Contact Dermatitis

Friday, March 19, 2010 by Renee Lierly, RN
Contact Dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis

Advanced skin care may include ablative procedures such as chemical peels, ablative skin resurfacing and other Laser based technology. A common, often avoidable complication is contact or irritant dermatitis.

First Impressions

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 by Laura Cunningham
We know how important first impressions can be - on a job interview, on a date but also to a client who is visiting your practice for the first time.

Take a moment every day to survey your entrance, your reception, your exam or treatment rooms and even your private spaces where patients would not enter.

Look closely.  Do you see any debris?  Disorganized materials?  Empty holders for patient education brochures?  Any dust or cobwebs?  Do countertop signs obscure your staff or other messages or products?

Sit down in your reception seats.  Take a look around.  Be critical.

I visited a medical spa recently who offered laser based technology aesthetic procedures such as laser hair removal and skin tightening.  I noticed things I liked - good lighting, lots of product in a retail area but organized well.  Lots of messaging.  Good use of texture (tile, wood).  Very friendly receptionist.  The impression was one of a busy, thriving practice with a nice variety of procedures and product.

What I felt needed correction (and I mentioned to the nurse) was:  counter signage was obscuring the receptionist so she could not see us when we sat down.  There was a cobweb hanging from a can light in ceiling.  The TV over the doorway was primarily showing testimonial videos but the sound was off.  It would be better to either have small wireless speakers by the seating (so the message was heard) or switch the video to photo loops which do not require sound.  

These are all easy fixes. 

If you prefer - have a friend visit your practice and task them to notice anything that seems off.  Better you see it and fix it than for a less-than-ideal first impression be made by a new patient.   It's nice to know that some things - we can control.

Skin Lightening Challenges

Tuesday, September 1, 2009 by Renee Lierly, RN

Skin-lightening Challenges

Laser based technology has become a part of skin care treatment plan to address pigmented lesions.  Many treatment providers with use a combination of topical agents, chemical peels, Laser Genesis and LimeLight facial in skin rejuvenation and the reduction of pigmented lesions.




"Skin-Lightening Challenges" by By: Zoe Diana Draelos, MD

Vitamin C in Skin Care

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 by Renee Lierly, RN

Vitamin C in Skin Care

Advanced Skin Care starts with daily skin care management. This usually includes facial wash, moisturizers & sunblock. Many skin care products also include the use of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the ingredients.
It is important to optimize the results of Laser based technology such as Laser Genesis, LimeLight facial and over all skin rejuvenation with good daily skin care.


Source:

"Vitamin C in Skin Care"
By: Peter T. Pugliese, MD
Posted: June 2, 2009, from the June 2009 issue of Skin Inc. Magazine.

Hair Stimulation Following Laser and Intense Pulsed Light

Thursday, April 2, 2009 by Renee Lierly, RN

Hair Stimulation Following Laser and Intense Pulsed Light

The increased terminal hair growth occurred mostly in areas in which fine hair or both fine and coarse hair was present prior to initiation of treatment.

Laser based technology has provided a permanent hair reduction for many people. However, for a very small percentage there can be counterintuitive hair growth.

Increased terminal hair growth has been seen with near infrared and infrared technology.

It is important to be aware of this possibility when providing Laser Hair removal services.
 

Photosensitivity related to Laser & Light Based Skin Procedures

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 by Renee Lierly, RN

Photosensitivity related to Laser & Light Based Skin Procedures

Laser based technology in advanced skin care may cause photosensitivity reactions.
In a small number of people photosensitivity reactions have been reported after Laser Genesis treatments. If this should occur, please have the patient refrain from using their skin products 24 hours before and after the Laser Genesis treatment.

Alpha hydroxy acids also cause increased sensitivity to the sun.

http://www.realself.com/ingredient/alpha-hydroxy-acids

COLOR COSMETICS AND CONTACT DERMATITIS

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 by Renee Lierly, RN
Advanced skin care that includes Laser based technology, ablative and non-ablative combined with cosmetics may produce a rare complication of contact dermatitis. 

