I don't know why, but I had never seen a dermatologist before, and neither have most of my friends. My new PCP insists on having skin checked yearly as a standard procedure--I guess it IS technically an organ so I don't see why people don't check that along with their eyes and everything else every yr. So, she referred me to Dr. Lester. He and his staff are really friendly--in fact, his physician assistant is borderline cheerleader in peppy-ness. Makes a visit a lot less annoying and it makes me wish PCPs and pretty much all other doctors were as attentive and friendly as Dr. Lester and his staff. I do have to say, though, there were Restylane and Botox ads all over the place (as expected at a derm's office), but after staring at them for a good 15 minutes, it really makes you start thinking you have wrinkles where you don't...ah, the power of advertising. read more

I'm a regular patient for over 10 years. I see Dr. Lester for 6 month full body scans and some other dermatological concerns. He's a great doctor; very personable and present, knowledgable, consistently on time and explains things and answers all questions. He is highly organized Dr. Lester does not keep patients waiting and when you see him he is thorough yet direct and to the point which I appreciate. His staff members are professional, organized and friendly. I feel I am in totally competent and caring hands with Dr. Lester. Based on my regular contact with him for over a decade, I recommend him highly. read more

Beware this place. I should have known any place you can get a dermatologist's appointment with the same week (most are several months away), would be bad. Dr. Papri Sarkar, who gave me a cursory glance for 15 seconds, could not have been less attentive when she came into see me. All she did was try to sell me on some expensive eye lift and botox! When I said these wrinkles give me character, I was quickly shown the door. read more

Dr. Lester is fantastic. He goes to bat with insurance to get his patients the latest biologic treatments, he's on time and efficient like a specialist should be. What's better than getting the smartest, best treatment quickly? He gets patients in and out with action plans and that is a strength. I don't want to spend all day there. Do you? Was scrolling and had to add my 2 cents. He's exactly the doctor you should want. read more

The warning signs were flashing from the moment I entered: 1. Receptionists who DEMANDED to know what pharmacy I used prior to collecting any other information. This is a big signal that the Dr. doesn't FIX your problems, just masks them with pharmaceuticals.(Dermatology is an extremely profitable business...more on this later.) 2. As I sat in the waiting room, I ran a mental "Profit and Loss" calculation based on the number of patients coming in for a prescription refill. Such a fast transaction...so profitable...oh, my!! (Kids reading this with acne issues...get on an anti-inflammatory diet, stop consuming diary products, and take some probiotics. You won't need pharmaceutical$ and your skin will look great.) 3. Then the real fun began. I went in for a few biopsies due to sun damage. I know my body, I know my family history, and I have a fancy science degree and pharmaceutical development experience to back up my "gut" that something was wrong. I was told they could only do 3 or 4 biopsies for each appointment. CHA CHING! So, not only are you going to force me to pay more for my co-pay, the labs will get double bills, too! Not to mention I have to get time off from work ... Jeez, thanks for being helpful. {The fact that he took his assistant out of the exam room to "discuss my treatment" was also BS. Just one more psychological powerplay, thanks Buddy you are winning points left and right. There is NO reason to leave the exam room to discuss options - the patient should be informed of all the options and outcomes - then the PATIENT SHOULD MAKE THE DECISION.} When I pushed as to why they couldn't do all of them at the same time, I was told it was to prevent infection. THIS IS COMPLETE BS - I hate it when Drs lie to patients for no other reason than to protect their profits. Large HMOs routinely take +10 biopsies, if there is a risk of skin cancer. GIven I have a history of skin cancer, it might be prudent to be a little aggressive with the diagnostics, doncha think? 4. Dr Lester then downplayed my concerns, regardless that his assistant was obviously horrified by the condition of my skin. So they did the first 4 biopsies. YUP, all were precancerous. Do you think he got the hint? NOPE, again they refused to do more than 4, costing me more than just the co-pay as I had to take time off of work. YUP, the next set were all precancerous, so he referred me to the Pigmented Lesion Clinic. 5. Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse. I went to the Lesion Clinic to get the precancerous skin excised as a preventative measure. Since I've had over 50 biopsies in my young life and 10 excisions, I do know what is normal, and appropriate, treatment. The Dr at the clinic was a butcher, leaving me with 4 scars that were 4 inches by 1 inch for moles smaller than a dime. Thanks Dr. Lester for that recommendation as now I have to PAY for a plastic surgeon to fix the mess she made. So, overall I really have nothing positive to say. NOT ONE THING. This office is run by a condescending businessman who truly has no interest in anything other than lining his pockets in gold. Best of luck to those who continue to use his services...and be forewarned. read more

