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Considerations when treating children with lasers

Considerations when treating children with lasers

Dermatology Times By Karen Appold

A laser is a suitable mode of treatment for certain dermatologic conditions in pediatric patients; however, there are certain procedural aspects that physicians should consider when treating younger children.

“Indications for children are typically different than those for adults,” notes E. Victor Ross, M.D., dermatologist, Scripps Clinic Carmel Valley, San Diego, Calif. “Most children I treat with lasers have had their conditions since birth, such as birthmarks, whereas adults have conditions brought on by the sun.”

Lawrence F. Eichenfield, M.D., chief of pediatric and adolescent dermatology at Rady Children’s Hospital—San Diego; vice chair of the department of dermatology, and professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, uses lasers to treat children for vascular lesions, including hemangiomas and port-wine stains, pigmented lesions, hamartomas, scars, and laser hair removal.

Considerations: If a child is scared about having a laser procedure — whether they are needle phobic, procedure phobic, or pain phobic, a physician may need to take steps to ensure a successful experience.

“We use techniques to minimize pain and anxiety to make it as pain-free and stress-free as possible, including applying topical numbing agents and oral analgesics, and using general anesthesia for larger treatment areas,” Dr. Eichenfield says.

When using numbing cream, Dr. Ross cautions to not use too much, as it can be toxic for children aged one to three.

“Their skin surface ratio compared to the volume of their body is very high, so only use around 15 grams of numbing cream,” he advises.

Dr. Ross says the child sets the tone for a procedure.

“I can usually tell within the first 30 seconds after entering the exam room if a child will require a lot of reassurance and possibly holding or holding down,” he says. “The key is for the physician to begin the procedure as soon as possible upon entering the room, so the child has less time to think about backing out of it. Therefore, staff should complete preparations for a procedure prior to a physician’s entrance.”

If a dermatologist is performing a treatment on a child’s face, and the child has been equipped with goggles, have a staff person watch the child and make sure the child doesn’t remove them. Likewise, when placing shields over their eyes, expect some children to be apprehensive.

“Sometimes we have to talk to the child throughout the procedure’s duration to reassure them that we are still here,” Dr. Ross says. “Parents have different roles in these encounters — they may hold their child’s hand or even hold a smaller child. But we have to make sure the parent doesn’t get in the way of a procedure,” he adds.

“A goal is to not have a child, parent, physician, or staff member become traumatized,” Dr. Ross continues. “Sometimes, if a child becomes too overwhelmed, they will have to come back another time.”

If using general anesthesia, which would typically be done for larger lesions requiring lengthier procedures, make sure family members are aware of what is known and not known about the potential risks of using it.

“Balance the appropriateness of employing laser therapy with its potential risks,” Dr. Eichenfield says.

Typically, the physician will apply the laser in the same way for children as for adults. However, their approach might change, such as they may administer treatment more slowly.

“I might do a few pulses and then stop, so the child can acclimate themselves to the situation and become more comfortable,” Dr. Ross says.

When lasers aren’t appropriate: When a child has a skin condition with minimal cosmetic impact, a physician may want to recommend laser treatment at a later time if there’s no significant benefit from early treatment.

“For certain port wine stains, there may be advantages to treating them during an infant’s first year,” he says. “But for other conditions, it might be appropriate to wait for a child to get older to determine if laser treatment is truly warranted.”

Also, consider whether the child’s condition might improve with time before treating it with a laser, Dr. Ross says. For example, if a six-year-old child has a prominent spider angioma on his face, discuss the likelihood of it getting better, or rarely getting worse. Or, if a parent or child’s expectation for a procedure isn’t realistic, then forgo treatment.

“Lasers are one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of my practice,” Dr. Eichenfield concludes. “Although it sometimes requires extra work to get children through procedures, it is worth it, given the significant impact the surgeries can make for the rest of their lives. Observable and functional deformities have lifetime influences. I have seen tremendous psychological effects from birthmarks that haven’t been treated, as well as tremendous satisfaction from intervention with laser technology — which is generally safe and effective.”

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Laser Optical Engineer

Aerolase is the fastest growing medical laser company, serving the high growth dermatology and aesthetic laser market. Nestled in the picturesque Hudson Valley in Tarrytown, NY, the location is also ideal for access to NY City and other areas of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. We are hiring in many areas and currently seek laser optical engineers with a passion for creating new things. The company offers a friendly, team-oriented work environment and competitive compensation including salary, bonus, stock options, 401k, and health/dental/life insurance plans.

