Dr. Kathleen Hanover, FAAD, MD

If you are a melanated queen BEWARE of this dermatology office, in particularly Dr. Kathleen Hanover. At my one and only visit to this location, Dr. Hanover came to me with 2 treatment options, before even speaking with me or seeing my acne! That was the first red flag! The second red flag was the fact that she tried to offer me an oral hormonal medication which is used to treat adult chinline acne...which I didn't have. When asked why she thinks that is a good option, she said options are limited for people with darker skin tones! Red flag number three! After hearing that, I began to contemplate why she would say that as if she wasn't properly trained in ALL SKIN TYPES. And why she would recommend an oral medication that is known to offset hormonal levels and potassium levels...without even knowing my current levels!! It's so many red flags going up it's truly upsetting. The next red flag is that she prescribed me a compound topical cream with 12% hydroquinone in it!!! That is an incredibly high dose!! If I wouldn't have done my research before applying it, I would have been in trouble! Hydroquinone, especially in high doses, will lead to rebound hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones!!! The way to minimize this occurrence is apparently to treat the underlying cause of the acne in the first place!! Why didn't you attempt to or have a plan in place to get to the source of my acne breakouts BEFORE prescribing me such a volatile medication??!
It makes zero sense to treat the discoloration without understanding why the  new onset ance is present! I am disgusted with Dr. Hanover for the lack of diversity in treatment options available for people of color, according to her. I am also disappointed that there was no true concern for my health and I feel robbed in the patient education area. I would have never met with a provider or office with such low ratings had Community Network not referred me there. Never again!!