Employing an aesthetician in a dermatology practice: facts and controversies

Abstract

Employment of aestheticians in dermatology offices is becoming an everyday occurrence, as the dermatology patients' demand for cosmetic services taxes the availability of limited resources. Proponents of the practice state that aestheticians can help meet patients' expectations, while allowing dermatologists to focus their practice on the medical needs of patients. Opponents believe employment of fee-for-service aesthetic technicians compromises our ethical duties to our patients and diminishes the stature of dermatology as a profession.