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Fall Newsletter

ISSUE

2

2026

In This Issue

Meet Our Team
Laser & Energy-Based Treatments at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center
New Product Feature
Seasonal Skincare Tips – Winter
Current Clinical Studies
Recent Conference & Speaking Engagements
Recent Publications & Media Mentions

A Season of New Beginnings

Welcome back to our newsletter! This fall, Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center is excited to share some big news: we’re building a new research center. This expansion will allow us to bring patients earlier access to emerging treatments and deepen our contribution to advancing dermatologic care. Along with this milestone, we have provider news and seasonal skincare tips to catch you up on. Here’s what’s new and what’s ahead.

Meet Our Team & See What’s New

paul m friedman, MD

Paul M. Friedman, MD

Director, Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center

Dr. Friedman is a world-renowned laser expert, board-certified dermatologist, and the Director of Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center. He served as President of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery and has authored 150+ medical articles and textbooks. His leadership has earned him prestigious honors such as the American Academy of Dermatology’s Presidential Citation and Newsweek’s listing among “America’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists.”

What's New


Dr. Friedman is currently enrolling subjects in a new UltraClear study evaluating treatment of the lower face, submental area, and neck, for improvement in skin laxity and lifting. The study will further define the role of UltraClear for treating these areas and determine how patients may benefit from this approach.

Patients often ask how technologies such as Fraxel and UltraClear differ and which may be the better choice for their skin. Both technologies can be used to address signs of aging and photodamage, but treatment selection depends on the individual patient, including their skin type, specific concerns, treatment goals, and tolerability for downtime. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and Dr. Friedman tailors each treatment plan to the individual patient.

Dr. Friedman has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2026, a Reunion of Champions Honoree by Sturge Weber Foundation, and a Texas Super Doctor 2026.

Dr. Heather Richmond

Heather Richmond, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Dr. Richmond is a board-certified dermatologist with over 15 years of experience in both adult and pediatric dermatology. A Yale graduate, she completed her dermatology residency at UT Houston/MD Anderson and served as Chief Resident. She combines cosmetic and medical care seamlessly, with a special focus on lasers, skin-tightening treatments, injectables, and the needs of all skin types.

What's New

Dr. Richmond continues to combine advanced laser technology and injectable expertise with a natural, progressive approach to results, drawing on her research background to guide each treatment plan. She now offers Journavx, a non-opioid pain medication, for patients recovering from procedures, giving them effective relief without the sedation or dependency risks of opioids.

Dr. Richmond has been recognized as a Texas Super Doctor 2026

Emily Guo, MD

Emily L. Guo, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Dr. Guo is a board-certified cosmetic and general dermatologist with expertise in both adult and pediatric dermatology. After graduating with honors from Baylor College of Medicine, she served as Chief Resident at Georgetown University and then completed a prestigious fellowship in cosmetic dermatologic surgery. She is passionate about individualized treatment plans, lasers, and energy-based devices, and helping patients feel confident in their skin.

What's New

Dr. Guo now offers Sofwave, a new skin tightening device in our office. Sofwave uses ultrasound technology to lift and firm skin on the face and neck, with no downtime. Drawing on her fellowship training in lasers and energy-based devices, Dr. Guo brings the same evidence-based, patient-centered approach to Sofwave that guides all her cosmetic treatments.

Dr. Guo was recognized as both a Texas Super Doctors Rising Star and a Castle Connolly Rising Star for 2026.

Dr. Megan Couvillion

Megan Couvillion, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist

New to our team as of November 1, 2025, Dr. Couvillion is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in both medical and cosmetic dermatology with a particular interest in hair-loss disorders. A New Orleans native, she earned her MD from LSU (Alpha Omega Alpha), followed by residency at Tulane and an MS in Cell & Molecular Biology. She has served as an investigator in 50+ clinical trials and brings fresh energy and expertise to the team.

What's New

Couvillion

Dr. Couvillion is now offering PRF, a new addition to our treatment menu. PRF uses your body’s own platelets and growth factors to support tissue repair and rejuvenation, with applications for both skin and hair restoration. Given her focus on hair loss conditions and combination cosmetic treatments, Dr. Couvillion is well positioned to guide patients on how PRF fits into a personalized treatment plan.

Dr. Couvillion has been recognized as a Texas Super Doctor, Houstonia Magazine Top Doctor, and Castle Connolly Top Doctor.

