Four Key Factors When Buying Dermatology Devices

Following his discussion and demonstration at the 2025 South Beach Symposium, Suneel Chilukuri, MD, a board-certified dermatologist from Houston, Texas, shared insights with Dermatology Times on non-CME devices and innovations. He addressed distinctions between FDA-cleared and FDA-approved devices, emphasizing the importance of safety and efficacy in clinical practice.

"Most of these devices, these lasers, they're energy-based devices. These are going to be FDA cleared, meaning they should be safe enough to use for our patients," Chilukuri said in the interview. He underscored that while FDA clearance ensures safety, it does not necessarily confirm efficacy. He advised practitioners to examine clinical data, including FDA trials and IRB-approved studies, to verify a device's effectiveness.

One of the innovations discussed was a hair growth technology by Guidance Technology, which offers a non-invasive solution without pain or downtime. "How can we grow hair without pain, without any downtime, and no poking the scalp? It's pretty remarkable what can be done now," he noted. Another key device, the SkinPen, was highlighted for its affordability and efficacy in treating acne, acne scars, and fine lines. "For most practices, when you're first starting, it's the number 1 device that I buy. Why? Because it's inexpensive," he explained, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness and transformative patient outcomes.

Chilukuri outlined 4 critical criteria to assess before investing in dermatological devices: safety, efficacy, ease of use, and return on investment (ROI). He warned against relying solely on company white papers and stressed the importance of peer-reviewed publications and real-world clinical data. "If whatever the person is coming to you with, if it's not proven safety, I'm out. I don't even entertain that," he affirmed. Furthermore, he stressed that a device should be user-friendly even in solo practice scenarios and should provide financial viability within a clinical setting.

He also addressed market demands, noting that patients prioritize treatments with minimal downtime, particularly for pigmentation issues and scars. He identified body contouring as a challenging market due to patient compliance with lifestyle changes. Additionally, he raised concerns about the widespread use of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss, cautioning that improper use could lead to a disproportionate loss of muscle mass over fat, impacting long-term metabolic health.

In conclusion, Chilukuri highlighted the importance of evidence-based decision-making in dermatology. By prioritizing safety, efficacy, usability, and ROI, practitioners can integrate the most beneficial technologies for patient care while ensuring sustainable practice growth.