 COLOR COSMETICS AND CONTACT DERMATITIS


Cosmetic Reactions

Despite product testing by cosmetic companies before new product releases to the public, adverse reactions are still experienced by consumers of cosmetics. Cosmetics can cause reactions such as, but not limited to, irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, photocontact dermatitis, contact urticaria, pigmentary changes and acneiform reactions.

Source: Skin & Aging
Volume 17 - Issue 3 - March 2009
MARIA ELENA MIYAR, BA, AND LESLIE BAUMANN, MD

USE OF LASERS/DELEGATION OF MEDICAL FUNCTIONS

Thursday, March 19, 2009 by Renee Lierly, RN
The use and delegation of Laser based technology differs from state to state. Treatment providers are required to know the state laws that govern the use of Laser and Light based technology. Some states mandate that the physician be physically present and supervise procedures such as Laser Hair removal and vascular treatments. While other states mandate that the physician can delegate Laser based treatments to staff that have recieved adequate training. The physician is not required to be physically present when the Laser Hair removal or vein treatment is performed.


USE OF LASERS/DELEGATION OF MEDICAL FUNCTIONS REGULATION BY STATE

Last Updated: 7/1/2008

Old, tight face lifts are out, more natural-looking rejuvenation is in

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 by Renee Lierly, RN

Old, tight face lifts are out, more natural-looking rejuvenation is in

Laser Based Technology

“I’m not looking for the fountain of youth,” said Jeannie Wright, 60, of Memphis. “I don’t want magic, but just to look the best I can at my age.”

Wright tried Pearl, one of the city’s newest technologies to treat multiple brown spots on her face. Pearl uses a controlled thermal effect to vaporize part of the epidermis. It treats sun damage, hyperpigmentation, uneven textures and fine wrinkles and stimulates collagen production.

Wallace found the results of his surgery could be enhanced by lasers, so two years ago he joined with Mona Sappenfield in a new medi-spa, Mona Spa & Laser Center-Germantown, where Wright was treated with Pearl.

“Combination is where it’s at,” said Sappenfield. One of her most popular treatments is a laser double-punch: Laser Genesis for pores and redness and to jump-start collagen production, and Titan, which goes deeper into the skin and actually tightens it.

Pearl is a more aggressive treatment and may come as a surprise to laser users accustomed to just a few stings and no down-time. To get Pearl, your skin must be numbed with ointment. You’ll spend the next three days with your face slathered in Vaseline to keep it from hurting, and after that come two or three days of peeling.

It was well worth it for Wright, who saw, to her astonishment, nearly all of her spots literally drop off her face. Improvements have continued.

“My skin has gotten smoother and my pores tighter. … I don’t have a wrinkle on my face,” said Wright.

Source: www.aestheticmedicinenews.com

Pearl may be combined with Titan for skin tightening; Limelight for treatment of pigmented lesions; Laser Genesis for tone, texture, pore size.

 

Key Legal Issues for Medical Spas and Aesthetic Medical Practices

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 by Renee Lierly, RN

It is important for treatment providers to be familiar with legal issues of operating an Aesthetic medical practice. The regulations for the use of Laser based technology vary from state to state on who can perform the treatments. In some states Laser hair removal may be delegated to "an employee under the physician's supervision" while in other states the person performing the treatment must be a licensed healthcare professional. 

New Report Outlines Key Legal Issues for Medical Spas and Aesthetic Medical Practices


Source: The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine
www.IAPAM.com

Laser Safety



Source: Betty Minor, BS, RN is President of Laser Resource, Inc., Aurora, Colorado since 1986 actively consults and teaches laser safety programs, facility safety audits and overall laser safety development across the country. She was the Operating Room Director of Surgical Services; Director of Education east coast based Laser Company. She is a Sitting Member of the ANSI Z136.3 Safety Committee. She was instrumental in the development of the Medical Laser Safety seminar, which is recognized throughout the country as the most informative and practical for any health care laser facility. For more information, please contact her via e-mail at bettyminor@ds-int.com.