Their doctor, Dr. Steven Smith, did not show up for my scheduled surgery on Nov. 18, 2019. One staffer said it was "a computer mix-up", one staffer said "He had cancelled all his appointments for that day a long time ago". All I know is that scheduling surgery, taking a day off work, reconfirming with the office (on Thursday, Nov. 14) getting the refferals sent to the office (Friday, Nov. 15th) is a big deal. When the surgeon doesn't show and you are you told can drive half hour away and wait there for him to be able to see you....I don't think so!! Sayonara!! read more

Have you ever gone to Jiffy Lube with the simple intent to have an oil change? Next thing you know, the attendant is pulling out filters from everywhere from your car telling you need it changed or your car will explode in 60 seconds? Now you have an idea of what an appointment is like with Dr. Lester. Quick to schedule an appt. Quick at the appt. Looking to upsell at every chance. He is biopsy happy. He likes to throw out the word " skin cancer" a lot. He feigns concern poorly and can look annoyed convincly. He has a side kick nurse who comes into the exam room with an iPad. Her eyes never advert. She says not a word. One index finger moves to transcribe the docs words. It's a comical little scene to see the 2 interact in the little room. Folks, it's better than any SNL skit. It may be worth the copay. If you are looking for that Jiffy Lube experience, look no further than Dr. Lester's little office. read more

Dr lester suggested I should have a skin biopsy. He said most insurances cover it. i TOLD HIM that A. I was quitting my job, B. I woudnt have health insurance moving forward, C. I was going to be an unpaid intern and wasn't going to have an income for god knows how long. I got a bill from his office for $250 and a bill from the lab for $350. I thought he was trustworthy but in retrospect, none of the stuff he prescribed for me ever really worked, and now I have to pay $600 out of pocket. Definitely NEVER, EVER going to his office again. Definitely would not recommend him. read more

All the reviews are true. I've never been to doctor who only schedules 15 minutes appointments. I needed a patch test badly, as my normal dermatologist was booking them for December. Dr. Lester's office could schedule me for one the next week. I should have known this was too good to be true. I went for a 15 minute consultation. I paid my $35 copay. I went for my 10 minute appointment to put the patch test on. I paid my $35 copay. I go to have the patch test removed (10 minutes). No copay. I return twice more for readings and have to pay $35 each time. The first reading they tell me I'm definitely allergic to something but won't tell me until the following appt 7 days later. Which I thought was weird because they could easily tell what product I was having a reaction too but instead chose to let me suffer. Anyway $140 and I'm never even SEEN or TOUCHED by a doctor. Seems a little fishy to me. I won't be coming back after this incident is over with. I will go back to a normal dermatologist who doesn't take advantage of their patients money. No wonder two other places had several months long of waiting lists and this place can see you the next day. Also the front desk staff have an attitude problem. UPDATE!!!!: I just left my last appointment with the practice. I finished up with my NP, and she told me Dr. Lester wanted to see me. To discuss my treatment possibly? Nope- to discuss my review. He told me he is non confrontational and doesn't get into internet wars (clearly). He also told me he is very busy and that's why I saw the NP, but he has time to talk to people who write bad reviews apparently. I also called my insurance and they said for the actual patch test they paid in full and I never should have paid $35. So Dr. Lester just pocketed that money. I'm debating calling to get a refund but I'm sure his lovely staff will give me the run around. This unprofessional man than continued to tell me how much it costs him to do these tests and I should feel lucky I only have to pay $140. Dr. Lester, you BILL MY INSURANCE. Those fees are cost of doing business. I wasn't sure this place could get any worse, but it definitely did. I will also be reaching out to the State Medical Board, and Patient Advocates at my insurance and his affiliated hospital to make complaints. AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS!! read more

I've had two further interactions with Dr Lester and found him much more pleasant. I'll chalk the previous one up to a bad day.

Dr. Laster is great and I used his services for almost 10 y. but you should be careful this the office services. Turned out they made a mistake copying my address from the form I filled into their computer so the bill went to a wrong address and since I haven't got it withing 3 months from a day of service I wasn't able to make my insurance pay for it. Even thought they confirmed the mistake was on their end they still submitted the bill to collection agency and made me pay it. Their office manager was super rough. It was like "Yes, it's our mistake but we don't care. Deal with collection agency." Will have to look for another Dermatology clinic. read more

