Dermatology Clinical Trials in Houston TX

Page Updated: October 24, 2025

Current Clinical Trials Now Enrolling

Thermage FLX Study

Seeking adults aged 30 to 60 for a study evaluating the Thermage FLX treatment for the potential treatment of fine lines, wrinkles, and lax skin of the neck, abdomen, upper arms, and face. All participants will be receiving a single Thermage FLX treatment. The study includes approximately 4 clinic visits over a 6-month period, including a screening visit, a baseline visit, a third visit after 90 days, and a final visit after 180 days. Clinical photographs, surveys, and assessments will be completed at each visit, and participants will receive pre- and post-treatment care instructions after every study treatment.

Thermage FLX Flyer-web

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants who meet all the following criteria are eligible for inclusion:

Be an adult female or male, ≥30 – ≤60 years of age.
Have mild-to-moderate skin laxity of the neck, abdomen, upper arms, and/or face, and/or mild-to-moderate lines and/or wrinkles of the neck and/or face assessed as follows:

Neck:

Mild-to-moderate neck skin laxity as defined by a score of 1 to 6 on the 10-point Facial Laxity Rating Scale (scored 0-9)
Mild-to-moderate neck wrinkles as defined by a score of 1 to 6 on the 10-point Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale (scored 0-9)

Abdomen:

Mild-to-moderate abdomen skin laxity as defined by a score of 1 or 2 on a 4-point Abdominal Laxity Scale (scored 0-3)

Upper arms:

Mild to moderate upper arms skin laxity as defined by grade 2 or 3 on the 5-grade IBSA Inner Upper Arm Laxity Scale

Face:

Mild-to-moderate facial skin laxity as defined by a score of 1 to 6 on the 10-point Facial Laxity Rating Scale (scored 0-9)
Mild-to-moderate facial wrinkles as defined by a score of 1 to 6 on the 10-point Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale (scored 0-9)

Females of childbearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test. Females who have experienced menarche and who are not postmenopausal (either confirmed via FSH testing or who have not menstruated for 2 years or more without an alternative medical cause) or surgically sterile will be considered of childbearing potential.
Females of childbearing potential must agree to use an acceptable method of birth control for the duration of the study. Acceptable methods of birth control are oral and other systemic contraceptives, condoms only, intrauterine device, double-barrier methods, bilateral tubal ligation, partner vasectomy, and abstinence.
Have no clinically abnormal findings based on the medical history as determined by the study investigator.
Be able to follow the study instructions, be available on the specific required study visit days, and be willing to complete all study visit procedures and assessments.
Understand the research nature of this study and sign an informed consent document prior to the performance of any study-specific procedure or assessment.
Agree to not undergo excluded procedures (i.e., energy-based device treatments, injectables, or plastic surgery) on the study treatment areas for the duration of study.
Participant has a body mass index (BMI) ≤30.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants who meet any of the following criteria will be excluded:

Participant is pregnant or breast feeding or trying to become pregnant for 3 months prior to the screening visit or during the study.
Participant has given birth within 3 months prior to the screening visit.
Participant has an anticipated need for procedures, surgery, overnight hospitalization, or other events that would prevent the participant from making the required visits during the study.
Participant has a pacemaker, internal defibrillator, or other implanted electronic device.
Participant has an implant in the target treatment zone(s).
Participant has had radiation therapy in the target treatment zone(s).
Participant has had 1 or more prior cosmetic procedures in the target treatment zone(s) including:

Thermage or any energy-based device procedure, derm abrasion, or chemical peel on any treatment area within 6 months prior to the screening visit.
Short-acting neurotoxins within 6 months prior to the screening visit.
Long-acting neurotoxins within 9 months prior to the screening visit.
Hyaluronic acid filler ≤1 year prior to the screening visit.
Semi-permanent or permanent fillers at any time prior to the screening visit.
Plastic surgery within 1 year prior to the screening visit.

