MedEsthetics magazines offers business education and in-depth coverage of the latest noninvasive cosmetic procedures for physicians and practice managers working in the medical aesthetics industry.
Issue link: https://medesthetics.epubxp.com/i/123304
LASERS, LIPO AND LIFESTYLE In creating a lifestyle program, Dr. Doft finds herself sitting on the cusp of an aesthetics evolution: No longer satisfied to deal solely in the superficial, medical and surgical aesthetic professionals are increasingly adding weight-loss, nutritional counseling and other lifestyle components to their cosmetic practices. Many variations on the aesthetic-lifestyle theme exist: Some practitioners, like Dr. Doft, have cobbled together programs as adjuncts to their medical aesthetic practices, usually by hiring or contracting with dietitians, chefs and coaches. Others sign up with turnkey or franchise weightloss programs. Some practitioners have created combination practices, with lifestyle, weight loss, lasers and liposuction seamlessly integrated from the get-go. But regardless of how the program works, the basic goal is the same: happier, healthier patients with superior, longer-lasting aesthetic outcomes. "Patients who are in a better nutritional and metabolic state have better outcomes." state have better outcomes, so adding a certified chefnutritional coach was the perfect extension to our current services," he says. "The program not only reduces risks for our patients, but it ensures [their] higher satisfaction." He staffed the program with a physician's assistant and a combination of full- and part-time employees, in addition to the chef-nutritional coach. "Our kitchen, with a Viking range, is the centerpiece of our facility," says Dr. Laurence. The nutrition program is run separately from Dr. Laurence's medical aesthetic practice, but opportunities abound for cross-promotion: Potential surgical patients are often referred to the lifestyle program. After they lose weight, lifestyle patients are referred to the surgical program. He introduces the program to patients during the initial consultation. It's a natural audience, he says: "Clearly, the overweight patient who presents for liposuction is the sweet spot for preoperative nutritional counseling." He expects the program to grow from word of mouth as satisfied patients refer friends. "Patients recognize that we are interested in their health and their final results, rather than generating a surgical fee," says Dr. Laurence. "This commitment to overall wellness and patient safety and satisfaction pays huge long-term dividends." BUILD A LIFESTYLE TEAM Dr. Doft created her practice's lifestyle program using independent contractors. But other practitioners may choose to build an in-house team by adding fitness or nutritional counselors to their staffs. Gregory Laurence, MD, chose this route for his Memphis-area practice, Germantown Aesthetics, which offers laser skin rejuvenation, hair removal, breast enhancement and other cosmetic surgery procedures. "We brought in a [chef-nutritional] coach to help prospective liposuction patients get close to their ideal body weight before surgery," says Dr. Laurence. The practice's nutrition program includes evaluations, supplements, medical and psychological evaluations, dietary coaching and customized treatment plans. "Patients who are in a better nutritional and metabolic 26 MAY/JUNE 2013 | MedEsthetics YOLO Medical (yolomedical.com), a Canadian company that manufactures and markets medical and aesthetic devices, recently opened its first weight-loss clinic in Ontario, with plans to open additional YOLO clinics throughout southern Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and eventually the United States. YOLO's "Lifestyle by Design" program consists of a high-tech/high-touch suite of services, including personalized consultations, lipo-laser treatments, genetic testing, body composition evaluations, and diet and nutrition coaching. "It's a comprehensive approach to inch-loss and weight management," explains YOLO's chief operating officer, Chris Bleue. Also on the YOLO menu: body vibration treatments— which, Bleue says, tone muscles and burn calories— sauna sessions and at-home detox supplements. The facilities offer a membership program for patients who want ongoing maintenance treatments. © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH