Can an esthetician perform SculpSure?

Thanks for your question.  In my state (WA), the Department of Health (DOH) specifies what an Esthetician can and cannot do and what level of physician supervision is required.  Each state has its own rules, so the best bet is to go to your state's DOH website and see if that is spelled out.  In Washington, a "state licensed health care provider (MD, DO, ARNP, or PA) who has training and expertise" in the proper use of the device may "delegate" the treatment to an esthetician, but must be on-site for the initial treatment and must first evaluate the patient's candidacy for the treatment and review the informed consent documentation.  Subsequent treatments may be performed by the esthetician alone.  We follow the letter of the law in this regard and my esthetician does 98% of all ScupSure treatments with no mishaps.  If the company's protocols are followed, then SculpSure is a very low-risk device.  Theoretically, it could cause a burn, but that is quite rare and would only result from the protocols not being followed accurately or an improperly functioning device.  A doctor will not necessarily do a better job and is just as capable of making an error as an esthetician - the machine does the work, after all.  You should take a look at the DOH regulations for NY and if your medspa is not complying with those rules, report them and find another medspa, because if they skirt the rules on one thing, I would suspect that they may on other things too.  In my opinion, the states have these rules to protect patients, which is a valid concern.  When businesses blatantly disregard these rules, they deserve to have their licenses pulled.  They are cutting corners out of greed and disregarding patient safety.

Yes an esthetician can perform the procedure, and its always safer to have a physician supervising the treatment. If none is available, then discuss with them the expected outcomes, their past results and what possible complications are possible. This is all part of your due diligence, and Sculpsure has a very good safety profile so results are wonderful and its 'low risk'. We have our patients evaluated by myself then the procedure is performed by my technicians, with my supervision. 

Thank you for your question. Typically, the surgeon will always give the consultation to best understand the patient's needs. An aesthetician is allowed to perform SculpSure as long as they are trained by the company. The surgeon and aesthetician will work together to determine the correct setting levels and you will be monitored by a surgeon the entire time of your procedure. Because SculpSure is non-invasive and non-surgical, risk are practically non-existent for good candidates. There are no risks of skin discoloration, bleeding, or other complications. The only side effect is a little soreness post-treatment.I suggest that you next consult in person with a board certified facial plastic surgeon.

Best wishes,

Your question is extremely important. It is important to have a certified person perform your treatment who has been trained well and has experience. First, every state has their own regulations. I would check with you state medical board to determine the appropriate qualifications. In my office, I always see the patient first and assess whether they are a candidate for this procedure. The nurse(RN) will then perform this 25 minute procedure.

Each state has different laws with regards to what type of training is needed to perform a specific medical procedure.  You could check with the medical board in your state to see if an esthetician can legally perform a SculpSure treatment.  During a SculpSure treatment, the energy is adjusted to give the best result.  If the energy is too high for an individual, it is possible that the skin could be burned.  If the energy is too low, it could produce minimal or no results.