Meet Dr. Cox
A pioneering thought-leader in aesthetic medicine who just happens to live in Chapel Hill, Dr. Cox is internationally recognized for her expertise in cosmetic dermatology. Founder of Aesthetic Solutions, Dr. Cox also is a published author and lectures worldwide on aesthetic medicine.
About Dr. Cox
When Dr. Sue Ellen Cox began practicing dermatology over 25 years ago, there was no such thing as “aesthetic dermatology.” An early and passionate believer in the power of effective, minimally invasive aesthetic treatments, Dr. Cox worked hard to shape the field with her values: rigorous scientific evaluation of every treatment, an emphasis on safety, and appreciation for subtle, natural-looking results.
Dr. Sue Ellen Cox is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon, founder and medical director of Aesthetic Solutions in Chapel Hill, NC. She is an internationally recognized expert in facial rejuvenation using lasers, injectable fillers and neuromodulators. Dr. Cox runs an active clinical research center, and has performed clinical trials and pivotal studies on most neuromodulators and fillers, including Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, Juvéderm, Restylane, RHA fillers, Belotero, Voluma, Kybella, Restylane Silk, Restylane Kysse and Latisse.
Dr. Cox has devoted her career to advancing aesthetic medicine and advocating for natural results and compassionate patient care.
Dr. Cox is a contributing editor for the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, an editor for Modern Aesthetics, and has authored or co-authored more than one hundred peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Dr. Cox serves on committees and boards for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the American Academy of Dermatology, and various pharmaceutical and device manufacturers. Dr. Cox lectures internationally, directs national workshops, and here at home teaches cosmetic dermatology clinic to residents at the UNC School of Medicine and Duke University Medical Center.
Organizations
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American Society for Dermatologic Surgery 1993 - Present
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American Academy of Dermatology 1993 - Present
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American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery 1996 - Present
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North Carolina Dermatology Association 2001 - Present
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Galderma's Women in Aesthetics Leadership Council 2019 - Present
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Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare 1999 - 2018
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Women's Dermatologic Society 1993 - 2008
Professional Achievements
Dr. Cox is honored to be recognized by her organizations, peers and patients as an accomplished physician dedicated to serving patients, improving education and advancing aesthetic medicine.
- President, Americiety for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), 2021-2022
- Voted to the list of Best Doctors in America by physician peers, every year since 2005
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Castle Connolly "Exceptional Women in Medicine” Award Winner 2023 + 2024
- Contributing Editor, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD), since 2003
- Feature Editor, Journal of Dermatologic Surgery
- Member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
- Editorial Board, of Modern Aesthetics magazine, since 2017
- Continuing Medical Education Award, American Academy of Dermatology, January 2002 - October 2004
- Preceptorship Program Award, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, October 2006
- Teaching Award, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, October 2006
- Feature Editor, Liposuction Council Bulletin, Journal Of Dermatologic Surgery, August 2001 - 2003
- Contributing Editor, Dermatologic Surgery, 2001 - present
- Feature Editor, Chemical Peels, Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, March 2003 - present
Presentations & Workshops
2024 SCALE Annual Meeting
2024 SCALE Annual Meeting
Dr. Cox attended the SCALE (Symposium for Cosmetic Advances & Laser Education) Annual Meeting in Nashville where she gave four lectures on:
- Tips and Tricks to Stay out of Toxin Trouble
- Navigating the Toxin Landscape
- Filling Facial Rejuvenation: What to use Where
- Sofwave
2024 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting
2024 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting
Dr. Cox traveled to San Diego, CA for the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting. At this meeting, Dr. Cox directed one session, moderated one session, and lectured in four sessions.
C004 – March 8th from 1:00 – 4:00PM – Live Demonstration: Soft Tissue Augmentation and Neuromodulators – Simultaneous Cadaver Prosection and Live Patient Injections
S032 – March 9th from 9:00AM – 12:00PM – Pearls from the Masters of Dermatological Surgery
C013 – March 9th from 1:00 – 4:00PM – Botulinum Toxin: Video Instruction and Live Panel Discussion
S043 – March 9th from 1:00 – 4:00PM – Dermatologic Surgery: Cosmetic Tips and Pearls
W005 – March 11th from 9:00AM – 12:00PM – Hands-on: Practical Anatomy for Dermal Fillers
C019 – March 11th from 1:00PM – 4:00PM – Soft Tissue Fillers: Video Instruction and Live Panel Discussion
2023 ASDS Annual Meeting
2023 ASDS Annual Meeting
Dr. Cox traveled to Chicago for the 2023 ASDS Annual Meeting. This year she co-directed a course with ASDS President Dr. Bertucci that both reviewed patient case studies and had a live injection demonstration, lectured on filler sensitivity in the popular session “breaking bad” and spoke on experience with a recent clinical trial.
