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SkinCare Physicians’ fellow received ASDS Research Grant

SkinCare Physicians is thrilled to share the news that it is the second year in a row one of its fellows, Dr. Mona Sadeghpour, received the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) Fredric S. Brandt Research Grant. Dr. Sadeghpour will use the clinical research grant to study the effect of low-fluence QS Nd:YAG lasers in the treatment of Melasma.

“My interest in treatment of melasma stems from my interest in women’s health, since melasma is most commonly found in women, and often (but not always) starts around the time of pregnancy,” explains Dr. Sadeghpour. The cause of melasma is complex and not yet fully understood. Interplay between hormones and environmental factors including ultraviolet exposure from the sun and visible light in the setting of genetic predisposition leads to hyperactivity of melanocytes (our pigment-producing cells). This leads to formation of brown discoloration most commonly on the face. Patients with darker skin types may be at a higher risk for development of melasma, but it can be found in patients with all skin types, and affect both men and women. Melasma can be disfiguring and cause severe psychosocial distress. Unfortunately, it remains a very difficult disease to treat and generally requires a multi-modality treatment approach. Dr. Sadeghpour’s research focuses on investigating the ideal combination approach of a low-fluence Nd:YAG laser, mechanical exfoliation, and topical hydroquinone (lightening agent) to treat melasma in a safe and efficacious manner.

Dr. Sadeghpour is hoping to enroll 20 subjects (both men and women) with melasma. The study consists of three treatment visits spaced one month apart, and two follow up visits 3 and 6 months post treatment. The project will be conducted at SkinCare Physicians Research Department, under the guidance of Dr. Dover and Dr. Arndt. For more information on the study, click here.

The ASDS Innovations in Aesthetics Fellowship Fund was set up in 2015 to continue the legacy of Dr. Fredric S. Brandt, a longtime ASDS member and contributor, by promoting and supporting the career development of junior cosmetic dermatologic surgeons focused on cosmetic treatments and patient care.