In the current economy, medical specialists need to do everything they can to attract (and keep!) patients—especially if your practice features elective procedures. Here are three changes you should consider making to your current marketing plan that can help significantly grow your practice.

Tip #1 – Establish—Then Maximize—Your Online Presence

If your practice doesn’t have a website then you are missing out—it’s that simple. With around 75% of Americans using the internet in 2010, building an attractive, user-friendly website is critical to reaching a broad audience. Make sure your web site features contact and staff information, as well as some promotional brochure and patient-education materials, so that it helps local patients in the process of making a choice among industry experts. And don’t forget to include your web address on all your print, ad and media materials—create the whole package.

Once your website is established, maximize the benefits of online marketing by joining a network like DermaNetwork.org. Enabling prospective patients to find you amid the millions of websites out there is essential for your online marketing to be effective, and DermaNetwork.org can help you do just that.  (Click Here to Contact a Network Representative Now!)

Tip #2: Demonstrate Availability, Affability and Ability

The old standard for building a successful practice is as vital as ever, especially in our fast-paced society. Busy patients need support the support of a capable staff to help them with scheduling, so reinforce with your team how important this is. Time is money for just about everyone, so make the most of your patient’s time (and patience!) by seeing them on time, and when you’re having the consultation, be sure to spend enough time with the patient to help them feel valuable. They’ll appreciate your generosity.

Of course you want to be perceived as approachable and friendly to your patients, but make sure your staff is on the same page in terms of attitude. A positive first impression can go a long way toward earning a patient’s goodwill, whether it occurs over the phone or at the reception desk.

Having articles published and industry affiliations can help patients feel more confident in you as an expert, so be sure to mention professional accomplishments in your brochures and on the website. Add to your portfolio a DermaNetwork.org affiliation by becoming a member of a national network of industry specialists.

Tip #3: Keep Costs Low and Results High with Email Marketing

Did you know that DermaNetwork.org markets directly to patients? DermaNetwork.org utilizes email marketing and other techniques to target patients who have opted in for industry information. That means that the consumers we reach out to are already interested in the procedures your facility may offer, making it easy for us to bring patients and specialists together.

Here’s why you should consider adding email newsletters to your marketing portfolio:

·         Convenient monitoring of the email open, delivery and bounce rates, which give concrete evidence of the email’s effectiveness

·         Targeted increase in the amount of traffic and activity on websites

·         Very low cost, especially compared to printed marketing campaigns

Consider adding email marketing into your overall marketing plan, and watch your practice grow!

To learn about more ways we can help you market your practice effectively, contact a network representative today. Click Here to Contact Us Now!

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that has helped patients in Columbus, Ohio and around the country get rid of unwanted hair in a safe, effective manner. Unwanted hair can be removed using laser technology directed on the skin's surface and is advantageous over other hair removal procedures and methods such as tweezing and waxing, which can be quite painful and uncomfortable. Laser hair removal is considered a safe procedure when it is performed properly by a trained professional. The best candidates for laser hair removal are those with light skin and dark hair, although those with other skin tones and hair colors may find success as well.

Dark skinned individuals and individuals with blonde, gray or red hair may not find this procedure as successful. The regrowth of hair following treatment is often lighter and of a finer texture. Laser hair removal is especially helpful when large areas of hair need to be removed. However, there are certain disadvantages that interested individuals should be aware of as well.

Eye goggles are required during the procedure to protect against accidental exposure to the laser. In some cases, regrowth of hair following this procedure may be patchy or patterned. Some even find this treatment painful and some may not find this procedure to be helpful in removing unwanted hair. The procedure can even run very expensive. It is important to seek a trained professional, as improper application of treatment or overexposure to the laser light may lead to burns, lesions and skin discoloration that is long-lasting.

It is important that interested individuals speak with a medical professional in the Columbus area to go over these advantages and disadvantages prior to receiving treatment. Patients should understand the treatment in detail so they understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.

There are various factors that may be adjusted on a patient-by-patient basis for comfort, effectiveness and safety. These include the pulse length and fluence. Lasers with longer pulses are considered safer, while the fluence refers to the selection of energy levels and may be varied depending on the skin type. The delay, or time between the pulses, may also be adjusted to determine how long the skin and hair follicle are allowed to cool between the pulses.

