Three Decades of Innovation in Cosmetic Dermatology: Dr. Sue Ellen Cox Reflects on the Evolution of the Field
With over 30 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology, our Founder Dr. Sue Ellen Cox has witnessed – and helped shape – the dramatic evolution of aesthetic medicine. From the earliest days of laser resurfacing to today’s sophisticated injectable treatments, she has remained at the forefront of clinical innovation and patient care.
Starting a Career at the Dawn of Cosmetic Dermatology
When Dr. Cox completed her dermatology residency in 1993, the landscape of cosmetic dermatology looked vastly different.
“At that time, there were no cosmetic fellowships — and Botox Cosmetic hadn’t even been introduced yet.”
She began her career in Dallas, Texas, working with a facial plastic surgeon in a high-volume cosmetic practice. It was there that she gained early experience with fully ablative CO₂ lasers – then a groundbreaking technology for deep resurfacing – and began treating patients with bovine collagen and human derived collagen filler. Long before HA fillers were introduced!
Clinical Research and the Growth of Aesthetic Offerings
Today, Dr. Cox leads an active clinical research center and has served as principal investigator on numerous pivotal trials for injectable treatments now used worldwide. This work has given her a front-row seat to the rapid growth and refinement of non-surgical aesthetics.
“There has been transformative growth in the field,” she explains. “Being involved in many of the registration trials for today’s most trusted products has been both exciting and rewarding.”
In the early years of hyaluronic acid fillers, treatment focused primarily on individual lines – such as nasolabial folds or lip volume. But as understanding of facial anatomy and aging deepened, so did the approach to treatment.
“We now know that aging is not just about surface wrinkles. It involves bone resorption, shifting of superficial fat pads, and loss of deep structural support. With modern injectables, we can do more than correct – we can support the face from within, helping patients age more gracefully and naturally.”
This more sophisticated approach allows for tailored treatment plans using products with distinct physical properties, designed to restore contour, lift tissue, and preserve facial harmony.
Similarly, neuromodulators – once used only to relax dynamic wrinkles – are now applied strategically to shape and refine facial expression, and even to slow the development of new lines when used preventatively.
Looking Ahead: Medical Integrity and a Natural Aesthetic
As cosmetic treatments become more mainstream, Dr. Cox remains committed to upholding the highest standards of medical care. Every injectable procedure – no matter how common – is still a medical treatment, with real risks and real responsibilities.
“It’s important to remember that these are medical procedures, not beauty trends,” she notes. “They require proper training, anatomical knowledge, and a deep understanding of how products interact with the face over time.”
Dr. Cox also believes that part of ethical aesthetic care is knowing when to say no. In a culture where overtreatment and unrealistic beauty standards are increasingly common, she prioritizes natural-looking results and long-term patient wellbeing over temporary trends.
“My goal is never to change someone’s face – it’s to help them look refreshed, rested, and like the best version of themselves. We always aim to preserve balance and proportion, and to avoid contributing to perception drift or body dysmorphia.”
This patient-first approach, grounded in both science and artistry, is what continues to set Dr. Cox apart as a leader in cosmetic dermatology.
To see Dr. Cox as a patient, contact our office.