Quarterly Newsletter

ISSUE

Dec. 2025

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 Personal Note from Lori Chapa, LMA

A Fresh Start

Welcome to the first edition of our quarterly newsletter! This season marks an exciting chapter for Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center: our brand-new 10,000+ square-foot state-of-the-art facility, the launch of our redesigned website, and the arrival of a new colleague. With so many new faces and new spaces, we’re delighted to reintroduce ourselves—and invite you to journey with us through what’s new, what’s next, and how we can help you feel and look your best!

We plan to refresh this page each quarter, so we hope you’ll bookmark it, check back often, and share the link with friends and family. Let’s dive into what’s happening at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center.

Meet Our Team & See What’s New

Paul M. Friedman, MD

Director, Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center

Dr. Friedman is a world-renowned laser expert and the Director of Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center. He is Board-Certified, 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 recently completed an UltraClear study on perioral rhytides and wrapped up a comprehensive review of pulsed dye laser treatments. In the clinic, he is using Vbeam Pro and UltraClear Elite modes to push the boundaries of data-driven laser medicine and deliver even more refined patient outcomes.

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

As more patients experience volume changes from GLP-1 medications, Dr. Richmond continues to lead with thoughtful, anatomically precise rejuvenation—restoring balanced facial contours while preserving natural expression. She is also emphasizing long-term, full-face strategies that combine injectables with targeted lasers and nonsurgical tightening for results that never look “done.”

Emily L. Guo, MD

Board-Certified Cosmetic & General 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’s seasonal philosophy is simple: summer skin is made in the winter. She is currently guiding patients through treatment series—such as Thermage®, Ultherapy®, and multi-modal laser plans—that build collagen gradually so results peak just in time for spring and summer travel.

Megan Couvillion, MD

Board-Certified Dermatologist — New to DLSC

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

Dr. Megan Couvillion

Dr. Couvillion is spotlighting the neck and décolletage—areas often overlooked in rejuvenation. She is using a layered approach that blends neuromodulators for platysmal bands with biostimulatory fillers for horizontal neck lines (“tech neck”), helping patients achieve smoother texture, improved elasticity, and a seamless extension of their facial results.

Laser & Energy-Based Treatments at Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center

At Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center of Houston, we’re proud to offer some of the most advanced non-invasive therapies available today. Here are a few featured treatments we’re excited to highlight this season:

Volumization With HA Fillers & Sculptra®

With the rising popularity of GLP-1 medications—and the facial volume changes they can create—we’re seeing increased demand for subtle, strategic volumization. HA fillers and Sculptra® help restore youthful contours, support skin structure, and soften hollowing while maintaining natural expression. Our dermatologists tailor each treatment to enhance balance and harmony, ensuring results that look refreshed rather than “overdone.”

PRP Injections for Hair Restoration

We’re also seeing renewed interest in PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy for hair thinning and shedding. PRP uses your body’s own growth factors to help stimulate hair follicles, support stronger strands, and improve hair density over time. It’s a popular option for patients experiencing increased shedding due to weight loss, stress, hormonal changes, or GLP-1 use, and integrates seamlessly with long-term hair wellness plans.

UltraClear™

Our UltraClear™ laser treatment targets stubborn pigmentation, sun-damage, and uneven skin tone. Ideal for patients seeking a refreshed complexion with minimal downtime, UltraClear™ uses next-generation technology to deliver clear, balanced skin with natural radiance.

Fraxel®

The Fraxel® laser is a fractional resurfacing treatment that renews damaged skin—erasing fine lines, acne scars, and uneven texture. With deeper penetration and customizable settings, Fraxel® helps restore smoother, younger-looking skin while preserving healthy tissue.

Ultherapy® (Skin Tightening)

Ultherapy® uses advanced micro-focused ultrasound energy to reach the deeper underlying tissue layers of the skin—stimulating collagen renewal from the inside out.
It’s especially well-suited for lifting and firming areas like the jawline, neck, and decolletage, and offers natural-looking results without surgery.

New Product Feature:

Skinceuticals P-Tiox Anti-Wrinkle Serum

This serum reduces the appearance of expression lines and enhances the luminousness of the skin. It works synergistically with neuromodulator injections to help prolong the effects but also can be used alone for improved radiance, smoothness, and fine lines on the entire face.

*Just in time for the holidays, purchase 3 or more products, save 15%! Products can be purchased in the office, or give us a call so we can ship out your favorites!

Seasonal Skincare Tips – Winter

Rebuild your moisture barrier: Cool air and indoor heating can leave skin dry and tight. Add a ceramide-rich moisturizer and hyaluronic-acid serum to lock in hydration. We love the Sente Dermal RePair and and Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore.
Ease up on exfoliation: Reduce strong acids, retinoids, or scrubs to avoid irritation during colder months.
Don’t skip sunscreen: UV rays still penetrate winter clouds—apply SPF 30+ daily. Some of our favorites include: Colorescience Flex, Skinbetter Tone Smart and ISDIN Eryfortona.
Laser season is here: Fall and winter are perfect for laser treatments like Fraxel® or UltraClear™, since sun exposure is lower.
Lips & hands count, too: Keep protective balms and creams on hand to prevent chapping and dryness.

Current Clinical Studies

Thermage® FLX Study – Now Enrolling

We are also currently enrolling healthy adults ages 30–60 for a research study evaluating Thermage® FLX for mild to moderate skin laxity of the neck, abdomen, upper arms, and face.

The study lasts about six months and includes four visits. Participants will be randomized to receive treatment at either the baseline or 90-day visit and will complete photos and assessments at each appointment.