The spot size may also be adjusted. Larger spot sizes penetrate deeper and a good selection will allow the technician performing the procedure to hair follicles at whichever depth it grows. Lastly, the method of cooling may be adjusted as well. Surrounding skin may be protected using a gel or a spray, while a cooled tip may also be used.

There are four types of lasers that may be used in performing this procedure. They are the alexandrite, ruby, diode and ND, and LP ND Yag lasers. Interested individuals should speak with a medical professional in Columbus for more information about these lasers and about the procedure in general so that they understand the process of laser hair removal.

To learn more about laser hair removal in Columbus, Ohio, Click Here.

Microdermabrasion is a procedure used by patients in Stafford, Virginia and throughout the nation to achieve smoother skin. It is similar to dermabrasion, as it is often described as a very light or superficial dermabrasion. Instead of a rotary tool, however, tiny aluminum oxide crystals are sprayed on the skin and sucked up along with any dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion has not been scientifically proven to provide an improvement in the skin's appearance, but many patients report that their skin feels smoother following the procedure.

This procedure may be used to treat acne and uneven skin color and texture. Some even report that makeup goes on smoothly following the procedure. The procedure typically takes between just 10 and 30 minutes, although this often depends on the size of the treatment area. To achieve optimal results, most patients require five to nine treatments with a week in between each. The short time in which the procedure may be performed, along with the very brief recovery period, is why microdermabrasion is sometimes called the lunchtime procedure.

A maintenance program may then be recommended to maintain the results of microdermabrasion. A medical professional in the Stafford area may provide further details about maintenance programs. Results of microdermabrasion last a few months in most cases. There is no recovery time following microdermabrasion and patients are able to return to work following treatment, also lending to the term lunchtime procedure.

The procedure is performed as the tiny crystals are sprayed onto the skin and vacuumed using the hand piece. Patients may experience minor discomfort that may feel similar to an emery board being scraped across the skin, while others liken the experience to a facial massage. Some may experience facial redness for about an hour afterwards, but there are no risks associated with microdermabrasion when performed properly.

Patients who are interested in microdermabrasion to relieve various skin conditions such as acne and uneven skin color and texture are encouraged to speak with a medical professional in the Stafford area. The treatment may also be used as a general rejuvenation for the skin. Microdermabrasion offers certain benefits over dermabrasion, although the results are much less drastic than when dermabrasion is used. Microdermabrasion does not cause pain and a recovery period is not necessary. There are also no risks associated with microdermabrasion, compared to the risk of infection following dermabrasion as the scabbing begins to peel. Patients may be encouraged to take antibiotics following dermabrasion to fight the risk of infection, however.

To learn more about microdermabrasion in Stafford, Virginia, Click Here.

The signs of aging affect patients in Brookline, Massachusetts and in every other part of the country. These cosmetic blemishes and skin conditions can be very embarrassing and may lead some to feel self-conscious or ashamed of their appearance. While some signs of aging are a natural part of the aging process, others may be exacerbated by sun exposure. Many dermatologists and skin care professionals recommend limiting sun exposure and wearing high SPF sunscreen to help avoid the signs of aging, but for those already affected, treatment does exist that may be helpful.

Dermabrasion is a procedure that has helped many patients find relief from their various cosmetic blemishes and skin conditions such as wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, pigmentation issues such as melasma and other problems. This procedure provides skin resurfacing and refinishing so that patients may rid themselves of these conditions and achieve a smoother texture and a more evenly toned complexion. Dermabrasion works by removing the top layers of skin using an abrasive tool. This reduces the difference in depth between the surface of the skin and any pitting or indentation in the skin, thus providing a smoother texture.

Before receiving treatment, interested individuals are encouraged to discuss the treatment with a medical professional in the Brookline community. This is often the best resource for further information pertaining to cosmetic conditions such as the signs of aging, dermabrasion and other procedures and treatments. During a consultation with a professional, patients will discuss their candidacy for this treatment. Individuals should be in good overall health and should not have recently experienced sunburn. They should also not have recently undergone a radiation treatment or chemical peel. Patients should also be free of current acne and other skin conditions, and should be able to avoid sun exposure in the days following treatment. What's more, patients with lighter skin tones often have better results.

