Dermatology and Allergy Specialists of Virginia

Still waiting on someone to call me back about a biopsy since yesterday and I’ve called multiple times and spoken to the space cadet that answers and doesn’t seem to have any idea where anyone is or what they’re doing or when they’ll be back. I called at 3:45 and asked her to have someone call me back before 5 PM or were «they all leaving early again because Dr. Sebastien is out» which is the answer I got yesterday. Called again from 4:45 to 5 to try and catch someone and they’ve stopped answering the phone, so they should change their answering service to different operating hours.

I had an appointment today with Dr. Sebastien, this is my second visit in 3 months, I had severe acne problems, he was so in hurry and he didn’t even tried to talk to me and explain anything to me i was the one who asking him about my acne problems and how should i deal with it, the only thing he did for me is to give me antibiotic, he was always in hurry to leave the room and leave me without and good hope or good consultant.
Anyway I don’t recommend this doctor at all, all the reviews that I saw so far leading to the same point that he don’t spend enough time with the patients which is the worst thing you can ever get in a doctor office!

Dr. Sébastien made me furious when he refused to give me a cortisone shot for a keloid scar bc I told him I was trying to get pregnant. I told him we’d been trying for years and hadn’t began the fertility treatments yet so there was no chance I was pregnant.
Thankfully, he stuck to his guns! I was pregnant at the time and didn’t know it. We have a healthy baby boy thanks to a doctor who doesn’t cave to patients who maybe… raise their voice… stomp their feet… etc.
Thank you Dr. Sébastien.
(I thanked you in person in the elevator several months ago but figured another thank you was well earned!)

After reading these reviews, methinks folks really need to calm down. Or anyway, I’m sorry to hear about bad experiences, which appear to be based on emotional reactions rather than the science and application of dermatology, the real reason for getting treatment. I get the way that Dr. Sebastien could be perceived judgmental, because he does over-​book patients, and gives the sense he’s always in a rush. But it’s probably that very reason I was able to get an «emergency» appointment for something I was really worried about (for good reason), while most dermatologists have a month-​long wait for appointments (competing against routine acne visits). He’s very in-​demand, and he knows it, but after years and years of experience, some doctors get to be that way: when they see something, they know what’s going on pretty quickly. I’d be worried if the results were suspicious and adverse, but that simply wasn’t my experience this time (I hope). And when it really comes down to it, I got the impression he’s ultimately a good guy, probably one of the best dermatologists in the area. For example, he’s known as one of the few fully/​properly certified Mohs surgery practitioners in the area, and definitely among the first.
You’d do well also to ask other hyper-​local independent doctors what they think, and I did that with my opthalmologist in nearby Ballston. She said she’d heard of Dr. Sebastien, and he’s solid. That’s a better resource than Unilocal.But I’m still glad there’s this forum to keep an eye on the medical community at large.

Made an appointment at this office. Wanted to have a mole check done and had not seen a dermatologist since I was a teenager. I unfortunately did not check Unilocal out beforehand.
Arrived early as a new patient, front of house was very friendly.
My appt was promptly at my scheduled time, and I only waited about two minutes after being placed in the waiting room.
The doctor came in with what I assume to be a resident or intern and a PA. He said who they were, but moved on so quickly that I didn’t catch it. I made an ill-​received joke that it was «a party». They both stood behind me out of view and the doctor asked why I was there.
He asked me what I did for a living and when I told him, he didn’t say a word. So I explained more and he just cut me off by saying «ok», like I should stop talking now.
In the entire 3 – 4 minutes my appointment lasted, there was absolutely no eye-​contact. No. Eye contact. At all. When he did look at me while speaking, his eyes were closed or he was looking at the ground, I couldnt even tell. The doctor just kept spitting medical terms over my head, not letting me say one word. It was so rushed that the assistant had to stop and say, «I can’t get this written down fast enough.» All I can remember is him saying rosacea and them saying what’s the plan for him and he kept saying «counseling» over and over. Extreme derma this and that.
The mole check lasted a good 12 seconds (who am I to judge, I’m not a doctor) but there were some spots on my back that I had questions about. I thought he would have stopped to asked.
I have a small skin tag on my neck that I wanted removed. He said it happens, insurance may or may not cover it, and it’s just going to grow back somewhere else. BOOM three seconds on that issue. Still have a skin tag.
Then there was the «large tattoo on back» comment to the interns. I know it’s there, but the way he said it was condescending. In reality it’s nothing extreme. I felt like trash…
Before running out of the room he said «extensive photo damage on chest, shoulders, back…» To the interns, and then murmured something about me not caring about sunscreen or that I don’t wear sunscreen. (Not true, but maybe I’m not wearing enough or something, how would I know???). He did not explain anything. I just spent one week at the beach, of which I over sun screened the ENTIRE time.
He handed me this little mole pamphlet, and said, «look for these». All three quickly walked out of the room and closed the door without saying anything. No goodbye, no thank you. I myself couldn’t even say thank you, they left so quickly.
Um. Was I finished? Are you coming back to «counsel» me on my rosacea that I may or may not have?
Guess not.
I left feeling like a piece of crap, now concerned that I have extreme derma this, extensive photo damage, rosacea possibly (he did recommend an over the counter cream for redness and prescribed some shampoo for me) and no follow ups or questions asked.

