Many dermatologists rely on aestheticians to provide a host of complementary services to their patients, including microdermabrasion and specialized acne treatments. Dr. Todd Minars of Minars Dermatology in Hollywood, Florida, explains here what his aestheticians can and cannot do.
An aesthetician is a licensed practitioner of some skin treatments, who in our case practices in our office alongside the dermatologists. They get licensed by the state, but they can and cannot do certain things. What an aesthetician does or is allowed to do, however, obviously is different in each office. In general, most do facials, superficial chemical peels, acne extractions and things like that which do not require a doctor.
What aestheticians do not do is prescribe prescription medication, although they do prescribe cosmeceuticals, or treatments for the skin that are not prescription. They also do microdermabrasion, which is a form of exfoliation which uses a vacuum to spray micro-crystals of aluminium dioxide on the skin (usually the face).
Complementing the Doctor
Aestheticians are helpful in a dermatologist’s office as they complement what the doctor does. You may see a doctor for your acne and then have an acne facial each month from your aesthetician. You may see a doctor for your melasma, which is a type of hyperpigmentation of the skin that commonly occurs in women. The doctor may prescribe a bleaching cream, and then the aesthetician does microdermabrasion or peels and may help you pick out a special moisturizer with a sunscreen in it.
However, along with not being allowed to prescribe medications, aestheticians also cannot do laser procedures, and they are not allowed to do any type of invasive procedures like injecting fillers or Botox. The laws are most likely set state by state, so the aesthetician and the doctor are both fully aware of what their limitations are.
They are not covered by our insurance as their services are considered cosmetic. And although the laws may vary from state to state, in my office, I am the only one who injects Botox. I don’t allow the aestheticians to do it.
Helpful Despite Limitations
Despite limitations, aestheticians are incredibly helpful in a dermatologist’s office because they can sometimes do things a doctor is not able to carry out due to time constraints. For instance, I may see a patient with acne and spend a few minutes poking out some acne blackheads, but an aesthetician may spend 30 minutes - or even more - doing acne extractions.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
