The Cosmetic Patient Assessment
Faculty: Jennifer Holman, MD and Chris Surek, DO
The morning of the pre-conference day of the fall SDPA conference kicked off with an engaging presentation on the cosmetic patient assessment from Dr. Chris Surek and Dr. Jennifer Holman. Dr. Surek is a facial plastic surgeon and anatomist, while Dr. Jennifer Holman, the medical director of this conference, is a dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. Dr. Surek initiated the conversation reviewing the 5 facets of beauty which include skin, shape, proportion, asymmetry and animation. Both Dr. Surek and Dr. Holman detailed their approach to skin care regimens for their patients. Dr. Surek utilized the ABC mnemonic for his approach to skin care which includes Antioxidant, Barrier and Correction. Dr. Holman reports that she encourages all of her patients to practice daily skin maintenance. As a Mohs surgeon, Dr. Holman recommends the most important step for daily skin maintenance should involve sunscreen.
Next, Dr. Surek discussed the importance of understanding how shadows and contours contribute to the shape of the skin. The patient assessment of the skin should rely on enhancing or recreating youthful contour. While patients may come to a provider with their own ideas of what they need, Dr. Holman reported how many patients will need the provider to explain what they need, often through use of photography. Both Dr. Surek and Dr. Holman discussed their approach to photography in their practice. Photography can be useful in discussions with patients as well as for a provider’s ability to hone their craft. Dr. Surek reported the “day you stop critiquing your own results, (is the day) you should stop” practicing. In addition to word of mouth, Dr. Surek believes one of the best ways to grow a provider’s practice is through use of good before and after photos of patients.
While patients may come to a provider with their own ideas of what they need, Dr. Holman reported how many patients will need the provider to explain what they need, often through use of photography.
The importance of correcting and respecting asymmetry was next illustrated through patient case presentations. Further discussion explored the importance of dynamic animation. The last facet of beauty, realistic expectations, was explored by Dr. Surek and Dr. Holman. The global assessment of the cosmetic patient should incorporate informed consent, photography, intraprocedural evaluation and follow-up. Lastly, both physicians expressed the importance of close clinical follow up of complications with frequent follow up.
The global assessment of the cosmetic patient should incorporate informed consent, photography, intraprocedural evaluation and follow-up.
Byline: Sarah Patton, MSHS, PA-C
Posted: November 20, 2019