Okay, so I went on to Unilocal this morning (the day of my appointment) and read the reviews below. I have to admit — I seriously considered eating the $ 25 cancellation fee. However, the good news is that my experience at the Arlington (VHC) office of Dermatology Spec. of VA went off without a hitch.
I arrived about 20min early and was greeted by a friendly and helpful office staffer. Filled out the requisite paperwork and was treated courteously throughout. Was ushered back into an exam room about 5min after my appointment was scheduled and had a quick/​friendly pre-​exam screening.
Five more minutes and then the PA Donna showed up to do the preliminary exam. She was great. Dr. Sebastien was in about 5min later — confirmed the PA’s diagnosis and I was done. Walked out of their office and was headed to my car 33min after my appointment was scheduled to start. Not bad.
Here’s the other thing. I asked Donna as she was finishing up if she was aware of the horrible reviews on Unilocal.She was, the Dr. was, and they had even put together a card with a QR code on it to encourage people to offer their experiences on Unilocal to balance the testimonial scale. Dr. Sebastien and I even talked about it for a few minutes — and I told him that on-​line reviews are kind of like the weather, you can’t control them, but they are pretty important.
Bottom line, seemed like decent folks and a well-​run office. And for all those who shared bad experiences, it appears they have been read/​noted and perhaps served as a catalyst for improvement.

I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Sebastien, Dr. Sowerwine, Marisa and staff. It’s very clear once you’re in their office, that everyone’s utmost concern and focus is on the patient and their experience. Supporting both dermatology (and MOH’s survey) as well as allergy/​immunology, there is a great quality of coordination between the doctors. Would highly recommend or anyone looking for a specialist in the area– easy parking too!

I do not recommend this physician. Here’s why:
1) Dr. Sebastien pushed Botox and fillers on me. This is laughable, considering I am regularly mistaken for a woman in my early 20s. When the doctor walked into the exam room, he barely even looked at me while he glanced at my chart. When he saw my age, which is 33, the first question out of his mouth was whether I was interested in trying Botox or fillers. He offered to inject me on the spot, before I left the office that day. For the record, I was there for my annual skin cancer screening. Dr. Sebastien left me with an overwhelming impression that he is far more interested in pushing cosmetic procedures than anything else.
2) The skin cancer exam that Dr. Sebastien provided was very quick and seemed very rather cursory, when compared to the much longer and more thorough exams I have experienced with dermatologists in other cities.
3) Unreasonable lateness. I work in the medical industry, and understand that doctors often run late, especially when they are thorough with their patients. But my experience with Dr. Sebastien pushed the bounds of what is acceptable. i didn’t even get called into a room until 30 min past my set appointment time. Then I sat in the empty exam room for 15 min before Dr. Sebastien rushed in.
Bottom line — there are too many attentive dermatologists who actually listen to their patients to waste your time with this office.

I needed a dermatologist in a pinch and unfortunately did not check the reviews until I was in the waiting room: mistake! Per the previous anecdotes of how RUDE and RUSHED Theodore Sebastian is, I concur with all of the existing statements capturing his poor bedside manner and general brazen inconsideration. I regret I cannot give him the title of Dr. as this should be reserved for only those who practice medicine with at least a small ounce of compassion for their patients. I had three questions for Theodore which I stated at the initiation of the appointment.
After he addressed the first issue, he was headed out the door when I reminded him I had two remaining questions. After he addressed the second issue (somewhat annoyed that I had stopped him), I reminded him that I had a third question– he grabbed a brochure and said, I’ll meet you out in the front with a prescription. Perhaps, Theodore, I do not want to discuss a sensitive medical question with your full waiting room.
Per my clock, my entire appointment was under five minutes. I have another pr-​existing appointment with a dermatologist who could not see me until later this week, and unfortunately I will have to pay another $ 30 copay to get my questions answered.

Worst dermatology experience I’ve ever had. Once I was in the room where the actual exam would take place I waited 45 MINUTES. I was there for an annual mole check so obviously I had to change into the gown. The room was FREEZING. Once he FINALLY entered he was joined by a young lady he introduced as an intern. He didn’t even make eye contact with me. Barely glanced at my skin and started commenting to the intern, not to me on my skin, and just pointed and said «sun damage, sun damage, more sun damage.» Was very rude and condescending. Couldn’t believe how unprofessional he was. Such as waste of time and a copay. DO NOT GO HERE!

