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Provide rejuvenation of the skin using high intensity focused ultrasound energy

URN: SKANSC13
Business Sectors (Suites): Non-surgical Cosmetic Procedures
Developed by: SkillsActive
Approved on: 30 Mar 2021

Overview

​This standard coexists alongside, SKANSC*1.1:* Implement and maintain safe, hygienic and effective working practices during elective non-surgical cosmetic procedures and SKANSC*2.1: Consult, assess, plan and prepare for elective non-surgical cosmetic procedures within the working environment*. This standard is for advanced aesthetic practitioners carrying out high intensity focused ultrasound energy procedures to rejuvenate the skin. High intensity focused ultrasound is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that uses ultrasonic waves (sound) to distribute energy that heats underlying skin tissue, subcutaneous fibrous tissue and superficial musculo-aponeurotic tissue. You will also be required to do a post procedure evaluation and reflection for continuous improvement. The aesthetic practitioner must have a First Aid at Work qualification or equivalent, and be able to carry out the functions within SFHCHS36: Basic life support, and have access to life support equipment as identified in the complication management plan. Users of this standard will need to ensure that their practices reflect up-to-date information, policies, procedures and best practice guidance.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. carry out a concise and comprehensive consultation with the individual

  2. maintain your responsibilities for health and safety in accordance with legislation, regulations, directives and guidelines 

  3. discuss and establish the individual’s objectives, concerns, expectations and desired outcomes to inform the HIFU procedure plan, to include: 

3.1 alternative treatment options

3.2 skin classification, characteristics and condition 

3.3 preparatory skin priming programme

3.4 *preparatory skin treatment *

3.5 physical sensation and sound

  1. confirm and agree with the individual, they have understood the proposed HIFU procedure, to include:

4.1 contra-actions

4.2 adverse reactions

5. obtain and record the individual’s informed consent for the HIFU procedure, allowing an adequate time scale for the individual to make an informed choice 6. select an effective hygiene preparation product to meet the individual’s needs, in accordance with the manufacturer instructions  7. prepare the individual’s treatment area according to the **HIFU procedure protocol**, to include: 7.1 application of a preparation product for glide and optimum conductivity, prior to the HIFU procedure in accordance with individual’s targeted skin concerns and the HIFU procedure protocol  8. prepare the HIFU equipment and select the cartridge to be used in accordance with the skin classification, characteristics, the individual’s objectives and the individual’s treatment area 9. carry out the HIFU procedure in accordance with the HIFU procedure protocol, to include: 9.1 even coverage of the treatment area  9.2 the duration of contact in one area does not exceed manufacturer instructions 10. monitor the individual’s health, wellbeing and skin reaction throughout the HIFU procedure 11. implement the correct course of action in the event of an adverse reaction 12. conclude the procedure in accordance with the HIFU procedure protocol, legislative requirements and organisational policies and procedures 13. take and store consensual visual media of the individual’s treatment area, in accordance with insurance requirements, organisational policies and procedures  14. complete the individual's HIFU procedure records and store in accordance with data legislation 15. use reflective practice to evaluate the HIFU procedure and take appropriate action 16. provide instructions and advice to the individual, pre and post procedure 17. record the outcome and evaluation of the HIFU procedure to agree and inform future procedures  18. discuss and agree future procedures with the individual

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the importance of collaboration with competent professionals to support effective and safe working practices

  2. your role and responsibilities in providing HIFU procedures and the importance of working within your competence

  3. why you must comply with ethical practice and work within the legislative requirements, to include:

3.1 the responsibilities under local authority licensing regulations for yourself and your premises

  1. the importance to engage in, and document continuous professional development to include, up-to-date information policies, procedures and best practice guidance

  2. the anatomy and physiology relevant to this standard 

  3. the relative and absolute contraindications relevant to HIFU procedures, to include:

6.1 the legislative and insurance requirements for obtaining medical diagnosis and referral 

6.2 how and when to communicate and/or refer to other non-healthcare and health care professionals

