PracticalDermatology

Dr. Eric Bernstein is a leading expert on skin laser surgery who practices in Philadelphia and serves as Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to teaching and maintaining a private practice, Dr. Bernstein is a founder of American Medical Media, home for the PatientsGuide, a leader in the field of online information about laser and aesthetic procedures. In addition, Dr. Bernstein is founder and creator of LaseResults Skincare, a state-of-the art skincare company incorporating novel anti-aging compounds from the laboratory to the retail environment. His research on a patented molecular model of skin photoaging led to the development of his own firm, which performs in vitro photobiological testing for large pharmaceutical companies and pursues discovery of novel anti-aging and pharmaceutical compounds. Dr. Bernstein holds numerous US and international patents, has authored over 100 articles, and has given more than 300 presentations at scientific meetings.

How would you characterize the current state of devices in cosmetic dermatology?

We are in the most exciting period for device development in the history of dermatology, according to Dr. Bernstein. “Recent advances in technologies, lasers, and other forms of energy, even cold, are being used to address aesthetic and dermatologic conditions,” he notes. That dermatologic device companies have grown and expanded even to the home space is very encouraging for the future of device-based procedures, according to Dr. Bernstein. “I feel very lucky and privileged to be practicing during this phase of rapid growth. It’s fun to do what I do,” he says.

With new advances in fat reduction and in other areas, are we learning anything new about the skin in the wake of all these innovations?

Innovations abound in both research and development, according to Dr. Bernstein. “Research is driving device development and device development is furthering research. There’s always a learning process when new technologies are brought into the clinical arena. Doctors often find novel uses for devices and push the envelope of how to apply new technologies,” Dr. Bernstein observes.

As a researcher and pioneer of many devices and procedures, what is your read on the future of device and laser treatments?

“I think we are going to continue to see even more laser platforms, with lower costs and multiple lasers in one box,” says Dr. Bernstein. “I would love to see more home devices, to augment what we do in the office. Some applications are ideally suited for home use, while others (like tattoo removal or vein removal) are not, at least for the foreseeable future,” says Dr. Bernstein.

Looking to the future, Dr. Bernstein believes that innovations will likely encompass a much larger scope of device-based procedures. “I think we’re going to see a virtual revolution in laser use across all fields of medicine and industry over the next two decades,” he says. “It’s a very exciting time to be working within the field of laser medicine.”