A dermatologist’s experience at the 14th World Congress of Cosmetic Dermatology

The 14th World Congress of Cosmetic Dermatology took place in Lima, Peru, March 28-30, 2019, and was hosted by PeruDerm (Peru’s Dermatology Society) and the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology (IACD). (Image courtesy of Anna Chacon, M.D.)

Dr. Chacon

One of my great passions is travelling the world and getting to experience a variety of ideas, people and landscapes. My one-of-a-kind experience at the 14th World Congress of Cosmetic Dermatology combined this passion with my passion for dermatology and the treatment of aging skin and skin disease in diverse populations. This is the first of a new ongoing blog in which I will share my experiences as I attend some of these far-away meetings and the takeaways against a cultural backdrop.

The 14th World Congress of Cosmetic Dermatology was a wholly fascinating learning opportunity in this way - both in dermatology and in world culture. The congress took place in Lima, Peru, March 28-30, 2019, and was hosted by PeruDerm (Peru’s Dermatology Society) and the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology (IACD).

It was my first time visiting the country and I found it to be one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world. Peru has a wide variety of ecosystems including the desert, mountains and a jungle, and is lined by a beautiful Pacific coastline. Lima is a cosmopolitan capital with more than 10 million people and much to offer including museums, historical sites, and tours.

Additionally, Peru is known as one of the best gastronomic destinations in the world, offering an exemplar fusion in cuisine due to its long multicultural history. The food there reflects its indigenous population including the Incas, and has influences from colonizers and immigrants from Europe (particularly Spain, Italy and Germany), Asia (Japanese & Chinese), and West Africa.

In my surroundings, I experienced the unique culture and the influence of the Incas in the architecture, food, and people. Although I did not have a chance to travel to Cuzco or Machu Picchu, the richness of its history can be appreciated within the capital as well.

The academic and community of dermatologists is strong in the country, and the conference attracted world-renowned speakers from many other countries.

The keynote speakers included some of the best dermatologists from around the world: Dr. Francisco Perez-Matamoros from Mexico; Dr. Doris Hexsel from Brazil; and Dr. Maritza Kummerfeldt from Guatemala; as well as experts from the United States: Dr. Keyvan Nouri, Miami; Dr. Mercedes Florez-White, Miami.; Dr. Vesna Petronic-Rosic, Washington, DC; and Drs. Paul Benedetto and Anthony Benedetto, Philadelphia, to name a few.

There were also well-known speakers from Chile, Bolivia, Argentina, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Italy, Malaysia, Panama, Spain, Russia, the United Kingdom and Venezuela.

The symposia ranged from dermatology hot topics that spanned all things aesthetics, including anti-aging trends, facial anatomy, minimally invasive treatments like peels and injectables to clinical topics that discussed acne and rosacea, pigmentary disorders, scar management and the treatment of keloids and striae, to business management strategies.

Dr. Anthony Benedetto chaired the full face rejuvenation symposium in which there were live patient demonstrations focused on the use of botulinum toxins in the upper and lower half of the face.

Some of the discussions included, Italy’s professor Leonardo Marini who offered insight on ablative and non-ablative combination lasers for full-face rejuvenation. Dr. Krummerfeldt, president, Guatemalan Academy of Dermatology, addressed hyaluronic acid fillers, focusing on the differences between the types and how to best use them for facial rejuvenation. Dr. Katherine Barrîa Steinfort from Santiago de Chile, discussed skin redensification strategies for full face rejuvenation and non-hyaluronic acid fillers. Dr. Hexsel offered insight into how to create the perfect lips using fillers, as well as use of botulinum toxin in the trapezius muscle to …., which is a popular trend in Brazil. And, Malaysian dermatologist Dr. Subramaniam educated the audience on how to avoid and manage complications with fillers.

Other sessions included lectures focused on dealing with complications; patient management strategies; gender dermatology; body contouring beyond the face; cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals and probiotics; facial rejuvenation in men; how to avoid complications with cosmetic procedures; and combined facial contouring procedures.

The congress included a gala dinner with traditional Peruvian food at the luxurious Westin hotel on Friday evening, in which all registering guests were cordially invited. There was also a cultural show with dancing and traditional outfits.

I was very grateful to have the opportunity to attend this conference. The city of choice, Lima, the venue at the Westin, and the keynote speakers could not have been better chosen. The joint organizing institution, PeruDerm was also very hospitable. This was such a unique event combining dermatology education in technology and scientific advances with history, entertainment, cultural exposure, and great food.

As I get the opportunity to share more of these experiences, I hope it encourages you to travel to some of these meetings. I guarantee you’ll come away with a broadened perspective on our specialty and how we can make a positive impact on patient care. ƒ