Why are all of the positive, 5 star reviews filtered? There is something wrong here with Yelp's filtering process, perhaps? I am not related to anyone in the office. I was referred by another doctor because I began to see beginning signs of Rosacea. Dr. Lester and Aliza were both extremely helpful, good-natured and professional. Plus they cleared up my problem with the UPL laser, which I highly recommend. The office staff is very pleasant and professional. I am sorry folks have had issues, but I am beyond shocked that the staff wasn't helpful. If so, I understand the frustration. My experience was very different, and I am extremely happy with their service. read more

My experience at Brookline Dermatology not only didn't help me, it made my situation worse. I went in and saw Dr. Brian Lester about some skin irritation, and followed up two weeks later. Not only did he not have any answers/help for me (I get it, sometimes you can't know anything), but seemed quick to get me out of the office and was rather terrible at faking concern. He gave me no advice at all, and seemed to only want to push me out to get to the next appointment. Immediately after, I set up an appointment with a general practitioner to try and get a second opinion. Not only did they understand my symptoms and set up treatment, but gave me a plethora of advice and seemed to generally care, something I never saw in Lester. Additionally, one month later I am now getting additional bills for my appointments, AFTER being informed I only had to pay my copay, which is entirely sketchy. I am still figuring out what exactly lead them to bill me when they are required to clearly indicate such so am not pointing any fingers yet, but after reading many of the other comments here it seems I am not alone in what appears to be a sketchy practice. So please, for your general well being and credit future, please find another practice and save yourself a lot of wasted time, money, and experience with this man. read more

I took my daughter 3 times in the the space of 3 months for something that looks likes exzema but would not get better with what was prescribed.We saw 3 different doctors in the practice. Finally scabies was diagnosed. I don't know how these people got their degree but when I looked online,I saw that scabies symptoms are very specific and look like no others so it's pretty crazy that they couldn't diagnosed this the first time around. It the meantimes, my daughter was in pain for 3 months and scratched so bad that she has permanent scars. I went there for my yearly check up and considering how much they charge the insurance, they could make an effort to keep you more than 3 minutes and get to know you. All and all I wouldn't trust this practice that seems to be here just for profit. read more

I took my daughter for a check up. She always had sensitive skin and every summer she get a pretty bad rash on her face. We spent no more than 15 min. with the doctor. He said that she's going to grow out of it. I ask for a sunscreen recommendation, "whatever she uses is going to be ok" that what he said. I was really dumb and didn't ask for it again because obviously not all are the same, specially for sensitive skin. Not going back. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Lester for many years. He does a fantastic job and I highly recommend his practice. There is some turnover in staffing, but I've found all of the staff that I've worked with to be excellent. read more

If I could give zero stars, I would. I am at my wits' end. I had gone to Dr. Lester last in September 2009. My insurance policy had $35 co-pays for office visits, and my financial responsibility should have ended there. I moved away from Boston, and now I'm back. I wanted to get in and see the doctor, since I had been here a few times before. I called up for an appointment yesterday, and I was told I had an outstanding balance of over $100! This is news to me. I have NEVER received any correspondence from the office after my visit. Then I am told that it was sent to a debt collector in 2010. I never received any communications from the debt collector. I'm a lawyer; I'm not an idiot, and I certainly pay attention to things like this. I pulled my credit yesterday, and they reported me! I have a perfect credit history going back 12 years (and I'm only 28). I have never missed a payment, been late, anything! Now, not only do I have a bill hanging over my head for which I don't owe (and they won't even settle), but my credit is suffering. THIS IS ILLEGAL; the law says you should be contacted before anything negative is posted to your credit, and I never received any communications from either the doctor or the debt collector. They claim my number was no longer good, which was true, but that's because I moved a YEAR after the office visit! My address had a forward for a year; I received every last bit of mail that was forwarded to me. You're telling me this mysteriously disappeared? To top it all off, Brookline Dermatology used the same deceptive practices on my friend's husband. Luckily, they said he only owed $40, not over $100. They did not find out about this until they were looking for a mortgage. He was never contacted by either the doctor or the debt collected either. He was shocked to find out his credit score had dropped by 30 points, AND he had been to this crappy office after the money was due, and he was never asked for the supposedly-due money! They wanted to get their mortgage in place, so he just paid the amount claimed to be due to not deal with it. I was just unemployed for quite a while...I don't have over $100 to spare. F-you, Brookline Dermatology. Thanks for literally ruining my credit...and my life. UPDATE MAY 4, 2012: I am so fed up with fighting this, so I offered to pay it to get it off my credit. Not only will they not settle, but they won't remove it from my credit even after I pay the bogus amount. Seriously? This is BEYOND ILLEGAL, despite the illegal nature of the office's other shady practices. Do not go here, unless you want to keep on paying for it for years after your office visit. UPDATE APRIL 29, 2013: Yes, it is more than a year later. Yes, it is still on my credit. Yes, I am STILL fighting with them to get it off my credit. The funny thing is, I paid them $112, but on my credit reports, it says that I owe $93. So why did I have to pay them $20 extra, to line their pockets? To add a nice cherry to this, one of the credit bureaus doesn't even have it reported as paid in full, they have it as delinquent! Seriously? The debt collector had the audacity to tell me the credit bureau didn't accurately update its records. HAHAHAHAHAHA. So after discovering it was still on my credit when I did my yearly credit pull, I called up the doctor's office. I was told I needed to send a letter to the credit bureaus to ask them to take it off my credit. Umm, no that never works. You need to take it off my credit for me since you put it on there, dumbass. Then she put me on hold and had some "discussion" and told me I needed to call the debt collector since the debt collector reported it. I did that and the debt collector said it needed the doctor's permission, so I had to write a letter and provide documentation that it was paid in full. WHAT THE FUCK? I paid the idiot doctor directly. This is such a waste of my time, but I really don't want this sitting on my credit for another three years. I sent a letter, documentation, blah blah blah. I just called to see what the status was, and the asshole debt collector said to me, "well we haven't heard back yet..." Can you please do your fucking job? If I was that lackadaisical...wow. He said he would call the doctor and maybe see if they had decided what to do, since it's "his decision to remove it." I paid the bogus debt in the first place, now fucking remove it! I called the doctor's office just now, and the entire billing staff is out for the afternoon! Does anyone work? Where do I get a job where I don't have to work...ever? The idiot I spoke to today said she would look into it and it "appears to be in the process of being removed." All you need to do is put in a request to the credit bureaus. All of this is so incredibly shady, I don't even know where to begin. I have to go through a background check for a new job and a credit check for a new apartment, now... read more

