Who can legally perform Sculpsure? Can someone who is not certified or medically trained perform this treatment?

Question

Can someone who is not certified or medically trained perform this treatment? Is it necessary for a doctor to be present?

Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS · Answer

Laws vary by state, but in general, you should be evaluated by a physician or surgeon who is knowledgeable about medical lasers as well as other fat reduction procedures before undergoing a procedure like this.  Not all patients are ideal candidates for SculpSure and there are some contraindications.  Furthermore, if you are evaluated by a surgeon who also performs liposuction, SmartLipo, and tummy-tucks, etc., you will be more likely to get an honest recommendation as to which procedure is best for you in order to achieve your goals.  Certainly a Spa with no physician or surgeon on site could offer that.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

No one who is not medically trained should ever perform Sculpsure or any other laser, light, or energy based treatment. In California this is also Illegal, and only an RN, RN Nurse Practitioner or Physician's Assistant can perform the procedure. See my answer in depth on this same question posted previously under the Sculpsure topic.For a comprehensive review, see the California Board of Registered Nursing publication:"The Bottom Line: The Business of Medicine - Medical Spas at this link:

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Laws vary between states, however, it is always best to seek the highest training/education credentials, and the most experience. I suggest that you move forward and consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon. Best wishes,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I highly recommend seeing a Dr. who is an expert for these types of treatments. Usually a combination is needed with Sculpsure to get the best results. I recommend combining Sculpsure with Vanquish and Venus Legacy/Exilis Ultra treatments. However, you can get great results with VASER, ThermiRF, and ultrasound, if you're a candidate. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.Sculpsure is a noninvasive 1060nm diode laser treatment that removes up to 25% of stubborn fat in the treated area in 25 minutes.It is FDA approved for the abdomen and flanks. It is safe if you get pregnant in the future.

The body contouring effects are seen in as quick as six weeks with final results at 12 weeks.

The results are permanent as long as you maintain your weight and health.

The laser targets and destroys the fat cells only which are then naturally removed from the body. Since the laser does not affect the skin or muscle it can be used on all skin colors and there has been no reported incidents of burns when treated by a properly trained physician. It is protective since it alternates heating and cooling.

It has four applicators that can be customized to treat the areas of stubborn fat.

If a second treatment is needed we wait at least six weeks and usually closer to 12.

If you notice lumps after (which I've never seen) I would recommend massage. You should also alert your surgeon.  No compression garment required.

There is no downtime and you can resume your normal activities right after the treatment. There may be some soreness in the area for a few days for which you can take ibuprofen or tylenol. A cold compress can also be used.

Sculpsure is not used for skin tightening however some of our patients have seen this. If more skin tightening is needed we have combined this with thermi or Ulthera for a complete treatment. Sculpsure is recommended for stubborn areas of fat that are not being lost by diet and exercise. It is not a weight loss treatment

Since I have both a coolsculpting and sculpsure I am working on protocols of utilizing both of these depending upon what areas need to be treated and the response to the treatment.

I have used sculpsure on other areas other than the abdomen with very good results.

I also use a Vectra 3D imaging system to try and show people what their treatment areas could look like.

Since Sculpsure outcomes can be based on technique and experience, please see a board certified plastic surgeon that specializes body contouring to see if Sculpsure or other treatments are available to meet your goals.

Take care,

Dr Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

While the legality is going to differ by state, I don't think anyone should have Sculpsure unless is gone by a surgeon or overseen by a surgeon. Preferably a surgeon who also does liposuction so he or she can determine in your initial consultation whether you are, indeed, a good candidate for Sculpsure or not.

Tania Akers-White, MD · Answer

Rules regarding who can perform Sculpsure vary depending on the state. If your state does not require a doctor or nurse to perform this procedure, it may be a good idea to have it done in a clinical setting, such as a doctor's office.

Greta McLaren, MD · Answer

Because many clinics can have an aesthetician or medical assistant perform SculpSure, you should do your homework first. Many clinics have aestheticians perform the procedure, but will have the physician first decide if you are a good candidate and explain if and where the laser heads should be placed. Not everyone is a good candidate. SculpSure does not treat loose skin areas without subdermal fat, or abdominal fat which is underneath the muscle. Also this treatment will reduce around 1 inch per treatment, so if 3 or more inches is the desired result over an entire abdomen or back, it may be easier and cheaper to do one treatment of Vaser Liposulpting in the office while you are awake and be done with the process in a few hours.  My advice is to go to a clinic where the physician does your consult and then oversees the treatment plan and procedure done by the office staff.  You deserve to get your money's worth and the best result possible!

Patricia Faraz, MD · Answer

Each state is different as to who may perform SculpSure. You can contact Cynosure directly for a referral to a trained SculpSure professional in your area.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Each state licenses medical procedures and who can perform them differently.  There are also rules for medical devices and procedures under a doctors supervision.

Who can legally perform Sculpsure? Can someone who is not certified or medically trained perform this treatment?

Answers (18)

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