I don’t usually write reviews, and quite frankly, I usually dismiss the awful ones because I assume the reviewer is bitter. I couldn’t help myself today. I had an appointment with Dr. Sebastien this morning and have never had such an awful experience at a doctor’s appointment in my life.
His assistant, Donna Swanson, saw me first and she seemed lovely. She was kind, inquisitive, and helpful. After, she left the room and then the two of them came back together. Before they came in the room, I heard them talking outside about me. When he came is, he proceeded to check my back for abnormal spots, not even caring that his assistant had already done so. While he was pulling up and down my shirt and having me pull up and down my pant legs, he was peppering me with questions about my family’s history of various skin disorders and diseases, never giving me a chance to fully answer.
Then, matter of factly, he said, «You need to get a blood test for Lupus.» I understand that doctors deal with these diseases on a daily basis, but his bedside manner was non existent. When I asked what that meant, he said, «I don’t know. It could be nothing or you could need a kidney transplant in 10 years.» (Keep in mind I went to this appointment for a rash I believed to be caused by the sun or sunscreen, not expecting to hear something so serious). I was amazed at how frank he was and how he didn’t explain anything.
After this ended, I mentioned that my aunt was allergic to the sun and instead of being interested that this could mean something, he said, «I asked you earlier and you never said anything.» Well, apologies, Dr. Sebastien, I was busy pulling up and down my pant legs and couldn’t answer you questions since you kept firing them.
After I thought the worst was over, he turned to me and asked, «Do you want to do anything about that acne on your face?» I was completely flabbergasted. I have two, maybe three spots of acne on my face, hardly warranting the purchase of expensive acne medication. I replied, «I’m fine with it.» He replied, «You’re happy with that?»
To boot, the appointment lasted less than 2 minutes, he never once asked me about the rash or hives, and I still had to pay. I understand that he is busy, but I would have appreciated he run a few allergy tests (as I already visited a doctor who suggested I could be allergic to my sunscreen) and certainly I would have expected he would ask me to explain why I was there.
Needless to say, I will never return to Dr. Sebastien. He is completely dismissive and rude.

My Mother and Father In Law recommended Dr. Sebastien because he was listed in Washingtonian Magazine’s top docs.
While I know 5min appointments are the «norm» with dermatologists, and you can only go in and speak to them about 1 specific topic [this should be common knowledge by all patients seeking dermatology]
I went in at age 29 to establish a baseline mole check. He barely looked at me. Essentially blew me off. I have a history of tanning bed use (dumb I know!!! during college, before my wedding, and this year before a cruise) and I have two gigantic moles I’ve had FOREVER that haven’t changed much.
I thought bedside manner was lacking — most derms are like this. The search continues for an actual «top doc»…
On the flip side, my In laws like him a lot — not sure why. My father in law has had a few suspicious things and cancer scrapings on his chest and head done. I guess the doc has been good for them but not for me.

Just finished my appointment with Dr. S. I zero complaints. The staff was friendly and helpful. I was seen on time. Dr. S. was friendly and direct – no nonsense – just what I want from a doctor.

I don’t know who is worst– the rude office staff or the arrogant doctor. This is not the first time I have seen this doctor’s office be a disappointment. I put up with it since Dr Sebastian was treating me with the medication I wanted. No more. I will never return to this doctor.
His rude staff does not greet you, they treat you as an object. They have you sign a form so you pay $ 25.00 for a missed appointment. How crazy, as I arrived at 4:09 for my 4:15 appointment and was still waiting to see this rude doctor at 5:05, when I walked out. I did inform the nurse I had another appointment to go to but I guess that was not a concern. They could have cared less.
With all the other doctors in the northern VA area, I will do without service from this one.

Not impressed at all. The front desk women couldn’t care less, the doctor was arrogant and rude. Went to Dr. Fran Rotter in Vienna instead — so much better.

This doctor and his office is horrible — do no do not go! the receptionists are imbecile; one screams out you are here for getting your scar on your stomach removed right? (out loud in a room full of patients — this is the Kristine girl) the other Latin girl — LAURA is a unmannered grouch — rude and complete stupid.
The doctor — Theodore Sebastian is the WORST — read the reviews — i wish I had before i went — waste of money — he is disrespectful — walks out while you are talking and completely out to rip your last dollar. this place is a SCAM — do not go and save yourself wrongful advice. you will get 10 mins of advice that is stupid and harmful.

