Spring 2015

Specialty
Official Publication of the
S O C I E T Y
O F
SkinCare
Pamela Hill, RN, Editor
P L A ST I C
S U RG I C A L
Spring 2015
S K I N
C A R E
S P E C I A L I STS
OTC Alternatives for
TreatingSkinDiscolorations
Gail Belott, RN
H
From the Editor’s Desk
Pamela Hill, RN
A
s I sit here, the snow is falling
like crazy!!! I am wondering will spring
ever come? How is this weather affecting
your business, especially those on the
East Coast? If you can even get to
your spa/clinic, it is important that we
provide interesting packages of treatments to entice our clients to do the
same. Winter weather is terrible for
the skin and for those of us that must
endure it, we all know that skin care is
critical. Hopefully, this newsletter will
give you some ideas on how to streamline your business and look for new ideas.
Speaking of new ideas, the SPSSCS
Annual Meeting is coming up it is
important to recognize that seeing the
program first-hand, meeting up with
old friends and making new friends
Continued on page 3
yperpigmentation:
How do you and your patients
describe it? Freckles, sun spots,
age spots, solar lentigines,
lentigo, liver spot, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation
(PIH), chloasma, melasma, skin
discoloration. These clusters &
clumps of melanocytes is a result
of an enzyme, tyrosinase that
converts tyrosine to melanin.
Tyrosinase activity is stimulated by
aggressors including UV overexposure,
inflammation including acne and hormonal
fluctuations and is an immune response
commonly seen on the face, chest and
hands but can appear anywhere on the
body. Some drugs will react with melanin
and induce pigmentation changes in
the skin. The list is quite extensive for
photosensitivity but the more common
are: acne medications, antibiotics,
antiarrhythmics, Benadryl, diuretics,
naproxen (Aleve), & cancer medications.
Oral contraceptives or hormone therapy,
antimalarials, NSAIDs (Advil or Motrin),
Dilantin, amiodarone, antipsychotics, and
tetracycline are common medications that
cause hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure
SPSSCS Mission
The Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care
Specialists is a voluntary, non-profit organization
dedicated to the promotion of education,
enhancement of clinical skills and the delivery
of safe, quality skin care provided to patients.
intensifies these side effects.
Uneven pigmentation will
affect most people, regardless of
ethnic background or skin
color. In fact, half of females
between ages 35-59 cite
discoloration and uneven skin
tone as a more significant
concern than loss of skin
firmness. Research is attempting
to pinpoint the roles of stem
cell, neural, vascular and local hormonal
factors in promoting melanocyte activation.
Skin lighteners have been around for
a very long time. Over the counter
hydroquinone (HQ) is available at a 2%
strength and prescriptive hydroquinone
starts at 3%–4% and higher when
compounded by pharmacies. Though HQ
is considered a “Gold Standard” in the
treatment of hyperpigmentation, there
are also many concerns regarding its
safety. For that reason skin lightening is
controversial. In some parts of the world,
HQ is not available because of the
damaging effects of long term use. When
used as recommended by The Physician
Desk Reference (PDR) it should be used
Continued on page 4
SPSSCS Board of Directors 2014–2015
Elena Reyes, C-RMA, RST
Cindy Steele, LA, NCEA
Shay Moinuddin, MHA, CPSN
Craig W. Colville, MD
President
Secretary/Treasurer
Member-At-Large
ASAPS Advisor
Nina Spadaccino
Donna Erb
Alicia Barrera, RST, RMA
Renato Saltz, MD
President-Elect
Member-At-Large
Parliamentarian
ASAPS Advisor
Lizabeth Clouse, RN, CPSN
Pamela Hill, RN
Abbey Helton, BSN, RN C, CPSN, CANS
Vice President
Member-At-Large
Immediate Past President
SPSSCS Central Office • 11262 Monarch Street, Garden Grove, CA 92841 • www.spsscs.org
562-799-0466 or 800-486-0611 • Fax 562-799-1098 • email: info@spsscs.org
1
THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Elena Reyes, C-RMA, RST, CIDESCO DIPLOMAT
A
s I write
my Presidential
Message, spring is
on its way and a new energy is all around
us! The SPSSCS Annual Meeting in
Montréal is just around the corner and we
look forward to a great French experience
in Montréal, where we will gain new
knowledge on wonderful technologies for
our skin care practices, as well as network
and make great new friends.
This past year has been a busy one
filled with opportunity for our Society. For
the second year, the SPSSCS was invited to
plan a day of education called “The Clinical
& Business Side of Skin Care organized in
conjunction with the ASAPS Facial
Symposium in Las Vegas. We had a great
line up of speakers who presented timely
topics. From Dr. Jeffrey Kenkel who
presented “Pre & Post Op Laser—Skin Care
Options,” Alicia Barrera on “Clinical
Aspects of Permanent Makeup in the Plastic
Surgeon’s Office,” Therese Clark on
“Probiotics in Skin Care” and Dr. James
Hoyt on ”The New Hybrid Laser (Halo)
for Facial Rejuvenation,” as well as great
business and marketing strategies to add to
the practice. I really enjoyed Kyle Mills,
who presented “Marketing in the Aesthetic
Practice,” and Sandra Adams on “Product
Vendor Selection-How to Cultivate.” A
huge Thank You to all of the wonderful
speakers that took time out of their busy
schedules to present! I would like to
thank Debi Toombs, ASAPS Director of
Education, for giving us the great opportunity
to promote our organization. I would also
like to thank Karen Menard for being my
co-chair and for all of her hard work as we
planned the program. There is a start to
everything when we take the opportunity!
It is so important to continue to
challenge ourselves and learn new and
exciting technologies both in clinical skin
care and business. My background as an
allied health care professional in the
medical and surgical setting; Licensed
Master Medical Esthetician and business
owner, dramatically enhanced when I
became a member of the SPSSCS ten years
ago. I have had the opportunity to grow as
a leader and as a skin care specialist, as well
as the great opportunity of serving in every
position on the Board of Directors. I have
also been very humbled to volunteer in
Anaheim, California at World Burn Congress.
As I near the end of my term, I have
learned so much from my fellow Board of
Directors and our members. I want to give
a huge thank you to my colleagues and
peers that have inspired me and helped me
to be a leader and for being able to serve as
your President. It has truly been an honor!
