Every year there are new developments in equipment used in dermatology by suppliers of dermatology devices; therefore, it's important for physicians as well as staff to receive dermatology devices education and training to properly use and maintain them. Many dermatology associations and organizations offer training courses and seminars where physicians can receive training and education.

There are also self-study and online programs as well as on-site training options that meet the needs of both patients and staff. Here are some additional things to consider about dermatology devices education and training:

1. Learn how to use specific cosmetic medical devices by taking specialized courses and in-office training.

2. Get training on how to use cosmetic dermatology devices with self-study or online courses and read information from suppliers of dermatology equipment to learn how to use their devices.

3. Go to seminars and workshops offered by dermatology associations and schools to receive training on dermatological devices.

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Get information about using dermatology equipment from classes and on-site training courses

There are constant innovations in the industry of dermatology supplies and equipment making it increasingly important for physicians and staff to pursue dermatology devices education and training. There are classes available that offer instruction on how to use a dermatological device such as a laser for everything from tattoo removal to liposuction.

I recommend: Learn how to use dermatologist equipment with the training classes provided by Empire Medical Training. Receive on-site training to use laser devices from PCA Skin and then read the article at Education Portal to research dermatology technician training.

Take self-study or online courses to receive training on the many uses of dermatology equipment

For those with a busy schedule, there are self-study and online training courses available on the uses of the latest equipment created by suppliers of dermatology devices. Self-study and online courses allow both doctors and their staff to learn either from the privacy of their homes or in an office setting, as well as to have the ability to create a schedule that fits their needs. Also, a supplier of dermatology equipment may sometimes offer information on how to use their products and this is another way of learning about dermatological devices.

I recommend: Take one of the many self-study courses in topics ranging from how to use dermal fillers to autologous fat transfer with dermatological equipment at Aesthetic Enhance. Receive online as well as hands-on study program training on how to use laser devices from Laser Training. Go to R.A. Fischer and Co., which is a supplier of dermatology devices, to learn about galvanic units used to perform Tap Water Iontophoresis treatments for your dermatology patients.

Attend seminars, conferences and workshops to receive training on how to use dermatology devices

Every year dermatology associations, groups and organizations host seminars, conferences and workshops to inform physicians and staff of new enhancements in dermatology equipment and devices. Doctors and staff can view demonstrations as well as receive hands-on training so that they can properly use and maintain devices including those that do cosmetic laser treatments and hair removal.

I recommend: Attend the conferences, seminars and workshops offered by the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery and Aesthetic Medical Training to learn about dermatologist equipment used to perform laser treatments, Sclerotherapy microdermabrasion and chemical peels.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Since there isn't just one dermatology device for physicians and staff members to use for all procedures, and since these devices change and improve each year, it's vital to the success of dermatologists to continue to receive training and education as often as possible.

Dermatologist equipment ranges from highly specialized to simple and basic. Expensive, high-end equipment can run you thousands of dollars. Examples include laser equipment, desiccators and surgery devices. The laser equipment can be especially useful in either a medical or cosmetic dermatology practice, as it can be used for skin resurfacing, removing unwanted hair and faded tattoos and treating birthmarks, freckles and scars.

Lower-end, more basic supplies include creams, serums, special lamps, scopes and aesthetic equipment, like microdermabrasion machines. Locating suppliers of dermatology devices is pretty simple, it's picking and choosing the products that suit your needs that can seem a bit overwhelming.

1. Equip your medical practice with dermatology devices to treat all sorts of skin disorders and diseases.

2. Purchase cosmetic medical devices to offer a variety of treatments that will meet your clients' needs.

3. Expand your services by offering retail products, aside from the treatments you offer that utilize the regular equipment used in dermatology.

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Be prepared for all kinds of patients with basic dermatological devices

It's great to be cutting-edge, but sometimes, it's best to fall back on the 'oldies but goodies.' Special lamps, scopes and cameras can be used to evaluate your patients' skin and diagnose any problems they may have.

