July 2, 2024—Summer is here, but that doesn’t mean your laser business has to slow down. With the right technology, pre- and post-care strategies, cooling techniques, and patient education, you can deliver outstanding results and maintain a steady revenue stream for your aesthetic practice year-round.
In this blog, we delve into essential summer pre- and post-care treatment tips from Dr. Ann Watwood, ND, Medical Director of Clearskin Institute of Laser Aesthetics in Phoenix, AZ. Keep reading to discover strategies for keeping your practice thriving and your patients happy all season long with Sciton’s technology.
Step 1: Address lifestyle and sun protection during the consultation
Dr. Watwood says understanding patients’ lifestyle habits and educating them on proper sun protection can help maximize treatment effectiveness and safety. Here are a few key points she addresses with patients before beginning treatment:
Sunscreen:
- Do they regularly wear sunscreen?
- Does it contain zinc or titanium?
- Are they reapplying every 60-90 minutes?
Additional sun protection:
- Do they wear hats, UV protective clothing, sunglasses, etc.?
- Do they use umbrellas or seek shade whenever possible?
Travel plans:
- Are any upcoming trips or holidays planned?
- Will they be traveling to sunny destinations?
- How much time will they spend outdoors?
Daily habits:
- Do they exercise outside?
- Do they walk their dogs daily outside during peak sun hours?
- Do they garden regularly?
- Are they a boater?
By reviewing these key areas during the consultation, providers can develop a personalized and effective treatment plan for each patient.
Step 2: Choose the appropriate laser or light-based treatment
In this section, we’ll explore each Sciton modality, identify the ideal patient, and share Dr. Watwood’s pre- and post-care recommendations.
Optimize summer treatments with the ClearSilk® laser
For practices looking to provide summer treatments or those in warm climates with sun year-round, ClearSilk is an ideal choice. Here’s why:
1064 nm wavelength for darker skin types: The ClearSilk 1064 nm laser wavelength penetrates deeper than other wavelengths, targeting hemoglobin and oxyhemoglobin while minimally affecting melanin. This makes it suitable for treating all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI), including tanned skin.
Suitable for sun-exposed patients with active lifestyles: According to Dr. Watwood, ClearSilk is perfect for patients who are frequently in the sun, such as golfers and boaters. With ClearSilk, even the most active patients can opt for laser treatments without significant downtime or disruptions to their lifestyle.
Year-round rosacea treatment: ClearSilk is effective for rosacea patients who require maintenance treatments year-round despite sun exposure. Dr. Watwood says the ClearSilk laser allows her to treat rosacea patients year-round, regardless of their vacation schedules or recent sun exposure. She does maintenance treatments at least 3-4 times yearly to maintain results and prevent recurrence.
ClearSilk addresses the following skin concerns:
- Flushing and blushing
- Rosacea
- Acne
- Acne scars
- Red scars
- Onychomycosis
- Skin texture (over time)
ClearSilk’s suitability for all skin types, even sun-exposed skin, makes it a highly effective and comfortable option for providers looking to offer laser treatments year-round. Learn more about the ClearSilk here.
Essential summer tips for using the MOXI® laser
MOXI, Sciton’s 1927 nm fractionated, non-ablative laser, is “one of the best treatments for giving very smooth skin. I always use MOXI as a pre-wedding prep,” says Dr. Watwood. “It’s one of my favorite pre-wedding or reunion treatments for patients.” Here’s how to perform the MOXI laser treatment in the summer:
Pre-treatment considerations: Dr. Watwood emphasizes that moderate sun exposure before a MOXI laser treatment is not a significant concern. She explains that if patients had some sun exposure before treatment or went on vacation while wearing proper sun protection, such as sunscreen, an SPF shirt, and a hat, they would most likely be able to receive a MOXI treatment after a consultation.
Post-treatment guidelines: For the first 2-4 weeks post-treatment, Dr. Watwood advises caution, depending on the treatment level (MOXI levels 1-3). A level one MOXI can be used if a sun exposure event is anticipated within two weeks, says Dr. Watwood.
