Welcome to another thrilling episode of Beauty & The Brain! Join Dr. Chris Croley and Jerry Drinkard, ARNP, co-owners of Skin & Tonic located in Pace, FL as they explore the intricacies of ensuring safety and success when providing aesthetic treatments for individuals with diverse skin colors. It's an eye-opening journey you won't want to miss!

Understanding Fitzpatrick Scoring System

The episode kicks off with an introduction to the Fitzpatrick scoring system, a vital tool used in the beauty industry to classify patients based on their skin type and color. The system ranges from pale redheads as Fitzpatrick one to darker skin tones at higher numbers. Jerry and Chris emphasize the importance of treating patients differently based on their Fitzpatrick score, debunking the myth that darker skin can be treated more aggressively.

The Importance of Ethnic Background

Ethnic background plays a significant role in determining the appropriate treatment for patients. Dr. Croley highlights the significance of asking about ethnic background when assessing patients. Even individuals with lighter skin can belong to different ethnic backgrounds and may require specialized care.

Learning from Past Mistakes

The hosts share personal experiences and lessons learned from past complications, emphasizing the importance of being cautious when treating individuals with darker skin. They stress the significance of choosing the right devices, settings, and providing proper education to patients.

The Horrors of Inadequate Laser Use

The podcast takes a chilling turn as they discuss a horrifying TikTok video where a woman shares her traumatic experience with an IPL laser treatment gone wrong. Her severe burns serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of inadequately trained practitioners and inappropriate device use.

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

The hosts shed light on post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), a common issue that patients face, and the importance of managing it effectively. Dr. Drinkard discusses how education plays a vital role in preparing patients for the possibility of PIH during the healing process.

Culturally Diverse Practice

The hosts underscore their commitment to creating a culturally diverse practice that welcomes clients from all backgrounds. Their mission, vision, and values revolve around safety, education, honesty, integrity, and cultural diversity.

Tips for Patients and Providers

Providers:

Follow pretreatment and post-treatment protocols diligently.

Educate patients about the possibility of PIH and its management.

Be aware of patients using self-tanners, as it affects their Fitzpatrick score.

Patients:

Communicate openly with providers about any self-tanning products used.

Understand the importance of pretreatment and post-treatment care for optimal results.

Tune in to Beauty & the Brain to stay informed about the latest developments in medical aesthetics, ensuring a safe and effective approach for everyone, regardless of their skin type or color. For more information and consultations, visit https://skinandtonic.pro