As clinicians, we’re in daily close contact with our patients and other staff.  Although vital regardless of circumstance, our patients may be more hypervigilant about hygiene and best practices. The onset of the season’s “triple threat” mix of respiratory illnesses has been impacting more people. Such circumstances further emphasize why maintaining optimal hygiene and best practices at your practice is crucial.

Maintaining optimal hygiene at aesthetic practices can often be a challenge. Luckily, SharpLight’s devices and handpieces are designed with great care to make proper maintenance a highly convenient task.  You can find precise instructions on maintaining your device through the user manual.

Remember to:

Before Treatment:

  1. Wipe your handpiece (specifically the area that touches the skin’s surface) immediately before each treatment using an at least 70% alcohol solution.
  2. Liberally apply the alcohol solution to a cotton swab or gauze, wipe the surface thoroughly, and then DRY using a soft cotton cloth.

 
After Treatment:

  1. Wearing gloves, disinfect the handpiece using preempt wipes.
  2. Wipe the handpiece with a cotton swab or gauze containing 70% alcohol solution or witch hazel to remove any residue of the preempt solution off the surface.

 
Note: Be sure to wear gloves while touching the preempt wipes as this is a hospital grade chemical solution.

 

General Notes:

  • Although you can disinfect the rest of the handpiece on an as needed basis, disinfect the whole handpiece, especially the handle, more often during this flu season.
  • Before disinfecting: remember to check that the handpiece isn’t hot – and has returned to room temperature.
  • Do not wet areas that aren’t closed or sealed.
  • Encourage your staff to wear face masks while administering treatments to reduce the risk of spread.
  • Do a meticulous daily check of each handpiece to assure clean surface.
  • Sanitize other high-traffic common areas on a highly regular basis.
  • Maintain extra upkeep of your practice during this busy season to emphasize best clinical practices.

Note: Radio-Frequency-Specific Instructions

Due to the use of glycerin in performing radiofrequency treatments, an additional step is included post-treatment. To properly clean your radio-frequency handpiece after each treatment:

  1. Use a soft cloth or makeup wipe to remove the glycerin off the surface.
  2. For areas between cylinders or other hard to reach areas, tweezers or moistened cotton covered sticks can be used.
  3. Follow with the “After Treatment” steps as stated above.

 
Note: The tip on the radio-frequency handpiece can be removed for easier cleaning.

 

With some extra care, safeguard your professional reputation; protect your practice from outbreaks, bad worth of mouth, and even lawsuits. By maintaining optimal hygiene and best practices at your clinic, you can assure a safer environment for all your staff, patients, their loved ones, and the greater community.