Understanding sun exposure: Dr. Watwood defines sun exposure as any amount of time that stimulates melanocytes to deposit pigment in the skin, including being outdoors without protection (no hat, SPF clothing, or sunscreen) or spending multiple hours outside, even with sunscreen reapplication.
Preventing melasma flare-ups: Exercise greater caution when treating patients with MOXI who also suffer from melasma, as even minimal sun exposure on the face, arms, or legs can cause melasma to flare up, advises Dr. Watwood. “I always educate my patients on how to prevent melasma flare-ups,” she says. Her post-care regimen for melasma includes SPF, clobetasol, and tranexamic acid (TXA).
By educating patients on the importance of sun protection and proper post-care, providers can effectively utilize the MOXI laser to deliver impressive results, helping patients look and feel their best year-round. Read more about MOXI in this blog.
Tips for performing HALO® and ProFractional™ in sunny climates
HALO, Sciton’s hybrid fractional laser, and ProFractional, Sciton’s fractionated erbium:YAG laser, are part of Dr. Watwood’s summer toolkit for achieving smooth, radiant skin. However, these treatments require the following precautions:
Pre-treatment considerations: Dr. Watwood prefers to wait 2-3 weeks after sun exposure to perform treatment, considering both the severity of sun exposure and the patient’s skin type, especially if there are concerns about post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). “I am more cautious with their sun exposure before treatment because of the melanocyte activity and the amount of heat I’m using,” she explains.
Post-treatment guidelines: Post-treatment, Dr. Watwood requires a minimum of four weeks with no sun exposure. This includes avoiding activities such as:
- Beach vacations
- Pool parties
- Boating
- Gardening
- Exercising or walking dogs during peak sun hours (Dr. Watwood recommends doing so before sunrise or sunset.)
Alternate treatment options: “If patients are going to have sun exposure sooner than four weeks, I recommend the MOXI laser to play it safe, then plan the HALO treatment for when they can avoid the sun for at least four weeks,” advises Dr. Watwood.
HALO and ProFractional treatments are suitable for summer when regular sun protection is maintained. By following Dr. Watwood’s tips, providers can help their patients achieve beautiful, glowing skin throughout the summer months and beyond.
Add BroadBand Light® (BBL®) and ClearV® to your summer toolkit
BBL® HEROic™, the latest evolution in Sciton’s BroadBand Light (BBL) product line, is the industry’s gold-standard light-based treatment for addressing sun damage, redness, and pigmentation. Dr. Watwood offers a few essential tips for summer treatments, which she also applies to ClearV, Sciton’s vascular laser treatment:
Pre-treatment considerations: Ensure patients have had very minimal sun exposure or wear SPF regularly for 3-4 weeks before treatment, advises Dr. Watwood. Spray tans should be avoided or thoroughly removed with acetone or scrubbed before treatment. Key tip: According to Dr. Pozner in this webinar, performing a test spot is an effective method to determine if your patient has a tan and should delay treatment. Dr. Pozner advises waiting at least 10 minutes to assess the skin’s response before treating.
Post-treatment guidelines: Patients should regularly use SPF as part of a healthy skin regimen, but this is particularly important for 3-4 weeks after treatment. Cooling post-treatment is critical to prevent burns and accelerate healing, adds Dr. Watwood. She uses Zimmer chillers, ice packs, and cold water sprays and keeps patients in her office for an additional 30-45 minutes post-treatment during the hottest months.
Choose sun-safe wavelengths: Dr. Watwood explains that BBL’s 560 and 590 wavelengths are particularly safe for darker skin types due to their lower joules, longer milliseconds, and longer Hertz, making them ideal for patients with darker or tanned skin. She adds, “Don’t forget about the amazing 640 tightening pass with BBL’s SkinTyte that Dr. Bitter introduced us to, which, of course, is going to be much safer if patients had some sun exposure. Patients always feel better after [SkinTyte], noticing their skin [appears] tighter.”