Each and every one of you are special
and I encourage each one of you to always
stay inspired. Remember why we are in the
wonderful profession that we are in and
why we call it our career. Get involved,
serve, and I promise it will be a huge
growth experience. Our passion and heart
is what gets us to that next level when we
just take the opportunity. I would like to
end my Presidential Message with a quote
from Paulo Coelho, “An enthusiastic heart
finds opportunity everywhere.” ▲
WelcomeNewMembers
Karen Menard, RN
Chair, Membership/Mentor Committee
Wade Nicole Boye—London, ON, Canada
Allison Buckelew—Atlanta, GA
Holland C. Cates—Milwaukie, WI
Erica Dugar—Spartanburg, SC
Roxanne Edwards—Kansas City, KS
Heather M. Farris—Janesville, WI
Amada Farris—Janesville, WI
Teri Fletcher—Nashville, TN
Stanley P. Frileck, MD—Beverly Hills, CA
Nicole Haley—Dallas, TX
Jill A. Haynes, LE—Sacramento, CA
Joyce Huang—Great Neck, NY
Beth Hunt—East Lansing, MI
Jana Ruth Kazazic—Fort Worth, TX
Kelly Kubas—Toronto, ON, Canada
Chelsey LaDew—Baltimore, MD
Lori Lankford—Nashville, TN
Jessica Litwiller—Bloomington, IL
Deborah Macomber—Hingham, MA
Izabela Marylski—New Brunswick, NJ
Kate Ohde—Dublin, OH
Barbie Jo O’Hearn—Grand Rapids, MI
2
Bambi Gay Osborne LaFont, RN—
Jackson, TN
Marsha L. Ostrander—Viera, FL
Isabelle Perron—Laval, QC, Canada
Kim Peters—Altamonte Springs, FL
Maria Angelica Rossino, LE—Bryn
Mawr, PA
Marily Salls—Chevy Chase, MD
Erica Savoie—Toronto, ON, Canada
Dawn Schuste—Danville, PA
Heidi Sivertsen—Renton, WA
Jacqueline Smeak, RN—Greenville, SC
Jeanice Smith, RN, BSN—West Linn, OR
Jacqueline Tannian—Boston, MA
Jill Tyrrel—Dallas, TX
Sherry Weddle—Scottsdale, AZ
MEMBER PROFILE:
Katelyn Westbrook
FROM THE EDITOR
Continued from Cover
I
would have never imagined when I
graduated from nursing school seven years
ago that I would end up in the field of
Aesthetics. After three years of working in
cardio-thoracics and building my nursing
skills, I was ready to settle into a career in
the operating room. My first experience in
the OR was ten months of working in
mainly vascular surgery in Germany. There,
I was able to scrub for surgeries and circulate. After moving back to
Tennessee, I decided to continue building my OR skills by taking a
position in outpatient surgery. I found that, while I loved being in
the OR, I missed the patient interaction that so many of us feel
called to. Just as I was preparing to explore further scholastic and
nursing opportunities, an exciting offer knocked at my door. A
group of plastic surgeons who operate frequently in the surgery
center I worked at decided to add an aesthetic nurse to their practice!
I am extremely proud to work at the Plastic Surgery Group in
Chattanooga, TN. We are Chattanooga’s first and largest plastic
surgery practice with five Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. Our
physicians are faculty members of the departments of plastic and
orthopedic surgery at the University of Tennessee College of
Medicine Chattanooga, which allows them to stay on the cutting
edge of medical research and education. While our surgeons place
much value in skin care and other non-surgical services, they were
finding they did not have the time to develop that aspect of the
practice to its full potential.
As the first person to serve such a role in the practice, I found
building our skin care and aesthetic business to be challenging.
Wading through what seems like endless skin care lines and product
ingredients to find the best options for our patients can be daunting
for the novice! Becoming a member of the SPSSCS has been greatly
beneficial to my journey.
While creating the best treatment plan available for my patients
is the main goal of what I do, I find the reward to be so much more
than beautiful skin. Patients come to us with a poor self-image
trusting that we will do our best to help them feel more confident.
When I close the door to sit down with a patient and ask what has
brought them to me, the front we all put on for the rest of the world
falls away. I see my mother and the private insecurities she shares
with me. I see my best friend with her shoulders slumped because
her skin is broken out. I see myself. We all deal with insecurities but
we stuff them inside of us and it affects our self-worth. To have the
opportunity to help someone take those insecurities and leave them
feeling more confident is a blessing. What we do is much more than
improving someone’s skin. It is giving them the confidence they
need to live the life they imagine.
As a new member of the Aesthetic Community I look forward to
learning and growing from all of your experience, fostering my
relationship with the SPSSCS. ▲
3
simply can’t be missed. Sometimes it is the networking that
makes our meetings so fabulous, and hearing what others are
doing in their spas may spark ideas for you and your spa.
This year, the meeting agenda includes everything from
injectables to skin care to the latest in cosmetic surgery. But
what caught my eye was the information that is going to be
presented on microneedling. Many of you have been doing this
for several years, but for those that are beginners or those that
are curious, this is the meeting to attend. I find that even if I
know a lot about a subject I can always pick up a “pearl” or two
that improves my patient care. That is what is so great about our
meetings. Experts presenting expert information.
So while the meeting is in Montréal, and that might seem
like an expensive and daunting trip, think of all the information
you will gain and the friends you will see. It is definitely worth
it. If even for that one little pearl that helps you provide a safe,
cutting edge treatment for your patient. Additionally, the exchange
rate for those from the USA is very favorable right now!
For more information on the SPSSCS Annual Meeting please
visit www.spsscs.org/meeting2015. Hope to see you in Montréal!!! ▲
OTC ALTERNATIVES FOR
TREATING SKIN DISCOLORATIONS
Continued from Cover
daily for no more than 6 months. Its initial
effect of inhibiting pigmentation is lost
with prolonged application and sun
stimulation.
Cosmeceuticals are a more natural
alternative to a prescriptive and found in
high quality OTC products. These
alternatives have pushed the medical
industry to evaluate the use of more
natural ingredients. Some older common
favorites include licorice, kojic acid,
arbutin, niacinamide and soy and they all
help even out discoloration. The
discovery of safe non-prescriptive
alternatives for the treatment of skin
discolorations has become a key focus
amongst formulators and dermatologists.
Natural skin lightening compounds derived
from plants are being added and combined
with other compounds. These blends have
demonstrated the ability to inhibit the
production of melanin without being toxic
to the melanocyte.
INGREDIENTS TO CONSIDER FOR
THE TREATMENT OF SKIN
DISCOLORATION INCLUDE
Retinol—In addition to smoothing fine
lines and controlling acne, a retinol or
retinoid also treats discoloration. It
exfoliates existing pigment spots at the
stratum corneum and enhances penetration
of other ingredients.
Hydroxyethyl Urea/Aminosulfonic
Acid Compound—Cell differentiation and
desquamation slow down significantly with
age, decreasing the epidermal renewal cycle
to approximately 45 days, causing skin to
appear dull and rough. This compound
helps promote cell differentiation,
encouraging cell migration to the skin’s
surface.
A TRIPLE SYNERGISTIC ANTIOXIDANT
COMBINATION:
Phloretin—a flavonoid derived from
apples and the root bark of fruit trees
neutralize free radicals and suppresses
radiation-induced oxidative reactions,
accelerates cell turnover and inhibits UVinduced melanogenesis.