ASDS Advanced Injection Course
ASDS Advanced Injection Course
Dr. Cox traveled to NYC for the ASDS Advanced Injection Course. Dr. Cox co-directed this course along with current ASDS President, Dr. Vince Bertucci. Cosmetic dermatologist from across the country gathered to learn about injection best practice. Dr. Cox spoke in a variety of sessions focused on fillers and neuromodulators.
ASDS Premier Annual Resident Cosmetic Symposium
ASDS Premier Annual Resident Cosmetic Symposium
Dr. Cox traveled to Dallas, TX for the ASDS Premier Annual Resident Cosmetic Symposium where residents from across the country gather to learn about injection best practice. Dr. Cox spoke in a variety of sessions focused on fillers and neuromodulators.
2023 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting
2023 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting
Dr. Cox traveled to New Orleans, LA for the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting where she spoke on:
Friday C004 – Live Demonstration: Soft Tissue Augmentation and Neuromodulators – Simultaneous Cadaver Prosection and Live Patient Injections
Friday S013 – Cosmetic Tips and Pearls – Lecturing on Tips for Injection Success and Integrating New Neuromodulators
Sunday C014 – Botulinum Toxin: Video Instruction and Live Panel Discussion – Neuromodulator Video Best Practices + What’s New on the Market
Monday W002 – Directing Hands-on: Practical Anatomy for Dermal Fillers
Monday C019 – Soft Tissue Fillers: Video Instruction and Live Panel Demonstration – Speaking on the Lower Face
Washington University Medical School - Dermatology Residents
Washington University Medical School - Dermatology Residents
Dr. Cox delivered a talk on neuromodulators to Dermatology Residents from the Washington University Medical School. She lectured on injection technique, avoiding complications, and tips for a successful outcome.
UNC Southeastern Consortium for Dermatology
UNC Southeastern Consortium for Dermatology
Dr. Cox gave a lecture on dermal fillers covering rheology, injection technique, product selection and avoiding complications.
2022 ASDS Annual Meeting
2022 ASDS Annual Meeting
Dr. Cox traveled to Denver, CO for the 2022 ASDS Annual Meeting. This marked the first in-person meeting since the pandemic. In addition to regular lectures, this meeting marked the end of Dr. Cox’s ASDS Presidency.
UT Southwestern Dermatology Rising, Beyond the Pandemic
UT Southwestern Dermatology Rising, Beyond the Pandemic
Dr. Cox lectured virtually at her Alma Mater to dermatology residents on injectable fillers. This lecture included anatomy, properties of fillers, injection technique and complication management.
2022 ASDS Premier Annual Resident Cosmetic Symposium
2022 ASDS Premier Annual Resident Cosmetic Symposium
Dr. Cox traveled to Dallas, TX for this year’s ASDS Premier Annual Resident Cosmetic Symposium in Dallas. It was two days full of sharing knowledge with the next generation of cosmetic dermatologists. Dr. Cox spoke on patient case studies and neurotoxins.
2022 AAD Annual Meeting
2022 AAD Annual Meeting
Dr. Cox traveled to Boston for the 2022 AAD Annual Meeting. She was involved in five lectures.
1 – C010 Soft Tissue Fillers: Video Instruction and Live Panel Discussion. Lectured specifically on techniques for the upper face along with case studies.
2 – S035 Cosmetic Tips and Pearls. Lectured on rejuvenation with dermal fillers and which products to use where.
3 – C012 Botulinum Toxin: Video Instruction and Live Panel Discussion. Lectured on seven tips and tricks to stay out of trouble.
4 – C003 Moderated this session on soft tissue augmentation and neuromodulators – simultaneous cadaver prosection and live patient injections.
5 – W005 Directed this course hands-on: practical anatomy for dermal fillers.
ASDS Board Meeting + Industry Advisory Council
ASDS Board Meeting + Industry Advisory Council
Dr. Cox traveled to Key Largo, FL for the ASDS board meeting and Industry Advisory Council! The weekend was spent laughing, connecting, and most importantly discussing the future of aesthetic dermatology.
