In Memory Of The Legendary Dr. Fredric Brandt

Page Six has just confirmed the surprising news of Dr. Frederic Brandt's death. A legend in the cosmetics and beauty world, Dr. Brandt passed away at the age of 65 in his home in Coral Gables, Florida on April 5th. Often referred to as the “Baron of Botox” and the “King of Collagen,” he was a leader in injectable treatments, a celebrity among celebrities, and a forerunner of dermatological research and innovation. Dr. Brandt was one of the first doctors to use injectables and dermal fillers, revolutionizing the cosmetic dermatology field and helping to bring them into cosmetic use.

Dr Brandt’s publicist Jacquie Trachtenberg said, “He passed away this morning. He was suffering from an illness. Everyone who knows him is devastated.” She added, “I worked with him for over 20 years and he was an amazing man. Not only was he a brilliant doctor, but he was the kindest human being.” She declined to comment further.

Not only was Dr. Brandt a pioneer in his field, but he was beloved by his patients, a prominent art collector and as equally famed for his appearance and love of fashion.  A profile in The New York Times last year reads:

‘“To visit La Grenouille, Le Cirque, the Four Seasons or the Core club, or to travel the benefit circuit in New York and Los Angeles, is undoubtedly to encounter a Brandt creation, a person whose skin is smooth and yet not freakishly taut, whose cheeks possess the firm curvature of a wheel of Edam, whose unblemished flesh calls to mind a Jumeau bisque doll, a baby’s bottom or, perhaps, Madonna.”’

Dr. Brandt’s passion for advanced skincare started at Sloan-Kettering where he specialized in the research and treatment of leukemia and pioneered a way to use natural antioxidants to fight free-radical damage. Dr. Brandt studied the efficacy of elements like green tea, vitamin A, and vitamin C, which later became the basis of his now famous skincare line.

Dr. Brandt ran successful practices in both Manhattan and Miami, treating rock stars like Madonna, top models such as Stephanie Seymour and socialites including Jane Holzer. He was truly the forever young secret weapon behind many celebrities.

Dr. Brandt told the writer Guy Trebay that his goal was to restore a face to harmony. "I approach each face with a visual perception, an artistic perception and a medical perception,” he said.

Well Dr. Brandt, we will truly miss you.

With love,

Photo: Dr. Fredric Brandtstands before a work by Anish Kapoor in his Manhattan apartment.  Credit: Danny Ghitis for The New York Times