MARTINA GOUDEAU, LMA, CLHRP, LSO, RMA

Martina Goudeau, LMA, CLHRP, LSO, RMA

Licensed Medical Aesthetician

We are so excited to welcome Martina Goudeau, our Medical Licensed Aesthetician, back to Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center! Martina was previously a valued member of our team before leaving to pursue other professional opportunities. We’re delighted that her journey has brought her back, and we’re thrilled to have her expertise, passion, and warm personality in our practice once again. Please join us in giving Martina a very warm welcome back!

What She Offers

With over two decades of experience in dermatology and advanced aesthetic skin care, Martina specializes in laser resurfacing and skin rejuvenation, laser hair removal, microneedling, advanced chemical peels, and medical-grade facials. She also performs non-surgical skin tightening and contouring treatments, including Ultherapy, Sofwave, and Thermage. Martina is known for her customized treatment plans and has extensive experience treating patients with skin of color.

Martina also designs personalized skincare regimens using medical-grade lines like SkinCeuticals, SkinMedica, Revision Skincare, and ISDIN to support long-term skin health. Follow her skincare education on Instagram @littleskinguru and TikTok @little_skin_guru.

Ourself and Pavise Skincare logos

New Product Feature:

New Skincare Lines Now Available

We are excited to introduce two new skincare lines to our shelves, Ourself and Pavise.

Ourself uses biotechnology-driven Intides, or intelligent peptides, to target specific skin concerns like volume loss and pigmentation without needles. The line includes an Advanced Regenerative Eye Serum and Advanced Regenerative Serum for firmness and texture, a Complexion Brightening Serum for uneven tone, a Daily Purifying Cleanser, and two moisturizers, Daily Renewal Cream and Daily Renewal Cream Rich, for different skin types.

Pavise centers on its patented DiamondCore technology, combining sun protection with antioxidant defense and skin regeneration in one step. The line includes Dynamic Age Defence for daily protection, Bioadaptive Stress Repair for skin recovery, and Extracellular Matrix Restore to support the skin’s structural foundation.

Ask your provider which products fit your routine and goals.

happy woman in autumn amongst the yellow leaves

Seasonal Skincare Tips – Fall

  • Rebuild your moisture barrier: As humidity drops and temperatures start to cool, skin can lose hydration faster than expected. Add a ceramide-rich moisturizer and hyaluronic-acid serum to help restore your barrier. We love the Sente Dermal RePair and Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore.
  • Reintroduce active ingredients: Fall is a great time to bring back stronger exfoliants and retinoids after a summer of sun protection. Ease in gradually to avoid irritation.
  • Don’t skip sunscreen: Texas sun stays strong well into fall, so apply SPF 30+ daily. Some of our favorites include Colorescience Flex, Skinbetter Tone Smart, and ISDIN Eryfotona.
  • Laser season is here: Cooler weather and lower sun exposure make fall an ideal time for laser treatments like Fraxel® or UltraClear™.
  • Lips & hands count, too: Keep protective balms and creams on hand as drier air starts to set in.

Current Clinical Studies

Awaken Hair Loss Study

Awaken hair loss study

A clinical study for men with Androgenetic Alopecia.

Evaluating changes in hair count and scalp coverage with an investigational topical treatment.

Study at a glance

  • Male participants
  • Men 18–55
  • Investigational topical treatment or placebo
  • Once-daily application
  • Up to 60 weeks

There are other requirements for taking part in the Sofwave31 Study. For more information contact the Research Department at

346-250-1771 or research@dermlasersurgery.com

Learn More About This Clinical Trial

Sofwave31

sofwave31-study-poster

Seeking adults age 40 to 55 with facial wrinkles and laxity in the lower face, submental, and upper neck. This study lasts 20-34 weeks and includes 1 or 2 Sofwave treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, as well as 3 follow-up visits at 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks for clinical photographs, surveys, and assessments.

There are other requirements for taking part in the Sofwave31 Study. For more information contact the Research Department at

346-250-1771 or research@dermlasersurgery.com

Learn More About This Clinical Trial

Ultraclear

Graphic showing information regarding the Ultraclear Study at Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center

If you are 35-65 years of age and are bothered by laxity and sagging skin in the lower face and neck, you may be eligible to participate in a laser research study using an FDA-cleared device designed to address signs of aging, lines, wrinkles, and lax skin.

