Choosing the right equipment

Many physicians are confused about what type of equipment is best when they want to add additional services to their practice. 

When trying to decide, focus on the following issues:
  • Specific types of treatments you want to perform
  • Skin types will you be predominately treating
  • Who will be performing the treatments
  • Return on investment projection
  • Age range if buying used
  • Purchasing budget range

Many times the first step is figuring out the budget.  I’ve worked with several physicians who say they want a specific type of system and then after tracking one down they find out it’s not in their price range.  Figure what price and age range you want to stay within and then get approved for financing if needed (I can help with this). This is important because you’ll be able to move more quickly on a prime used system or put you in a stronger negotiating position with a manufacturer for a new system.

If you’re limited on space and want to offer several treatment options from one device, consider a platform system like the Alma Harmony XL www.almalasers.com/us/device/harmony-xl-pro

This is a very effective and versatile device with lots of available options.  One of the things I like about this system is the ability to perform combination treatments which are often more effective than a single modality.  It also gives you the opportunity to brand your specific type of combination treatments as exclusive to your practice. I used to work for this particular company so I know this device well, can usually find a good deal on a used one, will help you pick handpiece options, and can even train on it in your office.  A physician I set up with one of these told me it has been more successful and brought in more revenue than any other device in her medspa (she is available as a reference). 

Sometimes it’s good to get a dedicated device if you have enough patient volume to justify the purchase.  For example, many dermatologists want a pulse dye laser because it is a tool often used in their practices for treating port wine stains and deep vascular lesions.  If you want to focus on tattoo removal and anticipate a high enough volume, you should consider getting a dedicated q-switch or pico laser with the speed and versatility you’ll need.  If it’s treating veins, a dedicated long-pulsed YAG might do the trick.

There’s lots of choices out there.  Let me help you narrow down your options and together pick the right one for you. 

For more information go to: www.lasercoach.com



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