In this edition of Inside the Aesthetic Mind, we catch up with Dr. Soujanya
A board certified dermatologist whose clinical precision is matched by her thoughtful, patient-centered approach-Known for her nuanced understanding of skin technology and her ability to design deeply personalized treatments, Dr. Soujanya shares her take on the evolving world of laser resurfacing, the power of hybrid platforms, and why sometimes, the smartest solution is not having to choose at all.
Here’s what she had to say.
Fractional vs. Ablative: What’s the real difference?
“Both are powerful, but they do different things. Fractional lasers treat portions of the skin, leaving the rest untouched. That speeds up healing and makes it great for mild texture, tone, or early aging. Ablative lasers are more intense—they remove the top layers completely. That’s what we turn to for deeper scars, wrinkles, or more visible damage.”
But for Dr. Soujanya, it’s not about picking one over the other.
“We’ve moved beyond either-or decisions. With advanced technologies like the Hybrid, we can use both approaches in a single treatment—customized exactly to what a patient needs.”
What makes laser resurfacing such a powerful tool in your practice?
“Control. Precision. Personalization.”
She continues, “I can adjust energy, depth, and density depending on the skin’s needs. I might go fractional around the eyes for minimal downtime and use a more intensive approach on areas that can tolerate deeper resurfacing. That kind of flexibility means the treatment is tailored for the patient—not the other way around.”
How has this changed your conversations with patients?
“Earlier, we had to explain trade-offs—downtime versus results. Now, we talk about layering benefits. A softer approach where needed, a stronger one where it counts. Patients appreciate that they’re not being boxed into a one-size-fits-all plan. They feel heard.”
Is there a patient story that stands out when you think about laser resurfacing?
“I’ve worked with many patients, but those with facial trauma or burn scars leave the deepest impact. Helping them move from self-consciousness to confidence—it’s incredibly rewarding.”
How would you define your approach to aesthetic dermatology today?
“Tailored, thoughtful, and focused on long-term skin health. It’s not about drastic changes. It’s about making smart decisions, step by step, that honor the patient’s natural features.”
Any guiding philosophy you hold close?
“Refine, don’t erase. And always keep it real—with yourself and your patients.”
To Dr. Soujanya, the most beautiful outcomes are the ones that look effortless.
“The goal is never to look treated. It’s to look like you—rested, radiant, real.”
Where do you see the future of laser-based treatments going?
“Towards even more personalization. I think we’ll see technologies that read skin responses in real time and adjust energy accordingly. But even as we get smarter tech, our clinical intuition will remain key. Machines can guide us—but understanding the person in front of you? That’s irreplaceable.”
Dr. Soujanya’s approach reminds us that the art of aesthetics lies in nuance, not extremes. It’s not just about using the most advanced tool—it’s about knowing how, when, and for whom to use it. Her approach is a reminder that in aesthetic medicine, excellence lies not in what’s done, but in why and how it’s done.