To learn more or find out if you qualify, contact our Research Department at
346-250-1771 | research@dermlasersurgery.com

View Downloadable PDF

Fraxel FTX/FD Study – Now Enrolling

We’re currently enrolling adults ages 50–70 for a research study comparing two FDA-cleared Fraxel® laser devices—Fraxel Dual and Fraxel FTX—for the potential treatment of photodamaged skin. Participants will receive a single split-face laser treatment, with each side of the face treated using a different device.

The study lasts about four months and includes approximately five clinic visits, including follow-up appointments at 24 hours, 3 days, and additional time points depending on the participant group. During visits, photos, surveys, and skin assessments will be conducted, and participants will undergo small skin biopsies to evaluate healing and molecular markers of UV damage and repair.

Eligible participants will receive pre- and post-treatment care instructions, compensation, and an optional complimentary laser treatment for cosmetic improvement of the biopsy site if needed.

To learn more or find out if you qualify, contact our Research Department at
346-250-1771 | research@dermlasersurgery.com

View Downloadable PDF

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 presented at the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery 2025 Annual Conference, speaking on safely and effectively tailoring laser settings with new devices and discussing advances in ablative fractional resurfacing and laser coring with the erbium doped fluoride glass 2,910-nm fiber laser.

Controversies & Conversations in Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Symposium, covering patient-reported outcomes, management of complications, and innovations in UltraClear laser technology.

Dr. Friedman led sessions at the Skin of Color Update in New York, focusing on precision laser therapy for hyperpigmentation and complex pigmentation challenges.

Dr. Friedman spoke at the Domestic Violence Awareness Annual Webinar, discussing the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery New Beginnings Program for Branding Tattoo Removal for survivors of sex trafficking.

Dr. Couvillion presented new findings on immune activation in basal cell carcinoma at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Annual Meeting and led Pfizer educational talks on emerging treatments for alopecia areata and melanoma.

Dr. Guo presented at the Masters of Aesthetics Conference in San Diego, educating other dermatologists on tips for melasma treatment utilizing topical, oral, and laser treatment options.

She also—along with Dr. Friedman and Dr. Richmond—presented a video oral abstract titled “Xanthelasma Palpebrarum Associated With Hyaluronidase Use” at the ASDS 2025 Annual Meeting in Chicago, with Dr. Friedman also in attendance.

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:

Treatment of Hemosiderin Staining With a 785-nm Picosecond Titanium Sapphire Laser in Combination With a Nonablative 1550-nm Fractional Resurfacing Laser Dermatologic Surgery. Jan 2025; 51(1):108–109.
Nonablative Fractional Diode Laser Resurfacing (1440 nm and 1927 nm) for Photoaged Skin Dermatologic Surgery. Jan 2025; 51(1):52–57.
Treatment of Cosmetic Eyeliner Tattoo Blow-Out With 1064-nm Nd:YAG Picosecond Laser Dermatologic Surgery. Mar 2025; 51(7):739–740.
A Novel Ablative Fractional 2,910-nm Erbium-Doped Fluoride Glass Fiber Laser for the Treatment of Photoaging in Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV Dermatologic Surgery. May 2025; 51(5):572–574.
Yellow is the New Red: Clearance of a Yellow Microbladed Tattoo With a 532-nm Picosecond Laser Dermatologic Surgery. May 2025; 51(5):559–561.
Nasal Contouring With an Ablative 2,910-nm Fiber Laser Dermatologic Surgery. Oct 2025; 51(10):1008–1010.
Current Trends and Future Directions of the Dual 1550-nm Erbium Glass Fiber and 1927-nm Thulium Fiber Non-Ablative Fractional Laser System Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. Sept 2025; 57(7):561–570.
Exportable Model of a Pro-Bono Laser Tattoo Removal Clinic: Guidelines for Clinicians Seeking to Make an Impact in Their Communities Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. Sept 2025. Online ahead of print.
Patient reported psychological impact of cosmetic procedure complications J Am Acad Dermatol. 2025 Nov 12:S0190-9622(25)03184-6. Online ahead of print.

Publications by Dr. Megan Couvillion

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

A Phase III study on red light photodynamic therapy for basal cell carcinoma August 2025.
A Phase II trial on oral TYK2 inhibition for psoriasis July 2025.

Collaborative Publications From Our Physicians

Our dermatologists often work together across clinical and research efforts, contributing meaningful advancements to patient safety and aesthetic innovation. Recent co-authored publications include:

Clinical Presentations and Complications of Illicit and Large Volume Silicone Injections Performed in Medical Spa Facilities
Camacho-Hubbard I, Dick MK, Guo EL, Richmond H, Friedman PM.
Dermatologic Surgery. August 2025. Online ahead of print.
Xanthelasma Palpebrarum Associated With Use of Hyaluronidase
Dick MK, Raef H, Richmond H, Guo EL, Friedman PM.
Dermatologic Surgery. October 2025. Online ahead of print.

A Personal Note from Lori Chapa, LMA

Hello! I’m Lori Chapa — Licensed Medical Aesthetician since 2019 and part of the Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center aesthetic team. While our doctors expertly manage the medical and surgical side of dermatology, I specialize in non-invasive aesthetic treatments, such as Coolsculpting, Laser Hair Removal and laser-adjunct skin care. With over a decade of experience in medical aesthetics, I love helping clients enhance their natural beauty with confidence.

Next time you’re in the clinic, feel free to ask your doctor about a session with me —if my schedule permits I’d be happy to stop by for a quick chat, or you can schedule dedicated time at the front desk. I look forward to meeting you and making your skincare journey even more rewarding!

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:

Ready to take the next step?

Click or call today to schedule your consultation and discover how we can support your goals this season. Schedule Your Visit Now

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Phone: 713-900-3900

See you soon,
Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center
(Because when you feel better in your skin, you feel better in your life.)