L-Ascorbic Acid—Neutralizes free
radicals, suppresses radiation-induced
oxidative reactions, prevents UV
immunosuppression and promotes collagen
synthesis.
Ferulic Acid—an ubiquitous plant
antioxidant neutralizes free radicals and
suppresses radiation-induced oxidative
reactions, inhibits UV-induced
melanogenesis.
ANOTHER TRIPLE SYNERGISTIC ANTIOXIDANT
COMBINATION:
L-Ascorbic Acid, Ferulic Acid & Alpha
Tocopherol—Neutralizes free radicals,
provides photoprotection and aids in the
healing process.
Both of these triple antioxidant
combinations provide 8-times the skin’s
natural photoaging protection. These
synergistic formulations provide unmatched
protection against UV-induced erythema,
free radical formation and cellular damage.
A daily AM application offers ultimate
protection from UV light and associated
skin damage.
A new strategy for the treatment of skin
discolorations is a multi-layer approach that
has been proven as effective as 4% HQ +
0.025% tretinoin (JDD1/2013) in treating
skin discoloration.
Salicylic Acid—a type of phenolic acid
from the bark of the willow tree, exfoliates
existing pigment spots at the stratum
corneum and enhances penetration of other
ingredients.
Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid—a
non-toxic hydroquinone derivative inhibits
melanin transfer to keratinocytes
throughout the layers of the epidermis
without cellular toxicity. It also has
photoprotective effect to help protect
against the worsening and reoccurrence of
pigment and reduces inflammatory response
to UVB radiation.
Continued on page 5
4
OTC ALTERNATIVES FOR
TREATING SKIN DISCOLORATIONS
Continued from Page 4
Ellagic Acid—a polyphenol found in
fruits, vegetables, and nuts, also considered
a quasi drug in Japan, blocks excess
melanin by inhibiting tyrosinase at the
basal layer. It was also shown in-vivo to
be as effective as 4% hydroquinone in
reducing dark spots.
Yeast Extract—Found primarily in the
skin of dark colored fruits like grapes and
plums strengthens dermal fibroblasts to
enhance skin’s resistance to new and
reoccurring pigmentation and reduces
intracellular melanin. In addition, it
increases GAG synthesis in the dermis.
The treatment of pigmentation is not
mono-focal but rather a multi-layer
combination of therapies that treats all the
layers of the skin. Additionally, teaching
proper SPF Protection is a key component
to keeping the skin clear of discoloration.
It is imperative to use a SPF of 30 or higher
all exposed areas, face, neck, and the backs
of your hands every single day.
Gail Belott, RN—SkinCeuticals Sr. Manager
National Clinical Training & Education—has over
30 years of experience in the medical industry
working in a hospital setting and medical aesthetics.
She started one of the first medical skin care
programs in 1994 for a group of five plastic surgeons
in an ambulatory surgery center in New Jersey
implementing the Micropeel Corrective Peel
Program. Gail became a National Clinical Trainer
in 2005 for the Micropeel Program working closely
with physicians and their staff to develop a
successful corrective skin care program. ▲
World Burn Congress 2014
W
hat a
beautiful experience
it was to be part of
this year’s Image
Enhancement team
at World Burn
Congress in
Anaheim, CA!
I must say, it was another journey that has
touched my heart in so many amazing
ways. A definite highlight was being able
to show support with fellow SPSSCS
members Elena Reyes and Susan Tognazzini
as we joined in The Walk of Remembrance.
It was an awesome feeling and reminder
of the incredible strength we all have to
give to one another through teamwork
and support.
It was all so touching—the client
consultations, make-up applications, and
transformations, and hearing the encouraging
words of J.R. Martinez along with Robert
Hall’s visual, singing, and inspiring words of
SPSSCS MEMBER VOLUNTEERS SUSAN TOGNAZZINI
ELENA REYES
AND
Alicia Barrera, RST, C-RMA
wisdom. Not to mention attending a
specialty make-up artist training session
with Barbara Kammerer Quayle, in which
Susan, Elena, and I received specialty
training in camouflage techniques for
traumatic skin injuries with renowned
Hollywood make-up artist Maurice Stein.
His talent and amazing skills, along with
his teaching ability made it such a great
learning experience!
It was a pleasure to be able to interact
and teach our clients the different techniques,
tips, and tricks that allow us to bring our
best face forward. Teaching that make-up
can be fun as well as therapeutic for both
men and women is just so powerful. Being
able to guide each client with make-up
techniques and being able to see just how
good our clients are at applying make-up
themselves, individually, was a great
moment and experience for us as
practitioners. There were many smiles!
The power and benefit that the art of
make-up application gives us is that we
have the ability to transform, disguise,
emphasize, and create different illusions and
looks. Make-up is meant to enhance our own
natural beauty, by bringing our best face
forward. This is what makes make-up
application so special and magical! Make-up
allows us to create what we want, a beautiful
face and a canvas, that allows us to change,
transform, and create all the different looks
we desire. Whether it be natural or
dramatic, we have the ability to change
what we want. That’s the beauty of it!
5
As I sum up all of the great experiences
and memories that I will forever hold close
to my heart from this year’s World Burn
Congress, I would like to take the time to
encourage each and every one of you to
participate in next year’s World Burn
Congress. You will surely be inspired to
learn and grow in a positive way. It is a
chance to help others! I look forward to
seeing the growth and support for World
Burn Congress. Last, I would like to thank
my SPSSCS partners, Susan and Elena,
who were so amazing and a delight to
work with. ▲
In Appreciation
We would like to express our sincere
gratitude to the following companies
for their generous support of this year’s
World Burn Congress
Image Enhancement Program:
S P S S C S 2 0 1 5 – 2 0 16
Nominating Slate
T
he Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors are pleased to recommend the following
nominations for the 2015–2016 Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee consists of
two SPSSCS members elected at the Annual Business Meeting, the two Board Representatives
from The Aesthetic Society (ASAPS) and the SPSSCS Immediate Past President. Elections will
be held during the Member Business Meeting on Wednesday, May 13 at our 21st Annual
Meeting in Montréal, Québec, Canada.
PRESIDENT—
AUTOMATIC FROM
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Nina Spadaccino—
Houston, TX, is a clinical
aesthetician and laser
specialist with over 16
years experience in the field of cosmetic
and plastic surgery. In 2006, she joined
Town & Country Plastic Surgery as the
Practice Director, managing multiple
locations and a team of 30 employees.
Nina is a General Partner of EventsRx, LP, a
physicians’ marketing and consulting firm
based out of Houston, TX. She attended
the World Burn Congress in October, 2010
and September, 2012, as part of the
SPSSCS Image Enhancement Team. In
addition to being a member of SPSSCS
since 2007, she looks forward to serving a
fourth term on the Board of Directors as
President.
