Advice from Dr. Paul M. Friedman, Laser and Cosmetic Dermatologist

Paul M. Friedman, M.D. has been involved in the development of several advanced dermatological laser systems and therapeutic techniques now commonly used around the world. He is the director of the DermSurgery Laser Center in Houston and also practices at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. Author of over 60 medical articles, Dr. Friedman is recognized as a leading researcher and physician in dermatology. He has been featured in several national magazines and periodicals, such as the New York Times, Good Housekeeping, Family Circle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Prevention Magazine, as well as over 30 news programs on the ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC networks. Dr. Friedman is the co-author of Beautiful Skin Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Better Skin –a comprehensive book written as a resource for men and women. Here is an interview with this expert where he gives advice on preventive anti-aging treatments, choosing the right dermatologist, treatments for undereye circles and more.

What motivated you to release your new book, Beautiful Skin Revealed?

I wanted to create a comprehensive guide to dermatologic procedures in a unique way utilizing patient stories to reveal a multitude of innovative treatment options. My goal for the book was to create a resource guide for patients to be knowledgeable participants during their consultation with their dermatologist.

What treatments do you recommend to patients in their mid-to-late twenties who want to take preventive measures against the visible signs of aging?

Recommended topical regimens include a daily sunblock, a nightly topical retinoid, and a moisturizer. For an in-office procedure, I typically recommend non-ablative fractionated laser treatment to stimulate collagen synthesis and reverse sun damage.

How should someone go about choosing the right dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon?

Seek a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in the desired procedure. Dermatologic surgeons typically complete an additional postgraduate fellowship after their dermatology residency. Qualified dermatologists should belong to either the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) or the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).

What treatments or procedures would you recommend for undereye circles?

Dark circles can be caused by aging, hyperpigmentation from sun and genetics, or broken blood vessels. Dark circles or blotches around the eyes can be treated with bleaching creams. Lasers may be utilized to remove pigment, broken blood vessels, and improve fine lines.

There are a lot different lasers (Smoothbeam, Fraxel etc.) available. What are the differences between the three most popular lasers?

The pulsed dye laser works by targeting blood vessels and is utilized to treat vascular lesions such as port wine stains, spider veins, rosacea, and scars.

The 1450-nm diode laser improves acne by shrinking the sebaceous gland and thus stopping acne formation in its tracks.

Fractionate lasers heat columns of tissue and stimulate collagen synthesis. This technology has been utilized to improve depressed scars, surgical scars, wrinkles, photoaging, irregular pigmentation, and enlarged pores.