Participant has excessive subcutaneous fat in the target treatment zone(s).
Participant has a tattoo anywhere in the target treatment zone(s).
Participant has an active localized infection in the target treatment zone(s) or an uncontrolled systemic infection.
Participant has any of the following pre-existing skin conditions in any targeted treatment area: eczema, psoriasis, allergic dermatitis, significant acne, rosacea, or other conditions that may affect treatment.
Participant whose skin is tanned or sunburned in the target treatment zone(s) at the screening and/or baseline visit may be excluded at the discretion of the investigator.
Participants with a medical condition that affects collagen production, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and scleroderma, will be excluded.
Participant has diabetes or a history of congestive heart disease.
Participant has a rheumatologic or autoimmune disease.
Participant has any condition that results in photosensitivity or is taking any medication containing aminolevulinic acid (e.g., Levulan).
Participant has any condition, including unusual or expansive skin surface irregularities, that would prevent safe completion of this protocol.
Participant has used the following medications on the target treatment zone(s) within 2 weeks of the baseline visit: topical retinoid creams or ointments or vitamin creams (A, C, or E, including retinol or other retinoids).
Participant has used isotretinoin (e.g., Accutane) within 6 months prior to the screening visit.
Participant has excessive hair the target treatment zone(s) (e.g., a beard or mustache) that they are unwilling to shave.
Any consideration that, in the investigator’s opinion, makes the participant an unsuitable candidate to receive the study treatment or may interfere with the study results.
Participant has a history of thyroid or parathyroid abnormalities.
Participant has an allergy to topical or injectable anesthetics.
Participant is taking, or has taken within 3 months prior to the screening visit, medication that may cause significant weight loss (for example, injectable or oral weight loss drugs, systemic steroids).
Participant has a medical condition that can cause significant weight fluctuations (for example, thyroid disorder).
Participant has a psychiatric illness that is not well-managed and stable per the discretion of the principal investigator/qualified investigator.
Participant has a BMI > 30. 28. Participant has a history of poor healing or easy scarring (for example, prone to hypertrophic scars or keloids).
Participant has a history of regular smoking in the last 5 years.
Participant is using, or has used within the 3 months prior to the screening visit, a prescription anticoagulant/antiplatelet medication that might increase bleeding risk. Over-the-counter medications that increase the risk of bleeding (aspirin, ibuprofen, supplements) should be stopped within 2 weeks before the screening visit.
Participant has cosmetic piercings in the target treatment zone(s) that could interfere with the safe use of the device.
Exclusion Criterion for Abdominal Zone Treatment Only:

Participant has 1 or more abdominal hernias.

Exclusion Criterion for Neck Zone Treatment Only:

Participant has carotid artery stenosis or significant atherosclerosis.

Exclusion Criterion for Face Zone Treatment Only:

Participants with metallic dental braces or brackets may be excluded at the discretion of the study investigator.

For more information contact the Research Department at
713-900-3900 or research@dermlasersugery.com

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Fraxel FTX Study

Seeking adults age 21 to 60 with visible photodamage, fine lines, or uneven pigmentation in the face. This study lasts 12–18 weeks and includes 5 visits: one screening visit, three Fraxel^® laser treatment visits (each 4–6 weeks apart), and one end-of-study visit. Clinical photographs, surveys, and assessments will be completed at each visit, and participants will receive pre- and post-treatment care instructions after every study treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants who meet all the following criteria are eligible for inclusion:

Male or female.
21 to 60 years of age.
Written informed consent must be obtained prior to any study procedures.
Presence of one or more of the following in the treatment area(s):

Photodamage as determined by investigator using a Modified Griffith’s Scale (score of 3 to 7 in overall photodamage on the 9 point scale)
Mild-to-moderate rhytides (e.g., periorbital crow’s feet) as determined by investigator using a Modified Griffith’s scale (score of 3 to 6 on the 9-point scale)
Mild-to-severe dyschromia, including lentigos or solar lentigines as determined by investigator using the Modified Griffith’s scale (score of 3 to 9 on the 9-point scale).

Ability to read, understand and sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants who meet any of the following criteria will be excluded:

Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study.
History of any type of allergic reaction to topical anesthetics.
Localized infection in the treatment area or systemic infection within the last 1 month.
Presence of melasma, rosacea, significant actinic keratosis, or other significant skin conditions in the target treatment zone.
Presence of skin cancer, infection, cold sore, open wounds, burns, psoriasis, or active dermatitis of any kind (atopic, contact, significant seborrheic dermatitis) in the target treatment zone.
Presence of skin conditions that, in the judgment of the investigator, would increase the risk of study participation or treatment.
Predisposition to keloid formation or excessive scarring.
Diagnosis of a condition that may compromise the immune system, such as: HIV, lupus, and/or scleroderma.
Known sensitivity to light or photosensitizing agents/medications are being taken that the investigator determines may affect study treatment.
Use of systemic steroids (e.g. prednisone, dexamethasone) or other immunosuppressants within 1 month prior to or at any time during the study.
Use of topical retinoids within 2 weeks prior to or at any time during the study.
Use of systemic retinoids within 6 months prior to or at any time during the study.
Had a cosmetic procedure, such as a chemical peel, mechanical peel, laser resurfacing, and/or skin tightening procedures (microneedling, ultrasound, etc.) within the previous 4 months.
Receiving short-acting botulinum toxin within 4 months or long-acting botulinum toxin administered to the targeted treatment zone within 9 months prior to or at any time during the study.
Receiving dermal fillers administered to the targeted treatment zone within 3 months prior to or at any time during the study.
Sunburn and/or significant recent sun exposure on the target treatment zone in the last 2 weeks that, according to investigator judgement, would impact treatment, and/or unwilling to practice photoprotection and/or avoid significant sun exposure for the duration of study participation.
Participants must agree to seek the advice of their medical doctor regarding any known or suspicious skin condition before laser treatment.
Any condition or situation that would prevent the participant from safely completing all CIP requirements for participation.
Participants who are unable to communicate and read in English sufficiently to complete study-required measures.
Participants with facial hair that, in the opinion of the investigator, is excessive and would interfere with study treatment and/or participants unwilling to shave.
Use of anticoagulant medication (prescription or over-the-counter) that, according to investigator judgement, would significantly affect the safety of study treatment.

