Beth Haney - Aesthetic Procedures: Nurse Practitioners Guide to Cosmetic Dermatology

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The media continues to define unattainable standards of beauty through glossy magazines, movies, and television shows. In addition, the widespread use of filters to enhance and modify images on social media increases the desire for beauty and perfection. Consequently, global demand for aesthetic medical treatments continues to grow at a rapid pace. Many people want to look as young as possible for as long as possible.

There is an increase in the number of nurses and other healthcare providers who want to learn about nonsurgical aesthetic treatments and add them into their practice. This textbook was written for providers to learn the pharmacology of aesthetic medications, uses of aesthetic devices, appropriate patient selection, treatment indications, proper techniques, and identification and treatment of complications.

Undeniably, aesthetic practice is a broad combination of nursing, medicine, and art. The notion that aesthetics is informal or rudimentary can lead to exaggerated levels of practitioner confidence. Some practitioners delve into aesthetics without proper education or training, and this leads to dissatisfied patients and unsuccessful practices or, worse, legal action. The purpose of this book is to provide practitioners a thorough understanding of aesthetic practice.

Nurse practitioners (NP) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) and are legally able to diagnose conditions and prescribe medications and treatments for patients in the United States (US). Alternatively, registered nurses (RN) in the United States are not legally able to diagnose conditions or prescribe medications and treatments, and they must have a qualified provider to diagnose and prescribe treatment. Then, after diagnosis and treatment prescription from a qualified provider, in most states, the RN is legally allowed to provide the appropriate aesthetic treatment to the patient. However, nursing laws vary in different countries, and nurses must understand the regulatory mandates that govern their practice to avoid disciplinary measures or legal action. It is vital to understand the legal framework of the country, state, or region where the nurse practices aesthetics.

Aesthetic practice consists mainly of enhancement of the appearance, but it also includes other important features such as improvement in confidence and self-esteem. Some examples are to help people look younger in a competitive job market, to camouflage disfiguring scars with laser and dermal filler treatment, or to reduce female facial hair. These and other enhancements of appearance can help people acquire a job, get a position in the public eye, or even begin a relationship. The benefits of aesthetics are more than simply skin deep.

Current evidence along with practical information from the author is included in this book. The readers will obtain knowledge of skin and facial anatomy, pharmacology, and descriptions of aesthetic treatment options and learn common injection techniques. While didactic education is an important tool for the integration of aesthetics into clinical practice, hands-on experience is also required for practitioners to become proficient in aesthetics.

Disclaimer : The terms practitioner and provider are used throughout this textbook because they encompass a variety of professionals who perform aesthetic treatments and procedures, but the main focus is on nurse practitioners and nurses who practice aesthetics or would like to learn about aesthetic procedures. However, laws in the United States allow nurse practitioners to perform many more advanced aesthetic procedures than other nurses around the world. It is important to understand local and regional laws governing professional nursing practice.

This text is an essential tool for nursing professionals who would like to become skillful in aesthetic dermatology and provide safe and effective treatments to patients. No specific products or treatments are recommended by the author for any patient. This book is not a replacement for hands-on training with an expert aesthetic professional but is intended to provide in-depth didactic information on various treatments and procedures. Safe and effective aesthetic practice is the objective of this book.

Creating a textbook takes a team of dedicated friends and scholars to transform words into knowledge. It is a great responsibility and privilege to provide education on aesthetic practice to students of different backgrounds and specialties.

It is with deep gratitude that I mention the following individuals who supported me during my writing adventure. I truly appreciate the sacrifice of their precious time.

Professor Patricia F. Pearce, MPH, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP, who inspired me throughout this project and was instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of creating this textbook. She provided me insight and guidance that only a true master could impart, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

Donald Gardenier, DNP, FNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, who has a grasp of the English language like no other and enjoys cerebral gifts beyond description. He has mentored me for many years and pushed me into new environments to flourish. Dank je.