Would absolutely NOT recommend. I went in to get some possible skin lesions to get checked out. Dr. Wang identified one to be removed, said the others were likely just skin tags, nothing to worry about. Scheduled a follow up visit for a month later. Month later I go in and now those "skin tags" were warts to be removed. Essentially got charged twice for something that should have been taken care of once. Billed a total of around $750 when they could have all been taken care of in once visit!! Also, how on earth does a less than 15 minute visit get charged $225 for the original, and then $150 for the follow up!! Absolute CROOKS! read more

Ask for Dr. Lester if you need a dermatologist. I was referred by my primary doc at Beth Israel after the in house dermatology practice told me the first opening was in 5 months. I had an appointment the same week at this great Brookline office. The staff is helpful and friendly and so is Dr. Lester who answers all of your questions and never makes you feel rushed. read more

Victoria Griffin is amazing! She is always willing to sit down and take the time to answer my many questions. Even better, she ensures that I understand all of my options, so that I can make an informed decision about my care. Although I moved out of Brookline several years ago, I still use Brookline Dermatology Associates because of her! read more

I guess my skin is one of those thing I've ignored most of my life. But as a married man now with a thoughtful wife she suggested that there might be treatment for my eczema. This place is on my commute home from work so I called up and was able to get an appointment within a few weeks. Parking was super easy, not a given in Boston, and I was greeted in a friendly manner. I didn't have to wait very long, but I had an early appointment and I'd imagine those things can vary. The magazines were up to date, so a big improvement over your average dentist's office. Most importantly Dr. Lester was very professional and put me at ease. What looked to me like a hideous case of eczema, turned out to me a mild to moderate case. Dr. Lester presented me both with an immediate solution--topical cream--and suggested (but didn't pressure) that I look into allergy testing. So after many years of just ignoring my skin, now it is taken care of by a friendly and professional dermatologist. read more

I had gone to this office for some itchiness in my scalp. doctor Lester had prescribed me a Corton drop to use daily. I consulted with my family doctor and he suggested that using Corton with this amount can help the problem but because of vast side effect of this drug he does not recommend that at all for daily use, using once a week mostly would be ok! I think Dr Lester thought if only the itching gets better I would be happy and coming back always, and did not care about the long term effect of that drug on my body, when it is not that necessary. I hope someday these doctors would care more about health than their pocket. read more

Have seen Dr Sarkar for a few years for cancer scans, botox and minor cryosurgeries. She is always pleasant and focused on my concerns and questions The staff is organized polite and patient with all clients that I have seen in the waiting area Recently a small squamous type area required cryosurgery and she was patient about my discomfort which was minimal After two weeks, It was not healing the way I had expected. When I went in to have it checked She was understanding about my concern and made a few small procedures to increase the healing process. She explained what she saw and how it was actually improving. My Mother, 93 , who is very careful about her health care has been to the office for cancer scans and cryosurgery has always been pleased with their level of professionalism. She returns regularly. read more

