Dermatology Research

The Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana includes a first-class dermatology research department.

We have participated in various clinical trials for many years. Our dermatology research efforts are industry sponsored and approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Independent Review Boards (IRB) to insure patient safety and informed consent. We have the on-site capability and experienced dermatology research staff to assist pharmaceutical companies and the FDA in conducting Phase II, Phase III, and Phase IV trials pertinent to dermatologic and cosmetic conditions.

Dr. Hanke and the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana participated in the original BOTOX Cosmetic clinical trials and Kybella trials, as well as dermatology research for countless other facial rejuvenation treatments you’ve likely heard of.

Below are some of the previous clinical trials we have participated in over the years:

• Acne Vulgaris
• Dermal Contour Deformities
• Facial Photodamage & Actinic Keratosis
• Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma
• Nasolabial Folds
• Crow’s Feet
• Glabellar Frown Lines
• Axillary Hyperhidrosis
• Facial Lipoatrophy

Clinical Trials & Dermatology Research FAQ

If you’re interested in taking part in a clinical trial at The LASSI, please contact us for more information. We’ll add you to our email list and send you information about upcoming trials you may qualify for.  Until then, you can learn more about dermatology research conducted at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana and what it means to be in a clinical trial.

What is a clinical trial?

Clinical trials are generally considered to be biomedical or health-related research studies in human beings that follow a pre-defined protocol. A protocol is a study plan on which all clinical trials are based. The plan is carefully designed to safeguard the health of the participants as well as answer specific research questions. A protocol describes what types of people may participate in the trial: the schedule of tests, procedures, medications, and dosages: and the length of the study. Here at The LASSI, we participate in interventional studies in which the research subjects are assigned by the investigator to a treatment or other intervention, and their outcomes measured.

Why participate in a clinical trial?

Participants in clinical trials can play a more active role in their own health care, gain access to new dermatology research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to vital medical research.

How is the safety of the participant protected?

The ethical and legal codes that govern medical practice also apply to clinical trials. In addition, most clinical research is federally regulated with built in safeguards to protect the participants. Every clinical trial in the U.S. must be approved and monitored by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to make sure the risks are as low as possible and are worth any potential benefits. An IRB is an independent committee of physicians, statisticians, community advocates, and others that ensures that a clinical trial is ethical and the rights of study participants are protected.

All institutions that conduct or support biomedical research involving people must, by federal regulation, have an IRB that initially approves and periodically reviews the research.

For more information, visit the National Institute of Health’s Clinical Trial Website.