16 Top Doctors Predict the Biggest Beauty Breakthroughs for 2019

Washington D.C. dermatologist Tina Alster, MD

“Less costly, yet highly effective treatments that are a departure from the devices and injectables that have become popularized over the past several years.”

West Palm Beach, FL dermatologist Kenneth Beer, MD

“Faster—and stronger—Botox.”

Grand Rapids, MI plastic surgeon Bradley Bengtson, MD

“We are working on a new internal closure device—an internalized VAC to internally close spaces and eliminate seroma [a buildup of wound fluid that can develop after surgery] and allow for normal or accelerated healing—for reconstruction. Also, the use of high-resolution ultrasound in breast implant follow-up and current seroma management.”

Scottsdale, AZ facial plastic surgeon Kelly Bomer, MD

“I hope this year brings a better understanding of how NOT to disrupt beauty with injectable fillers and neuromodulators and instead focus on enhancements that look natural and unaltered when a face is at rest and when moving.”

Eagan, MN dermatologist Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD

“What’s sometimes better than new is the perfection of established treatments and combing them with other treatments in order to achieve a synergistic effect, or have them work better together than they did individually. We have been doing that with a liquid facelift, using platelet rich plasma—which are growth factors and cytokines obtained from the patient’s own blood—with laser treatments and special infusion Hydrafacials. We also combine this with fillers and Botox.”

Chicago facial plastic surgeon Steve Dayan, MD

“We are getting much closer to nonsurgical solutions for lax neck skin, cellulite and stretch marks, but not quite there yet. Be on lookout for genetic medicine designer skin care.”

Montclair, NJ dermatologist Jeanine B. Downie, MD

“Cellulite is being studied in clinical trials as is trying to figure out a way to laser gray hair. If those cosmetic conundrums were able to be figured out completely, those would be two very significant breakthroughs in the cosmetic dermatology arena.”

Boca Raton, FL oculoplastic surgeon Steven Fagien, MD

“A better understanding of stem cell therapy for maintaining or regaining youth, a remedy for a wider variety of disease states and improving general health.”

Denver dermatologist Joel L. Cohen, MD

“I think the next biggest breakthrough will be combining non-surgical devices to more reliably and dramatically treat skin laxity without surgery—like combination energy delivery using bi-polar radio frequency with concurrent micro-focused ultrasound delivery.”

Atlanta cosmetic dentist Ronald Goldstein, DDS

“Without a doubt, it will be the enhancements brought about via computer imaging, CAD/CAM, 3D printing and smile transformation predictability. We are now designing all difficult smile problems using extremely accurate visual computers so patients can not only see exactly how their new smile will look on their face, but also a digitally created 3D printed smile try-on.”

Newport Beach, CA plastic surgeon Sanjay Grover, MD

“We will continue to develop new noninvasive devices or therapies for facial rejuvenation and body sculpting/contouring.”

New York facial plastic surgeon Andrew Jacono, MD

“This year’s biggest breakthrough will be tranexamic acid, which when administered during surgery, offers patients a more rapid recovery by reducing post-operative bruising, swelling and bleeding.”

Chicago plastic surgeon Julius W. Few, MD

“Non-surgical skin tightening of the arms and legs through energy and topical applications.”

Eugene, OR plastic surgeon Mark L. Jewell, MD

“I believe that the value of non-invasive facial tightening that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (Ulthera) will be recognized as the most effective treatment for early facial aging or for maintenance following face lift procedures. This is an ideal technology that has no downtime and produces good results. Breakthrough number two will be the use of neurotoxins for pain conditions following mastectomy. Preliminary work in this area has demonstrated that the use of neurotoxins that are commonly used for wrinkle treatments and reduce post-mastectomy pain.”

Beverly Hills, CA cosmetic dentist Laurence R. Rifkin, DDS

“I hope vaccines and medications will be developed against oral diseases such as oral cancer, periodontal disease and dental caries.”

Salt Lake City, UT plastic surgeon Renato Saltz, MD

“A holistic approach to beauty with total body health being with whole-person perspective.”