Dr. Chris Robb, MD, Ph.D. FAAD recommends using BBL’s acne settings (The Forever Clear mode of BBL HEROic) throughout the summer as it is safe for pigment. Learn more about Dr. Robb’s ScitonStaX™ summer treatment protocols in Sciton’s webinar.
By adhering to these guidelines, providers can treat patients with BBL and ClearV during the summer months, ensuring patients achieve their desired outcomes without complications.
Summer guidelines for Resurfacing Perfected family of treatments
Sciton’s Resurfacing Perfected family of treatments, which include Contour TRL™, MicroLaserPeel®, and NanoLaserPeel™, provide a range of full-field resurfacing options for all skin types. Resurfacing Perfected treatments can be tuned for superficial to deep polishing, offering a dramatic reduction in the appearance of texture, fine lines, deep wrinkles, scars, and pigmented lesions, such as sunspots, freckles, and actinic keratosis. Here are a few of Dr. Watwood’s tips for effectively using Resurfacing Perfected treatments in summer:
Pre-treatment considerations: Dr. Watwood highlights the importance of proper treatment timing and patient compliance with deep resurfacing treatments.
Post-treatment guidelines: No sun exposure is allowed for 3-4 months post-treatment (see Dr. Watwood’s definition of sun exposure above). “I perform many of these treatments during the summer since it’s often the only time patients can take 7-10 days off work,” she says. “However, this is only feasible if no vacations are planned afterward. I communicate very clearly upfront that avoiding sun exposure after treatment is a strict requirement for undergoing resurfacing in our clinic.”
Alternate treatment options: Dr. Watwood says that undergoing full-field erbium resurfacing requires a firm commitment to post-treatment care, similar to signing a contract with specific dos and don’ts. For patients who cannot adhere to her guidelines, she suggests alternative treatments like MOXI or HALO, which offer more flexibility.
By clearly communicating expectations and emphasizing the importance of sun protection, providers can use the Resurfacing Perfected family of treatments to deliver outstanding results any time of year.
Perform laser hair removal services year-round with BARE HR™
BARE HR is Sciton’s high-speed laser hair removal platform for ultra-fast, efficacious hair reduction in patients of all skin types. Here’s why the BARE HR platform is the perfect summer laser treatment for all skin types:
Diode-based hair removal device: Historically, individuals with darker skin tones have faced challenges in finding effective laser hair removal solutions. BARE HR, a diode-based laser, stands out for its reliability, long-term durability, high peak power, and its ability to treat patients of all skin types. Numerous studies, including one study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), found diode lasers effective for people of various ethnicities with Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI.
Blend handpiece: The BARE HR system features two handpieces: one delivers the traditional 810 nm wavelength, while the blend handpiece simultaneously delivers 810, 940, and 1060 nm wavelengths. Sciton’s proprietary blend setting is ideal for patients with darker skin tones or tanned skin (Fitzpatrick 4-6 skin types) throughout the year, including summer. Treating tan skin using the blend handpiece is a safe option, confirms Dr. Chris Robb, MD, PhD, FAAD, in this webinar.
Comfort mode: Users can select between two treatment modes on all handpieces—comfort and speed—based on their patient’s evolving needs. Comfort mode is perfect for first-time hair removal patients who may be pain adverse as well as those with:
- Darker skin tones
- Recent tan
- Sensitive skin
- High density of dark or thick hair follicles
Caption: BARE HR treatment video.
With the BARE HR platform, providers can provide laser hair removal services throughout the year, ensuring the most effective treatments for darker and tanned skin.
Step 3: Essential cooling tips for post-treatment care
Proper cooling is one of the most important steps in post-treatment care. Dr. Watwood ensures all her patients receive adequate cooling using the following methods:
Zimmer cooling: Dr. Watwood uses Zimmer chillers during her treatments and continues to use them post-treatment. In the winter, she cools patients for 15 minutes, but in the summer, she extends this to 30-40 minutes to counter the extreme heat before releasing patients.
