Cosmetic dermatology: ‘A surge of innovative technologies’
Advancements in technology, therapy, delivery, and patient preferences give dermatologists a lot to learn and consider.
Excitement is building for cosmetic dermatology — and rightly so, according to a nine-person panel at this year’s new session, C012 – The Future of Cosmetic Dermatology.
The panelists revealed technologies, treatments, and patient preferences that will shape the future of the specialty, weighing in on everything from innovative, energy-based devices and regenerative therapies to the integration of digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI). All the developments are designed to deliver the personalized, patient-centric care that defines modern cosmetic dermatology.
“The field of cosmetic dermatology is experiencing a surge of innovative technologies poised to revolutionize treatments,” said session co-director Neil S. Sadick, MD, FAAD, founder and president of Sadick Dermatology in New York City.
What technology is emerging?
Numerous, evolving technologies and innovative treatment modalities are positioned to advance the field of cosmetic dermatology, including lasers, radiofrequency, and ultrasound. Their potential applications for skin rejuvenation, body contouring, and hair restoration are turning heads, Dr. Sadick said.
For example, Lumenis’ FoLix, the first FDA-cleared fractional laser for hair loss, offers a non-invasive solution for both men and women, stimulating hair growth through advanced laser technology. In facial rejuvenation, devices like triLift and EMFACE combine radiofrequency with muscle stimulation to tone facial muscles and improve skin quality. According to Dr. Sadick, these treatments address multiple aspects of aging simultaneously, offering alternatives to traditional injectables and surgery.
Microneedling devices also continue to evolve, with some incorporating radiofrequency for enhanced collagen production and skin tightening, he added.
“These advancements collectively offer patients a range of non-invasive options for addressing various cosmetic concerns, from hair loss to facial aging and body contouring, with minimal downtime and impressive clinical results,” Dr. Sadick said.
A revolution in biotechnology and regenerative medicine
According to session co-director Suleima Arruda, MD, IFAAD, who practices at Sadick Dermatology, biotechnology and regenerative medicine are revolutionizing injectable treatments in cosmetic dermatology. This includes biologics, stem cell-based therapies, and extracellular vesicles.
Researchers are developing stem cell-based therapies, including those using preserved stem cells from patients’ hair (ACORN Biolabs). The therapy is promising for various applications, including hair restoration, said Dr. Arruda.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes, have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional cell-based treatments. These nanocarriers can influence cellular processes, promote skin rejuvenation, and aid in wound healing. Per FDA regulations, topical exosome applications are being developed and combined with advanced devices to enhance delivery and efficacy. Injectable cell-based therapeutics are also advancing, she said, with improved delivery systems designed to protect transplanted cells and stimulate endogenous regeneration.
“These innovative approaches offer potential solutions for scarring, facial rejuvenation, and anti-aging treatments, with ongoing clinical trials evaluating their safety and effectiveness,” Dr. Arruda said. “As the field progresses, these biotechnology-driven treatments may provide more personalized and effective options for patients seeking cosmetic improvements.”
AI’s growing potential
To no one’s surprise, the integration of AI and digital technologies is recasting cosmetic procedures by enhancing diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient monitoring. Advanced AI-powered imaging systems, such as 3D modeling and facial analysis tools, provide highly detailed images of patients’ features, which allows for more precise diagnosis and personalized treatment plans, Dr. Sadick said.
These technologies enable dermatologists to simulate procedure outcomes, helping patients visualize potential results and make informed decisions. AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of data to offer tailored treatment recommendations based on individual patient characteristics, including skin type, genetic factors, and aesthetic preferences. Tools like HairMetrix allow for ongoing monitoring of treatment progress and effectiveness, particularly in hair restoration procedures.
Dr. Sadick said AI-driven imaging systems can also track improvements in skin pigmentation, tone, and texture, providing objective measures of treatment success. Additionally, he said, these technologies assist in developing precise treatment methods and planning, potentially reducing human error and improving overall outcomes.
“By offering real-time imaging during procedures and predictive analytics, AI is enhancing the accuracy and safety of cosmetic interventions while simultaneously improving patient satisfaction and expectation management,” Dr. Sadick said.
Both Drs. Sadick and Arruda reminded attendees of what changing technology has recently accomplished, from virtual consultations and mobile applications to other digital tools that have significantly enhanced patient care and delivery. Mobile apps, for example, offer a wide range of functionalities, including self-surveillance, disease guides, educational aids, and even teledermatology services, catering to both patients and physicians. These digital tools have shown high patient satisfaction rates, with many valuing the convenience, time-saving aspects, and quality of care provided, said Dr. Sadick.
“Additionally, store-and-forward teledermatology and live video consultations have proven effective for follow-up care, reducing the need for in-person visits and improving clinic access,” he said.
Although some concerns exist regarding data security and image quality, the overall acceptance of telemedicine in dermatology is growing, especially for minor health issues and among those with prior telemedicine experience.
