In the ever-evolving world of plastic surgery, Dr. Andrew Ress stands out not only for his dedication to enhancing beauty but also for his unwavering commitment to health. As the first plastic surgeon in the United States to introduce the groundbreaking [liv]® AI SkinScreen, Dr. Ress is revolutionizing skin cancer screening with AI-powered technology. This innovative approach transcends traditional cosmetic concerns by prioritizing early detection and prevention of skin cancer, the most common cancer in the country.

With his extensive training from the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins, Dr. Ress brings a wealth of expertise to his practice, offering a faster, more accurate, and less invasive method for identifying potential skin cancers. This not only has the potential to save lives but also to reduce unnecessary procedures, embodying the true essence of longevity and health. In this interview with Dr. Ress, we will learn more about this revolutionary [liv]® AI SkinScreen technology

Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: Dr. Ress, you're known for being the first plastic surgeon in the US to utilize AI for skin cancer screening. What inspired you to implement this innovative technology in your practice? 

Dr. Andrew Ress: I've Performed modified Mohs surgery since 2005 so I'm very up to date with modern treatment methods. Simply put it's extra work for which the dermatologists aren't getting paid.  That really is beside the point because it is included in the charge for an office visit anyhow. it also makes the physician more efficient so I see no reason not to employ technology for both the doctors and the patients best advantage 

Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: How does [liv]® SkinScreen leverage artificial intelligence to analyze skin lesions and moles? Can you elaborate on the specific AI technology used?

Dr. Andrew Ress: The algorithm used comes from satellite tracking and mapping technology. it looks at changes from one set of photographs to another and is able to recognize some and  Point them out. Technology is evolving to be able to include actual diagnosis of skin lesions but this is under clinical study 

Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: The 3D body map feature of [liv]® SkinScreen is a unique aspect. How does this visualization aid in monitoring and assessing skin conditions over time?

Dr. Andrew Ress: The map guides the physician so that they can correlate between the photograph and the patient's body and locate any of the lesions that the AI is finding suspicious 

Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: We know early detection is crucial for successful skin cancer treatment. How does [liv]® SkinScreen empower patients in early detection of potential skin concerns?

Dr. Andrew Ress: You're absolutely correct.  one of the key features of skin cancers is that  they change over time . the computer never forgets so it can pick up minor changes relatively quickly 

Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: Can you discuss the accuracy rate of [liv]® SkinScreen compared to traditional methods? How does AI contribute to a more efficient screening process?

Dr. Andrew Ress: The AI is a tool to help make the provider more thorough and ensure that his or her skin exam is complete. It really excels  in picking up differences and skin lesions  that occur between  skin checks.

Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: Your website mentions [liv]® SkinScreen reduces the risk of unnecessary procedures. Can you elaborate on how this technology helps avoid unnecessary biopsies?

Dr. Andrew Ress: With a combination of AI, total body photography, dermoscopy, which is magnified visualization of skin lesions, we are able to reduce unnecessary biopsies from 15 negative biopsies per single skin cancer detected to 2 to 1.

Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: How do you see the role of AI evolving in dermatology in the coming years? What potential future applications are you excited about?

Dr. Andrew Ress: I'm very excited about this technology. it will evolve exponentially over the next 10 years such that it should be able to detect not only something that is potentially malignant but also come up with a likely diagnosis. now consider we have non-invasive surgical biopsies it is very likely that we can go right from a computer generated diagnosis to surgical treatment

Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: As AI technology advances, how do you envision making AI-powered skin cancer screening more accessible and affordable for a wider population? 

Dr. Andrew Ress: As digital Photography improves and are AI models improve I think we will see skin cancer diagnosis become routine in the primary care setting and even possibly even at  one’s home

Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog: While AI plays a significant role, how does [liv]® SkinScreen integrate with traditional physician expertise in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment?

Dr. Andrew Ress: Oh I think it's important to realize that the AI is a tool and that ultimately provider has the clinical judgment. 

Learn more: Follow Liv Plastic Surgery by Dr. Andrew Ress, MD