PRESIDENT-ELECT—
ONE-YEAR TERM
Lizabeth Clouse,
RN, CPSN—Little Rock,
AR, has been in nursing
as an RN since 1980. Her
experience has been in
the operating room, intensive care, and in a
plastic surgeon's office. She received her
CPSN certification in 1991. She worked as
office nurse, operating room assistant, skin
care specialist and nurse injector for Dr.
Robert Lehmberg (1989-2004). Liz has
been member of SPSSCS since its
inception. She served on the SPSSCS Board
of Directors as Treasurer in 1997.
Liz has had her own business within
the office of plastic surgeon Dr. Ed Love for
the past ten years. Her duties include:
injection of neuromodulators and fillers;
laser treatments and skin care including
chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
VICE PRESIDENT—
ONE-YEAR TERM
Cindy Steele, L.A.
NCEA—Little Rock, AR, is
a licensed aesthetician
and is a certified national
esthetician set forth by
the National Coalition of Estheticians.
(NCEA) She has been in the skin care
industry for 20 plus years and is a partner
with her sister, Chotsie, for 7 years at
Advanced Aesthetics of Arkansas in
association with Arkansas Plastic Surgery.
They have a thriving business specializing
in body treatments, skin tightening therapy
and a multitude of specialty lasers. A strong
retail business is an integral part to their
success in this economy. She has served on
the SPSSCS Board of Directors as
Parliamentarian, as well as the Scholarship
and Program Committees. She co-chaired
the “Master Aesthetician” pre-meeting
course at the SPSSCS Annual Meeting in
Boston and lead a networking roundtable
discussion at the Vancouver meeting. Cindy
was recently appointed by Arkansas
Governor Mike Beebee to the Cosmetology
Technical Advisory Committee Board as
Vice President for a two-year term.
6
SECRETARY/TREASURER
—ONE-YEAR TERM
Donna Erb—
Wyomissing, PA, has been
employed at Berks Plastic
Surgery since 2005 as a
licensed aesthetician and
skin care counselor. With over 20 years of
experience in the field of aesthetics, she
finds great pleasure in educating her clients
with information regarding non-surgical
services such as microneedling, laser hair
removal and treatment for rosacea. She has
completed training in Obagi systems and
specializes in advanced laser techniques.
Donna has been a member of the SPSSCS
for the last 10 years, has been an SPSSCS
Board member for the last 3 years and is
also a member of the Aesthetics Leadership
Community.
MEMBER-AT-LARGE—
ONE-YEAR TERM
Susan Eldridge—
Portland, OR, has been a
licensed aesthetician since
1980 after graduating
from the First National
School of Aesthetics in Boston, Massachusetts.
After moving to Portland, Oregon in 1990,
she has been in plastic surgery skin care for
20 years. She is currently working for Dr.
Kathleen Waldorf at the Waldorf Center
for Plastic Surgery, specializing in the use
of modalities such as ultrasound and
microneedling along with pre and post-op
treatments and clinical skin care consultations.
A member of the SPSSCS for 18 years, she
has volunteered with the World Burn Congress
and as a Mentor to new SPSSCS members.
Susan is an advocate of education and
advancing her knowledge in the science of
skin care.
MEMBER-AT-LARGE—
ONE-YEAR TERM
Pamela Hill, RN—
Denver, CO, is the CEO
of a multi-location
medical spa. She has
been in the medical spa
business with John A. Grossman M.D.,
Grossman Plastic Surgery since 1991.
Pamela is an international author, the
developer of a national skin care line and
has a passion for fillers and Botox. This
passion has grown her business into the top
50 largest Allergan accounts. She has been
a member since 2009 and currently serves
as Editor of the SPSSCS newsletter.
MEMBER-AT-LARGE—
ONE-YEAR TERM
Shay Moinuddin, RN
—Chicago, IL, is the
Practice Manager and an
Aesthetic Nurse Specialist
at The Few Institute for
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, with offices in
Chicago and New York. Shay manages the
daily operations of the clinical practice,
AAAASF accredited surgical suite, and The
Few Institute Skin Clinic. In addition to
her managerial responsibilities, Shay is also
a highly experienced nurse injector, laser
specialist and skin care clinician. She has
received the elite Physician Extender and
Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist
certifications, which credential her
expertise in minimally invasive cosmetic
procedures.
IMMEDIATE PASTPRESIDENT—
AUTOMATIC FROM
PRESIDENT
Elena Reyes, CRMA, RST—Yakima,
WA, is a Licensed Master
Esthetician certified in medical esthetics,
and holds the International CIDESCO
Diploma. She has been licensed since 2001,
and is also a certified professional airbrush
makeup artist. She has volunteered at
World Burn Congress since 2009 and
trained with The Look Good Feel Better
Program. She developed Cascade Esthetics
and The Make-Up Boutique, where she
provides a full range of medical anti-aging
services and specializes in all aspects of
makeup artistry and fashion styling trends.
Elena has been involved in the medical/
surgical field for over 13 years as an Allied
Health Care Professional and holds two
Associate of Applied Science degrees as a
(C-RMA) Medical Assistant and Registered
Surgical Technologist. For the past 12
years, she has worked with board-certified
plastic surgeons Dr. Christopher Hauge
and Dr. James Hoyt as their Registered
Medical Assistant and Registered Surgical
Technologist. She is a Master Educator and
is passionate about the enhancement of
educational skills in the medical esthetics
field. Elena has contributed several articles
for “Specialty Skin Care,“ moderated, and
presented at several SPSSCS meetings, and
was the Chair for the planning of the
ASAPS Facial Symposium “The Clinical and
Business Side of Skin Care“ in Las Vegas
She previously served as Parliamentarian,
Member-at-Large, Secretary/Treasurer,
Vice President and President–Elect, and
currently as President on the SPSSCS
Board, where she also served as Chair of
the Membership Committee.
NOMINEES FOR THE 2014
NOMINATING COMMITTEE ARE:
Bea Hunter Erdman—
Tampa, FL, is a licensed
cosmetologist and
medical skin care
specialist who has been in
practice since 1970. Ms.
Erdman was the Inaugural
President of The Society of Plastic Surgical
Skin Care Specialists from November 1994
to April 1996, has served as Advisor,
Nominating Chair, Scientific Program
Chair and participated on several
committees. She has been a speaker
for the Society on multiple
occasions and continues
to be an active
member of
the Society.
7
Stephanie Holden
RN, BSN, CANS—
Dallas, TX, is a registered
nurse working at
EpiCentre Park Lane, the
laser and skin care facility
for the doctors of Dallas
Plastic Surgery Institute. She served as
Nurse Manager of EpiCentre from August,
2008 - July, 2013. Stephanie is skilled in the
performance of Fraxel Re: Store Dual
treatments, IPL, Thermage, Ulthera,
Liposonix and other skin rejuvenation
treatments. She currently focuses practice
on performing neurotoxin and filler
injections for Dr. A. Jay Burns’ patients. A
registered nurse for 32 years, she has spent
the last 22 years in the field of Cosmetic
and Plastic Surgery. She was the nurse
administrator of Dallas Day Surgery Center,
the surgery center for the physicians of
Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, for 7 years.
