Dr. Suzanne Kilmer
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Neck Rejuvenation with Energy-based Devices
Neck rejuvenation requires a multimodal approach, combining neuromodulators for platysma band relaxation with energy-based devices to address vascular changes, pigmentation, laxity, and structural aging. Vascular and pigmentary issues respond well to PDL, IPL, Q-switched, and picosecond lasers, while picosecond devices also stimulate collagen and elastin to improve laxity. For tightening, monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency, RF microneedling, HIFU, and synchronous parallel beam ultrasound deliver thermal remodeling with minimal downtime. Ablative and fractional lasers remain useful for resurfacing fine lines and texture, and new innovations such as focal point laser technology and 2,910 nm fiber laser-coring provide precise collagen remodeling and skin tightening without surgery. |
Dr. Ashish Bhatia
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The Future of AI in Our Field Artificial intelligence is moving from administrative support into direct clinical and business applications across dermatology and aesthetics, excelling at repetitive, analytic work like documentation, prior authorizations, and EHR-based decision support. At its core, these computer models take in human-generated information and deliver consolidated output: but they're only as good as what you ask them about. In aesthetic practice, AI-driven patient education is addressing the "consultation bottleneck" (patients forget up to 80% of what they're told post-consult) and could help shorten visit times. Some practices are even exploring digital twins, or personal avatars, to extend patient engagement beyond the visit itself. AI is also proving useful for generating patient handouts for better readability, translating those handouts into other languages. Meanwhile, marketing is shifting: ChatGPT is becoming the new SEO, and practices need to think about how to boost visibility as patients turn to it over Google. Robotic, AI-assisted devices, such as whole-body dermatoscopes, are also extending into procedural skill, though data quality and infrastructure demands still leave "natural intelligence" with real advantages. Ultimately, AI should be treated as a tool, not a colleague—a distinction worth keeping front and center as adoption accelerates. |
Dr. Mathew Avram
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Beyond the Scalpel: Non-invasive Treatment to Treat and Prevent Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers Lasers, particularly PDL and long-pulsed Nd:YAG, are promising non-invasive options for treating basal cell carcinoma and reducing risk of future skin cancers. They offer scarless outcomes, potential one-time treatments, and preventive benefits, positioning them as important complements or alternatives to surgery in dermatologic oncology. Fractional lasers can cut future risk of BCC/SCC by about 50% and improve DNA repair and immune response. PDL has also been associated with lower rates of future keratinocyte carcinomas. |
Dr. Marc Avram
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Incorporating Medical and Surgical Hair Restoration into Your Practice: Surgery, Robots, Platelet Rich Plasma & Stem Cells, and Oral Supplements Medical management of pattern hair loss now spans topical/oral minoxidil, finasteride, low-level and high-energy lasers, PRP, and exosome. Hair transplantation via elliptical (FUT) or follicular unit extraction (FUE) harvesting remains the definitive surgical option. The choice between FUE and FUT depends on patient preference regarding downtime, and concern about scarring, particularly for patients who wear their hair short, where a linear scar would be more noticeable. Combining medical and surgical therapy maximizes long-term density, since ongoing hair loss after a transplant will still affect the net cosmetic result. |
Dr. Mathew Avram
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Maximizing Results with Combination Laser Treatments Fractional lasers deliver more dramatic results in combination with other wavelengths and devices rather than as a solo treatment, and multiple lasers can safely be layered in a single session. Treat erythema first with PDL, KTP, or IPL, then use pigment-specific lasers for lentigines, followed by ablative or non-ablative fractional resurfacing to address photodamage while cutting patient downtime. A similar staged approach improves red, textured scars: treating erythema first (PDL/IPL/KTP) and scar texture second (low-density fractional resurfacing), with intralesional Kenalog/5-FU added for hypertrophic scars. Ablative fractional resurfacing also enables laser-assisted drug delivery through its vertical channels, improving burn and contracture scar appearance, texture, and mobility, and has shown efficacy for tattoo removal after a series of treatments. While lasers generally don't interact with dermal fillers, RF microneedling and microcoring can. |