7. the importance of recognising suspicious skin irregularities and lesions, and referring to a relevant healthcare professional  8. the reasons why the individual must protect the skin with a sun protection factor product post the HIFU procedure 9. the chronological skin ageing process and the relationship to intrinsic and extrinsic factors 10. the function of HIFU equipment and various cartridges, to include: 10.1 how ultrasound energy is described and measured in relation to the electromagnetic spectrum 10.2 how ultrasound transmits energy to the varied depths of the underlying skin  tissue 11. how to prepare the HIFU equipment and select the cartridge to be used, in accordance with the skin classification, characteristics, the individual’s objectives and the individual’s treatment area 12. how to carry out the HIFU  procedure in accordance with the HIFU procedure protocol, to include: 12.1 even coverage of the treatment area  13. the sourcing, storage, handling, usage and disposal of HIFU equipment in accordance with the manufacturer instructions and legislative requirements  14. the importance of considering individual's physical and psychological wellbeing for the HIFU procedure 15. the adverse reactions associated with a HIFU procedure and how to respond
16. the health and safety responsibilities in line with legislation before, during and after the HIFU procedure 17. why it is important to discuss and establish the individual’s objectives, concerns, expectations, desired outcomes and agree the HIFU procedure plan 18. the importance of using **visual aids** to inform the individual of the physical effects  19. the fee structures and treatment options 20. the legislative and indemnity requirements of gaining signed, informed consent for the HIFU procedure and pain management  21. the importance of adhering to the HIFU procedure protocol   22. the types of hygiene products for the skin and the importance of following manufacturer instructions 23. the products used in conjunction with HIFU facial procedures to improve glide and conductivity 24. the reasons for working systematically to cover the individual’s treatment area in accordance with the HIFU procedure protocol  25. the importance of monitoring the health and wellbeing of the individual during, and post procedure 26. how to implement the correct course of action in the event of an adverse reaction 27. the post procedure products that enhance healing and restorative results 28. the reasons for taking consensual visual media of the individual's treatment area and storing in accordance with the service, legislative, insurance and organisational requirements 29. the legislative and regulatory requirements of completing and storing the individual’s HIFU procedure record 30. the expected outcomes of an HIFU procedure 31. the purpose of reflective practice and evaluation and how it informs future procedures 32. the importance to record the outcome and evaluation of the HIFU procedure 33. the **instructions** and advice, pre and post the HIFU procedure

Scope/range

Scope Performance

Skin classification

1. Fitzpatrick scale
2. Glogau photo-damage
3. Lancer scale
4. Phenotype and genotype

Skin characteristics

1. skin sensitivity
2. skin condition
3. skin density 

Preparatory skin treatment 
1. cleanse 
2. light emission diode

Adverse reactions
1. hyperaemia
2. wounds
3. atrophic scarring
4. keloid scarring 
5. trans-epidermal water loss
6. excessive bruising
7. irritation
8. allergic reaction
9. excessive histamine reaction
10. compromised healing process
11. dizziness
12. fainting
13. burning

*HIFU procedure protocol *
1. working environment
2. health and safety 
3. risk management plan
4. infection prevention and control
5. complication management 
6. procedure plan
7. informed consent
8. data management 
9. manufacturer instructions
10. test outcomes 
11. audit and accountability
12. instructions and advice
13. sustainability 
14. waste management 
15. evidence-based practice 
16. reflective practice

Scope Knowledge

Anatomy and physiology

  1. the structure and function of the body systems and their interdependence on each other
  2. relative and absolute contraindications and pathologies
  3. the ageing process of the skin including the effects of genetics, lifestyle and environment
  4. the compromised barrier function and skin regeneration processes
  5. the process of collagen and elastin synthesis including fibroblastic stimulation
  6. the variances and location of skin thickness and adipose tissue
  7. the physiological effects and benefits of radio frequency energy output created from HIFU

Visual aids

  1. illustrative images
  2. illustrative diagrams
**Instructions** 1. the individual and aesthetic practitioner's legal rights and responsibilities 2. complication management 3. post procedure expectations and associated time frames 4. pre and post procedure instructions and care 5. restrictions and associated risks 6. future procedures 7. complaints procedure or concerns protocol 

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Absolute contraindication

An absolute contraindication is a condition that prevents the service from being carried out and may require referral.

Adverse reaction
An adverse reaction is an 'unexpected' reaction or outcome following a service, i.e. fainting

Anatomy and Physiology

How the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, excretory, digestive, endocrine and nervous systems interact with each other and how they impact the individual, service and outcomes.

Contra action
A contra-action is an 'expected' reaction or outcome following a service, i.e. erythema

Evidence-based practice

Evidence-based practice is based on the best available, current, valid and relevant evidence.

First aid

First aid can refer to first aid at work qualifications or equivalent and first aid mental health awareness.

Protocol

A protocol is a standard procedure to ensure best practice and compliance when providing services, i.e. follow manufacturer's instructions.

Relative contraindication

A relative contraindication is a condition that requires an assessment of suitability for the service and/or if adaptions are required.

Skin priming programme

Skin priming programme, are a set of instructions the individual can do prior to the treatment to achieve the best results.

Visual media

Visual media is evidence generated through photography or video.

Links To Other NOS

​SKANSC1.2, SKANSC2.2, SKANSC10,  SKANSC11,  SKANSC12

External Links

Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

31 Mar 2024

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

SkillsActive

Original URN

n/a

Relevant Occupations

Beauty Aesthetics, Aesthetic Practitioner

SOC Code

6222

Keywords

high intensity focused ultrasound energy , HIFU, skin rejuvenation