How to Choose a Doctor

Experience Matters Access to Different Technologies An Ongoing Relationship Questions to Ask Before Receiving Treatment

Experience Matters

Access to Different Technologies

This is especially true of laser and other light-based technologies. Different lasers, for example, treat different skin types and different skin problems. No one technology is the right one for everybody. But a physician or clinic who owns only one particular type of laser is going to try to steer you to that device.That's why it's so important to do your homework and seek treatment from a physician who has access to multiple lasers and other technologies. 

An Ongoing Relationship

In addition, be sure to choose a physician who is committed to helping you care for your skin as you and your skin age. Your skin's needs will change as you grow older, so you want to find a physician with whom you'll feel comfortable having a long-term medical relationship. 

Questions to Ask Before Receiving Treatment:

• What's your specialty?
• Are you a board-certified physician? In what specialties?
• Will you or another board-certified physician be on site when a procedure is performed by an aesthetician?
• Do you own your own lasers?
• How many different types of lasers and other light-based technologies do you own?
• Which of those lasers and other treatments are safe and effective for people with my particular skin type and color?
• What are all my treatment options?
• May I have some patient references?

If you do not receive satisfactory answers to these or any other questions, seek care from a different physician or clinic.

Last modified: November 27, 2009