2021 ASDS Annual Meeting
2021 ASDS Annual Meeting
During the 2021 ASDS Annual Meeting, Dr. Cox Co-Directed the session Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery Pearls and lectured on How Patient and Physician Positioning Influences Product Flow as well as Neuromodulators: The Cutting Edge. The meeting also marked Dr. Cox’s induction as President of the society.
2021 AAD Hands On Cosmetics Course
2021 AAD Hands On Cosmetics Course
Dr. Cox travelled to Illinois where she was a faculty member for the AAD Hands-On Cosmetics Course. She spoke specifically on Filler Complications, including delayed hypersensitivity and acute hypersensitivity.
ASDS Advanced Anatomy and Injection Course
ASDS Advanced Anatomy and Injection Course
Dr. Cox went to New York City for the ASDS Advanced Anatomy and Injection Techniques Course. The two-day course she co-directed with Dr. Vince Bertucci covered “how to” videos of advanced injection techniques, and facial anatomy to reduce complication risks. Dr. Cox herself spoke on techniques for the upper face and dermal filler case studies.
North Carolina Dermatology Association Summer Meeting
North Carolina Dermatology Association Summer Meeting
Dr. Cox traveled to Asheville, NC to give two lectures at the 2021 North Carolina Dermatology Association Summer Meeting. She spoke on “Trends in Aesthetic Dermatology” and “24,000 Syringes Later: Augmentation with Hyaluronic Acid Filler”.
Thriving In Aesthetics
Thriving In Aesthetics
In a special edition of Thriving in Aesthetics, Dr. Cox spoke on High Dose and Low Dose Neurotoxins.
ASDS
ASDS
In a special edition of Thriving in Aesthetics, Dr. Cox spoke on High Dose and Low Dose Neurotoxins.
American Academy of Dermatology Virtual Essentials of Cosmetic Dermatology
American Academy of Dermatology Virtual Essentials of Cosmetic Dermatology
In a special edition of Thriving in Aesthetics, Dr. Cox spoke on High Dose and Low Dose Neurotoxins.
ASDS Annual Meeting
ASDS Annual Meeting
At the virtual ASDS Annual Meeting Dr. Cox lectured on avoiding Neuromodulator Complications and presented data on a recently completed clinical study.
Master Injection Academy
Master Injection Academy
Dr. Cox virtually lectured on Advanced Use of Fillers to the Hands and Body for the Master Injection Academy.
Miami Cosmetic Surgery Meeting
Miami Cosmetic Surgery Meeting
Dr. Cox traveled to Miami for the launch of Miami Cosmetic Surgery. This event hosted over 1,000 medical professionals to feature the latest advances in aesthetics. Dr. Cox gave talks on using fillers as a biostimulate and non-invasive body contouring, as well as moderated a session related to facial rejuvenation methods.
ASDS Advanced Injection Workshop
ASDS Advanced Injection Workshop
Dr. Cox served as a course director and faculty member for this workshop held in New York. Providers from across the U.S. attended to learn advanced techniques for safe and effective injection techniques.
Merz Expert Summit
Merz Expert Summit
Every year The Merz Expert Summit brings together thought leaders and expert physicians from around the world. It’s always a pleasure to catch up with colleagues and discuss cutting edge aesthetic treatments. A big thank you to the Merz Aesthetics for putting the event together!
ASDS Annual Meeting
ASDS Annual Meeting
Dr. Cox traveled to Chicago where she delivered 6 different sessions for the ASDS Annual Meeting on topics like neuromodulators, fillers and body contouring. It is an honor to be named Vice President on the Board of Directors for this amazing organization.
Premiere Aesthetic Solutions Annual Meeting
Premiere Aesthetic Solutions Annual Meeting
Dr. Cox went to New York to catch up with her fellow PAS colleagues and lecture on skin boosting! An added perk was spending time with her daughter, Caitlin.
Duke Cadaver Course
Duke Cadaver Course
Dr. Cox traveled to nearby Duke University where she lectured on filler complications at the aesthetics center Multi-Specialty Conference. A big thanks to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery for organizing the event!
Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!
Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!
Dr. Cox and her son Garrett were 2 of 16 people who hiked 5 days through Iceland for “Skin Cancer, Take a Hike”. To date, this AAD sponsored hike has raised over $220,000 for skin cancer prevention and detection programs. Together, we can create a world without skin cancer!
