Dermatologist stays ahead of curve with laser technologies, techniques -

Dermatologist stays ahead of curve with laser technologies, techniques - - ModernMedicine

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Key Points

Dr. Geronemus founded Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York 17 years ago
Dr. Geronemus serves as chairman of board of New York Stem Cell Foundation

When he was launching the laser program at New York University Medical Center, Roy G. Geronemus, M.D., made sure to have the cutting-edge technology of the time: an argon laser to treat port wine stains, venous malformations and telangiectasias. Soon after, NYU was among the first centers in the country to offer the CO₂ laser, touted then as the new approach for removing benign skin lesions.

Roy G. Geronemus, M.D.

Twenty-six years and some 230 peer-reviewed published studies later, Dr. Geronemus continues to lead the evolution of laser skin technology. The practice he founded 17 years ago, Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, features more than 50 such devices, from lasers to radiofrequency, ultrasound and light-emitting diode (LED) therapy technologies.

Finger on the pulse

Dr. Geronemus is immersed in laser technology research, education, clinical development, clinical practice and politics. The dermatologic surgeon, who is a clinical professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center, is director of the Skin/Laser Division in the department of plastic surgery at New York Eye & Ear Infirmary. He is past president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Following a day's work on Wall Street for Dr. Geronemus' sons, the family stops for a photo at the site of the Wall Street Bull. From left: Dr. Geronemus' wife, Gail; Roy Geronemus, M.D.; and sons, Evan and Greg. (Photo: Roy Geronemus, M.D.)

"While I still have significant interest in the congenital malformations, particularly vascular birthmarks, we've branched out a bit to other types of conditions, including body contouring work and three-dimensional imaging for the purpose of evaluating body imaging," he says. "More recently, we completed work on actinic keratoses (AKs), where we found a breakthrough in using the laser."

While evaluating the use of the Fraxel re:store dual wavelength thulium laser (Solta Medical) for treatment of dyschromia, Dr. Geronemus and colleagues found that they were able to remove AKs in a simple, noninvasive way.

"This compares very favorably to alternative treatments, such as topical 5-fluorouracil, cryotherapy, immunotherapy or photodynamic therapy. It's much easier and seems to be as effective, if not more effective," he says.

Dr. Geronemus predicts that researchers will continue to find ways in which fractionated technology shines in the treatment of dermatologic conditions that currently have unsatisfactory or unacceptable medical treatments.

Taking a leap

In addition to contributing to the evidence-based body of work on the cosmetic and medical use of lasers, Dr. Geronemus has assumed a role beyond dermatology.

"I've branched out a bit and become chairman of the board of the New York Stem Cell Foundation, which is an independent foundation to support embryonic stem cell research. We've been quite successful in establishing ourselves as an effective, independent stem cell research facility, with our own laboratory and supporting fellowship training and career development of young scientists in the field of stem cell research," Dr. Geronemus says.

Personal reasons — including a close friend whose child has diabetes, and Dr. Geronemus' parents, who have Parkinson's disease — fuel his involvement in stem cell research. The Wall Street Journal reported in June that the New York Stem Cell Foundation had received a $27 million gift from the Robertson Foundation.

"I'm hopeful that this will lead to significant medical benefits in people with chronic diseases (including dermatologic conditions) that haven't been helped with conventional therapies," he says.