Tips for delivering personalized, patient-centric care
When evaluating evolving patient expectations in cosmetic dermatology, practitioners should employ a patient-centered approach that focuses on understanding individual motivations, cultural perspectives, and desired outcomes, said Dr. Arruda. She recommends the S.T.E.P technique (Stress, Target, Envision, Proactive), which is useful for assessing patient needs and setting realistic goals. Delivering personalized care also involves active listening, providing detailed education about treatments, and involving patients in decision-making processes.
“Utilizing tools like customized checklists, imaging technologies, and photo galleries can enhance patient understanding and adherence. It’s crucial to recognize that expectations vary across cultures and ethnicities, necessitating culturally sensitive care,” Dr. Arruda said. “Regularly tracking patient satisfaction metrics and maintaining open communication channels can help practitioners stay attuned to changing preferences and improve overall care quality.”
Changing with the times — and demographics
According to Dr. Arruda, the demographics and psychographic profiles of cosmetic dermatology patients are evolving rapidly, driven by various factors including social media influence and changing beauty standards. There’s a notable increase in younger patients, male patients, and individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds seeking cosmetic procedures, she said. Similarly, social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube significantly impact patient expectations of and interest in cosmetic treatments, with increased exposure linked to higher consideration of procedures.
“This digital influence has led to a need for dermatologists to address and dispel myths propagated on social media,” she said. “Shared decision-making has become crucial in cosmetic dermatology, with patients and physicians collaboratively planning treatments based on evidence and individual preferences.”
This approach, Dr. Arruda said, improves patient satisfaction, knowledge, and alignment with personal values. Dermatologists are adapting to these changes by enhancing their online presence, providing educational content, and implementing shared strategies to meet the diverse needs of their evolving patient base.
Ethical, regulatory, and practice management considerations
Advancing cosmetic dermatology does come with some cautionary tales, Drs. Sadick and Arruda said, including ethical, regulatory, and practice management considerations. Ethically, Dr. Sadick said, dermatologists must balance patient autonomy with beneficence and non-maleficence, especially when dealing with body dysmorphic disorders or unrealistic expectations.
For example, the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) has introduced significant regulatory changes, mandating facility registration, product listing, and safety substantiation for cosmetic products. This legislation impacts how dermatologists counsel patients and manage their practices, he said.
Dermatologists must also navigate the ethical dilemma of dispensing non-prescription skin products and performing potentially ineffective cosmetic procedures, said Dr. Arruda. She urges dermatologists to ensure compliance with FDA regulations, even though cosmetic products don’t require FDA approval before market release. As the field evolves, she said, dermatologists must stay informed about industry trends, invest in technology upgrades, and prioritize customer service to maintain high patient satisfaction and practice efficiency.
Additional ethical implications of emerging technologies must also be a consideration, they said, including the use of facial recognition software, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) in cosmetic dermatology.
These technologies offer benefits such as enhanced patient engagement and improved treatment visualization, but they also present challenges related to privacy, data security, and patient autonomy, Dr. Sadick said. Ethical use of these tools requires balancing technological advantages with patient safety and privacy concerns. Key ethical principles identified for AI use in dermatology, he said, include fairness, inclusivity, transparency, accountability, security, privacy, reliability, informed consent, and avoiding conflicts of interest.
“There are also concerns about potential biases in facial recognition algorithms, which could lead to disparities in care across different demographic groups,” Dr. Sadick said.
Additionally, the use of VR and AR (virtual reality and augmented reality) in cosmetic procedures necessitates robust, informed consent processes and clear regulatory frameworks to ensure patient rights are protected. As these technologies become more prevalent, Dr. Sadick urges dermatologists to advocate for strong regulatory oversight to minimize misinformation, ensure patient safety, and uphold ethical standards in the digital age.
Finally, the integration of digital technologies and AI in dermatology significantly impacts practice management, Dr. Arruda said, necessitating a multifaceted approach to staff training, patient education, and marketing. Dermatology practices should invest in comprehensive staff training programs to ensure proficiency with new technologies like electronic health records, teledermatology platforms, and AI-powered diagnostic tools.
Similarly, patient education has evolved to incorporate digital platforms, including mobile apps, online portals, and social media, which require practices to develop engaging, accurate content across multiple channels. The shift toward virtual consultations and AI-assisted diagnoses requires practices to implement new workflows and train staff in digital communication skills.
“This digital transformation demands a balance between technological adoption and maintaining personalized, patient-centric care to enhance overall practice efficiency and patient satisfaction,” she said.
The full panel of dermatology experts included: Andre Vieira Braz, MD; Valeria Campos, MD, IFAAD; Zoe Diana Draelos, MD, FAAD; Sabrina G. Fabi, MD, FAAD; Ronda S. Farah, MD, FAAD; Maria K. Hordinsky, MD, FAAD; and Robert A. Weiss, MD, FAAD.