 

Aesthetic Medicine is a Profitable Option

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 by Renee Lierly, RN
There are many things to research and learn about starting an Aesthetic practice. The physician may want to offer skin rejuvenation with chemical peels and Laser based technology or a more advanced skin care practice with Laser hair removal, vein treatments or skin tightening. 

Physician Aesthetic Medicine Certification Training



Aesthetic Practice Startup Workshop Ensures Adding Aesthetic Medicine is a Profitable Option


After completing this workshop, participants will leave with a comprehensive business plan for their aesthetic medicine practice. This program will cover all aspects of creating a business plan for a profitable medical spa, including:

•    Financing options for physicians;
•    Target demographics for tailored aesthetic procedures;
•    Developing a menu of treatments and pricing strategies;
•    Establishing aesthetic practice protocols and HR for aesthetic practitioners;
•    Creating an effective marketing plan;
•    Finding the right location;
•    Staffing;
•    Federal and state legal and regulatory issues; and
•    Startup costs and reading financials.

Souce: International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)

Women View Cosmetic Procedures As Measure of Success

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 by Renee Lierly, RN
Survey: Women View Cosmetic Procedures As Measure of Success

Women appear to believe cosmetic procedures can give them the edge in an increasingly competitive workplace. 

Source: Healthy Aging.

Women consider laser based technology, chemical peels and advanced skin care very important part of the "dress of success".  Laser Genesis can be used on all ages and skin types to improve tone, texture and poor size. Limelight can treat pigmented lesions anywhere on the body and provide a vascular treatment to the face, neck and chest. 

RECORD NUMBER OF PATIENTS SEEK LASER TREATMENTS

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 by Renee Lierly, RN
Record number of patients seek laser based technology for laser hair removal, laser vein treatment, skin tightening and skin rejuvenation.

RECORD NUMBER OF PATIENTS SEEK LASER TREATMENTS

Treatment of Minor Burns

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 by Renee Lierly, RN
Treatment of Minor Burns


Cooling of the burn wound: the ideal temperature of the coolant.


Laser based infrared technology in advanced skin care can result in complications. Complications with Laser based technology can result when someone does not understand light/heat - tissue interaction, poor technique and inadequate cooling. Burn injuries can happen with vascular treatments, Laser hair reduction and the treatment of pigmented lesions. A treatment provider should never perform a treatment that may result in an adverse event that they can not recognize and properly treat.
Proper and timely treatment of a burn injury is key to minimize such adverse events as scarring and pigmentary issues.

It is very important to NEVER ICE a burn.

**Renee Lierly, R.N. has worked Burn Intensive care for 7 yrs and continues to work in a verified burn unit in the San Francisco/Bay area.

Topical Treatments for Melasma and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Friday, March 6, 2009 by Renee Lierly, RN
Melasma is often diffifult to treat and usually requires a multimodality skin care treatment plan. The treatment of Melasma may require a combination of laser based technology such as Laser Genesis, chemical peels, sun protection and skin care products over several months in order to diminish the appearance of the pigmented lesions.

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)  is a possible transient side effect of laser based technology, chemical peels, skin rejuvenation or trauma.  Sun exposure, genetic predisposition, hormones and inflammation are just a few of the contributing factors in the formation of pigmented lesions in skin types III-VI.  Properly identifying clients at risk of developing PIH is key to developing a skincare treatment plan with "prevention" as the primary focus.


Topical Treatments for Melasma

Topical Treatments for Melasma and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation

C.B. Lynde; J.N. Kraft, MD; C.W. Lynde, MD, FRCPC
Author Information

Laser Revision of Scars

Friday, March 6, 2009 by Renee Lierly, RN

Laser Revision of Scars

Laser based technology has been used in the Laser revision of scars. Laser Genesis is often a part of an advanced skin care treatment plan to induce collagen remodeling during the healing phase of the scar.