Study Requirements

  • Will last approximately 9 months
  • Two ablative resurfacing laser treatments will be performed with a focus on the lower face and full neck
  • A total of 7 visits will be scheduled
  • Clinical photographs will be taken at each visit
  • Study treatments, post-procedure care products, and follow-up provided at no cost
  • No compensation is provided for participation
  • Additional pre and post procedure guidelines will be discussed at screening

There are other requirements for taking part in the Ultraclear Study. For more information contact the Research Department at

346-250-1771 or research@dermlasersurgery.com

Learn More About This Clinical Trial

Recent Conference & Speaking Engagements

Our physicians have been sharing their expertise on national stages this season — contributing to research, education, and the advancement of aesthetic and dermatologic medicine.

Dr. Friedman’s Conferences Attended and Speaking Engagements

Conferences

  • March 27-31, 2026, American Academy of Dermatology – Denver, CO
  • April 21, 2026, Skincare Education Symposium – Virtual
  • May 7-9, 2026, American Society Laser Medicine & Surgery – Savannah, GA
  • August 3, 2026, Houston Dermatologic Society – Houston, TX

Speaking Engagements

  • December 2, 2025 – University of Texas, McGovern Residents – Houston, TX – Advances in Dermatologic Laser Surgery
  • December 17, 2025 – ClubDerm / Webinar – Virtual – Humanitarianism in Dermatology
  • March 7, 2026 – American Soceity for Laser Medicine & Surgery / 24 Hours of Lasers – Philanthropy in Lasers and Energy-Based Devices
  • March 28, 2026 – American Academy of Dermatology Association – Denver, CO – Pearls: New Devices Making a Difference in My Practice
  • March 28, 2026 – American Academy of Dermatology Association – Denver, CO – Fractional and Full Ablation Plus Laser-Coring with the 2910-nm Erbium Fiber Laser
  • April 21, 2026 – Skincare Education Symposium – Virtual – Integrating Cosmeceuticals with Procedure for Optimal Outcomes
  • May 7, 2026 – American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery: 45th Annual Conference – Savannah, GA – Emerging Technology: Candela Vbeam Pro
  • May 8, 2026 – American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery: 45th Annual Conference – Savannah, GA – Rosacea and Telangiectasias
  • May 9, 2026 – American Soceity for Laser Medicine & Surgery: 45th Annual Conference – Savannah, GA – Challenging Cases
  • August 3, 2026 – Houston Dermatologic Society – Houston, TX – Advances in Dermatologic Laser Surgery

Dr. Richmond’s Conferences Attended

Conferences

  • May 2026 – ASLMS – Savannah, GA

Dr. Guo’s Conferences Attended and Speaking Engagements

Conferences

  • December 2025 – Masters of Aesthetics – Miami
  • March 2026 – American Academy of Dermatology – Denver
  • May 2026 – ASLMS – Savannah
  • August 2026 – Masters of Aesthetics – San Diego

Speaking Engagements

  • December 2025 – Masters of Aesthetics – Miami, FL – Tips for Pediatric Laser Treatments
  • March 2026 – ASLMS 24 Hours of Lasers and Energy-Based Devices in Cutaneous Applications – Virtual – Social Media for the Business of Lasers and Energy-Based Devices
  • March 2026 – ASLMS 24 Hours of Lasers and Energy-Based Devices in Cutaneous Applications – Virtual – ASLMS New Beginnings Branding Tattoo Removal Program, as part of the Philanthropy in Lasers and Energy-Based Devices session
  • March 2026 – American Academy of Dermatology – Denver, CO – Multimodal Scar Treatments, as part of the Multimodal Cosmetic Treatments: What to Combine, When, and How session

Dr. Couvillion’s Conferences Attended and Speaking Engagements

Conferences

  • March 27-31, 2026 – American Academy of Dermatology – Denver, CO
  • May 7-9, 2026 – American Society Laser Medicine & Surgery – Savannah, GA
  • August 3, 2026 – Houston Dermatologic Society
  • August 14-16, 2026 – Hair Health Summit – Chicago, Illinois

Speaking Engagements

  • April 27, 2026 – Westlake Dermatology Roundtable – Austin, TX – Updates in Alopecia Areata

Recent Publications & Media Mentions

Our physicians continue to advance the field through research, authorship, and thought leadership — sharing insights that shape the future of aesthetic and medical dermatology.

