Skin Care 2015 Meeting Features Global Laser Expert On Best Practices To Achieve Optimal Results

MONTREAL, May 12, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Plastic surgical skin care and laser experts discuss the latest laser treatments and how to achieve better control of patient outcomes today at the Skin Care 2015 Annual Meeting hosted by the Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists (SPSSCS).

The core concepts to take into account when operating a laser to administer skin treatments include how to control pulse width, wavelength, power, spot size and cooling capabilities of the device. Practitioners should look for a laser device with a variety of adjustable settings that can be fine-tuned to suit an individual's needs.

"Once you understand the need to tailor each of these parameters to a particular patient, you are able to adjust them to increase efficacy and decrease complications," explains John E. Hoopman, Assistant Director of Environmental Health and Safety, Administrator of the Laser Program and Certified Medical Laser Safety Office, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. "It is important for aestheticians and physicians to know what to look for in a laser device and understand that more adjustability translates to better overall outcomes. In fact, I strongly recommend purchasing a device that appears to have more bells and whistles than you think you need."

"Laser treatments are offered in most plastic surgeons' practices so there is an inherent need for a better understanding of how to safely and properly administer laser treatments by aestheticians, physician extenders and plastic surgeons alike," notes Jeffrey M. Kenkel, MD, FACS, Professor and Interim Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Director of the Clinical Center for Cosmetic Laser Treatment, Medical Director for the Department of Plastic Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical University at Dallas, Past President of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and advocate for the annual laser course at the Skin Care Meeting. "All practitioners need unbiased information backed by expert research to offer their patients the best possible care and Mr. Hoopman is an integral part of the process for us to bring that information to both SPSSCS and ASAPS members."

Hoopman, a laser expert who has lectured around the world, worked with The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for 11 years as vice chairman where he helped to refine Z136.3 - Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care, a set of safety standards for the use of lasers in hospitals, offices, and clinics for medical purposes.  Physicians who utilize lasers in their practices are required to meet the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) standards and state requirements for safety from policies and procedures to personal protective equipment.

Mr. Hoopman noted that patients need to be aware of the level of experience and education of the person treating them. They should ask the following questions prior to undergoing any procedure:

• Where did the practioner receive their light-based device education?
• Do they have some form of medical degree, (M.D., R.N. or certified Physician's Assistant)?  If not, are they a certified or registered aesthetician?
• Is a physician on-site to pre-diagnose and to be present during the procedure if any complications arise?

Laser treatments can be performed on various sections of the body including vascular, micro-resurfacing, hair treatments and skin tightening. A physician should be on-site during the procedure to pre-diagnose the patient, to be certain the patient is receiving the correct laser treatment and in case any complications arise during the procedure.

About SPSSCS

The Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists (SPSSCS) was founded in 1994 by a group of renowned plastic surgeons, members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), who recognized the need to educate and provide clinical skills to skin care specialists who provide services to plastic surgical patients in the offices of board-certified plastic surgeons. The SPSSCS is uniquely positioned as the only national skin care specialty organization aligned with the plastic surgery specialty. The Society is comprised of 350 members who are either nurses or aestheticians. For more information visit www.spsscs.org.

SOURCE Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists

Related Links

http://www.spsscs.org