Energy Based Devices: What Did Top Aesthetic Docs Purchase in 2023?

Every year more aesthetic energy based devices enter an already crowded market. The decision of what to purchase for your practice can be overwhelming. These experts shared what they added to their armamentarium of devices in 2023 and why.

Brooke Jackson, MD, dermatologist, Durham, NC

Dr. Jackson purchased ADVATx dual wavelength 589/1319, noting she feels it’s great for all skin types Fitzpatrick I through V, although she’s cautious using it on those patients with skintype VI. Dr. Jackson says it’s her “go-to treatment” for addressing acne, acne scars, textural irregularity, photo damage, and rosacea; the laser has no disposables.

Anne Chapas, MD, dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, New York, NY

“This year we’ve purchased an Ellacore device to address the need for treatment of more severe wrinkles, and laxity in our patient population, as well as an Accure acne device to address patients with inflammatory acne,” Dr. Chapas said. Dr. Chapas considers the Ellacore to be a “groundbreaking device” due to its unique micro-coring technology that address excess skin. “It has been a great success since we purchased it in January of this year,” she said. In addition, she believes that the Accure device is a great for any dermatologist who wants to treat inflammatory acne without the use of antibiotics, or Accutane, in a comfortable, reproducible manner. Additionally, she points out, the Accure device has a low-consumable cost, increasing affordability. “I haven’t determined yet what devices to purchase by the end of the year but I’m closely watching for the launch of MIRIA, a new fractionated technology that should come to the market before the end of the year.”

Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, dermatologist, Chevy Chase, MD

Dr. Tanzi purchased Ellacor, commenting that “it is a completely novel technology that can address some of the most common skin issues for my patient population.”

Kathleen Welsh, MD, & Andrea Hui Austin, MD, dermatologists, San Francisco, CA

Morpheus 8 was introduced to the practice of Drs. Welsh and Hui Austin in 2023. They had not previously offered radiofrequency microneedling and had been aiming to “invest in a technology that could treat all skin types.”

Todd Schlesinger, MD, dermatologist, Charleston, SC

Dr. Schlesinger purchased SYLFIRM X in 2023 because of its continuous and pulsed RF-energy modes and high-quality motor for accurate depth of needling as well as its ergonomic handpiece; noting that this device was the first radiofrequency microneedling device to offer a 0.3mm depth that can be used for treatment of melasma, acne, and rosacea-prone skin.

Renato Saltz, MD, plastic & reconstructive surgeon, Salt Lake City & Park City, Saltz Plastic Surgery, UT

“We have experienced excellent results with SentientSculpt^® over the past few months and are now purchasing two SentientSculpt devices for our facilities,” Dr. Saltz tells us. His decision to invest in SentientSculpt in 2023 was driven by his quest for a highly effective, non-invasive cellulite reduction device. He adds, “Our patients and clients have been increasingly seeking innovative solutions that offer results without any pain, bruising, or downtime, and SentientSculpt perfectly aligns with their demands.”

Joe Niamtu, III, DMD, cosmetic facial surgeon, Richmond, VA

In his surgical practice, Dr. Niamtu doesn’t have traditional energy-based devices for skin tightening. However, he did purchase a Soniquence Radiowave Surgery System for surgical incision, hemostasis, and lesion removal. He feels this device “is excellent for ablating moles and lesions with minimal scarring.” He also intends to purchase a Lumenis Alpha CO₂ laser which is the traditional “work horse” for laser skin resurfacing and bloodless blepharoplasty incision.

Andrew Campbell, MD, facial plastic surgeon, multiple locations, MI

A recent purchase for Dr. Campbell’s practice was the Ellacore system, which he said was “the only device that actually removes excess skin without scarring.” Additionally, he reports, “90% of patients showed an improvement in the appearance of moderate-to-severe wrinkles.”

Jane Yoo, MD, MPP, cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, New York City, NY

The CO₂ Alpha is in “a class of its own,” according to Dr. Yoo, who purchased it this year. The laser’s versatility allows for traditional full-field CO₂ resurfacing for severe wrinkles as well as ablative fractional resurfacing for texture, scars, and lesions off of the face. “I love using it around the periorbital and periocular areas since you can get a home run in giving patients a non-surgical blephroplasty,” she enthuses. “Lately, I have been using it more and more for laser-assisted drug delivery and seeing incredible results. It has no consumables which is another added benefit!”