Precision Skin Care at Downstate and Closer to Home

By Office of the President | Apr 14, 2026

Laser dermatology is expanding the range of skin conditions treated at Downstate and is focused on improving precision while reducing unintended effects on surrounding tissue; this approach reflects our commitment to #KeepCareClose.

Under the direction of Jared Jagdeo, M.D., Associate Professor of Dermatology and Director of the Center for Photomedicine and the Laser, Aesthetics and Body Institute, clinicians are using advanced laser and light-based technologies to treat conditions ranging from pigmentary disorders and scarring to inflammatory skin disease and nail conditions.

A recent case involving a rare presentation of pincer nail deformity in a fingernail illustrates this approach. A pincer nail causes the nail to curve inward and compress the underlying tissue. It can be painful and difficult to manage. Instead of surgery, Dr. Jagdeo used fractionated CO₂ laser therapy to treat the nail matrix directly, improving the nail’s shape while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue. The case was published last year in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.

This work highlights a broader clinical advantage of laser-based dermatology in practice. These treatments enable more targeted intervention, support shorter recovery times, and reduce the risk of complications such as scarring or pigmentary changes. These benefits are especially important when treating patients across a wide range of skin tones, where conventional approaches may increase the risk of discoloration or uneven outcomes.

At Downstate, this focus supports care that is both effective and appropriate for a diverse patient population. The use of energy-based technologies allows clinicians to tailor treatments with greater control and consistency across different skin types.

These services are available through Downstate’s clinical network, including the Family Health Center at Empire Boulevard, ensuring that advanced dermatologic care remains accessible to the Central Brooklyn community.

Dr. Jagdeo’s work integrates research and clinical care, advancing the use of light-based therapies in dermatology and applying these innovations directly in patient settings. He has authored nearly 200 peer-reviewed publications and is frequently featured in national media for his expertise in laser-based dermatologic treatments.

He completed his undergraduate, master’s, and medical training at Brown University, a dermatology residency at Downstate, and fellowship training in photobiology and DNA repair at the National Institutes of Health.

Tags: Dermatology