Physicians and Estheticians: A Rewarding PartnershipBy: Skininc.com

Traditionally employed by day spas offering pampering facials or makeup artistry services, estheticians are finding a wealth of career opportunities with the worldwide growth of medical spas and other health care offices.

Career options for estheticians who wish to focus on clinical esthetic treatments include positions in cosmetic surgery or dermatology practices, outpatient clinics, hospitals, laser centers or medical spas, in addition to starting their own private esthetic practice or day spa.

The latter two options are limited by state laws for a variety of treatments, such as the strength of chemical peels that are performed without medical supervision.

In a clinical settingA typical day for an esthetician in a clinical environment includes skin care consultations and analysis, assessing each patient’s personal skin care goals and recommending a plan of action to reach those goals.

Surgical consultations may be provided by the esthetician to help develop patient relationships and to communicate realistic expectations. Estheticians also offer pre- and post-operative skin care, corrective skin care or makeup artistry for patients with burns or disfigurements, and they often serve as liaisons between physicians and patients.

The esthetician helps to reinforce home care protocols and the proper usage of medications while providing education to the patient, as directed by the physician.