Publications by Dr. Paul M. Friedman

Dr. Friedman co-authored several new publications across leading dermatology journals, including:

  • Dick M, Carrington A, Friedman PM. Rejuvenation of Advanced Perioral Aging With a 2910-nm Erbium-doped Fluoride Glass Fiber Laser: A Multilayered Approach. Lasers Surg Med. 2026.
  • Park L, Kelly K, Geronemus R, Friedman PM. Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Enhanced Readability in Public-Facing Laser and Energy-based Devices Materials: A Pilot Study. Lasers Surg Med. 2026.
  • Dick MK, Raef H, Richmond H, Guo E, Friedman PM. Xanthelasma Palpebrarum Associated With Use of hyaluronidase. Dermatol Surg. 2026 Aug 1;52(8):813-814.
  • Dick MK, Lopez CG, Geronemus RG, Friedman PM. How We Do It: Same-Day Treatment of Unmasked Pigment During Cosmetic Eyebrow Tattoo Removal. Dermatol Surg. 2025 Dec 24.
  • Dick MK, Akhtar S, Richmond H, Guo EL, Friedman PM. Treatment of Rosacea With a New Generation 595-nm Pulsed Dye Laser: A Split-Face Comparative Eng Point Study. Dermatol Surg. 2025 Dec 29. Online ahead of print.
  • Camacho-Hubbard I, Dick MK, Guo EL, Richmond H, Friedman PM. Clinical Presentations and Complications of Illicit and Large Volume Silicone Injections Performed in Medical Spa Facilities. Dermatol Surg. 2026 Feb 1;52(2):200-202.
  • Wang JV, Murray T, Friedman PM, Geronemus RG. How We Do It: Minimally Invasive Removal of Osteoma Cutis With Novel 2,910-nm Fiber Lasr-Enabled Tissue Coring. Dermatol Surg. 2026 Apr 22.

Publications by Dr. Heather Richmond

  • Camacho-Hubbard I, Dick MK, Guo EL, Richmond H, Friedman PM. Clinical Presentations and Complications of Illicit and Large Volume Silicone Injections Performed in Medical Spa Facilities. Dermatol Surg. 2026 Feb 1;52(2):200-202.
  • Dick MK, Akhtar S, Richmond H, Guo EL, Friedman PM. Treatment of Rosacea With a New Generation 595-nm Pulsed Dye Laser: A Split-Face Comparative Eng Point Study. Dermatol Surg. 2025 Dec 29. Online ahead of print.
  • Dick MK, Raef H, Richmond H, Guo E, Friedman PM. Xanthelasma Palpebrarum Associated With Use of hyaluronidase. Dermatol Surg. 2026 Aug 1;52(8):813-814.

Publications by Dr. Emily L. Guo

  • Camacho-Hubbard I, Dick MK, Guo EL, Richmond H, Friedman PM. Clinical Presentations and Complications of Illicit and Large Volume Silicone Injections Performed in Medical Spa Facilities. Dermatol Surg. 2026 Feb 1;52(2):200-202.
  • Dick MK, Akhtar S, Richmond H, Guo EL, Friedman PM. Treatment of Rosacea With a New Generation 595-nm Pulsed Dye Laser: A Split-Face Comparative Eng Point Study. Dermatol Surg. 2025 Dec 29. Online ahead of print.
  • Dick MK, Raef H, Richmond H, Guo E, Friedman PM. Xanthelasma Palpebrarum Associated With Use of hyaluronidase. Dermatol Surg. 2026 Aug 1;52(8):813-814.

Publications by Dr. Megan Couvillion

Dr. Couvillion co-authored the following recent studies in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology:

  • Schlesinger T, Chapman MS, Tu JH, Cohen JL, Strasswimmer J, Zeitouni NC, Torres A, Jazayeri SS, Goldman MP, Ibrahim SF, Lain EL, Couvillion MP, Bruce S, Laquer VT, Hanke CW, Ozog DM, Schneider J, Markowitz O, Berman B, Nestor MS, Gold MH, Munavalli GS, Forsha DW, Siegel DM, Mrohs D, Schmitz B, Schäning R, Pospiech N, Lyons J, Foguet M, Lübbert M, Lübbert H, Pariser DM, Red light photodynamic therapy with 10% aminolevulinic acid gel showed efficacy for treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma in a randomized, vehicle controlled, double-blind, multicenter phase III study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2025; 93, 1489-1498
  • Blauvelt A, Arenberger P, Sauder MB, Couvillion M, Rubio RG, Vlahakis NE, Ucpinar S, Ma G, Hitraya E, Tilley MK, Papp KA, Highly selective, allosteric inhibition of TYK2 with oral ESK-001 in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: Results from STRIDE, a 12-week, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging phase 2 study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2025; 94, 57-65

Stay Connected

Thank you for catching up with us in this edition of our newsletter. We hope you found it helpful for keeping your skin healthy and vibrant as temperatures cool down. Be sure to follow all of our providers on Instagram:

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Phone: 713-900-3900

Warm regards,
Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center