Incorporating skin care into a facial plastic surgery practice.

Starting a skin care practice takes patience and dedication, but it provides your patients with a necessary service for a comprehensive facial plastic and reconstructive surgery practice. This article discusses the differences between physician-directed skin care and spa-directed skin care and emphasizes procedures that may be performed by an aesthetician in a physician's office. Skin care practice can be classified into skin care regimens: chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and makeup. Optimal skin care regimens incorporate pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, including tretinoin, topical vitamin C, and hydroquinone. Microdermabrasion and superficial chemical peels, such as glycolic, salicylic, and trichloroacetic acid peels, are discussed. Noninvasive procedures by the physician, such as Botox and laser treatments, complement the procedures performed by the aesthetician. However, the physician is ultimately responsible for the philosophy of the skin care practice. Patient education, customer service, and skin health are key ingredients for success.