An Expanding Toolbox: Items to Improve Your Cosmetic Practice
Syris v900L by Syris Medical
The v900L Visualization System uses a proprietary white light LED and two-way polarization to enable visualization of about 1mm into the skin, so physicians can see subsurface features, including veins. The technology is intended to remove surface glare from the skin, providing benefit for laser procedures, sclerotherapy, and other applications. The company says the device offers multiple magnification options, and its lithium ion battery provides four hours of run time.
Eric Bernstein, MD, of Main Line Center for Laser Surgery in Ardmore, PA, describes the device as “indispensable.”
“I use the Syris v900L all day long when lasering vessels anywhere on the body,” Dr. Bernstein says. “It cuts down my treatment times and I don’t have to constantly lift my laser glasses to see the target vessels. I just put on the v900L and the vessels jump right out.”
More information: syrisscientific.com
Quantificare 3D LifeViz by Quantificare
Available in multiple models, Quantificare’s 3D imaging systems create reproducible pictures without the need for repositioning systems. Dual beam pointers are used; when the two convergent beams overlap, the shooter knows s/he is in the right place to take the picture. Using a process called stereo-photogrammetry, the 2D images are automatically merged by the QuantifiCare suite into a 3D representation. According to the company, the, “LifeViz technology enables quantification of volume changes and detection of fine surface details.”
For Joel L. Cohen, MD of About Skin Dermatology in Lone Tree and Engelwood, CO, the 3D system stands out for its convenience and mobility. “Quantificare 3D camera is easy to use by carrying into any patient room,” he says. “The software helps match photo positioning. And before and after photos can be juxtaposed with many nuanced and consistent comparisons—including volume, pigment, etching, and more.”
More information: quantificare.com
SkinPen by Bellus Medical
The only FDA-cleared microneedling device, Bellus Medical’s SkinPen is cleared for treatment of facial acne scars. Of course, the device is also used off-label for general rejuvenation purposes. Treatment sessions last about 30 minutes with little to no downtime.
“While we have known and done needling in the past, the recent FDA clearance has pushed SkinPen to the top of my list of favorite things,” says Steven Dayan, MD of Chicago, IL. He notes the handheld skin device is easy to set up and to use.
“The depth of the needles can be varied. We offer treatments in packages of three, each one spaced one month apart. Downtime is minimal, and patients see results quickly. It is probably the most popular procedure in my practice now; patient satisfaction rates are easily above 90 percent, and my staff loves it.”
The economics are favorable, he adds. “The device is affordable, as are its disposable cartridges. Since it’s a handheld, the pen doesn’t take up a lot of space. There is no need for expensive extended warranties or repair contracts.”
AccuVein Device
The AccuVein device is a relatively low-cost, hand-held tool that allows for visualization of vessels under the skin. It is used for procedures such as starting IVs or blood draws, but the device can also be used when providing cosmetic injectables to ensure that physicians don’t puncture a vein.
“The AccuVein is a laser vein finder that can be very useful in a cosmetic practice and has been a great addition to my practice. The device illuminates veins that are up to 10mm deep. This is useful for doctors who perform leg vein treatments, start IVs, perform filler injection, and teach anatomy,” says Joe Niamtu, III, DMD. “When the battery- operated device is aimed at the skin, the veins become very visible. It has actually been a great marketing tool, too. When we treat a new patient who had bruising issues at a previous practice, they are more than impressed when we do a vein scan before their neuromodulator or filler injections. This definitely adds a high-tech spin to our practice and impresses patients.”
Online Marketing Tips and Tools
From Wendy Lewis
Use a Dashboard. If you want to get serious about social, you need to invest in a dashboard. These platforms allow you to schedule, post, comment, repost/regram/retweet, load photos, and more across multiple platform. Some, such as Hootsuite, now enable you to schedule Instagram posts in advance as well, all from your desktop, tablet, or mobile phone. Choose the right social media management tool for your individual needs. While a lot of the platforms have much to offer, you might not need all the widgets and extra features that come with a hefty price tag. Consider how you plan your social media posts, what can be automated to save time, and where the gaps are. Then, check out a few of these popular choices, and choose the one that best suits your needs. Most offer a basic free version, but the better ones have sophisticated reporting, analytics, and scheduling options that are a must. Another benefit of dashboards is that it simplifies the process of tracking hashtags and bit.ly URLs.
You will also be able to repurpose content seamlessly on a dashboard. Hootsuite no longer allows users to post to more than one account at one time. If you have two Twitter accounts, you will have to post the same content at different times to avoid getting blocked. This is an effort to reduce spam.
Check out some of the available dashboards and find one that works for you:
- Hootsuite
- Sproutsocial
- Agorapulse
- Buffer
- IFTTT
- SocialOomph
- Oktopost
Add MEMES & GIFS. MEMES and GIFs are pieces of visual content, often funny or poignant, that can be used across social media and take the place of words. Due to their visual nature, these are well suited to all channels and are extremely shareable. They can also add some entertainment value to posts. You can add your logo in the bottom to gain credit when your memes are shared and add comments or hashtags to the image. To save time, use existing memes that match the phrase and sentiment you want to get across. Search for an emotion or reaction you want to convey, like “Oh no she didn’t” or “TGIF.”
Find them by searching these free sites—or use the GIF tool on your Facebook page:
Get a Ring Light. Want to have an instant glow in your selfies and videos? Do what vloggers do: Use a ring light. A ring light is a handy multi-use tool that can be used for all types of shoots. It may use fluorescent or LED circular bulbs and provides uniform light coming straight from the camera’s point of view to brightens your pics and help eliminate shadows. These systems can be used with a tripod and most having a mounting bracket for your camera or phone. One of the top-rated ones is 2.1 1. Diva Ring Light Super Nova 18″ Dimmable Light available at Walmart for $249, but you can get cheaper versions on Amazon and eBay.
Get more tips from Wendy Lewis, author of Aesthetic Clinic Marketing in the Digital Age (CRC Press 2018) online at ModernAesthetics.com/2018/06.
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