Day Three of the South Beach Symposium (SBS) featured a jam-packed agenda, including two dedicated specialty sessions. The day was a proud demonstration of how SBS is more than just an aesthetic conference, laying the focus on pertinent aspects of medical dermatology.
The Therapeutic Hotline, led by Leon H. Kircik, MD, reviewed the latest developments in some of the more commonly encountered skin conditions. Speaking about acne in particular, Hilary E. Baldwin, MD, pointed out that the last five years have seen several new products come on the market, allowing for a broader treatment landscape. Brett A. King, MD, PhD, opened his session with, “2022 has been the year of JAK inhibitors in dermatology”. He highlighted several Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and how each can be used to treat specific skin conditions. He even updated attendees on the most recent FDA expansion for oral JAK abrocitinib to include adolescents, an announcement made on Feb. 10, 2023.
The morning continued with expert discussions on treating specific skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne, and alopecia areata. Dr. Kircik led The Great Debate on treating psoriasis, examining topical steroids versus novel non-steroidals.
The Hair Loss and Restoration Track, led by Dr. King put the focus on hair loss types across cultures and skin color. He was joined by top experts in the field, including Brittany G. Craiglow, MD, Maryanne M. Senna, MD, Valerie D. Callender, MD, and Natasha A. Mesinkovska, MD, PhD. Dr. Callender spoke in depth about hair loss in skin of color patients, pointing out that it is possible to have more than one diagnosis. She also mentioned the importance of the patient’s quality of life, adding this is an essential aspect of consultations. In the Q&A session which followed this two-hour track, attendees had the opportunity to get the experts’ opinions on certain treatment options and how they approach care.
Our sold-out Hands-On Cadaver Workshop kicked off at 7:30 a.m. headed by expert aesthetic plastic surgeon, Z. Paul Lorenc, MD. Attendees remained engrossed throughout the half-day workshop, first following Dr. Lorenc’s in-depth presentation of facial anatomy before moving on to the more practical aspect of the workshop. Dr. Lorenc shared his expert tips and pearls throughout the session, ending with an intimate Q&A session. Our team spoke to a few attendees after the workshop, all of whom stated they were happy with the experience, adding that having the opportunity to gain hands-on practice is key to developing the necessary skills.
Christopher G. Bunick, MD, PhD, led the new SBS topic, the Boxed Warning Toolkit. He was joined by Dr. Kircik, Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, and William E. Damsky, MD, PhD. Dr. Bunick reviewed several myths regarding boxed warnings, taking attendees through the facts behind these statements. Dr. Alexis then discussed the best methods for addressing patient concerns before the panel took questions from the audience.
Glynis R. Ablon, MD directed our second specialty session, the Anti-Aging and Integrative Medicine Track. Joining her on stage were Patricia K. Farris, MD, Doris J. Day, MD, Michael H. Gold, MD, Dr. Hilary Baldwin, Terrence C. Keaney, MD, and Andrew H. Heyman, MD, MHSA. Dr. Farris began with a look at how nutrition and diet affect skin health, and then Dr. Day took over with an examination of the gut-skin-brain axis. Dr. Gold later took attendees through the controversy surrounding exosomes, reiterating that these are topical and not meant for injecting.
Day three of SBS concluded with the announcement of the Peloton bike grand prize winner as part of our fun draw. Congratulations to Andrea Barros Bezerra!
Tomorrow is the last day of SBS. Don’t forget to join us for the LIVE patient facial injections and the Atopic Dermatitis Workshop Specialty Session with Peter A. Lio, MD.