About the Team:

  • We are a diverse team of friendly, creative hard-working people with a passion for achieving our objectives
  • We are creative, hands-on and innovative with a strong orientation toward high customer satisfaction
  • We have created a very team-spirited company culture and believe it is important to have open and effective cross-functional collaboration and communications – and enjoy our work!

About the Role:

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, creative and detail-oriented problem solver to help support the production, service and repair of our unique solid-state laser devices.

Must have expertise working with assembly and/or development of small, sensitive, high precision instruments, preferably solid-state laser technology, with a high caliber technology company.  We prefer design and hands-on experience in multiple laser technologies including solid state lasers, semiconductor lasers, non-linear optical materials and devices, optical benches, and beam directors. Experience with the technical aspects of developing laser and laser-based products is strongly preferred.

Candidates should have proven ability to address complex challenges with ingenuity and innovation, and capability to work independently to manage multiple simultaneous tasks, and see all tasks to completion. Also should have the ability to work well in a collaborative multidisciplinary team environment, define and analyze system performance specifications, and ensure adherence to those specifications in the application environment.

  • Perform sensitive manual optical assembly of lasers.
  • Test, troubleshoot repair and assemble lasers, subassemblies and various components, including high-voltage laser power supplies and other electronics.
  • Support the development and implementation of test fixtures, equipment, procedures and documentation for the engineering and operations functions.
  • Support product design and development activities related to new products and product improvements.
  • Support development and maintenance of quality and regulatory documents and procedures.
  • Provide customer technical support as needed including product service, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
  • With suppliers, act as a technical and operational liaison as needed.
  • Maintain thorough, complete and accurate written records; comply fully with the company’s quality system and any regulatory requirements.
  • Follow safety rules for working with high-voltages and high-power lasers.
  • Perform other duties as completion of responsibilities necessitates or as assigned by supervisor.
  1. Minimum 5 years of experience in an engineering role involving sensitive high precision instruments, preferably involving solid state lasers.
  2. Theoretical and practical knowledge and skills of adequate policies and procedures for the control of laser hazards and high voltage hazards, using relevant protective equipment, ensuring adequate safety education and training of other personnel.
  3. Understanding of system and component design, testing and troubleshooting.
  4. Enjoy working with your hands/mechanical ability.
  5. Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
  6. Proven technical and project management skills.
  7. Experience with manufacturing within a Quality Management System (especially medical).
  8. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  9. Self-motivated, detail oriented and well organized. Ability to make decisions and work independently Strong work ethic and desire to help the company successful by producing a reliable product.
  10. Not afraid to ask questions and make suggestions for improvement.
  11. Be able to work under pressure due to customer demands.
  12. Strong computer skills (Windows™ software).
  13. Ability to successfully manage multiple projects and daily responsibilities. Ability to discern and appropriately communicate sensitive issues.
  14. Ability to walk, stand, bend, reach, stoop/squat, and crouch. Ability to carry heavy items.
  15. Will require working indoors and outdoors – work environment includes the office, the production areas, mechanical rooms, and customer and supplier facilities. Also includes regular contact with high-voltage equipment and laser light emissions.

BS. in Physics, Mechanical or Optical Engineering, Master’s Degree preferred

  • We are a diverse team of friendly, creative hard-working people with a passion for achieving our objectives
  • We are creative, hands-on and innovative with a strong orientation toward high customer satisfaction 
  • We have created a very team-spirited company culture and believe it is important to have open and effective cross-functional collaboration and communications – and enjoy our work!

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, creative and detail-oriented problem solver to help support the production, service and repair of our unique solid-state laser devices.

Must have expertise working with assembly and/or development of small, sensitive, high precision instruments, preferably solid-state laser technology, with a high caliber technology company.  We prefer design and hands-on experience in multiple laser technologies including solid state lasers, semiconductor lasers, non-linear optical materials and devices, optical benches, and beam directors. Experience with the technical aspects of developing laser and laser-based products is strongly preferred.  

Candidates should have proven ability to address complex challenges with ingenuity and innovation, and capability to work independently to manage multiple simultaneous tasks, and see all tasks to completion. Also should have the ability to work well in a collaborative multidisciplinary team environment, define and analyze system performance specifications, and ensure adherence to those specifications in the application environment.

