Updated on February 11, 2021 by Ryan Koenig
Most believe cosmetic procedures are for only those looking to fight the sands of time. However, contrary to this harmful stereotype, cosmetic procedures are more than merely about improving aesthetic appearance. The Mayo Clinic acknowledges that for many individuals, cosmetic procedures, or rather the results they bring, represent a profound sense of renewed self-esteem and self-confidence for patients.
Finding the right aesthetic laser service to add to your practice can give you the tools to help your clients and patients achieve the same feelings.
There is a lot to consider when selecting which cosmetic procedures would be the best fit for your operation. Luckily, there are many types of cosmetic laser treatments that give patients the similar results to traditional surgical practices. Most aesthetic laser procedures are outpatient, pose less risk and require less recovery time.
What Are “Aesthetic Laser Procedures?”
Most aesthetic laser procedures are technically categorized as types of cosmetic surgeries, but differ significantly from traditional surgical procedures.
“Laser skin resurfacing is a thermal photo-rejuvenation technique, that removes old skin cells using heat produced by a laser. The skin resurfacing procedure removes the outer layers of the skin. This stimulates the body to create new skin cells, which can change the appearance of skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, scars and other irregularities. The laser technique also heats the underlying skin layers and causes the collagen fibers which bind skin together, to tighten, giving skin a more toned look.” –Dr. Daniel Lanzer, Specialist Dermatologist at the Australasian College of Dermatology and member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
Laser procedures offer reduced risk and less intense side effects when compared to traditional surgery. Most laser skin resurfacing procedures require only a local or regional anesthetic isolated to the part(s) of the body being treated, reducing downtime.
Is a Laser Procedure Right for Your Patients or Clients?
There are many factors to consider when deciding if cosmetic laser treatments are a good fit your practice and clientele. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery explains, “Skin resurfacing treatments help to restore a more youthful, beautiful complexion by removing the most damaged outer layers of skin to reveal the healthier-looking skin beneath and encouraging new, healthy skin cell growth.”
Cosmetic lasers are not suited for all conditions. Jowling, sagging skin, or any kind of major facial feature restructuring is better addressed with traditional surgery. However, many of the most common conditions such as sun spots, minor wrinkles, sagging eyelids and unwanted body hair can all be corrected with lasers outside of the operating room.
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What Are the Advantages of Cosmetic Laser Procedures?
Following a cosmetic laser procedure, most patients recover more quickly and comfortably compared to those undergoing invasive cosmetic surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, most patients who undergo laser cosmetic procedures make a full recovery within one to two weeks. Some aesthetic laser procedures require follow-up treatments, but it depends on the specific regiment chosen.
Regardless of the number of treatments or overall length of procedure, laser cosmetic procedures give patients much more flexibility and require less down time when compared to traditionally invasive cosmetic surgery.
Cosmetic procedures aren’t just about improving aesthetic appearance; for many, these procedures provide a great sense of renewed self-esteem and self-confidence. Offering and expanding laser cosmetic procedures gives your clients a way to avoid the operating room and get back to their daily routines in less time.
Reducing your Risk: 3 Easy Steps to Safe + Successful Laser Cosmetics
Hire Qualified Staff and Train Them
The single biggest safety factor when considering any aesthetic laser procedure is who is performing the procedure. Currently, no national policy exists for credentialing those planning to practice laser surgery. Providers are responsible for training themselves and their staff.
Certification requirements vary state to state, so it is best to keep up to date with board-certified standards set forth by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.
Cosmetic laser procedures are safe, so long as the laser is in the right hands. “There’s a perception by the public that anybody can do this,” Dr. Alster told The New York Times in a 2014 interview. “People need to remember, it’s not the laser doing the work, it’s the operator.”
Discuss Expectations and Risks with your Patients
Anyone professionally trained with aesthetic lasers will easily be able to answer basic questions about procedures. Making a habit of over informing your patients during the initial consultation ensures everyone is on the same page and builds patient trust
Before going scheduling a procedure, make sure to explain the following:
- The risks involved with this particular procedure.
- Realistic expectations for laser treatment in relation to the patient’s skin type, hair color, complexion, and body area?
- Recovery time and after-care recommendations.
- Any concerns regarding the patient’s medical history.
Stay Up to Date
Being in the know about the laser cosmetic industry and demonstrating that knowledge confidently helps both your staff, and your clients feel safe and reassured. Research the procedures you offer and follow the development of new techniques and equipment that may provide better results for your clientele.
Manage Expectations
Make sure your patients have a realistic understanding of the results that they can expect. The Aesthetic Surgery Journal published a report which found, “People coming forward for cosmetic surgery can have inappropriate expectations and experience appearance-related psychosocial distress…. Unrealistic expectations for the results of a cosmetic procedure should raise a ‘red flag’ as these patients are inclined to dissatisfaction regardless of the quality of the medical result.”
Before and after photos can be deceiving, and often illustrate only the best case; make sure your patient truly understands this. Further, photo-documentation of cosmetic procedures in all stages is generally recommended as an industry best practice.
Your Trusted Supplier for Cosmetic Laser Equipment
Laser Service Solutions has a wide selection of new and pre-owned cosmetic laser equipment to help expand your practice. One of our certified technicians accompanies every rental we have out, for as long as the machine is in your office. We are here to help you, every step of the way. Contact our office to learn more about how you can add this cutting-edge technology to your practice.