PracticalDermatology

When Omaha, NE-based dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD, first decided to organize a new cosmetic meeting, he knew one thing for sure: it wasn’t going to be the same-old, same-old.

And his brainchild, the Cosmetic Surgery Forum (CSF), now in its eighth year, is anything but that.

“CSF has a bedrock mantra and that is that we don’t shy away from controversy,” says Dr. Schlessinger, CSF Founder and Director. “Nothing is off limits, even discussions that are unfavorable to existing products and technologies.”

CSF is a three-day multi-specialty educational symposium that covers the latest research, treatments, and techniques in dermatology and cosmetic surgery—and residents are included. CSF 2016 will take place November 30 through December 3, 2016 at The Bellagio in Las Vegas.

Friendly Fire

Speakers must be willing to take a stand, Dr. Schlessinger says. “I try to find people who are willing to recommend one product over another.” And sometimes this sires friendly disagreement within the ranks. “CSF panels and talks are designed to foster discussion—even heated ones. You don’t get insight without discussion,” says Dr. Schlessinger. Presenters are only allowed a limited number of slides so there is more time to discuss, disagree, and discover. Daily live demos cement what participants learn in the lecture hall.

This year, attendees can expect several new panels and talks including those that focus on cellulite, scar therapy, and body contouring. “We are going to have lectures on the use of cannulas and a two-hour session on the business side of dermatology for everyone,” he says.

Speakers will also discuss the synergistic benefits of combination therapies and the globalization of cosmetic medicine and dermatology. “The chin will be big this year due to Allergan’s Kybella, CoolSculpting’s Coolmini, and other treatments that are coming to the forefront,” Dr. Schlessinger says.

“This meeting brings together thought leaders from multiple specialties, including residents, and we compare and contrast what we do, how we do it, and how things respond to what we do,” says CSF faculty member Michael H. Gold, MD, founder of Gold Skin Care Center, Advanced Aesthetics Medical Spa, The Laser & Rejuvenation Center, and Tennessee Clinical Research Center in Nashville. Dr. Gold’s don’t-miss talks at CSF 2016 will cover new fillers, new injection techniques, new acne devices, and high-intensity focused ultrasound skin devices that may come to the US.

“It’s really exciting to see what is on the horizon and be able to offer it to participants years before it is here so they can be fully prepared,” says Dr. Schlessinger. Speakers discuss off-label uses of products and devices, which is allowed in CME activities.

“Favorite Meeting of the Year!”

“CSF is the most intimate and informative multidisciplinary meeting of the year,” says frequent participant Erin Gilbert, MD, PhD, founder and director of Gilbert Dermatology in New York City. “Many meetings feature the same topics and talks every year. CSF is never stale since it constantly evolves to bring new topics and technologies to light.”

CSF faculty member Jeanine B. Downie MD, FAAD, Director of image Dermatology PC in Montclair, NJ, agrees. “I love CSF as I always learn practical hands-on tips for dealing with my cosmetic patients as well as running and managing my office,” she says. “This is one of the premier conferences of the year, and I am honored to be included as faculty.” Dr. Downie will be presenting on cosmetic controversies and on the art and science of neurotoxins at CSF 2016.

“It is perhaps my favorite meeting of the year. I love the programming, concise lecture format, great speakers, and it’s a great time to catch up with some of my favorite derm people,” says Brooke A. Jackson, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, NC. Dr. Jackson will be sharing her top laser picks with the crowd at CSF 2016. n

Evolve Medical Education, LLC designates this live activity for a maximum of 20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. The Cosmetic Surgery Forum, program #36103, is recognized by the American Academy of Dermatology for 20 AAD Recognized Credits and may be used toward the AAD CME Award. To Register: http://bit.ly/2biPRgw

Save the Dates:

CSF 2016

November 30th through December 3, 2016

The Bellagio

Las Vegas

Register Now: http://bit.ly/2biPRgw