  • Perform sensitive manual optical assembly of lasers.
  • Test, troubleshoot repair and assemble lasers, subassemblies and various components, including high-voltage laser power supplies and other electronics.
  • Support the development and implementation of test fixtures, equipment, procedures and documentation for the engineering and operations functions.
  • Support product design and development activities related to new products and product improvements.
  • Support development and maintenance of quality and regulatory documents and procedures.
  • Provide customer technical support as needed including product service, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
  • With suppliers, act as a technical and operational liaison as needed.
  • Maintain thorough, complete and accurate written records; comply fully with the company’s quality system and any regulatory requirements.
  • Follow safety rules for working with high-voltages and high-power lasers.
  • Perform other duties as completion of responsibilities necessitates or as assigned by supervisor.
  1. Minimum 5 years of experience in an engineering role involving sensitive high precision instruments, preferably involving solid state lasers.
  2. Theoretical and practical knowledge and skills of adequate policies and procedures for the control of laser hazards and high voltage hazards, using relevant protective equipment, ensuring adequate safety education and training of other personnel.
  3. Understanding of system and component design, testing and troubleshooting.
  4. Enjoy working with your hands/mechanical ability.
  5. Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
  6. Proven technical and project management skills.
  7. Experience with manufacturing within a Quality Management System (especially medical).
  8. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  9. Self-motivated, detail oriented and well organized. Ability to make decisions and work independently Strong work ethic and desire to help the company successful by producing a reliable product.
  10. Not afraid to ask questions and make suggestions for improvement.
  11. Be able to work under pressure due to customer demands.
  12. Strong computer skills (Windows™ software).
  13. Ability to successfully manage multiple projects and daily responsibilities. Ability to discern and appropriately communicate sensitive issues.
  14. Ability to walk, stand, bend, reach, stoop/squat, and crouch. Ability to carry heavy items.
  15. Will require working indoors and outdoors – work environment includes the office, the production areas, mechanical rooms, and customer and supplier facilities. Also includes regular contact with high-voltage equipment and laser light emissions.

BS. in Physics, Mechanical or Optical Engineering, Master’s Degree preferred

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Staff Accountant / Junior Accountant

Aerolase Corporation, a leading aesthetic laser innovator, seeks a Staff Accountant / Junior Accountant. Having made the Inc. 5000 list as one of the world’s fastest growing private companies as well as annual best-in-class product awards, Aerolase has transformed the market with products that provide uniquely tolerable treatments to the patients and exceptionally high ROI for the practitioners. The company offers competitive and an exciting high-growth company culture.

Duties:

• Provide support to the Controller and the management team
• Maintain day-to-day financial accounting functions, including A/P, A/R, expense tracking
• Support the month-end close process, ensuring accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial statements.
• Uploading annual budget and tracking actual to budget variances
• Use of financial reporting software
• Support external auditors and other required outside reporting requirements
• Participation in quarterly inventory reconciliations
• Assist team with projects such as policy creation, system implementation, client support etc.

• Some experience with and strong understanding of the monthly close process and technical accounting
• Detailed oriented, with ability to see the big picture
• Self-starter who can work independently and employ time management skills to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of MS Excel (V-lookup, formulas, pivot tables).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Accounting a MUST, good understanding of GAAP
• 1-3 years’ experience in an accounting function (including internship)
• General Ledger/Operational Accounting experience
• Knowledge of Quickbooks or other reporting software a plus (more the better)
• Industry experience a plus

Senior Accountant

Aerolase Corporation, a leading aesthetic laser innovator, seeks a Senior Accountant. Having made the Inc. 5000 list as one of the world’s fastest growing private companies as well as annual best-in-class product awards, Aerolase has transformed the market with products that provide uniquely tolerable treatments to the patients and exceptionally high ROI for the practitioners. The company offers competitive and an exciting high-growth company culture.

Duties:

• Provide support to the Controller and the management team
• Own day-to-day financial accounting functions, including A/P, A/R, expense tracking
• Assist in establishing and maintaining policies & procedures in accordance with GAAP and Aerolase policy
• Key contributor to the month-end close process, ensuring accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial statements.
• Assist in the preparation of management reports – (cash management, various projections, month end reporting package)
• Involvement with the annual budget process
• Use of financial reporting software
• Support external auditors and other required outside reporting requirements
• Prepare and submit payroll
• Participation in quarterly inventory reconciliation to the perpetual
• Ad hoc projects

• Strong knowledge of the monthly close process and technical accounting

• Detailed oriented, with ability to see the big picture

• Experience in continuous improvement and accounting best practices

• Self-starter who can work independently and employ time management skills to meet deadlines.

• System savvy – ability to learn new financial software

• Intermediate knowledge of MS Excel (V-lookup, formulas, pivot tables).

• Global consolidations experience a plus

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Accounting a MUST, good understanding of GAAP

• 3+ years’ experience working as a staff/senior accountant

• General Ledger/Operational Accounting experience a must

• Extensive knowledge of Quickbooks and other reporting software

• Prior involvement with system implementation

• Prior public accounting experience (any size firm) a plus

• Industry experience a plus

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