Savannah, Georgia set a stunning backdrop for the 45th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), held May 7–9, 2026 at the Savannah Convention Center. As the largest gathering in the United States dedicated to laser, light, and energy-based technologies in medicine, ASLMS never disappoints — and this year’s meeting delivered some genuinely exciting science, practical pearls, and forward-thinking discussions.
We asked some of the dermatologists in our community who attended to share what stood out to them. Here’s what had them talking.
Combining Modalities for GLP-1 Patients: Finally, an Answer on Sequencing
Contributor: Kachiu C. Lee, MD, MPH
One of the most clinically relevant themes running through this year’s meeting was the growing impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on aesthetic practice. With more patients experiencing significant weight loss — and the skin laxity that often follows — the question for dermatologists isn’t just whether to treat, but how.
Session: The Power of Pairing — Combining Modalities
Consensus papers have already established that combining poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) with micro-focused ultrasound (MFU) — including SUPERB ultrasound — produces a stronger response for skin laxity than either treatment used alone. But the sequencing question had remained open: which comes first, and how far apart?
This session answered it. Investigators found that MFU should be performed first, followed by PLLA. In that order, the combined treatment enhances type III dermal thickness by 35% on histology — a meaningful and measurable result that gives clinicians a clear, evidence-based protocol to follow for their post-GLP-1 patients.
Session: Basic Science & Clinical Applications — A New Filler on the Horizon
Dr. Ying Wang presented some of the most intriguing early-stage science of the meeting: a potential new filler derived entirely from the patient’s own tissue. Dermal material is harvested using microcoring needles — the same technology used in Ellacor — then cultured into an injectable product. In pig-model studies, the material showed no signs of rejection and lasted more than twice as long as a comparative hyaluronic acid filler.
What sets this apart from fat transfer is versatility. The dermal-derived material can be injected more superficially, making it a potential option for fine lines and folds that fat simply can’t reach. Still very early in clinical development, but worth watching closely.
Lasers and Light in Skin Cancer, Aging, and Beyond
Contributor: Jeremy Brauer, MD — Spectrum Skin and Laser, Westchester, New York
Dr. Brauer covered three distinct but connected areas at this year’s meeting, each highlighting the expanding role of laser and light-based technologies beyond aesthetics:
Vascular and Non-Ablative Resurfacing Lasers in Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
The use of laser technology in non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) continues to grow as both a treatment and adjunctive tool. Dr. Brauer highlighted how vascular and non-ablative resurfacing lasers are being applied not just for cosmetic outcomes, but increasingly in the clinical management of NMSC — expanding the conversation well beyond traditional surgical approaches.
Fractional Lasers and Cellular Senescence
The relationship between fractional laser treatments and cellular senescence — the process by which aging cells stop dividing and contribute to chronic inflammation and tissue dysfunction — is a growing area of research. Understanding this mechanism offers a compelling biological framework for why these devices produce the rejuvenation effects we observe clinically. Expect this to become an increasingly prominent area of study and clinical application in the years ahead.
1550nm Fractional Focal Point Technology and Pulsed Dye Laser for Port Wine Stains
Dr. Brauer also highlighted emerging applications of 1550nm fractional focal point technology in combination with pulsed dye laser for treating port wine stains — a notoriously difficult condition to manage. This pairing represents a meaningful step forward for patients who have historically had limited options.
Advanced Perioral Aging and Jawline Contour Improvement: A Novel Multilayered Approach with 2910 nm Fiber Laser-Enabled Tissue Coring
Contributors: Paul M. Friedman, MD, Mary Dick, MD, Alexis Carrington, MD — Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center, Houston, Texas
Advanced lower-face rejuvenation was a major area of focus at this year’s meeting, and Dr. Mary Dick’s presentation was one of the most data-driven of the conference. She presented a novel multilayered protocol using the 2910 nm erbium-doped fluoride glass fiber (UltraClear; Acclaro Medical) laser combining laser-enabled tissue coring, deep drilling mode, and high-density to full-field ablation to address the full spectrum of lower-face aging in a single treatment platform.
The target: etched perioral rhytides, crepey skin, skin laxity, oral commissure descent, and jawline contour — simultaneously, and in fewer sessions than traditional approaches.
The treatment produced meaningful improvements across multiple features of perioral aging and jawline contour. These objective improvements were accompanied by high patient satisfaction, with nearly 94% of participants reporting they were satisfied or very satisfied with their results, and minimal treatment sessions.
The 2910 nm wavelength’s ability to achieve precise resurfacing with customizable depth and density makes it particularly well-suited to the complex, layered anatomy of the perioral region. Combined with strong patient satisfaction and a favorable safety profile, this protocol reinforces the growing role of fiber laser technologies in advanced facial rejuvenation.
Behind the Program: A Word from Co-Program Chair Dr. Lesley Clark-Loeser
Contributor: Lesley Clark-Loeser, MD, FAAD of Precision Skin & Body Institute, Davie, Florida
Every great meeting starts long before the first session begins. Dr. Lesley Clark-Loeser, who served as Co-Program Chair for ASLMS 2026, offered her reflections on what went into building this year’s program and what she’s most proud of.
“Serving as Co-Program Chair for ASLMS 2026 Annual Meeting in Savannah was truly one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career,” Dr. Clark-Loeser shared. “This meeting was a year in the making, built through collaboration, thoughtful planning, and listening to attendee feedback from prior years in order to create a dynamic, innovative, and well-rounded educational experience.”
Two inaugural sessions stood out as highlights. Global Aesthetic Lens brought together international leaders in aesthetic and laser medicine to share diverse perspectives, emerging trends, regional approaches, and global insights shaping the future of the field. Beyond the Beam took a different but equally important angle — focusing on the pre- and post-procedural factors that influence outcomes with energy-based devices, and highlighting evidence-based strategies to optimize healing, enhance results, and minimize adverse events.
Both sessions reflect a broader shift in how the field is thinking: it’s not just about the technology, but the full clinical ecosystem around it — who the patient is, how they’re prepared, and how they’re supported afterward.
“I am deeply grateful to my fellow program chairs, faculty, panelists, industry partners, and the ASLMS staff whose passion and dedication helped make this year’s meeting such a success,” Dr. Clark-Loeser added.
Looking Ahead: ASLMS 2027 is set for April 15–17 in Dallas! Mark your calendars!
Were you at ASLMS 2026? We would love to hear what sessions stood out to you. Drop a comment or reach out!