She has been a member of the SPSSCS
since 2002 and has served as Treasurer,
Member-at-Large, President-Elect and
President. Stephanie is also a member of
the American Society of Plastic Surgical
Nurses and the American Society for Laser
Medicine and Surgery. She served on the
ASPSN Task Force for writing the CANS
certification test and obtained her certified
aesthetic nurse specialist certification in
October, 2014.
All nominees meet the qualifications
required by the SPSSCS and are willing to
serve in the designated capacity, if elected. ▲
Looking for High Level Skin Care Education
from Sources You Trust? Look No Further.
D
o you have a nurse or aesthetician
in your practice? Could your existing staff
benefit from unbiased plastic surgical skin
care education? They will definitely benefit
by attending the many educational
presentations at the Society of Plastic
Surgical Skin Care Specialists (SPSSCS)
Annual Meeting, Skin Care 2015: Exploring
Science and Technology in Plastic Surgical
Skin Care, May 12–15, 2015 at Le Westin
Montréal Hotel in Montréal, Québec,
Canada, just prior to The Aesthetic Meeting.
All Skin Care 2015 attendees are also
invited to attend an all-day educational
bonus organized by ASAPS: Cosmetic
Medicine 2015—Harnessing the Power of
Cosmetic Medicine in Your Practice.
Enhance the quality of your practice by
giving your staff the tools they need to
better serve your patients. Registration
information is now available, please visit
our website at www.spsscs.org/meeting2015
WHY I SEND MY STAFF TO THE SKIN
CARE MEETING
“Each year, I send one or more skin care
specialists to the SPSSCS Annual Meeting
and have always been amazed at the
amount of knowledge and enthusiasm that
is brought back. The staff and my practice
have benefited greatly, not only from the
physician and industry expert speakers but
also through the networking and sharing of
information with other skin care specialists
in the industry.” —Craig W. Colville, MD
Society of Plastic Surgical
Skin Care Specialists
www.spsscs.org
8
Exploring Science and Technology
IN PLASTIC SURGICAL SKIN CARE
21st Annual Meeting
May 12 –15
Le Westin
Montréal Hotel
Montréal, Québec
Canada
Skin Care Specialists
Register Today!
WWW.SPSSCS.ORG
SOCIETY
OF
PLASTIC SURGICAL SKIN CARE SPECIALISTS
Stellar Faculty, Exceptional Education!
Bob Aicher, Esq.
Attorney
PASADENA, CA
Al Aly, MD
Plastic Surgeon
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Bardia Amirlak, MD
Plastic Surgeon
DALLAS, TX
Goesel Anson, MD
Plastic Surgeon
LAS VEGAS, NV
Alicia Barrera, RMA, RST
Aesthetician
YAKIMA, WA
Gail Belott, RN
Senior Manager National
Education: SkinCeuticals
FLORHEIM PARK, NJ
Denise Byrnes
Aesthetician
Partner, Societé Clinical Skincare
STRONGSVILLE, OH
Daniel Clary
Director of Education, mybody
PHOENIX, AZ
Karen Davis
Aesthetician
Toledo, OH
Claudio DeLorenzi, MD
Kian Karimi, MD
Plastic Surgeon
KITCHENER, ON, CANADA
Medical Director: Merz Canada,
Allergan Canada
Plastic Surgeon
Becky Kuehn
CEO, Cellese Corporation
HOUSTON, TX
Medical Director: CosmoFrance, Inc
Donna Erb
Aesthetician
Aesthetician
WYOMISSING, PA
National Educator: Oncology Aesthetics
FEDERAL WAY, WA
Julius Few, MD
Plastic Surgeon
John Kulesza
President, Young Pharmaceuticals
CHICAGO, IL
Consultant: Allergan, Galderma
WETHERSFIELD, CT
Joe Gryskiewicz, MD
Angela McDonald
Plastic Surgeon
Vice President Sales and Marketing:
Bellus Medical
BURNSVILLE, MN
DALLAS, TX
Thomas Hitchcock, PhD
Maria Mekas, RN, BSN
Scientific Advisor, Interim Director
of Clinical Operations, Bellus
Medical
Research Coordinator, Union
Square Laser Dermatology
SAN DIEGO, CA
Employee: Ulthera
NEW YORK, NY
Karen Menard, RN
John Hoopman, CMLSO
Registered Nurse
Assistant Director of Environmental
Health and Safety, Administrator of
Laser Program and Certified
Medical Laser Safety Officer,
University of Texas Southwestern
Medical Center at Dallas
HOUSTON, TX
Speaker’s Bureau: Allergan, Lumenis
Ryan Miller
President, Etna Interactive
San Luis Obispo, CA
DALLAS, TX
Consultant: Cutera, Lumenis, Palomar,
Sciton
Shay Moinuddin, MHA, BSN,
RN, CANS
Practice Manager, Clinical Nurse
Specialist
Kathy Jones, BSN, RN, CPSN
Kathy Jones Skin Care
CHICAGO, IL
LAWRENCEBURG, IN
9
John Renucci, MD
Otolaryngologist
West Los Angeles, CA
GRAND RAPIDS, MI
Founder, TURO Skin for Men
John Sanderson, MD
IRVINE, CA
Stockholder: Cellese Regenerative
Therapeutics
Cindy Steele
Aesthetician
LITTLE ROCK, AR
Arthur Swift, MD
Plastic Surgeon
MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC, CANADA
Speakers Bureau: Allergan, Merz,
Galderma
George Taylor, MD
Vice President, Business
Development, Cellese Corporation
IRVINE, CA
Stockholder: Cellese Regenerative
Therapeutics
Robert Trow
CEO/Owner, DermaCare, USA
MASHPEE, MA
Jody Urquhart
Author, Motivational Speaker
CALGARY, AB, CANADA
*This is a preliminary list of speakers and is subject
to change without notice. Refer to our website at
www.spsscs.org for updated program and speaker
information.
