Beauty | Dermatologist Fredric Brandt Dies At 65

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The Ed.

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The professional beauty industry was rocked when it heard of the sad death, apparently by suicide, of cosmetic dermatologist and skin-care pioneer Frederic Brandt.

Brandt, 65, who died on Sunday, is said to have hanged himself although the Miami police and Brandt's publicist, Jacquie Tractenberg, declined to elaborate on any details.

The Miami Herald reported that Brandt had been devastated by the recent parody of himself in Netflix's new series, "Unbreakable Kimmi Schmidt". The wacky doctor in the series, played by Martin Short, was said to be inspired by Brandt. Netflix publicist Karen Barragan declined to comment Monday.

Brandt graduated from Rutgers University and obtained his medical degree from Drexel University Medical School. Unsure where he specialism lay at first, Brandt studied oncology, nephrology, haematology and cardiology but always returned to his love of aesthetics. During his research into Leukemia, Brandt realised the benefits of antioxidants and discovered the power of green tea, vitamin A, vitamin C and a series of Eastern botanicals. He believed in the power of nature and science brought together and completed his dermatology residency at the University of Miami.

Brandt's private dermatology practice opened in 1989 in Miami and nine years later he opened the New York office. He quickly became one of the most respected cosmetic dermatologists, specialising in injectables. Known as “The Baron of Botox,” he was considered the most experienced physician when it came to administering Botox and partnered with the makers of many leading injectables — including Dysport, Restylane, Perlane, Isolagen, Reloxin, Evolence, Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast — to run clinical trials with the Food and Drug Administration. In 2001, Brandt launched his self-named skin-care line, which is sold in prestige doors, including Sephora and Ulta.

His client list was long and distinguished with celebrities such as Madonna flocking to his doors. A spokesman for Madonna declined comment.

Speaking of Brandt, actress Kelly Ripa said, "Dr. Brandt was a true gentleman, an innovator, and a friend," said Ripa, cohost of ABC’s "Live With Kelly and Michael." "His professionalism was only matched by his charisma. He was charming. He was entertaining. He was a brilliant pioneer in the field of cosmetic dermatology and his loss will be felt for years to come."

He also authored "10 Minutes/10 Years: Your Definitive Guide to a Beautiful and Youthful Appearance," and "Age-less: The Definitive Guide to Botox, Collagen, Lasers, Peels, and Other Solutions for Flawless Skin," coauthored with Patricia Reynoso.

Calvin McDonald, president and chief executive officer of Sephora Americas said, "All of us at Sephora are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Fredric Brandt. He was a pioneer in dermatology, and due to his dedication and skill in the field, a leader in the beauty industry. He passionately believed that everyone should feel beautiful, and his ability to adapt the breakthroughs developed in his practice into effective over-the-counter treatments made him one of our clients’ favorites."

"Everyone on the Sephora merchant team will greatly miss Dr. Brandt, and the spirit, humor and passion for ageless beauty he brought to every encounter,” added Artemis Patrick, senior vice president of merchandising for Sephora. “Dr. Brandt worked tirelessly to share his scientific knowledge and expertise through his highly effective and innovative products, which have been among our most sought-after for many years."

"This was a brilliant man at the uncontested top of one of the most difficult and competitive professions, who took what was a crude science and turned it into something so refined, so subtle and so beautiful that it transformed literally thousands of lives," said Jean Godfrey-June, editor-at-large for Lucky. "He was an exceptionally generous philanthropist and was, to anyone who knew him, one of the kindest people with one of the biggest hearts in the world."

Added Sarah Brown, Vogue’s beauty director, "In addition to being a pioneer in the field of cosmetic dermatology — certainly one of the country’s most talented doctors — Dr. Brandt was the kindest, most generous man. He cared about his patients very deeply — not only how they looked, but how they felt. He understood the powerful role his work could play in enhancing a person’s self-confidence, and I think he took great pleasure from that gift."

"I met him several times over the years," said Ed Burstell, managing director of Liberty in London. "He was a lovely man who was dedicated to his particular vision of beauty — with an amazingly loyal clientele. He’ll be missed in the industry."

"I was Fred’s patient, his skin-care customer, and one of his many admiring friends," said Linda Wells, editor in chief of Allure. "A lot has been written about Fred Brandt as the ‘Baron of Botox,’ and although that’s fun and catchy, it doesn’t fairly capture his singular intelligence, his enormous care and his absolute excellence at his work. He had an immeasurable amount of compassion. Fred Brandt believed in beauty and wanted everyone he touched to experience it for herself."

Brandt is survived by his brother Paul. His publicist, Tractenberg, noted that donations in Brandt’s memory could be made to the Humane Society.

Until then...geek on!

The Ed.

Image courtesy of Michael Nagle
 

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