ABSTRACT
Radio frequency and iontophoresis are two commonly used types of medical skin care equipment, utilizing electrical energy. Radio frequency technology has become an important treatment in aesthetic medicine, and has many applications, including non-ablative tightening of the cutaneous tissue to improve skin laxity and to reduce wrinkles. Iontophoresis on the other hand uses a small electric charge to deliver medicine or other chemicals through the stratum corneum, the principle barrier to percutaneous absorption, without the use of a needle. It is used mainly for aesthetic reasons, including treatment of melasma, and for anti-aging therapy. Effective cosmetic results have been demonstrated for both these techniques in a number of studies. However, recklessness and incorrect use of the machines by unqualified practitioners can cause side effects. Here, we review the possible side effects and related coping strategies associated with radio frequency and iontophoresis.
Subject(s)
Burns , Hand , Iontophoresis , Melanosis , Needles , Skin Absorption , Skin Care , SkinABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Medical skin care is essential for the treatment of skin diseases all over the world. Medical skin care is also part of medical practice and this must be differentiated from the simple skin care that is given for normal healthy skin. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to discuss medical skin care and the related medical devices and legal issues. METHODS: We reviewed the related laws and regulations, we consulted experts and associations and we analyzed the result of the survey. RESULTS: Legally, medical skin care and simple skin care are well classified. However, many illegal procedures are still performed by non-medical personnel and many adverse effects have been reported as a result. Furthermore, there are no legal restrictions for the performer based on the grade of each medical skin care procedure. CONCLUSION: For the best results and safe procedures, medical skin care must be performed by approved medical equipment under the supervision of a physician or medical personnel. Continuous control and guidance by the government is strongly needed.
Subject(s)
Jurisprudence , Organization and Administration , Skin , Skin Care , Skin Diseases , Social Control, FormalABSTRACT
In 2008, Korea has enacted new ordinances about the role of estheticians, but this law can be interpreted ambiguously, restricting hiring of estheticians in medical clinics. The purpose of the study is to obtain information about medical-esthetic systems in other countries. We have taken a survey of this object from 30 OECD & Asian countries, and the questionnaires returned from a total of 22 countries (Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Singapore, Israel, and Thailand), were used for the final analysis. The results are summarized as follows. In most countries, estheticians working independently deal with only healthy, normal skin. In most countries, estheticians working independently have no right to operate any medical instruments. In all 17 countries that returned the questionnaires medical clinics can employ estheticians, and only theses estheticians who belong to the medical clinics can handle the non-invasive medical instruments under the supervision of doctors. In 17 countries that have related legal regulations, nurses, under the control of doctors, can perform wider range of duties in various settings than estheticians. The survey concludes that the duties of estheticians are closely related with medical skin care services and estheticians can perform various non-invasive medical procedures only under the control of doctors. From consulting a variety of medical-esthetic systems in other countries, we propose that the estheticians be allowed to work in medical clinics to provide better medical services for the patients and to make more chances of employment for themselves.
