Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/556136
Create your free business website! www.ascpskincare.com 41 The job tasks you may perform in the medical field are different than those in a spa, but there is no education requirement to work in a medical spa, other than your state license, because you are working under the supervision of a licensed medical professional. The skills medical spa owners look for are specific to their business. Here are some skills helpful for working in a medical spa environment: • An understanding of the medical profession: This means having knowledge of privacy procedures (HIPPA), the importance of charting, patient-informed consent, following doctor's orders, and how to work within a team. • Advanced technology training: A laser certification can be helpful here. You will still need manufacturer training on all esthetic devices before performing services. • Skin analysis and home-care recommendations: You will need to quickly and effectively explain what is happening within the client's skin and what home-care products should be used. Keep in mind that these guidelines are generally outlined by the medical director for you to present to the client. • Above-average sales skills: The ability to sell products, procedures, and packages, and in turn, the grow practice's bottom line, is essential. These are just some general guidelines; there are many post-licensing seminars you can attend to get additional skill sets that can be helpful. Is Medical Esthetics Right for You? The skill set needed to succeed in the medical field is different than working on your own or in a spa. If you truly enjoy giving your client a European facial with advanced massage techniques, you will be frustrated in the medi-spa environment. If you are uncomfortable with the sight of blood or disfigurement such as severe bruising, then working in a plastic surgeon's office probably isn't for you. Many estheticians that have been in the profession for more than 15 years have witnessed the changes the medical esthetic niche brought to the market. Some thought they might be missing out on part of the market and went back to get additional laser and chemical peel training, then went to work with, or for, doctors, but felt unfulfilled. Medical esthetics may be a valid option for our clients, but working eight hours a day shooting a laser or applying chemical peels under orders might not be the right path for everyone. Knowing the types of procedures and environment you enjoy is essential when contemplating entering this specialty. What Cosmetic Medical Services Can Be Supported by an Esthetician? Whether or not you decide to move into medical esthetics, there are some key things that are essential to understand, such as basic knowledge about procedures and skin science. With more than 8.5 million noninvasive cosmetic medical procedures performed in the US in 2012, and continued projected growth, it's likely that at some point you will be working on clients who have had some sort of cosmetic procedure. 1 The first place to start is to get a brief overview of the most popular medical esthetic services in your area (see the chart above for some common procedures). And if you want to directly support your client while they are getting injectable procedures such as Botox, it might be a good idea to try it yourself (if you are a candidate). Here are some common procedures and general knowledge you need to have to help your clients in a medical setting. Estheticians are not qualified to directly contradict a doctor's recommendation, but if you feel your client should avoid a procedure, you need to be fully educated to make a good case. Be aware, though, that if your client is determined to go forward with the service, you may just alienate them. Summary Medical esthetics can be a rewarding career, and the spa and medical worlds are coming closer together all the time. There may be a future where the terms esthetician and medical esthetician mean performing the same job tasks with the ability to work in any environment. Note 1. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, "Cosmetic Procedures Increase in 2012," accessed July 2015, www.surgery.org/media/news- releases/cosmetic-procedures-increase-in-2012. Procedure Esthetician's Role Injectables (e.g., Botox, Dysport, Juvaderm, Restalayne) Be aware of the contraindications and what these procedures will treat. Understand when a facial treatment can be done after a procedure and how a facial before treatment can enhance the procedure. Non-ablative laser treatments for hyperpigmentation, loss of firmness, and wrinkles Understand the types of treatments available, the type of home care needed, and the possible complications. Know who is a good candidate. Laser hair removal Understand how to explain the process to the client, including the Fitzpatrick Skin Types that can be treated; understand what complications can occur and whether waxing should be performed before treatment. Cellulite and body-shaping treatments (e.g., Venus Freeze, Viora, Velashape) Understand complementary services, how to do basic body treatments for improving the health of the skin, and who to recommend based on client feedback or personal experience. Training on these devices should be given by the manufacturer if you work in a medical setting. Susanne Schmaling, director of education for Associated Skin Care Professionals, is a licensed esthetician, experienced educator, former spa owner, founder of the Pacific Institute of Esthetics, author of A Comprehensive Guide to Equipment (Milady, 2009) and Aging Skin (Milady, 2011), and contributor to Standard Makeup (Milady, 2013). Contact her at sschmaling@ascpskincare.com.