Is it common for a nurse practitioner to perform Profound RF treatment to the back of the thighs without a doctor in the office?

Question

I am a fit (<12% bodyfat, marathon runner) 52 year old woman who had Profound RF treatment on the back of both thighs for skin laxity. A nurse practitioner performed the treatment without a doctor in the office and I was later told when I complained that my bruises lasted far longer than the 2-3 week expected recovery time that she had performed the procedure <12 times. Am I to be concerned, especially since one leg looked significantly worse than the other post treatment?

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

Hi there,Sorry to hear that you're experiencing persistent bruising post Profound RF. Although not ideal, it does occur and is considered to be normal. Profound RF can absolutely be performed by a highly trained expert RN or NP without the physician present. Your bruising should resolve within months, however, if you're still concerned I recommend an in person evaluation with a local expert.

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

Profound RF in our office is performed by highly trained staff members, not always our physicians.  It is perfectly appropriate for a properly trained and supervised Nurse Practitioner to perform this procedure.  Bruising does occur with Profound and while yours seems to be a bit more persistant than average it is not a concern in itself.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Bruising on the legs can be quite persistent post Profound. In my office I delegate Profound treatments to my RN and MA to do the treatments (but I normally do the numbing blocks). Both have been trained and have far more experience hands-on that I do personally. Many offices don't have the physicians performing the actual treatments, but the patients who have these treatments done certainly are under my direct care and supervision. Your state will have guidelines on who can and cannot perform treatments, and as physicians these are what we follow. 12 Profound treatments means that your technician has over 30 hours of device experience. When you think about the fact that many people start doing injectables after a 20 hour course, I'd say your technician is newly experienced, but certainly qualified. If you have questions or issues, consult with the physician whose office you were in. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Is it common for a nurse practitioner to perform Profound RF treatment to the back of the thighs without a doctor in the office?

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Is it common for a nurse practitioner to perform Profound RF treatment to the back of the thighs without a doctor in the office?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Profound RF

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.