Medical Spa Week: The Medical Aesthetician In a Cosmetic Surgery Clinic

In a modern plastic surgery practice the role of the aesthetician is that of a collaborative professional.  Like the physician, the aesthetician is there to serve the patient and is an integral part of both the preoperative and postoperative care regimen.  The aesthetician helps to prepare the patient for surgery by offering medical spa treatments, is able to enhance the healing process and helps ensure that the patient is happier than otherwise.

The aesthetician should be  well qualified professional who goes above and the beyond the normal call of duty in skin care, assisting the physician in the outpatient surgery center, hospital, clinic or medical spa. Plastic surgeons look upon aestheticians as integral parts of the practice providing a key service.  Many studies indicate that in the unfortunate event that complications arise the patient will be less likely to litigate if he or she has been supported in the process through the use of aestheticians and other processionals.  Part of the job of the aesthetician is to provide TLC – tender loving care to the patients who are nervous or anxious or worried about their procedures.  The aesthetician also provides education to the patient about proper skin care, the place where it all begins, and this will help in the healing process.

A medical esthetician will be presented to the patient as the consummate skin care authority in the doctor’s office.  In addition to traditional medical support, services provided to the patient b the esthetician should include clinical skin treatment both pre and post operative; home skin care maintenance; post surgical camouflage makeup to hide bruising and make the patient less self-conscious; preoperative and post operative lymphatic massage therapy, both body and facial; and nutritional guidance.

Of course the medical aesthetician should be familiar with the patient’s skin type and their history, as well as being knowledgeable of facial ultrasound treatments, microdermabrasion, chemical and bioactive peeling agents, and aesthetic procedures. Providing patient education prior to surgery is critical and should start with the beginning spot for facial rejuvenation, the skin.  The skin contains several cell types including  melanocytes, fibroblasts, keratinocytes, immunocompetent, migrating mononuclear cells, and mastocytes.  The skin also contains connective tissue rich in extra cellular matrix, which is responsible for the reheological properties of the skin including mechanical resistance, suppleness and elasticity.  Other components include hydratin, thermoregulation and permeability regulation.

Peels and ultrasonic treatments performed by an aesthetician before facial rejuvenation stimulate cell proliferation and enhance the integrity of the skin’s internal structure and external texture. Alphahydroxy acid peels increase the synthesis of collagen, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid.  Through a thorough professional knowledge, proper treatment, and patient education the aesthetician in a plastic surgeon’s office contributes to patient satisfaction and to a positive outcome of the procedure.