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 ChallengesLaser 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 CareAdvanced 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
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.
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 inLaser 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.
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.
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 OptionAfter 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)
Survey: Women View Cosmetic Procedures As Measure of SuccessWomen appear to believe cosmetic procedures can give them the edge in an increasingly competitive workplace.
Source:
February 11, 2009 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 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 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.
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 MelasmaTopical Treatments for Melasma and Postinflammatory HyperpigmentationC.B. Lynde; J.N. Kraft, MD; C.W. Lynde, MD, FRCPC
Author Information
Laser Revision of ScarsLaser 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.
Telangiectasia may be treated with Laser based technology. The Nd:YAG 1064nm Laser effectively treats facial veins as well as telangiectasia of the lower extremeties. If varicose veins are present then the patient will require treatment of the varicose veins prior to treatment of the telangiectasia. Laser Genesis is effective in treating diffuse redness that often occurs with telangiectasia. LimeLight may also be used to treat diffuse redness and vessels seen on the face, neck and chest.
A telangiectasis refers to a visibly dilated blood vessel on the skin or mucosal surface. Telangiectases that develop in the absence of any preceding or coexisting cutaneous or systemic disease are considered to be primary or essential. Telangiectases resulting from or in association with a known disease state are classified as secondary.
Generalized Essential TelangiectasiaAuthor: David Green, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Howard University Hospital
Skin care treatment options for Cherry Hemangiomas may include shave excision, electrocautery or laser based technology. Cutera Nd:YAG 1064nm Laser is very effective for treatment as well as the Acutip500 (500nm - 635nm).
Cherry hemangiomas are the most common cutaneous vascular proliferations. They are often widespread and appear as tiny cherry red papules or macules.
Involvement of cherry hemangiomas is limited to the skin. These benign lesions are formed by a proliferation of dilated venules.
Cherry HemangiomaAuthor: Clarence William Brown Jr, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Director of Mohs Micrographic and Dermatological Surgery, Rush University Medical Center
A skin care treatment plan for the management of Rosacea must first start with assessing the clinical signs and symptoms. Laser based technology is often part of advanced skin care for the managment of Rosacea symtoms of redness. Laser Genesis is very effective at treating the diffuse redness. LimeLight may also be used to treat the diffuse redness but also to provide a vein treatment of facial telangiectasia.
Rosacea is a common condition characterized by symptoms of facial flushing and a spectrum of clinical signs, including erythema, telangiectasia, coarseness of skin, and an inflammatory papulopustular eruption resembling acne.
RosaceaBefore the initiation of therapy, the triggering factors that exacerbate the patient's rosacea should be identified and avoided if possible. These factors may be unique to each individual patient.
Treatment and MedicationAuthor: Agnieszka Kupiec-Banasikowska, MD, Consulting Staff, Division of Dermatology, Georgetown University Medical Center
Coauthor(s): Mana Ogholikhan, MD, Staff Physician, Division of Dermatology, Georgetown University Hospital;
Ravi Ratnavel, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Dermatology, Stoke Mandeville, Thames Valley Nuffield, Paddocks Hospitals, UK
Pseudofolliculitis of the BeardLaser based technology offers a solution to both Laser hair removal and as treatment for pseudofolliculitis barbae. This condition is often found in men with curly hair but can also affect women also. Infrared technology of the Nd:YAG 1064nm Laser offers a solution to skin types V - VI. In addition to treating pseudofolliculitis permanent hair reduction is often an added benefit.
Article - Author: Thomas G Greidanus, MD, Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, Parkview Medical Center
Coauthor(s): Beth Honl, MD, Dermatology Associates, PC; Private Practice
VitiligoVitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder of the skin and mucous membranes, and it is characterized by circumscribed depigmented macules and patches. It is a progressive disorder in which some or all of the melanocytes in the affected skin are selectively destroyed.
Depigmentation most often begins on the fingers, hands, and wrist but soon spreads to the face and feet. Depigmentation is progressive. The individual lesions progress from hypopigmentation to depigmentation. The white skin is more susceptible to sunburn.
It is important to determine if the depigmentation is true vitiligo. Any physical, chemical, or infectious agent that destroys the epidermis will destroy the pigment cells located along the basal layer. If the injury extends deep into the dermis and involves the hair bulbs and the other appendages, the normal reservoir of new pigment cells is destroyed, the skin will probably remain permanently white.
It is important when working with Laser based technology to properly identify the root cause for the loss of pigment. If the loss of pigment is from trauma, chemicals or infectious agents then it may be safe to use Laser based technology for laser hair removal, Laser vein treatment, Limelight for pigmented lesions and Laser Genesis for new collagen production.
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.
Postinflammatory HyperpigmentationPostinflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Differential Diagnoses & WorkupPostinflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Treatment & MedicationPostinflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Follow-upAuthor: Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH, Professor and Head of Dermatology, Professor of Medicine, Professor of Pediatrics, Professor of Pathology, Professor of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School
Coauthor(s): Nadia I Kihiczak, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Dermatology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Medical School
MelasmaAuthor: Andrew D Montemarano, DO, Consulting Staff, The Skin Cancer Surgery Center
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of melasma is uncertain. In many cases, a direct relationship with female hormonal activity appears to be present because it occurs with pregnancy and with the use of oral contraceptive pills. Other factors implicated in the etiopathogenesis of melasma are photosensitizing medications, mild ovarian or thyroid dysfunction, and certain cosmetics.
The most important factor in the development of melasma is exposure to sunlight. Without the strict avoidance of sunlight, potentially successful treatments for melasma are doomed to fail.
Race
Persons of any race can be affected. However, it is much more common in constitutionally darker skin types than in lighter skin types, and it may be more common in light brown skin types, especially Hispanics and Asians, from areas of the world with intense sun exposure.
Treatment with Cutera Laser Based technology may include the use of a Limelight facial in the "C" mode and Laser Genesis to treat the pigmented lesions. The use of Laser Genesis also provides improvement in texture of skin rejuvenation.
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