Individuals with darker skin tones should discuss their chances of success with a medical professional at a clinic in Brookline. Those who have taken Accutane in the past 18 months, have skin sensitivities, a history of cold sores or herpes or who are not in good overall health may not be considered candidates for this procedure and may be encouraged to explore other options.

Dermabrasion is performed in a doctor's office, dermatologist's office, medical spa or a skincare clinic. A sedative or local anesthetic may be used while performing this procedure, while others are treated under general anesthetic. The skin is first treated with an antiseptic and then sprayed with a Freon spray to freeze it. A handheld motorized rotary tool with an abrasive brush or wheel made of sandpaper, small wires or a sanding wheel made of diamond particles is then applied to the skin. The tool removes the top layers of skin, revealing layers of underlying skin so that individuals are left with smoother skin with a more even tone.

Patients recovering from dermabrasion are discouraged from engaging in any strenuous activities, and should not shave or perform other activities that may irritate the skin. Sun exposure should also be avoided as much as possible in the first couple of weeks. Patients may feel like their skin has been abraded in the first few days. The skin may be swollen and a scab may form in these initial days. The swelling should subside shortly thereafter and the scab may begin to come off. Patients may be encouraged to take medication for any pain and antibiotics to prevent infection, but must first consult their physician. Over the next month or two, the skin should begin to regain its natural color for optimal results.

To learn more about dermabrasion in Brookline, Massachusetts, Click Here.

Foam sclerotherapy is a procedure that has helped patients in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and across the nation rid themselves of cosmetically unappealing spider veins. These unsightly veins often appear on the legs, but may appear elsewhere on the body as well. They are not considered medically harmful, but cause a great deal of embarrassment and self-consciousness for many people. Overcoming this condition and finding effective relief is very important to many individuals living with spider veins.

There are several treatments and procedures designed to help patients overcome spider veins. Many modern techniques utilize laser technology, which has grown throughout the medical industry. Still, sclerotherapy remains a stalwart in spider veins treatment and is used at vein clinics in Fort Lauderdale and throughout the nation.

Foam sclerotherapy is an injectable treatment that works by irritating the vein wall so that it collapses, shrinks and eventually disappears. There is no recovery time following sclerotherapy and patients are usually able to resume their normal activities immediately following treatment. Results may begin to become noticeable right after treatment. Most individuals are satisfied with their results after just one treatment, while others require subsequent treatments to reach optimal results.

To begin the procedure, a topical anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area before any injections are made. The sclerosing foam will be injected into the treatment area and ultrasound technology will be used to ensure that it is spread effectively. More than one injection may be necessary to reach optimal results. About 30 to 45 minutes are usually required for treatment.

Most individuals with spider veins are considered candidates for foam sclerotherapy. Those with certain blood or cardiovascular problems may not be considered candidates, however, and pregnant women should not undergo foam sclerotherapy. Before receiving treatment, those interested should consult a vein specialist in their area to determine if they are considered a candidate.

Recovery may involve the use of compression stockings if veins in the legs are treated. These are typically worn for a couple of days to aid in the healing process. Foam sclerotherapy holds a few distinct advantages over traditional sclerotherapy procedures. With foam sclerotherapy, the sclerant used is of a foam consistency, whereas with traditional sclerotherapy, a liquid formulation is used. The foam consistency is more effective in displacing blood in the vein, allowing for greater direct contact with the vein wall. It is also more easily viewed using ultrasound.

As foam sclerotherapy is considered a cosmetic treatment, insurance companies typically do not cover the cost of treatment. If it is used as a treatment when larger veins that are of a medical concern are involved, insurance may cover the cost, however. Patients are encouraged to discuss this matter with a vein specialist in Fort Lauderdale, as well as their insurance company to determine whether the treatment will be covered. In most cases, the cost of foam sclerotherapy ranges in price from $200 to $500 per treatment session.

For more information about foam sclerotherapy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Click Here.