Advance Your Career

The esthetics industry continues to evolve as technology advances and client expectations grow. Treatments that were once considered cutting-edge are now standard offerings, and new modalities are constantly entering the treatment room. Estheticians who invest in advanced education can increase revenue, attract new clientele, and stay competitive in a rapidly growing industry.  

Below are four advanced modalities that continue to drive demand in professional esthetic treatment rooms.  

Tattoo Removal

Tattoo removal has become one of the most requested laser services. Q-switched laser therapy remains a preferred method, which delivers pulses of high-intensity laser energy past the target tattoo pigment beneath theat epidermis. The laser breaks the pigment into smaller particles that are then metabolized and eliminated by the body.  

Results vary depending on ink color, depth, and the client’s immune response. Because tattoo removal lies on advanced laser technology, proper certification, state compliance, and appropriate liability coverage are essential before offering this service.  

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal continues to be one of the most popular nonsurgical esthetic treatments. A concentrated beam of light targets melanin in the hair follicle, damaging it and reducing future growth.  

While often described as semi-permanent, results vary based on skin tone, hair color, device wavelength, and treatment timing. Successful outcomes require thorough consultation, proper device training, and careful adherence to scope-of-practice regulations.  

Photo Rejuvenation (Intense Pulsed Light)

Photo rejuvenation, also known as intense pulsed light (IPL) addresses a variety of common skin concerns including sun damage, hyperpigmentation, distended capillaries, and uneven tone conditions, like rosacea. It also encourages collagen synthesis to target fine lines and wrinkles. IPL works by delivering high-intensity pulses of light deep into the skin, targeting melanin and vascular irregularities while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. There is little to no downtime with long-lasting improvements. 

Tightening and Body Contouring

Advances in technology have expanded nonsurgical options for addressing loose skin and localized fat deposits. Devices utilizing radio frequency, ultrasound, laser energy, and cryolipolysis offer clients noninvasive alternatives to surgical procedures. 

Skin tightening treatments stimulate collagen remodeling, while body contouring technologies target fat cells to reduce volume in specific areas. These modalities require thorough training, device knowledge, and a clear understanding of contraindications.  

Insurance considerations for Advanced Modalities 

Advanced esthetic treatments including laser and energy based devices carry increased risk compared to traditional esthetic services. Before adding advanced modalities to your menu, confirm that your professional liability insurance specifically covers each service you perform and is within your state’s scope of practice.  

Investing in education and appropriate insurance protection helps safeguard both your clients and your career. 

FAQs

What are considered advanced esthetic services? 

Advanced esthetic services typically include laser treatments, intense pulsed light (IPL), tattoo removal, skin tightening, body contouring, and other device-based procedures that go beyond basic facials and waxing.  

Do advanced esthetic treatments require additional certifications? 

In many states, advanced modalities require additional training, certification, or medical oversight. Always verify your states regulations before offering new services.  

Notes

1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018,” accessed December 2018, www.bls.gov/ ooh/personal-care-and-service/skincare-specialists.htm.

2. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2016 Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank Statistics (2017): 5.

3. Q. Fottrell, “Even Before Apple Watch Snafu, Tattoo Removal Business Was Up 440%,” Market Watch, May 2, 2015, www.marketwatch.com/story/tattoo-removalsurges-440-over-the-last-decade-....

4. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2016 Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank Statistics (2017): 7.