Atruly accurate statement. As I sit here in the backwoods of Maine, I feel like I am in paradise, although I know all too well that, while this may be my paradise-the cool air, mosquitoes, and icy cold lake water-it may not be another's. Beauty is, indeed, in all things, defined by the individual.
For those of you who had the honor of attending the keynote address at the most recent DNA convention, you would have enjoyed the somewhat emotional experience of listening to Rick Guidotti on positive exposure. Rick took his experience as a high-end New York City photographer and utilized that skill into an inspirational message about beauty in all things, particularly in those things that differ from popular opinion. For dermatology nurses, this message was especially heartfelt as we identify intimately with the challenges our patients with aesthetically disfiguring dermatological conditions present. Please enjoy the message and photos that Rick has generously provided for this special issue.
The acceptance of self and beauty in all things does not negate the fact that we live in a world where the desire to maintain a youthful appearance is a common societal pressure. In preparing this special cosmetic issue, I searched far and wide to find authors, experts in their field, who would provide articles that would educate dermatology nurses on some of the most recent advances in both surgical and nonsurgical options for aesthetic rejuvenation to aid patients in that quest. I would like to extend a very special thank you to the authors for their contributions and support of clinical content.
Vikram Durairaj, MD: Professor of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He is the Associate Director of the Ophthalmology Residency Program and Director of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship at the University of Colorado. He also serves as the Co-Director of Medical School Education in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Brett Davies, MD: American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons fellow of Dr. Durairaj at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Brian Biesman, MD: Director of the Nashville Centre for Laser and Facial Surgery where he specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery. In addition, Dr. Biesman serves as a clinical assistant professor at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, where he holds appointments in the divisions of ophthalmology, dermatology, and otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. He also is a clinical associate professor at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center in Memphis, TN.
Molly Katz, RN: Injector of neurotoxins and dermal fillers and first surgical assistant at the Nashville Centre for Laser and Facial Surgery.
Stephen Laquis, MD: Owner of Ophthalmic Facial Plastic Surgery Specialists in Southwest Florida. Dr. Laquis is an oculoplastic surgeon trained in the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons operating one of the highest volumes of solo oculoplastic practices in the country. In addition, he serves as clinical associate professor at the University of South Florida School of Medicine.
Jonel Gomez, ARNP: Many of you know me from the convention, but for those of you who do not, I work as an oculoplastic nurse practitioner with Dr. Stephen Laquis. In addition to my clinical practice, I am on the editorial board of the JDNA; regularly author articles and textbook chapters; am a regional and national speaker on cosmetic dermatology, oculoplastics, and advanced practice nurses in ophthalmology; and was most recently selected as the Editor in Chief of the Journal of the American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses.
Naomi Travers, ARNP: Ms. Travers is a nurse practitioner in Australia specializing in dermatology with an emphasis on lasers in dermatology.
Lynn Consolmagno, ARNP: Ms. Consolmagno is a nurse practitioner in southwest Florida specializing in women's health, vascular laser treatments, and neurotoxin and dermal fillers. She is also on the editorial board of the JDNA.
The authors aforementioned have contributed content that will educate dermatology nurses that are both familiar and new to the field of cosmetic dermatology. Topics of particular interest include neurotoxins and dermal fillers, clinical pearls for learning how to inject neurotoxins and dermal fillers, complications of dermal fillers, dermatochalasis and eyelid rejuvenation, vascular lasers, and a position statement from the DNA on nurses and the use of lasers. It is my hope that this issue will provide both knowledge and inspiration to our readers, as the invasion and integration of aesthetics into dermatology practices is becoming commonplace.
Enjoy this special issue!