Dr. Lester has been treating my sister who has a moderate learning disability for years. I am in Chicago but help my sister who lives in Boston deal with doctors and finances. Not only has Dr Lester monitored her closely and treated her for various problems- some of which would have gotten quite serious if not dealt with-- he has also communicated with her sensitively and compassionately. He has taken the time to talk to me via phone extensively about her condition, treatment, and requirements for longer term monitoring. Terrific physician. read more

I've been going here for years for acute skin issues. I think it's a good practice, and the office is always busy. My general doctor in the North End recommended Dr. Lester. The NPs seem to turnover frequently, but maybe it's just a tough commute. read more

I recently saw Dr. Papri Sarkar for help with my skincare regimen and Botox. She was nice and gentle, and provided a comfortable atmosphere. Most importantly, she improved my skin! Dr. Sarkar also did filler on my mom. The results were very natural but made such a difference. We will both be going back to her in the future! read more

Dr. Lester is a great dermatologist. He listens to patient's concerns and explains his findings. I have been going here for years and have always had a great experience. I am always able to get an appointment quickly. If you call and leave a message for Dr. Lester, he makes sure to call you back to answer your questions and concerns. read more

Dr Lester was highly recommended by my nephrologist at Beth Israel after my transplant. Could not be happier with the experience. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Lester for a number of years now, and I have the highest regard for his professionalism, his friendly demeanor, and his careful oversight in examining, diagnosis, and treatment. I have fair skin, compromised by childhood sunburns, and I appreciate that Dr. Lester takes the time to thoroughly check my skin each visit to determine any abnormalities or suspicious developments. I value a dermatologist, such as Dr. Lester, who effectively communicates what he's observing and clearly explains his recommendations for treatment and/or further evaluation. With my felt sense of his genuine interest, knowledge, and empathic-relatability, I feel confident that Dr. Lester and I have a collaborative connection in the interest of my skincare. As for those review comments that express concern about the financial considerations involved, while co-pays and biopsies are costly, no doubt, I'd rather have a dermatologist take careful precaution in maintaining my skin's health than pay the price of their being less than rigorous. read more

I went to see Dr. Brian Lester for a random skin reaction on my face and I spent more time waiting for him than the time he spent examining my face. He did not help me at all, and told me that all I had was an occurrence of pigment inflammation, even though it looked like I got punched on the left side of my face! I was very disappointed..he did not recommend anything, did not give me an explanation as to why it could have happened, just told me that things like this happen. I would definitely not recommend him! read more

Terrible front desk. Terrible visit with doctor. Rude and money grubbing people. I will not be back.

Dr. Lester is a great doctor. He is knowledgeable and pleasant. The person who got an appointment the same week she/he called must have gotten a cancellation because Dr. Lester is actually usually busy and books weeks/months ahead of time. He has performed a number of procedures on me (which were all necessary) and I have never had any problems. He never recommends a procedure unless absolutely necessary but tends to be on the careful side which is great. Also, contrary to what an earlier reviewer had said, I think that Dr. Lester doesn't prescribe anything unless absolutely necessary. He doesn't even recommend using Neosporin on a biopsy site! He is also great at performing cosmetic procedures (Botox, etc.) and does not give injections that he feels are unnecessary. read more

Dr. Lester and his team are very professional, knowledgeable, and accommodating. I've been in several times to the office and every time I am warmly greeted and am seen in a timely manner. Dr. Lester cares deeply for his patients and truly has their best interests in mind. Overall a great dermatologist! read more

WARNING!!! I don't own a credit card. I choose not to. It's modern day slavery to keep owing anyone and the debt never being settled. Moving along this center wants credit card information or $150 cash deposit. Neither of which I was told when I called to make the appointment. So I get there with my daughter as the appointment was for her and I asked about a form stating all the information being asked for and the paper work I was filling out was for a minor. The receptionist quickly pointed out the form that stated I authorize them to charge my cc in the event I don't pay my bill. I informed her that 1. I do not own a credit card which is why the form isn't filled out and 2. the form is NOT for indication this visit and said paperwork was being filled out for a minor. The receptionist then goes and gets the COO who comes to tell me I must leave a cc number or $150. I said I'll just go somewhere else. I took all the paper work I filled and shredded it. Just plain BS. All the reviews stating this practice is all about money and not service I agree with 100%. read more