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM GENERAL SESSION
Wednesday, May 13
6:30 am – 5:15 pm
Registration Open
7:15 – 8:00 am
Continental Breakfast in the Exhibits
7:30 – 8:00 am
Mentor/Mentee Breakfast Meeting
8:00 – 8:20 am
PSSCS Presidential Welcome
Elena Reyes, C-RMA, RST, CIDESCO
8:20 – 8:30 am
Presidential Award for
Distinguished Service
Elena Reyes, C-RMA, RST, CIDESCO
8:30 – 9:30 am
Keynote Speaker Presentation:
This Would Be Funny… if it Wasn’t
Happening to Me! How to Embrace
Change with Humor and Vigor
Jody Urquhart
9:30 – 10:00 am
Stem Cells, Growth Factors and
Cytokines… A Virtual Orchestra Playing
a Symphony of Regeneration and
Rejuvenation
George Taylor, MD and John Sanderson, MD
10:00 – 10:20 am
Coffee Break in the Exhibits
10:20 – 11:05 am
Caring for Your Client as They
Experience Cancer
Becky Kuehn
11:05 – 11:10 am
Q&A
11:10 – 11:30 am
Current Trends and Strategies for
Regenerative Medicine in Aesthetics
Thursday, May 14
Q&A
12:00 – 12:30 pm
Member Business Meeting
12:00 – 1:30 pm
Lunch in the Exhibits
1:30 – 2:00 pm
10 Things You Should Do to Get Sued
Bob Aicher, Esq
7:00 am – 5:30 pm
Registration Open
7:30 – 8:00 am
Continental Breakfast in the Exhibits
8:00 – 8:20 am
OSHA: Compliance in the Aesthetic
Medical Environment
Kathy Jones, BSN, RN, CPSN
8:20 – 8:25 am
Q&A
2:00 – 2:05 pm
Q&A
2:05 – 2:30 pm
Secrets of the Stratum Corneum
Daniel Clary
2:30 – 3:00 pm
Coffee Break in the Exhibits
3:00 – 3:35 pm
Chemistry of Skin Lightening
John Kulesza
3:35 – 3:55 pm
Hot Topics: Past, Present and Future
Joe Gryskiewicz, MD
8:25 – 9:35 am
Panel: Microneedling: Staying Current
Moderator: Karen Davis
8:25 – 8:45
Dermal Microneedling—
Microneedling and Corneotherapy
Angela McDonald
8:45 – 9:05
Medical vs. Cosmetic Microneedling
Kian Karimi, MD
9:05 – 9:25
Dermal Needling: Regulatory Updates
Robert Trow
9:25 – 9:35
Q&A
3:55 – 4:00 pm
Q&A
4:00 – 4:25 pm
Body Contouring after Significant
Weight Loss
Al Aly, MD
4:25 – 4:30 pm
Q&A
4:30 – 4:55 pm
An Evaluation of Efficacy and
Tolerability of Novel Enzyme
Exfoliation Versus Glycolic Acid in
Photodamage Treatment
Thomas Hitchcock, PhD
Maria Mekas, RN, BSN
11:30 – 11:35 am
Q&A
4:55 – 5:00 pm
Announcements and Adjourn
11:35 – 11:55 am
Marketing and Event Planning
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Welcome Reception
Cindy Steele
9:35 – 9:55 am
Modern Approach to Clinical Skin Care
Goesel Anson, MD
9:55 – 10:00 am
Q&A
10:00 – 10:20 am
Coffee Break in the Exhibits
10:20 – 12:00 pm
Live Peel Demonstrations
Again this year, our program will include live
peel demonstrations from three of our vendors.
Each company will review application
techniques, strategies for getting the best
results and allow our members the ability
to experience it first-hand. Because the
demonstrations will be performed by our
vendors, no continuing education credits
will be given for these sessions.
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Lunch in the Exhibits
11:55 – 12:00 pm
10
Friday, May 15
Educational Bonus
Presented by ASAPS*
1:15 – 2:30 pm
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
nA
Live Camouflage Makeup
Demonstrations
Alicia Barrera, RMA, RST
Utilizing camouflage makeup application
and techniques, you will be able to guide
your clients through the process of hiding
and concealing: burns, skin imperfections,
and post medical aesthetic laser procedures.
Your clients will then be able to utilize
camouflage makeup application as they
heal and conceal.
nB
Getting Social with Skin Care: Case
Studies of Success with Social Media
Ryan Miller
Social media can be a valuable tool for
patient attraction, patient retention and to
aid the cultivation of a positive reputation
online. In this presentation, we’ll explore
real-world examples of how plastic surgery
practice-based skin care professionals are
successfully deploying social media for the
benefit of both patients and the practice.
nC
Dermaplaning: Expand Your Corrective
Skin Care Knowledge
Gail Belott, RN
Capture the opportunity to learn about the
skill of dermaplaning. This key medical
technique is another tool to a successful skin
care business. Observe efficient technique.
Gain expertise through a modified practice
session. In our complex medical skin care
profession, dermaplaning is the hook to
keeping patients in a practice.
nD
SKIN CARE SPECIALIST
ROUNDTABLES
Compensation Packages
Shay Moinuddin, RN
Pre and Post Laser Care
Donna Erb
Lip Augmentation with Video
Karen Menard, RN and Kathy Jones, BSN, RN,
CPSN
2:30 – 3:00 pm
Coffee Break in the Exhibits
(Exhibits close at 3:00)
3:00 – 4:05 pm
Panel: Injectables—The Face, Filler
Selection and Complications
Moderator: Karen Menard, RN
3:00 – 3:20
Facial Anatomy
7:30am – 5:30pm
S9 Cosmetic Medicine 2015—
Harnessing the Power of Cosmetic
Medicine in Your Practice
Featuring Live Patient Demonstrations
8.5 CME Credits
Co-Chairs: Michael Kulick, MD and
Z. Paul Lorenc, MD
Presenters: Renato Saltz, MD; Julius Few,
MD; W. Grant Stevens, MD; Steven Cohen,
MD; Claudio DeLorenzi, MD; G. Jackie Yee,
MD; John Hoopman, CMLSO (Additional
Arthur Swift, MD
Faculty will be added and are subject to change)
3:20 – 3:40
The State of Art in Filler Selection
Course Description: This comprehensive
course, designed for plastic surgeons and
those who assist in their practice, begins
with a 2 hour session focusing on tips and
techniques for building a successful cosmetic
practice. Topics covered include incorporating
skin care, light and energy-based technologies
and injectables into your practice as well
as a discussion on working with staff and
practice marketing. This will be followed
by a comprehensive review of the array of
non-invasive body contouring technology
including a panel discussion with industry
representation.
Julius Few, MD
3:40 – 4:00
Filler Complications
Claudio DeLorenzi, MD
4:00 – 4:05
Q&A
4:05 – 4:10 pm
ASAPS Welcome
Michael Edwards, MD
4:10 – 4:25 pm
Challenges in Men’s Skin Care
John Renucci, MD
4:25 – 4:30 pm
Q&A
4:30 – 4:50 pm
Hyaluronic Acid: Post Operative Skin
Care and Scar Reduction
Bardia Amirlak, MD
4:50 – 4:55 pm
Q&A
4:55 – 5:00 pm
Announcements—Adjourn
“Attendance at the SPSSCS Annual Meeting
has been essential for my aesthetician’s
professional growth. Because she functions
at the master aesthetician level and works
solo with my practice, the professional
peer-to-peer opportunities at SPSSCS are
unparalleled and available in almost
no other place.”
—Richard A. D’Amico, MD—
11
The afternoon begins with a review of
complications with facial injectable as well as
a discussion and demonstration of facial
anatomy and areas to avoid when injecting.
