Letter from the guest editor

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Nov, 2007 by Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas

The Aesthetic

Aesthetics comes from the Greek [alpha][iota][sigma] [theta][eta][tau][iota][kappa][eta] (aisthetike) meaning "sensation" from [alpha]l[sigma][theta][eta][sigma][iota][mu] (aisthesin) or "sense." This sense is something innate, not something that is taught. In 1790, Immanuel Kant wrote that "Everyone has his own (sense of) taste," however, "If (one) proclaims something to be beautiful, then (one) requires that same liking from others; (he or she) then judges not just for himself but for everyone." This important and intangible sense and judgement is what separates physicians in the aesthetic field of medicine. An innate sense of what is beauty, the endpoint towards which we strive cannot be taught in medical school or residency, yet is an important responsibility as we judge not only for ourselves but for everyone. Those of us who excel in the field combine the unique talents of art with science, exhibiting strength in both cerebral hemispheres, in order to achieve the aesthetic results that most would call beauty.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

In this issue, we have assembled many of the finest leaders in the aesthetic field of dermatology, each utilizing very different tools to achieve aesthetic goals. From topical or herbal extracts, which improve skin quality, to soft tissue augmentation, which requires the skills of a gifted sculptor, to the spectrum of laser resurfacing, including nonablative laser rejuvenation with its subtle restoration of youthful contour, fractional laser resurfacing, and ablative resurfacing with its more impressive improvement in texture. These technologies combine the knowledge of a physicist with the keen eye of a surgeon in order to attain the normal and desired vectors of tissue.

The future of aestheticism is here with a varied array of approaches for achieving reversal of age and a restoration of the youthful, beautiful aesthetic. At the same time, we are achieving the dream of the rapid treatment with fleeting recovery without hint of trauma to the skin. The notion of rejuvenation and maintenance of beauty with minimal cost of time or resources has become a current reality. May the aesthetic sense shared by those who lead the field be in agreement with what we would all call beautiful.

Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas MD PhD

Assistant Clinical Professor

Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT

Private Practice

Dermatology and Laser Surgery, New York, NY