Just this past month, Dr. Goldman was invited to partake in a question and answer session regarding his amazing research and developments in dermatologic treatments over the course of his career for a popular Spanish Medical Economics Magazine known as “Propuesta De Temas.” Dr. Goldman was thrilled to speak with the magazine on topics ranging from his practice, the importance of proper patient care, and the future of dermatologic procedures. To check out Dr. Goldman’s responses, read his complete Q & A session below.
Q: Please describe the history and relevant dates of your practice. (inauguration, number of patients, key treatments done, etc)
A: Our practice started in 1986 and went through a variety of modifications over the years. We started with 4 full-time dermatologists in 3 locations and expanded in the 1990’s to 10 dermatologists in 5 offices and 2 psoriasis treatment centers.
Then, in 2003, the practice split apart and 3 doctors (under my leadership) started a 100% cosmetic practice in one location with a medical spa. The medical spa was discontinued in 2009. That practice now has 5 full-time physicians, one physician assistant, 3 registered nurses and a total of 42 staff members with 30+ lasers and 2 operating rooms. 30% of the practice income comes from a variety of laser procedures, 30% from the use of filler and neuromodulators, 10% from liposuction, 10% from sclerotherapy and vein surgery/endovenous laser treatment, 10% from tissue tightening procedures (fractionated ultrasound and radiofrequency and 10% from medical research.
Q: In your opinion, what is the future of anti-aging medicine? (prevention, technology, products, combination therapies, etc)
A: The use of autologous tissue transplantation, bioengineered fibroblasts, and adipose tissue and enhanced minimally invasive procedures.
Q: What importance does good patient health have in treatment? (good equilibrium between mind and body, etc)
A: The best results occur when the patient is in good health. This is especially important when we are using tissue tightening procedures and injecting autologous tissue as well as biostimulating fillers.
Q: What potential advantages do combination technology treatments have?
A: Since age-related changes are not due to only one cause and are not from atrophy of one tissue, combining surgical procedures is necessary to achieve the best cosmetic result. An example would be the use of a biostimulating material like Sculptra ™, with a focused fractionated ultrasound, Ulthera™. Both work in concert to reestablish lost soft tissue and tighten skin.
Q: When dealing with fillers, what is the definition of an ideal filler product? What qualities does one look for?
A: The ideal filler will give natural results that are long lasting but NOT permanent since the body continues to change. The filler should also feel natural, look natural and help stimulate the dermis to rejuvenate itself with enhanced production of collagen and elastic fibers.
Q: According to a survey by SEME, 79% of professionals feel there is professional “infiltration” or going on. Do you think that’s the case? What repercussions has this had in the profession?
A: While the influx of many specialties into the “anti-aging medicine” is helpful in bringing new ideas, one has to be careful to ensure that the medical providers are trained not only in performing the procedures but also to recognize and treat any adverse effects that can occur such as arterial embolization.
Q: According to the SEME study, 80% of clinicians have noticed an increase in male treatments? Is this true? Which patient type comes to your clinic and which treatments are in highest demand?
A: I have always found my cosmetic patients to be about 10% male over the last 30 years without change. I believe it is the news media that is trying to make a story about the increase in male patients. If there is an increase, it’s small.
Q: What are the principal expectations of your patients?
A: To look like they did 5-10 years earlier and not look 20-30 years younger. My patients want a natural look. They do not want to look like someone else, just a younger version of themselves.
Q: What legal aspects are the most important to cover?
A: The ability to recognize and treat complications when they occur. There will always be a possibility for something to go wrong even when the physician has done everything correct. The “legal problem” is when the physician does not realize when something has gone wrong and does not know how to treat the problem.
Q: What strategies are you adopting in your center to deal with the economic crisis?
A: The “economic crisis”, while real, is greatly exaggerated by the media. People will always want to look their best. It is our job to try and find the best, most efficient and least expensive ways to achieve that goal.
Q: Please add any other information you would like to add that you think the reader may be interested in.
A: It is important to choose your physician carefully. Ask for their qualifications and training. Ask about their experience. Make sure they are knowledgeable in their area of expertise and finally, check their honesty. If the procedures they recommend seem too good to be true, they usually are.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Dr. Goldman is a board-certified dermatologist who is recognized around the world for his research and developments in the field of dermatology. If you would like to learn more about how Dr. Goldman can help you achieve your cosmetic goals, please contact the cosmetic laser dermatologist of Cosmetic Laser Dermatology today to schedule your initial consultation by calling (858) 943-2113. As a specialist in the treatments of leg veins using his own pioneered method of sclerotherapy, Dr. Goldman understands that each patient is unique and requires a tailored approach to achieve the best results. For more information, please contact Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego today.
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