24th World Congress of Dermatology
24th World Congress of Dermatology
Dr. Cox traveled to Milan, Italy for the 24th World Congress of Dermatology where she was Co-Chair of the Advanced Cosmetic Dermatology session and taught Advanced Use of Fillers to the Hands and Body. Over 16,500 attendees gathered for this meeting that occurs once every 4 years.
Guinness World Record for Largest Skin Cancer Screening
Guinness World Record for Largest Skin Cancer Screening
Last Saturday Dr. Cox teamed up with Duke University and The Polka Dot Mama Melanoma Foundation to participate in a free skin cancer screening event. With 32 dermatologists, 125 volunteers and 7 hours to work – an amazing 963 patients were seen to win the Guinness World Record for largest skin cancer screening!
Launch of Evolus's Jeuveau
Launch of Evolus's Jeuveau
Dr. Cox was in Mexico last weekend for the launch of Jeuveau, a neuromodulator similar to Botox. She has been working with the product for several years during the clinical trial phase, and it’s great to see it all come to fruition. Dr. Cox is among a small group of US physicians selected to train other providers on use of the product.
Revance CoLAB Steering Committee
Revance CoLAB Steering Committee
Dr. Coc gathered with colleagues at the Revance CoLAB Steering Committee for an update on their new neuromodulator. Standing next to her is Dr. Jean Carruthers, who with husband Alastair, ‘discovered’ cosmetic use for Botox in 1987. Also pictured (from left) Dr. Heidi Waldorf, Dr. Jeanine Downie, and Dr. Kavita Mariwalla.
Evolus Aesthetic Advisory Board
Evolus Aesthetic Advisory Board
Dr. Cox traveled to New York to meet with colleagues to discuss the launch of Evolus’s Jeuveau. Jeuveau is a new Botox-like product recently approved by the FDA, that is now another treatment option for patients. You may be familiar with the product already – the clinical trials were done right here in our office!
2019 AAD Annual Meeting
2019 AAD Annual Meeting
Dr. Cox traveled to Washington, D.C. for the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting. Apart from catching up with colleagues and filming for the Galderma Women In Aesthetics Leadership Council, Dr. Cox gave 5 lectures (listed below).
March 1st: Soft Tissue Augmentation and Neuromodulators – Simultaneous Cadaver Prosection and Live Patient Injections.
March 1st: Live Demonstration: The State of the Art of Aesthetic Dermatology.
March 3rd: Botulinum Toxin: Video Instruction and Live Panel Discussion.
March 4th: Hands-on Practical Anatomy for Dermal Fillers.
March 4th: Soft Tissue Fillers: Video Instruction and Live Panel Discussion.
Allergan Global Hyaluronic Acid-Based Filler Complications Consensus Advisory Board
Allergan Global Hyaluronic Acid-Based Filler Complications Consensus Advisory Board
Dr. Cox met with aesthetic experts from around the world to discuss prevention, diagnosis and treatment of complications associated with dermal fillers.
Merz Institute of Advanced Aesthetics Experts Educational Congress
Merz Institute of Advanced Aesthetics Experts Educational Congress
Dr. Cox met with aesthetic experts in Pheonix, AZ to share thoughts through presentations and demonstrations.
Merz Expert Summit
Merz Expert Summit
Dr. Cox traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark to gather with aesthetic experts from around the world at the Merz Expert Summit to share thoughts through presentations and live demonstrations.
ASDS Annual Meeting
ASDS Annual Meeting
Dr. Cox recently traveled to Phoenix, AZ for the ASDS Annual Meeting. Apart from catching up with colleagues and learning about the latest in dermatologic surgery, Dr. Cox hosted ASDS Unplugged, Facial Finesse Part 3: Advanced Surgical Videos and Novel, Sophisticated and Advanced Approaches to Neuromodulators.
New Neuromodulator in South Korea
New Neuromodulator in South Korea
Dr. Cox was in South Korea touring a production facility for a new Botox-like product she tested in clinical trials at Aesthetic Solutions. Dr Cox was one of four dermatologists from the US invited to tour the plant ahead of it’s coming US launch!
ASDS Meeting
ASDS Meeting
Dr. Cox traveled to New York with the ASDS where she directed an Advanced Injection Techniques course. Expert faculty lead case-based presentations and live patient demonstrations to present diverse approaches using different structural tissue layers for the precise placement of injections to improve outcomes, minimize complications and enhance natural appearing results.