The faculty will review their approach to
volumizing the face followed by live injection
demonstrations. Each injector will be
challenged by his/her peers to present a
variety of options for their patient and will
be ready to defend their final treatment plan.
Agenda:
• How I make Skin Care Work in my Practice
• How I Incorporate the Array of Light &
Energy Based Technologies into my
Practice.
• Effectively Incorporating Injectables into
Your Practice
• Incentivizing Your Staff
• Marketing Your Practice
• Review of Laser Safety
• Non-Invasive Body Contouring—Review
of Currently Available Technology
• Complications with Soft Tissue Fillers—
How to Become a Safer Injector
• Injection Anatomy Demo
• Live Injections
• Video Injections
*Included in your SPSSCS registration fee.
Course will be held at the Palais de Congrès de
Montréal, adjacent to the Le Westin Montréal.
O P T I O N A L P R E - A N D P O S T- M E E T I N G C O U R S E S
Tuesday, May 12
Sunday, May 17
SPSSCS Pre-Meeting Courses
ASAPS Post-Meeting Courses
(Ticket Required)
Earn a Certificate of Course Completion
for Neurotoxins and FDA Approved
Dermal Fillers
Offered by The Aesthetic Society
n1
12:45 – 2:45 pm
Understanding the Fundamentals of Laser
Interactions for Better Control of Your Outcomes
Successful completion of each of these courses is the first of
two requirements for participants to receive a certificate of
Nurse/Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant Injector—Level 1
Course Completion and Level 2 Course Completion. The
second requirement is participation in a physician sponsored
preceptorship for each of the two courses.
John Hoopman, CMLSO • 2 hrs Fee: $75.00
Description: In this course, we will explore basic to
advanced laser tissue interaction and concepts, as
well as practical applications for devices that increase
efficacy and decrease complications through a better
understanding of where these devices fit in the
aesthetic practice.
12:00pm – 2:30pm
S17A Physician Extender (RN/NP/PA) Injector
Competence Training—Level 1—Understanding the
Basics of Injection Techniques with Neurotoxins and
Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers
n2
1:00 – 5:00 pm
2 CME Credits
Discounted pre-registration fee: $175
On-site fee: $225
Chair: Julius W. Few, MD
Additional Faculty: Miles Graivier, MD,
Kathy Jones, BSN, RN, CPSN and Susan Wells, RN, MS
Microneedling in the Medical Aesthetic Practice Thomas Hitchcock, PhD • 4 hrs Fee: $100.00
Description: For those just beginning to explore
microneedling or those looking to hone their skills, this
course will provide a broad overview of microneedling,
also known as collagen induction therapy. Modern
microneedling has been practiced for decades, yet has just
recently come into favor in the medical aesthetic community.
This course will cover the history of microneedling, its
mechanism-of-action, the medical literature, and
complementary skin care. A live demonstration detailing
techniques and tips will be provided.
3:00pm – 5:30pm
S17B Physician Extender (RN/NP/PA ) Injector
Competence Training—Level 2—Advanced/
Combination Injection Techniques with Neurotoxins
and the Array of FDA-Approved Dermal Fillers
3 CME Credits
Discounted pre-registration fee: $175
On-site fee: $225
Co-Chairs: Miles H. Graivier, MD and Z. Paul Lorenc, MD
Additional Faculty: Kathy Jones, BSN, RN, CPSN and
Susan Wells, RN, MS
n3
3:00 – 5:00 pm
Comprehensive Product Evaluations—Seeing
Beyond the Hype to Produce Positive Outcomes
Denise Byrnes • 2 hrs Fee: $75.00
Description: This interactive course will discuss the
broad range of in-home skin care product options
specifically available to the medical skin care specialist.
During this session, you will learn a step-by-step
systematic method for effectively evaluating products
and their ingredients. Through lively and informative
discussions, attendees will receive a product evaluation
guideline, including how to decipher product claims
(the hype), and how to properly define product claims.
Additionally, attendees will gain an understanding of
distribution methods, Internet sales strategies, current
research, and more. Ultimately, you will walk away with a
definitive method for ensuring new product and vendors
better meet your practice’s needs.
Special Note: Participation limited to RNs, NPs, and PAs
practicing within their scope of practice under the direct
supervision of a plastic surgeon. You are eligible to
register for this course without registering for S17A
(Basic) ONLY if you attended an ASAPS Nurse Injector
Competence Training Course held in either Vancouver
(2012), New York (2013) or San Francisco (2014).
Visit www.surgery.org/meeting2015 for complete course
descriptions and to download a registration form. You
must register through The Aesthetic Society to participate
in either of these courses. All courses will be held at the
Palais de Congrès de Montréal.
12
Successfully Clearing Acne with
Non-Prescription Topicals
Laura Cooksey
M
ost acne
sufferers are usually not given a successful
strategy to get and keep their skin clear.
Their search for the answer leads them
down many dead-end streets including
doctors’ offices, medi spas, salons, and often
the local drugstore and/or internet for the
many acne products and strategies there.
Utilizing just a few key concepts,
estheticians and nurses can be highly
successful in treating the acne patient.
Understanding these concepts will explain
why so many acne systems miss the mark.
Traditional methods for treating acne have
included antibiotics, isotretinoin, laser,
photodynamic therapy and various overthe-counter remedies. Clients who have
“tried everything”—when put on an
appropriate regimen that includes exfoliants
and antibacterial products all used correctly,
get clear in about three months. Even
dermatologists are now rethinking the
efficacy of antibiotic therapy for acne, as
recently addressed in the Wall Street
Journal—www.wsj.com/articles/theproblem-with-adult-acne-1420501469
ACCOUNTING FOR SKIN ADAPTATION
A quality acne home-care regimen
works by keeping the microcomedone from
forming in the first place; it is a program of
prevention. Using the correct products for
acne type is important, but it is not enough.
Knowing how to use those products is just
as crucial. You must take skin adaptation
into account by adjusting the frequency of
product. A titration or escalation of therapy
with guidance from you, their acne
specialist, is based on the clinical response
of your patient’s skin. If the skin is not
tolerating the regimen and getting irritated
and/or dehydrated, you will need to dial it
back. But if it is tolerating it, the regimen
will be strengthened (mostly by frequency
of product use) about every two weeks.
Treatments alone, including expensive
medical procedures, won’t keep someone
clear if they are not using a good home
care regimen and using it correctly. This is
why most regimens typically only work for
about three weeks—the skin simply adapts
to product use and stops responding.
Treatments should only be used as a “boost”
to the home care regimen and also a time
to do extractions of acne lesions.
I address skin adaption by starting
clients with a serum (I prefer mandelic,
glycolic or salicylic) that is appropriate for
their type of acne and skin tolerance. They
will start using it every other day for the
first two weeks. If their skin is not irritated
and dehydrated from the first two-week
routine, we then “up the ante” and have
them use the serum every day for weeks
three and four. In weeks five and six, we
bump them up to wearing the serum twice a
day. It is imperative to test your client’s skin
sensitivity, making sure the serum you give
them will not be too strong for them. I tell
my clients that we need to use powerful
products to get their skin clear, but not so
potent that their skin becomes irritated
and dehydrated.
