Dr. Kaminer co-leads clinical trial for new cellulite treatment
Soliton, Inc. announced it has completed its first proof of concept clinical trial for the treatment of cellulite. SkinCare Physicians’ Dr. Michael Kaminer is leading the study in collaboration with Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi of Capital Laser and Skin Care (with technology licensed from The University of Texas on behalf of the MD Anderson Cancer Center). The goal of the trial is to assess the safety and efficacy of Soliton’s new acoustic shockwave treatment in reducing the appearance of cellulite. The study is designed to evaluate results at both the 12-week and 26-week time-points following initial treatment. Stay tuned for more updates as the trial progresses!
Dr. Rohrer, Director of ASDS’ 2019 Resident Cosmetic Symposium
SkinCare Physicians’ Dr. Thomas Rohrer co-directed the 2019 Resident Cosmetic Symposium in Dallas this past weekend for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). The meeting gathered dermatology residents from around the country to learn about the latest cosmetic procedures and prepare for real-world scenarios. Over 100 residents attended to be taught by leading ASDS experts. Dr. Rohrer spoke on botulinum toxins, lasers, fillers, and the concepts of beauty. He also gave a lecture on creating the best culture for an aesthetic practice and a talk on why dermatology residents should pursue a fellowship in dermatologic surgery.
Every year, SkinCare Physicians trains three board eligible dermatologists in its Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Fellowship program which is accredited by the ASDS
The Faculty
Promising longer lasting injectable neurotoxin under investigation
The field of injectable neurotoxins is evolving and growing. But the holy grail of these neuromodulators remains longer lasting results without sacrificing safety. SkinCare Physicians’ Dr. Jeff Dover weighs in on the promising trial data of a new neuromodulator from Revance, RT2000, which effects lasted longer than other injectable neurotoxins currently available. A definite plus for many of our patients!
After 2.5 years as a valued member of our front desk team, Allison Spadafora is stepping up to a new position. She has recently transitioned to an aesthetician role with SkinCare Aesthetics, which is rapidly growing and about to expand to a new suite.
Allison comes to SkinCare Aesthetics with 16 years of skin care experience. She is a graduate of Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics, the leading skin care and aesthetician training school in New England. After practicing in a spa environment for many years, what she appreciates the most at SkinCare Aesthetics is working with the most brilliant dermatologists in Boston. They further trained her and advise her whenever she needs.
Our patients valued Allison’s knowledge of skin care products when she was working at our front desk and Boutique. They now are entrusting their skin to her aesthetician skills. Although she is skilled in all aspects of aesthetics, she is particularly excited about providing our latest Hydrafacial treatment, her favorite, and working with our teenage patients, and their parents, on acne conditions.
Welcome Allison!
Dr. Jeff Dover on laser-assisted drug delivery
SkinCare Physicians’ Dr. Jeff Dover recorded his first podcast for ASLMS Light Talk series. He gives a clear overview of laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD); what types of devices and drugs are typically used, when to apply the agents, possible side effects, the potential of LADD and how it has changed our practice.
SkinCare Physicians’ fellow received 2019 ASLMS: Best of Session Abstract Award
SkinCare Physicians is excited to announce that current fellow, Dan Callaghan MD, was awarded the 2019 ASLMS Annual Conference: Best of Session Abstract Award – Scientific for work he has been doing for the last year along with former fellow Dr. Lauren Bonati, Dr. Murad Alam, and our own Dr. Jeffrey Dover. The abstract, entitled SOUND LEVELS AND SAFETY IN COSMETIC LASER SURGERY, is an example of great, innovative work.
While eye safety is paramount when using lasers for cosmetic procedures, hearing safety gets much less attention. The team of doctors found that some lasers that we use in clinical practice, specifically some of the lasers for tattoo removal or some of the fully ablative lasers for skin resurfacing, can be quite loud. Given that loud noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss, and one of the most common occupational illnesses in the United States, they were interested in studying just how loud these lasers were and if they were safe in the absence of hearing protection.
Fortunately, the team found that the vast majority of lasers used in clinical practice produce a sound level far below that which puts one at risk for noise induced hearing loss. The few lasers that do emit sound levels above that threshold would have to be used for an extended period of time throughout the day before there would be any concern of risk for hearing loss. Given the fact that these treatments are typically quick, it would be unusual for anyone to be using these lasers long enough to put patients at risk. So ultimately, patients and physicians alike should feel safe utilizing lasers of all type without concern for noise induced hearing loss, even in the absence of hearing protection.
Congratulations to the team!
Meet our new Fellows, Drs. Callaghan, Hogan and Kandula
It’s this time of the year when we welcome three new Fellows to SkinCare Physicians’ Teaching and Training program. Drs. Daniel Callaghan, Sara Hogan and Prasanthi Kandula will be with us for a year. During their twelve-month fellowship they will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of cosmetic and dermatologic surgery, as well as laser medicine.