AAD Summer Meeting
AAD Summer Meeting
Dr. Cox traveled to Chicago for the 2018 American Academy of Dermatology Summer Meeting. Apart from catching up with colleagues, Dr. Cox directed Hands-on: Practical Anatomy for Safe Filler Injections.
AAD Annual Meeting
AAD Annual Meeting
Dr. Cox traveled to San Diego, California to the American Academy of Dermatology 2018 Annual Meeting. Dr. Cox is seen here giving one of five total courses and talks she presented during the conference, serving as a Director of a three-hour session Soft Tissue Augmentation and Neuromodulators – Simultaneous Cadaver Prosection and Live Patient Injections.
Merz Aesthetics Expert Summit
Merz Aesthetics Expert Summit
Dr. Cox traveled to Montreal to attend the Merz Aesthetics Expert Summit, an exclusive scientific event where 300 leaders in aesthetic medicine meet to share their latest thoughts through presentations and live demonstrations – and catch up with colleagues from around the world.
ASDS Annual Meeting
ASDS Annual Meeting
Dr. Cox delivered three workshops at the American Society for Dermatologic Surgeons 2017 Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL. She is shown here presenting Straight Talk About Devices, discussing current non-surgical fat reduction technologies and traditional tumescent liposuction. Dr. Cox is also pictured (top right) with Dr. Jeffrey Klein, the inventor of tumescent liposuction.
Revision Advisory Board
Revision Advisory Board
Dr. Cox just returned from a Revision Skincare Advisory Board meeting in Dallas, with a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at product science and production. This clinically-proven skincare line includes favorites like Nectifirm, Intellishade and DEJ cream.
AAD Summer Meeting Workshop
AAD Summer Meeting Workshop
Dr. Cox recently returned from the American Academy of Dermatology Summer Meeting in New York. She directed a hands-on workshop on safe, effective filler injection technique. This workshop featured hands-on injection instruction using transparent skin-simulation models. Thanks to everyone for an amazing class!
NCDA Summer Meeting
NCDA Summer Meeting
Dr. Cox was delighted to be featured as a speaker at the North Carolina Dermatology Association 2017 Summer Meeting. One of the few representatives of aesthetic medicine, Dr. Cox spoke about the essentials of safe, effective injectable treatment.
ASDS Industry Advisory Council
ASDS Industry Advisory Council
Dr. Cox traveled to Sonoma, California to serve in a recent gathering of the Industry Advisory Council of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Formed in 2003, the Industry Advisory Council provides a unique forum for industry representatives and leaders of the ASDS to establish collaborative opportunities through meaningful dialogue about the profession, ultimately improving the state of aesthetic medicine.
Ignite Possibility Seminar
Ignite Possibility Seminar
Dr. Cox recently returned from Allergan’s Ignite Possibility seminar in Chicago. This invite-only event is for the country’s top physicians for Botox and facial fillers and features advanced topics in injectable procedures.
AAD Annual Meeting Course
AAD Annual Meeting Course
Dr. Cox traveled to Orlando, Florida to the American Academy of Dermatology 2017 Annual Meeting. Dr. Cox is seen here giving one of SIX total courses and talks she presented during the conference, serving as a Director of the Hands On Filler Course.
Galderma GAIN Training
Galderma GAIN Training
Dr. Cox just returned from a great weekend of training in Dallas. Galderma GAIN provides top aesthetics experts with advanced training in facial anatomy and injection technique. The training involved talks as well as hands-on trainings with a cadaver dissection workshop. The training focused on Restylane dermal filler, Dysport, and Sculptra products.
Validation Scale Development
Validation Scale Development
Dr. Cox just returned from New Jersey, where she was working on development of validation scales used to objectively measure filler treatment in the lips and around the eyes.
ASDS Annual Meeting
ASDS Annual Meeting
Dr. Cox recently traveled to the annual American Society for Dermatological Surgery meeting in New Orleans. Apart from catching up with colleagues and learning about the latest in dermatologic surgery, Dr. Cox spoke on the topics of liposuction and cellulite treatment.
Merz Aesthetics Expert Summit
Merz Aesthetics Expert Summit
Dr. Cox traveled to the Czech Republic to attend the Merz Aesthetics Expert Summit in Prague. The MAEXS is an exclusive scientific event where leaders in aesthetic medicine meet to share their latest thoughts through presentations and live injection demonstrations – and catch up with colleagues from around the world.