With their evening routine, they will
use a water-based benzoyl peroxide
emulsion for just fifteen minutes for the first
three nights. Every third night they will
double the wearing time until they are up
to two hours. After three days of two hours,
they are ready to wear it overnight.
Benzoyl peroxide can be a very irritating
product but, when used correctly in
conjunction with an exfoliating serum, is a
powerful weapon in the battle against acne.
13
Other ways to adjust their regimen
includes giving them a stronger serum,
higher-potency benzoyl peroxide and/or
adding a different serum like a retinol into
the regimen. This all depends on the type
of acne that is presenting and the clinical
response of your patient’s skin.
LIFESTYLE FACTORS THAT
EXACERBATE ACNE
The last key issues are lifestyle factors
that can exacerbate acne. Getting enough
sleep and lowering stress, avoiding foods
high in iodides and androgen hormones,
stopping the use of fabric softeners in the
washer and the dryer, discontinuing low
estrogen birth control pills/shots, and
eliminating pore-clogging ingredients
in skin care products and makeup.
Noncomedogenic claims on labels is not
regulated by the FDA, so labels that say of
“Non-Pore Clogging,“ “Non-Comedogenic,“
“Dermatologist Approved,“ or “Hypoallergenic“
are meaningless. For example, the cream
form of Retin-A is highly comedogenic
because it contains isopropyl myristate.
Your status as their acne expert will be
well established, not only when you help
them to manage their home care routine,
but when you arm them with these useful
lifestyle guidelines. When they are clear in
just a few months after years of suffering,
they will be eternally grateful for your help.
Laura Cooksey is an acne expert, educator,
speaker and owner of Face Reality Acne Clinic
located in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has over
25 years of experience in helping thousands of people
to get clear skin. She certifies skin care professionals
and doctors around the country to create successful
practices with her comprehensive training DVD,
Proven Strategies for Treating Acne. For more
information, visit www.facerealityacneclinic.com ▲
Managing a Medical Spa
B
eing
the manager of a
medical spa has
many challenges.
At times, it seems to be much more difficult
than other managerial jobs. Throughout my
many years of management experience, I
have identified three “best practices” to
ensure you are running a medical spa where
employees love to come to work and clients
love to be treated.
Marnie Phillips
and it can be the harder of the two to
master. Making sure that you, as a manager,
are following through with your clients not
only allows the client to know that you are
a competent manager but it gives them the
feeling that they are going to a medical spa
that is concerned about every detail.
Following through with your clients shows
that you are invested in them, no matter
how small or large the issue or question.
1) CONSISTENCIES
Consistency is extremely
important for clients, as well as
clinicians. Clinicians have many
learning types and obviously have
different personalities. Creating an
environment where your staff knows
what is expected of them and
knowing how the clinic is run on a
daily basis creates a stable work
environment. It is important to set
clear and consistent expectations for
staff. This will eliminate the chances
of confusion about what is expected
of them on a daily basis. A
consistent manager, whether it be
with discipline, post-procedure
follow up or even discounts, should always
keep the staff apprised as to what is
happening. This creates a trustworthy
environment that they can pass onto clients
to ensure a healthy and sustainable
relationship. Consistency is also a huge
factor for clients. Clients are not only
paying for the service in the room but the
exceptional service at front desk. No matter
if the client is a VIP or a new client, they
should always have confidence that their
best interest is the top priority. Client care
should always be number one and how we
can show that is with consistently positive
attitudes, consistent treatment procedures
and knowledge of products and services.
This way, that client knows no matter who
they speak to, they are receiving a
consistent answer. In the end, they will feel
more confident and comfortable to create a
lifelong relationship.
2) FOLLOW-THROUGH
Although many times follow-through
goes hand-in-hand with being consistent
This then creates a trusting relationship.
The reason why follow-through, in my
opinion, is sometimes the one factor that
separates good managers from great
managers is because it truly is that “extra
step.” Being a manager, you have to be
ready to have a million things thrown at
you all at once and then on top of that,
make sure that you are following through
with your clients. But in the end, it truly is
the factor that separates the average from
the excellent manager.
3) ENCOURAGE, DON’T DISCOURAGE
As a manager, it is easy to focus on the
negative behavior in your spa. With that
being said, if you continually focus on the
negative, I’m a strong a believer that is all
you will receive. Having to give constructive
criticism regularly to one clinician makes
you wonder, “How can I get through to
them?” The best advice I have to give is to
start by letting them know what they are
doing right. It also allows the conversation
14
to start out on a positive note instead of
putting them on the defense. It is also
important to encourage them to take the
responsibility for their actions. This is when
having them answer questions instead of
being told what they did wrong is a better
choice. For example, do you know what our
dress code is? If you have set those clear
expectations then of course they should
answer YES. Assuming they answer yes, it is
easy ask WHY they couldn’t meet
that expectation. This approach
should always come from a
positive tone by the manager.
Then the clinician is not feeling
attacked but rather gaining your
trust and hopefully encouraging
them to grow. Encouraging your
clinicians who have made a
mistake allows for growth and a
trusting relationship. They
should know that there is open
communication and safety in the
relationship. Full circle, this will
create the positive environment
for your clinician. Encouraging
your clinician should also be
happening when they are doing
well. This includes meeting their
goals, having a positive comment from a
client and happy clients. As a manager, you
wear many hats but being your employee’s
cheerleader is one way you can ensure that
your staff is feeling that they have purpose
and create an environment that gives your
company retention and productivity.
The client will always have three places
that they should want to be: home, work
and hopefully your medical spa. The three
best practices from above give you some
structure on how to create that “third” place
for your patient.
Marnie Phillips graduated from the University
of Northern Colorado with a degree in communications.
She has many years in management. She not only
was a manager for Starbucks for 5 years, she also
managed a credit card processing company.
Marnie strives to have the best customer service
and be able to meet everyone’s needs. Her love for
helping people and aesthetics makes her a true fit for
a medical spa. ▲
SpecialtySkinCare
SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGICAL SKIN CARE SPECIALISTS
11262 Monarch Street, Garden Grove, CA 92841-1441 • www.spsscs.org
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING SKIN CARE 2015
Silver Level Supporter—Welcome Reception
Bronze Level Supporter—Educational Grant
Exploring Science and Technology
IN PLASTIC SURGICAL SKIN CARE
See pages
9–12 for
full program
21st Annual Meeting
May 12 –15
Le Westin
Montréal Hotel
Montréal, Québec, Canada
SOCIETY
OF
PLASTIC SURGICAL SKIN CARE SPECIALISTS
WWW.SPSSCS.ORG