The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Annual Meeting.

The recent American Society of Dermatologic Surgery’s annual conference in Denver, Colorado, was a welcome return to in-person meetings. Being amongst colleagues, away from the day-to-day workplace, was a reminder of the intangible benefits of such events that are impossible to replicate in the “zoom” environment.

Leaders from around the world discussed evolving therapies, and refinements of existing ones. Five highlights that come to mind are;

One of the keys to rejuvenation of the aging face is the restoration of volume loss in the temple zone. Replacing this loss with dermal fillers or collagen stimulating agents, can produce remarkable lifting and refreshing effects.
Laser assisted drug delivery, a relatively new concept, was brilliantly reviewed by Miami dermatologist Jill Warbel. Fractionated lasers followed by the application of topical medicines, can target difficult skin conditions including keloid and acne scars, and non-melanoma type skin cancers.
Facial pigmentation (melasma) can be challenging but the mainstay of treatment remains photoprotection from UVB, UVA and visible light, in combination with creams containing lighteners, anti-oxidants and exfoliants. Superficial chemical peels, thulium and picosecond lasers using low energy and density settings have a role in some patients. Oral tranexamic acid has demonstrated moderate efficacy in a significant number of patients with persistent pigmentation.
Christopher Miller, Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, presented the technique of Mohs micrographic surgery for the treatment of nail bed melanoma. In the same session, nail biopsy techniques were reviewed with the focus on correct sampling to ensure an accurate diagnosis, while minimising potential injury to the nail structure.
Cosmeceuticals are a billion-dollar industry but do antiaging skin care products really work? The answer to this question continues to elude me, but the “latest in cosmeceuticals” session was a fascinating exploration of some of the newest anti-oxidant and hydrating molecules.