Dr. Sara Hogan grew up in the Washington D.C. area and West Africa before relocating to Utah. She attended the University of Utah, where she graduated with a B.S. in Health Promotion and Education. She then received a Master of Health Science from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and performed health systems research at the Urban Institute, a think tank in Washington D.C. Sara earned her Medical Doctorate from the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago. She completed her dermatology residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation where she conducted research on hair loss disorders and novel applications for existing medications. Sara enjoys exploring Boston on bike, hiking, traveling, and oil painting. She is excited to join SkinCare Physicians and looks forward a productive and enjoyable year.
Dr. Daniel Callaghan grew up in Pittsburgh, PA with his older sister and two younger brothers. He graduated from Boston College with a B.A. in Economics and received his M.D. from Georgetown University. After completing his internship in San Diego, he traveled back to the East Coast for his dermatology residency at Boston Medical Center. Outside of work, Dan enjoys hiking, attending concerts, photography and watching sports especially hockey and football. Dan never would have guessed he would be doing a fellowship down the road from where he attended college but couldn’t be more excited and grateful for the opportunity to be at SkinCare Physicians.
Dr. Prasanthi Kandula was born in Waterloo, IA and grew up in southern Illinois. She graduated magna cum laude and AOA from the University of Missouri–Kansas City with a combined BA in Liberal Arts and M.D. degree. She completed her dermatology residency at Indiana University in Indianapolis, where she served as chief resident during her final year. Prasanthi enjoys trying new restaurants, dancing, running, country music concerts, and traveling with friends and family. She is excited to join SkinCare Physicians and looks forward to an amazing year!
2018 Skin Care Controversies Symposium
The annual advanced symposium CONTROVERSIES & CONVERSATIONS in Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, presented by SkinCare Physicians, was held last weekend at the Intercontinental Hotel in Boston, MA. CONTROVERSIES & CONVERSATIONS was first held 26 years ago and was conceptualized as a different kind of a gathering, one meant to stimulate frank, open and vigorous discussion among a large group of expert faculty, attendees and representatives from related medical and aesthetic industries.
The 2018 faculty of more than 45 experts presented many talks over the three morning sessions, none longer than 5 minutes and many limited to 2 minute presentations. Each group of talks was then followed by active discussion among the 200 or more in the hall, who offered a variety of comments, criticism, suggestions, and other perspectives. All present found the gathering stimulating, fun, educational and a very worthwhile experience.
The next CONTROVERSIES & CONVERSATIONS Symposium will be held on August 9-11, 2019 in San Francisco, CA. Save the date!
Dr. Sobell, chairperson at the 2018 Atlantic Derm Conference
SkinCare Physicians’ Dr. Jeffrey Sobell served as a chairperson at the 95th annual Atlantic Derm Conference on May 11-13 in Providence Rhode Island. Atlantic Derm is a dedicated group of thousands of dermatologists from 14 member societies along the eastern seaboard of the United States and Canada.
Each year Atlantic Derm members gather for a unique mission of serving patients, and Dr. Sobell was honored to serve as a chairperson for this case-based clinical conference.
SkinCare Physicians’ involvement with ASLMS
The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) recently met in Dallas for its annual meeting. This Society was founded in 1981 and our own Dr. Kenneth Arndt was one of the founding members. The organization is a multi-specialty organization devoted to research, education and advancement of the field of lasers and all types of energy based devices. When the Society was established there were only two lasers available for clinical use, the continuous wave argon laser and the continuous wave carbon dioxide laser. As time has evolved however, multiple other devices and treatments have become available using different types of energy, such as radiofrequency, microwave, ultrasound, and devices using various forms of thermal energy such as targeted heat and cold. Physicians from SkinCare Physicians have been integrally involved with the Society as it has evolved. Dr. Arndt was President of ASLMS in 1987, Dr. Dover was President in 2013, and Dr. Rohrer is currently the Vice-President and will ascend to the Presidency in the near future. Many SkinCare Physicians staff and fellows have contributed to the Society in the past and currently by serving in their administration, chairing committees, acting as journal editors, organizing the annual meeting, chairing sessions and presenting research.
At the most recent meeting Dr. Arndt co-chaired a 4-hour course entitled “Expert Treatment Approaches” along with Dr. Nazanin Saedi, who was previously a fellow at SkinCare Physicians. Dr. Thomas Rohrer gave two talks, one on “The use of lasers and light in the treatment of acne”, the other one “A new technology to treat seborrheic keratosis and potentially skin cancer.” He also moderated the session for Early Career abstracts. Dr. Dover was one of the faculty for a session on “Optimizing the patient experience” and lectured on “New Applications of Picosecond Technology” and “Laser-assisted drug delivery to boost rejuvenation procedures while maintaining safety.”
It was wonderful seeing many colleagues and particularly many of our previous fellows who attended this year’s meeting to contribute to the Program and be involved in their educational activities. In attendance were 15 of the approximately 50 fellows, whom we have trained since SkinCare Physicians was established almost two decades ago.