For more information contact the Research Department at
713-900-3900 or research@dermlasersugery.com

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Past clinical trials below:

Perioral Lines & Wrinkles Study – CLOSED

If you are between 40-80 years old and are bothered by advanced signs of skin, you may be eligible to participate in a laser research study using an FDA-cleared device designed to address signs of skin aging, lines and wrinkles around the mouth.

Ultraclear clinical trial – CLOSED

Women and men 60+ years old with skin types 1-4 and perioral and cheek wrinkles.

Patients will be treated with Ultraclear, an FDA cleared laser using fractionated technology to help reverse signs of aging, including wrinkles, sun spots, scars and pigmentation.

Patients will be treated by a board certified dermatologist and will receive 3 Ultraclear treatments 6-8 weeks apart. Follow up visits will take place 1 and 3 months after the third treatment.

Sofwave Clinical Trial – CLOSED

Clinical trial of a newly FDA cleared device using ultrasound technology. This device treats facial lines & wrinkles and lifts the brow and skin on the neck & submental region.

Participants Must:

Be between the ages of 35-70
Non -Smoker
Desire to improve facial lines and wrinkles
Has NOT had a facial skin-tightening procedure in the past year, including injectable fillers of any type
Has NOT had Botox or other neuromodulators within the past 6 months
Has NOT had any lasers rejuvenation treatments within the past 6 months

Rosacea Study – CLOSED

Dr. Paul Friedman of Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston, TX is conducting a clinical trial, using the Vbeam Prima laser, to improve facial flushing, redness, and the appearance of visible blood vessels, when used in combination with a topical prescription cream (RHOFADE^™ (oxymetazoline HCl) Cream, 1%) for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea.

The study treatment by the laser device heats the tiny, broken blood vessels on the face and should improve flushing and redness. The study will try to determine if the areas treated with the laser and the topical prescription cream will have improved outcomes, compared to what would have been obtained with the topical prescription cream alone. The VBEAM PRIMA device used in this study was recently cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The topical prescription cream used in the study, Allergen’s RHOFADE^™ (Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride) 1% Cream is FDA-cleared for the topical treatment of persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea in adults.

The treatment is a series of three treatments, each of which take about 15 minutes. Treatments are performed in the office. The trial is free and includes reimbursement of $75 for each tube of RHOFADE not covered by insurance.

Study candidates must meet the following criteria:

Are a healthy male or female of 18 to 75 years of age
Have erythematotelangiectatic rosacea with clinician erythema assessment (CEA) and subject self-assessment (SSA) of “moderate” or “severe”
Are not undergoing any form of treatment for active cancer or do not have a history of skin cancer or any other cancer on the face
Not pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study duration

Melasma Study: laser combined with the tranexamic acid pill – CLOSED

Seeking healthy non-smoking male and female volunteers of all skin types of age 18 to 50 with moderate melasma or severe melasma. Participants will receive up to 5 monthly laser treatments to half the face and need to take a pill twice a day for 4 months. Follow up visits are required 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after the final treatment. Compensation of up to $150 will be provided based on completed visits.

Inclusion Criteria:

Healthy male and female subjects between the ages 18 to 50
Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI (all skin types)
Moderate or severe melasma
Willing to participate in study photography
Able and willing to comply with all visit, treatment, and evaluation schedules
Able to understand and provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

Pregnant, nursing women, current use of hormonal birth control medication or any hormonal therapy, or history of >2 spontaneous abortions
Use of topical steroids on the face within 1 month of study enrollment, use of topical hydroquinone on the face within 3 months of study enrollment, laser or dermabrasion to the face within 6 months of study enrollment
Regular use of tanning parlors, or occupation involving primarily outdoor activities
Current treatment with blood thinning medications
History of thrombosis, thrombophilia, or thromboembolic disease, such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and/or cerebral thrombosis, family history of thromboembolic disease
History of seizures or known light sensitive seizure disorder, stroke, or subarachnoid hemorrhage
History of kidney dysfunction
History of cancer, or active smoking
Significant cardiovascular or respiratory disease (end-stage congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
History of acquired disturbances of color vision
Known allergy to tranexamic acid
As per the investigator’s discretion, any physical or mental condition which might make it unsafe for the subject to participate in this study

For More Information Contact The Research Department At
713-900-3900 or info@dermlasersugery.com