Within the next 5 years, researchers at the University of Miami's newly launched Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute hope to make a major genetic breakthrough related to skin appearance.
Dr. Leslie Baumann, a cosmetic dermatologist who directs the Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute (CMRI), said that she and her colleagues will team up with researchers at the university's Miami Institute for Human Genomics to conduct basic science to find the genetic factors that protect some individuals from the effects of skin aging. For example, Dr. Baumann has about 20 patients over age 60 whose skin is in excellent shape despite engaging in years of harmful behaviors such as tanning and smoking.
"Hopefully we'll come out with discoveries of new medications and new treatments that will help dermatologists have more in their armamentarium," she said.
In an effort to make a significant genetic discovery, researchers at CMRI have created a skin repository. Instead of discarding extra skin after surgery, patients can choose to donate it. The skin, and information on its phenotype, are being stored for future research. The phenotype information can be especially helpful in identifying genes, Dr. Baumann said.
The repository could help reduce both the cost of cosmetic research and the need for animal testing, she said. For example, a pharmaceutical company testing a new acne drug could use skin collected from individuals with acne. The CMRI researchers will also collect extra fat from liposuction procedures and use it for stem cell research.
CMRI was launched in August, and is believed to be the first multispecialty, university-based research center to explore the role of genetics in skin appearance.
The CMRI staff includes experts in cosmetic dermatology, facial plastic surgery, oculoplastic surgery, and nutrition. The dermatology faculty includes experts in skin care and fillers, cosmetic surgery, lasers and light devices, and ethnic skin care.
"Most of the time these specialties compete against each other," Dr. Baumann said. "We're teaming up." The multispecialty team approach is helpful across the board in research, education, and day-to-day activities in the clinic.
About 65 residents a year are being trained at the CMRI clinic, of whom 22- 25 on average are coming from dermatology. Since it is a multispecialty clinic, residents rotate not only with faculty in their specialty but with other experts, Dr. Baumann said.
The multispecialty nature of CMRI also lends itself to easy consults, said Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, director of ethnic skin care. She performs a lot of skin tightening, but a patient who is a better candidate for a face lift can be sent to a colleague and never has to leave the practice.
"I love practicing in this environment," Dr. Woolery-Lloyd said. "It really does give you the opportunity to provide patients with the best care."
She predicts that more private practices will use the multidisciplinary team approach as a way to expand. Instead of hiring another cosmetic dermatologist or a nurse practitioner, practices can recruit someone who does facial plastic surgery or an ophthalmologist who does oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Woolery-Lloyd said.
CMRI's faculty includes Dr. Leslie Baumann (third from left) and Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd (third from right). Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute