Bakal Dermatology Associates, S.C.

My husband + I are both patients. The practice was recommended by our Internest. We are so please and we wouldn’t go anywhere else! Dr. Jeffrey did surgery on my forehead (right above my nose) and the only way you can see it is if I point it out, and I don’t wear bangs! I see Dr. Deb, my husband sees Vivian. We are totally happy that we found this great team!

Recommended by my boyfriend’s mom and definitely will recommend this place to others as well. I had never been to a dermatologist but wanted to get a full body scan as skin cancer runs in my family. The office staff was extremely friendly both on the phone and in person. It seemed like a laid-​back, yet professional, environment and very welcoming. I had Leigh for my appointment, accompanied by Jessica, and both were so courteous and took the time to explain everything to me. I did not feel rushed at all and felt like I was well taken care of the entire time. I definitely recommend them!

Please find yourself a different dermatologist. This was my third visit there. Not sure why I stuck with them for so long… Office people seems to be always too busy to answer any questions and I felt like they were doing me a huge favor by schedulling my next appointment, answering questions etc. Their pricing is RIDICULOUS! My wife had the same procedure done by a different office (mole removal) and she paid ¹⁄₃^rd of what I was billed for. Not recommended!

I came to Dr. Bakal’s office after hearing from other doctor’s how great he is. I had a tumor on the side of my head that needed to be removed. I’ll admit the first visit wasn’t super friendly. The nurses and admin were pleasant and kind… and Dr. Bakal was nice, he’s just more of a stoic and serious man. My second visit was my operation to have the tumor removed and Dr. Bakal was very friendly. He made me feel comfortable and kept conversation going throughout the procedure. The nurses were caring and helpful. I have zero complaints! While it’s nice to go to an office that is incredible overall, ultimately doctor’s offices are less about personality and more about quality care. Bakal Dermatology definitely offers quality care!

They made my mother cry they were so hostile to her… not to mention all the burns all over her body… feet and ankles.

I would strongly recommend avoiding using this dermatologist office. I would give it negative stars if I could.
The front desk staff is unprofessional and rude. The one lady that I had to deal with most often (unfortunately I don’t know her name) was always snippy and awful.
My issues started with this place when they recommend I try accutane/​isotretinoin for acne. I previously tried several anti-​bacterial options through their office that didn’t work out. I told Leigh (the PA that was working with me) that cost was a major factor for me so I needed to understand all that went into it before I could commit to that. She understood and proceeded to give me a cost estimate that I was comfortable with so I agreed to do the initial blood test and schedule the follow up appointment. After that, I showed up to the next appointment as planned. The next day when I went to pick up the medication, the price was literally 4 times what Leigh had told me. I called the office to find out what was going on and they essentially told me that was my problem.
I requested to have my 2^nd office visit fee waived due to the fact that I only agreed to it with the understanding that my doctor was knowledgable about the medicine she was prescribing me. I agreed to pay for the 1^st visit as it was my choice and all of the lab fees, but the front office woman would not budge. She told me it was my fault that I was expecting a different price for the medicine. She said it was not their policy to call insurance companies for quotes. I tried to explain to her that I never asked for a quote, my doctor told me a price and I trusted that a medical professional knew what they were talking about. The woman would not listen to me at all, she just kept telling me the whole situation was my fault.
Therefore, don’t go here. Especially if you value your time and money.

Phenomenal office and staff. I called the office yesterday morning, requesting an emergency appt, they offered 10am next day, I said I had an appt then and needed earlier, so they got me in at 815am next day. I got there at 805, was back in the room by 810, seen immedeiatly. Told them I needed to be out of there by 9am and I was out of there by 845am. Dr. Leigh Ruelo helped me, explained everything and helped greatly. I highly recommend this office!

As an African American woman it is difficult to find a doctor that is experienced in treating dark skin. I went into the office for one thing and was told it was nothing to worry about, they gave me a gel and sent me away and a week later it was worse. Called the office because I was upset and was told just come back in and we will take a look at it. No thanks I will keep my $ 150 dollars for someone who knows what they are doing.

Definitely the first ever doc appt ive ever had this bad. I went in for seborrheic dermatitis and eczema on my face hands and wrists. He (dr. Bakal) says I need to use creams not lotions and thats about it. He never probed and asked what I used to moisturize and how I take care of my skin. he assumed I use lotion which. .no I don’t, im pretty sure if someone is coming to your office about a dry peeling face that they would have tried to use more than a lotion. He mentioned some over the counter products like aveeno and eucerin. ive used those already. .I told him im using cortisone 10 now for temporary relief and he said yea switch to a cream. the appt lasted about 7mins. He clearly didn’t take my problem seriously and I was made to feel like I shouldve been able to take care of this myself. Im definitely going to someone else. Never going back.

I’m not really sure what these other reviews are talking about (everyone has their own opinion and things they like, I get it), but Bakal Dermatology was awesome. I would suggest checking out the filtered reviews as well, since most of them are 4 and 5 star reviews.
I had never been to a dermatologist before, but I was recommended to come here from a friend and see Leigh Ruelo. The office is clean and welcoming, the staff was very friendly, and I was in and out of there in an hour. Leigh is very nice and warm, she made me feel totally comfortable and explained everything she was doing and why. She answered all of my questions and gave her honest opinion. I did see Dr. Jeffrey Bakal for a few moments. He is someone who is going to give you his honest opinion without sugar coating it, which I really appreciate. He explained everything in terms that I could understand and did give me the freedom to do what I want, but didn’t push anything. I don’t feel that they are trying to get more money out of me or are unethical at all whatsoever.
Definitely come here if you want an honest opinion, friendly staff, and to get the facts.

Dr. Jeffrey Bakal seemed indifferent and cold, but since my issue was not severe I put that initial feeling aside and went again. This time for laser removal of two benign growths. After one month of healing, 1 tumor remained and the office now wants to charge me more for a retreatment without any explanation as to why it didn’t work to begin with. Past derms in my life never had any problems with the treatment not working. Bakal’s demeanor is just plain creepy and it’s nice to know (albeit too late) that it wasn’t just me picking up this vibe.

I just returned from my first visit. I was very cautious and on high alert due to all the negative reviews I read on Unilocal and other websites. I just moved to the area and decided to give them a try since they are so close to home.
Firstly, I arrived 5 minutes before my appointment and was brought in minutes later.
I took the receptionist’s advice to fill out their forms prior to arriving. The same receptionist, the lady that escorted me to the examining room, and the the physicians assistant, Lee? (or Leigh), were all very friendly, kind, and attentive. Nothing to complain about.
However, I do agree with most that Dr. Jeffrey Bakal is a bit on the stoic side (best adjective I can think of), yet I DO NOT think he was rude or DOES NOT care. That said I do think he could make a better impression on more NEEDY patients with a better and warmer rapport. No doubt, I would like that as well, but everyone is different. He came in, examined my skin, discussed options with me and the PA, came to a resolution, and left. Quick, simple, done.
If the Dr. could become more personable, then I do think they are deserving of 5 stars. For that reason alone, I would give 4.5 stars, rather than the 4 Unilocal is allowing.

The worst visit I have ever had. The Dr was knowledgable but seemed not to care. Every question I asked was answered with its my choice. Seriously, you’re the Dr. you tell me what you suggest not what I think I should do. I have a cyst on my face for crying out loud and all he could say was its up to me if I want it removed, it could get larger, but maybe not, it may leave a mark but maybe not. Those arent answers. I also was concerned about my skin but he said it looks fine to him. How is it fine when I have dry skin, breakouts and acne?

Very crabby reception and poor insurance billing. Why bother?