I recommend: Show your clients what their skin really looks like with a skin scope from WoodsLamp.net. Treat warts, skin tags, age spots and skin cancer using a cryosurgical sprayer from PRINCETON CryoTech.

Satisfy your clients by using professional cosmetic dermatology devices

Patients seek cosmetic dermatology for all sorts of reasons. Some think their skin is blotchy, others want to establish an anti-aging regimen. Some are still coping with acne scars from their teenage years, while others want to throw away their razors and take advantage of your permanent hair removal technology.

I recommend: Rejuvenate your patients' skin with a laser system from CoolTouch, designed for wrinkle reduction and acne scar treatment. Find galvanic units and epilators at R.A. Fischer Co., one of the longest-lived suppliers of dermatology equipment.

Increase your profits by retailing dermatology supplies to your patients

When you use a certain product on your patients and they see the results, many times, they'll ask to buy some from you. Setting up a retail display with the products you use has the potential to be greatly profitable for you, while giving your patients what they desire.

I recommend: Stock a full line of AminoGenesis products, a unique brand offering skin care products made with amino acids. Become a Bioelements "partnership spa" and promote products that are not tested on animals.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Sometimes you'll have to replace parts on a dermatology device that you own. Write down the brand and model number and search for parts online. Examples of replacement parts include light bulbs, electrodes, tubing and starters.

Dermatology is one medical specialty that has seen a technological explosion in recent years. Dermatology devices, once limited to the Wood’s lamp and standard surgical equipment, now provide specialized assistance for a whole range of skincare applications, from the physician’s removal of malignancies to the esthetician’s cosmetic services. From laser resurfacing to cryosurgery, microdermabrasion to electrolysis, you’ll need to navigate a whole dictionary’s worth of key terms to make your acquaintance with dermatology devices more than skin-deep. Here’s an overview of the basics.

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Wood's lamp

One of the simplest dermatology devices, the Wood's lamp has been used since 1925 as a diagnostic tool. A Wood's lamp, also called a Wood's light or Wood's glass, shines ultraviolet light on the patient's skin, revealing the presence of certain fungal and bacterial conditions that fluoresce, or glow, in ultraviolet light. Estheticians also use Wood's lamps to monitor the coverage of skin peeling chemicals, which also fluoresce in ultraviolet light, to assure even distribution.

I recommend: Explore the dermatological uses of the Wood’s lamp at woodslamp.net.

Laser

Dermatological lasers focus intense light on the skin to resurface wrinkles and scars, repair broken capillaries and remove lesions. Ablative lasers burn away the top layer of the skin. Non-ablative, or cool, lasers use lower light levels to address specific areas.

I recommend: SmartSkinCare.com discusses the differences between ablative and non-ablative dermatological lasers and their recommended applications.

Desiccator

In dermatological terms, a desiccator is a piece of electrosurgical equipment that uses an electrical current, applied through a needle, to dry up and suction away skin and underlying tissue. Some dermatology desiccators also include surgical cutting tool accessories.

I recommend: Learn more about dermatological desiccators by reviewing the specs for Bovie equipment, manufactured by Bovie Aaron Medical.

Microdermabrasion

In contrast to large-scale dermabrasion, or removal of the top layer of the skin, performed by ablative lasers or chemical peels, microdermabrasion resurfaces the skin micrometers at a time, using a revolving metal brush or a diamond-tipped burr, also known as a fraise.

I recommend: Manufacturer ImageMicroderm offers a complete description of microdermabrasion procedures, equipment and applications.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgical equipment, from the term 'for freezing,' applies liquid nitrogen to the skin to freeze and remove warts, moles, skin tags and other lesions.

I recommend: Find a detailed description of the structure and use of cryosurgical sprayers and other cryosurgery equipment at PRINCETON CryoTech.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is the removal of excess or unwanted hair through the application of electrical current to the hair follicle. Epilators, which come in the form of needles or tweezers, are the most common dermatology devices for electrolysis.

I recommend: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers a page defining hair removal techniques and equipment, including electrolysis and epilators.