has aggregated the experiences from real patients to help give you more insights and information on how to choose the best Dermatologist | Procedural Dermatology in your area. These reviews do not reflect a providers level of clinical care, but are a compilation of quality indicators such as bedside manner, wait time, staff friendliness, ease of appointment, and knowledge of conditions and treatments.