Ice packs and cold-water misting: If a Zimmer chiller is unavailable, ice packs and cold water spritzes are a must, stresses Dr. Watwood. Dr. Watwood gives each patient a small bottle of ice-cold water to spritz on the treated area. She explains that cold water, combined with evaporation, provides double cooling and ensures no missed areas, which can happen when ice packs are only used. “We advise patients to keep their skin wet [by misting] and the AC blowing and to use ice packs as needed,” she adds. This approach ensures thorough cooling and helps prevent burns or blisters.
Preventing burns and blisters: Burns or blisters can occur from insufficient cooling or excessive energy delivery. According to Dr. Watwood, Sciton devices like BBL HEROic mitigate this risk by delivering the exact amount of energy needed without overlap. She advises providers to ensure patients leave the office fully cooled with written post-care instructions to keep misting and cooling for the next 3-4 hours.
Sun exposure precautions: Managing sun exposure is also critical. “We never treat extremely tanned or sunburned patients,” she says. Post-treatment, it’s essential to remain cautious for a couple of weeks.
Following these cooling and sun protection strategies can help your patients achieve the best possible results and avoid burns or blisters.
Step 4: How to manage post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH can be a concern when performing laser procedures in the summer months or on darker skin types. Here are a few pre- and post-treatment pearls to help manage PIH:
Preventative measures, such as sun protection and regular follow-ups: In Sciton’s webinar, ScitonStaX™: Summer Edition, Dr. Jason Pozner, MD, Dr. Chris Robb, MD, PhD, FAAD, and Cheryl Staurowsky, a licensed clinical aesthetician, share their treatment protocols for managing PIH during the summer months.
Dr. Pozner emphasizes preventative measures, such as using hats and sunblock, while Cheryl stresses the role of patient follow-ups to effectively manage post-treatment erythema or hyperpigmentation. ” … If you don’t see [your patients] for regular follow-ups, you can’t address [the PIH] early enough.” Dr. Watwood also recommends regular follow-ups post-treatment, advising patients to send photos immediately if they notice anything unusual.
Post-treatment recommendations, including topicals and BBL: For darker skin types prone to PIH, Dr. Watwood often incorporates TXA, hydroquinone (HQ), and clobetasol for 48 hours post-treatment. Cooling methods like a Zimmer chiller, ice packs, and turning up the AC on the way home are also part of her regimen. If PIH does occur, Dr. Watwood effectively addresses it in a timely manner, using BBL, Groot’s cream (a combination of HQ, Retin A, HC, Kojic acid, and Vitamin C), and diligent sun protection.
Cheryl recommends using a light, over-the-counter hydrocortisone for mild cases and includes hydroquinone and a retinoid in her PIH protocol. For resistant pigment, she utilizes BBL at a very low fluence.
By following these guidelines, providers can mitigate concerns of PIH and ensure optimal patient outcomes during the summer months.
Key takeaways: Perform laser treatments year-round with confidence
To successfully perform laser treatments during the summer and in sunny climates year-round, it’s essential to select the right technology for your practice and educate patients on proper sun protection. Dr. Watwood notes that Arizona experiences summer-like conditions year-round, and their practice operates continuously, treating patients 12 months out of the year. Here are some final reminder tips to ensure effective summer treatments:
Thorough patient education: Talk to your patients and help them understand how to avoid the sun effectively and what constitutes safe sun exposure. Just because you know these precautions well doesn’t mean your patients do, says Dr. Watwood.
Cooling is key: Cooling is one of the most important things you can do to prevent blistering. Use Zimmer devices, ice packs, and cold water misting to thoroughly cool your patients post-treatment.
Investing in the right technology: Assess your patients’ specific skin concerns. Do you have the technology to handle those concerns in the summer? If not, it might be time to invest in devices that allow for year-round treatments. “That was probably one of the biggest things that I didn’t even realize was going to be the benefit of adding MOXI to our practice,” says Dr. Watwood.
By educating your patients, prioritizing cooling, and investing in the right technology, you can provide laser treatments year-round and deliver the best possible outcomes for your patients.
References
Supercharge Your Practice All Summer with Sciton Treatments Webinar