So I didn’t know that Dr. Sebastien was already on Unilocal and I couldn’t help myself but read all his reviews. And let me just say, all the complainers are the reason why I stick to the Arlington office… them and plus that location is way closer to where I live.
So I’ve been to his Reston office once and never again will I make that mistake! While that office is larger and the staff is great and they play relaxing music and they have TVs in the rooms, all that means nothing because the patients waiting with you in the waiting room are all nuts! You would think the Arlington office would bring all the wackos being closer to DC but boy oh boy was I wrong.
One lady proceeded to scream at the front desk that she had an appointment and demanded that she be seen immediately. The front desk staff are saints and politely told her that she was mistaken so she left in such a hurry that she left her purse. Come to find out, she left to make a phone call and it turns out that she was at the wrong dermatology office!!! She came in and grabbed her purse and said, «Oh, it’s a different office,» and rushed out. SHE DIDN’T EVEN APOLOGIZE!
As if that wasn’t enough, another customer decided to tell the receptionists (and everyone in the the entire building by the volume of his voice) that his computer was giving him a virus and that he needed to be seen right away. Uhhhh, you’re at the wrong office buddy, maybe a psychiatrist would be able to better assist you… and the ENT to clear out your ears so you don’t talk so loud.
But wait! There’s more… a female customer felt it necessary to tell one of the nurses that her husband doesn’t even shower and that if he wanted to get with… and I quote, «All of this» *motion to her body*, that he needs to start showering. P. S. she was like 70 and her husband is probably purposely not showering so he doesn’t have to get with all of that.
I only waited 15 minutes and had to witness all this. My visit was with Kathy that day and she was awesome! Really nice and really knowledgeable. I guess she doesn’t come out to the Arlington location but I still wouldn’t come back to the Reston office. I love the staff and open space and the FREE PARKING but 4 stars because the customers in Reston scare me.

DO NOT VISIT DR. THEODOR SEBASTIAN AT THE DERMATOLOGY SPECILISIT OF VIRGINIA. HE WILL DISMISS YOU WITHOUT A SECOND THOUGHT. Complete disrespect and disregard the value of his patient’s time and concern.
MY APPOINTMENT WITH DR. SEBASTIAN.
I had an appointment with Dr. Theodor Sebastian at the Dermatology Specialists of Virginia in the Reston Virginia office today June 15, 2012 at 9:15AM. I’m a new patient at this doctor’s office therefore I was instructed to arrive 10 – 15 minute early to fill out paper works. I arrive at 9AM to fill out insurance, medical, and personal information. At 9:34AM I informed the receptionist that it is more than 15 minute pass my appointment time and that I need to get back to work — when is the doctor able to see me? I asked again at 9:45AM, now 30 minutes passed my appointment time. She said that I’m next in line and that they are entering my charts information.
I finally get called into a private patient’s room and the physician assistant asked me a few questions and told me that the doctor will be right with me. At 10:05 I walked out of the private room and into the main room then I hear «did someone leave?» I walked back to that room and told the PA and Dr. Theodor Sebastian that I have been waiting more than 45 minutes said, and I quote, «I’m doing the best I can, you can go see another doctor — bye» as he puts his hand up to wave goodbye. No apologies. No respect to his patient’s time — and completely insensitive to his patient’s purpose of actually making the doctor’s visit.
MY OVERALL OPINION
I do understand that there are delays and wait time at the doctor’s office — that’s an industry wide problem of overbooking to make up for missed appointment which most medical offices now charge a no-​show or late fee. But to make a patient wait more than over an hour to see the doctor, with a scheduled appointment, then completely dismisses their long waited time — that is a whole new realm for me.
DO NOT VISIT DR. THEODOR SEBASTIAN AT THE DERMATOLOGY SPECILISIT OF VIRGINIA. HE WILL DISMISS YOU WITHOUT A SECOND THOUGHT.

Dr Sebastien may be an excellent physician (not really sure), but his practice leaves much to be desired. My experience on my two visits left me much less than impressed.
On visit number one, as a new patient I arrived 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms and insurance card tango. I was greeted, or rather not greeted by two surly desk staff who did not so much as acknowledge my presence. After completing the forms and providing all information, I waited for 30 minutes past my appointment time before being called back to an examination room. After another 20 minute wait, Dr Sebastien breezed in, spent five minutes and ask me to schedule an appointment for a follow-​up procedure. So far not stellar, but par for the course.
For my follow-​up appointment I spent 75 minutes in the waiting room without being called back. On my second trip to the receptionist at the one hour mark, she indicated that my chart had just been picked up and I should be called shortly. After an additional 15 minutes I left and sought the care of another dermatologist. This was a demonstration of very poor customer service and I would not recommend this practice.

The physician (?) was great and personable. But the front office/​billing sucks — pretty short and rude. I never met with the doctor as I didn’t really have anything serious going on.