Skintique | Tips for Choosing a Skin Care Laser Center

The laser center should be associated with a local physician
who personally does significant laser work and is onsite most of the time to supervise experienced registered nurses if they are doing some of the treatments.

Look for a warm, knowledgeable individual approach and avoid places with mall-type, cookie-cutter atmosphere.
Be wary of clinics where there is no physician supervision, and the nurse is only minimally trained. Some of these clinics have received payment for treatment packages from patients, only to have gone bankrupt. A reputable laser center will have been in business for many years.

Ask for credentials, training and laser education.
Quality of care for skin services is better in a dermatology or plastic surgery office since it is their expertise. Ask what laser training the doctor or his staff have completed. How long have they been doing the treatments? How many have they done? Avoid places where skin treatments don’t seem like a good fit, for example, Botox in a dental office.

Be sure to choose the correct medical professional.
A dermatologist is a medical doctor who is an expert and specialist in skin. After attending medical school and internship, they study three years longer than general physicians to learn about the skin, hair, and nails. Doctors who complete the three-year residency program must take a two-part comprehensive test given by the American Board of Dermatology. Only physicians who pass both parts of the test are called “board certified” dermatologists. That means the doctor has met extensive requirements in skin disease and skin surgery. Plastic surgeons are board certified in the surgical specialty of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, which encompasses skin care also. Ask the doctor if he is board certified in dermatology or plastic surgery visit www.aad.org to verify a dermatologist’s board certification or www.asps.org for plastic surgery.

Schedule a cosmetic skin consultation
Make a list of your concerns so the doctor can explain all of the options available to treat you. He will explain to you how the treatment is done, how it will help you achieve your goal as well as how many treatments you may need. Possible side effects, if any, and who will be available to treat these should you have problems should be discussed. The doctor can also tell you how long he has been doing the treatments and how many he has done. You may wish to speak with other patients the doctor has performed the procedure on to hear about their experience in the clinic.

Before & After photos may only be as good as the paper they are printed on
Would you show your worst snapshot to someone you were trying to impress? Neither would your doctor, and sometimes they aren’t even the doctor’s work, but photos provided by the laser company or an aesthetic laser equipment manufacturer.

Let expertise determine your choice, not bargain pricing.
Would you choose your plastic surgeon because his price is lower, or rather, because he is highly skilled and an expert in his field? Many dermatologists and plastic surgeons have a variety of expensive laser equipment and experienced trained staff available so they can best address your individual skin problems. Remember, it is your healthy skin and beautiful face at stake.

Beware of Rent-a-Laser
Aesthetic equipment is very costly to purchase or lease, but when a physician makes a commitment to do this, he will usually be very familiar with how this equipment works to offer optimum results for patients. This translates into experience using the equipment. Some offices rent their lasers from companies which will bring them in once or twice a month for the day. This can also create a scheduling problem for the consumer who may need more time flexibility.

Do not do something because you feel pressured
A reputable laser clinic will not ever insist you do a treatment today. Instead you should be encouraged to take your time, consider it and call if you have any questions. The staff should be willing to spend as much time as necessary to address your concerns. If you are pressed, or offered “bonuses” to entice you to signup right away, be wary.

Looking for a specific tip? Skintique’s own skin care expert, Pamela Farrell, is here to answer all your questions.

Content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your physician for any medical conditions which may exist.