UltraClear Blog

Welcome to the UltraClear Laser corporate blog, where we share insights, news, and updates on our innovative laser technology and its applications.

Acclaro Medical

Tips for Targeting Men and Keep Them Coming Back

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Once upon a time, wives and significant others were the primary source of referrals that brought male patients into an aesthetic practice. Today, Hollywood leading men and international music superstars are fronting campaigns for cosmetic treatments—and many famous male “faces” are speaking openly about their aesthetic enhancement. Times have certainly changed. 

When marketing to male patients, it’s important to remember that men have different aesthetic priorities than women, and many may not be 100-percent comfortable seeking cosmetic treatment. In general, men prefer more subtle results and minimal downtime so no one knows they had anything “done” and they do not have to miss work (whether “virtual” or in-person). And always keep in mind that men have a lower tolerance for wait times than women. 

However, getting men into the office and converting them to long-term patients can be easier than you think if you keep a few specific steps in mind.  

Market the right treatments and procedures 

Aesthetic practitioners with significant male patient populations emphasize the importance of promoting “gateway” procedures. Oftentimes, a man may make an appointment for a primary concern such as hair loss (or hair removal) or body contouring. But once they are in the office—and comfortable being there—they are often open to additional treatments that can help them achieve their aesthetic goals. In many cases, “add-ons” such as light laser treatments and neurotoxin/filler injections will keep them coming back regularly. 

Adjust your advertising 

Even if you’re a master marketer to women, you need to adjust your messaging for men. This includes new imagery, as well as a different way of “speaking” to them. Men tend to respond best to direct, instructional messages, subtle suggestiveness, references to competition and relatable situations. This applies to all advertising, including online, email and print-based efforts. It only takes a few clicks to create a male segment of your master patient email list and create unique marketing emails that only go out to them. 

Create a welcoming environment 

Men may be offput by overwhelmingly feminine décor—although this is an effective way to retain female patients. Men may also be more concerned about privacy and discretion, which is why you may want to create a space just for them, even if it’s just giving one treatment room a “man cave” feel. If possible, you can create a separate entrance and small waiting room outfitted with leather club chairs and a flat-screen TV tuned to ESPN that only needs to be staffed when male patients are scheduled to come in. 

Build a male-specific practice off-shoot 

This actually isn’t as difficult as it sounds, and can be as easy as adding “Just for Men” to your practice website’s main navigation. You can give this off-shoot a new male-centric name (which includes your original practice name as not to confuse patients) and present it online with a more masculine tone.  

Although content from your existing practice website can be repurposed, it’s important to prioritize the treatments and procedures that are most appealing to men—such as hair restoration, body hair removal, jawline enhancement and energy-based body contouring treatments. But don’t forget treatments such as injectables, lasers and skin tightening. Many men are concerned about wrinkles, age spots and sagging as well—and more apt to do something about these concerns once they are in the office. 

Host man-friendly events 

You can provide men with the same type of patient education you may already be offering female patients, albeit with a different spin. As one example, think a “cigar bar” vibe for an evening of “Botox and bourbon.” Tailor your presentation for a male audience, and be sure to include treatments such as lasers for skin concerns such as age spots and acne scars, as well as injectables, neck rejuvenation and other non-surgical, minimal-downtime treatments. 

Men represent an ever-growing segment of the aesthetic market, and the key to making them long-term patients is tailoring your communication with them. You can still count on wives and significant others for referrals, but a targeted male-centric marketing approach can work wonders.  

To learn more about UltraClear™ the world’s first cold laser, and the full Acclaro portfolio of novel medical devices, contact hello@acclaromd.com.

Millennials Beauty Practices
Acclaro Medical

Best Practices for Catering to Millennials

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The Millennial generation includes those who were born between 1981 and 1996. Currently ranging from approximately 26 to 41 years old, this group cannot be underestimated as a patient cohort since Millennials now represent the largest segment of the U.S. population as compared to Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964), Generation X (born 1965-1980) and Generation Z (born 1997-2012).  

There are several attributes that make Millennial patients unique. They typically seek lighter “refreshing” treatments with little to no downtime. They are also more likely to shop around before trying one treatment, and then returning for others if they are happy with the results.  

To effectively communicate with Millennials, you may need to look beyond the strategies that you have been using to obtain and retain older patients. Radio and television ads are unlikely to reach this younger demographic. The Millennial generation has embraced text messaging for making or confirming appointments instead of picking up the phone and speaking to an actual person.  

When thinking about expanding your menu of services, it’s important to consider the wide array of services that Millennial patients are most interested in—especially when shopping for a new light- or energy-based platform. Flexibility is key, and the ability to offer superficial treatments that help maintain the appearance of already-youthful skin as well as more intense treatments that provide more significant corrective results for older patients can help you optimize your ROI. 

Catering to Millennials is essential for keeping fresh faces coming through your doors, and a 30-something patient could potentially stay with your practice for decades. However, it’s imperative that you continue servicing older patients in the way they’ve come to expect. (At the very least, make sure you have a human available to answer the phone.) Too sharp of a pivot may be off-putting to Boomers, and these patients may be interested in more aggressive treatments to turn back the clock as they continue to age. And remember, the Boomer generation is often considered the wealthiest to date.  

You don’t have to choose between Millennial patients and those who were born before them—and you shouldn’t. Instead, focus on offering a comprehensive menu of services that appeals to all age groups and demographics. By using different marketing strategies to reach these different audiences, they can all be yours! 

To learn more about UltraClear™ the world’s first cold laser, and the full Acclaro portfolio of novel medical devices, contact hello@acclaromd.com.

UltraClear Laser Devices for Your Practice
Acclaro Medical

How to Launch a New Device into Your Practice

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With so many new devices flooding the aesthetic market each year, it can be difficult to keep track of them all, much less choose the best new addition to your practice. Of course you want to consider your current patient population and focus on devices that will keep them coming through your door, but introducing a new technology can also be an opportunity to attract new patients, and in some cases expand your practice’s treatment scope. 

Once your new technology arrives it’s time to get to work. Training yourself and your staff is step one, and getting hands-on experience with the device comes next. (Don’t take your first spin around the block with a patient.)

 

Then, it’s time to get the word out.

 

Your new device is useless (at least in terms of your bottom line) if no one knows you have it. This is the ideal time to use the media to your advantage, since reporters are always looking for newness. The simple act of reaching out raises their awareness about your practice, and any resulting coverage increases your visibility and cements your status as a forward-thinking expert in your field.  

If you haven’t already enlisted the help of a public relations firm or freelancer, or hired an internal marketing lead, this “announcement” is the perfect way to start. You can send a press release to local media outlets, send a release out via a newswire service or invite media to observe a treatment.  

Local television loves showing a high-tech treatment in action, especially if results are visible on camera (which may not always be possible). In this case, bolster your story with compelling before-and-after photos that help convey the message—and the power of the new technology you’re offering. 

The goal is to use your latest offering as a foundation for media outreach to come, as a steady stream of “news” is essential for getting into and staying in the spotlight. You can also alert the media about speaking engagements, scientific articles that have been published or share case studies of patients who are willing to share their experience. 

Other effective means of raising awareness include email newsletters to patients, printed newsletters, postcard mailings, office signage, patient brochures, your website and social media. Your savviest patients will welcome information about new services, and your communications may encourage them to ask questions about ancillary procedures and treatments. They may also share the information they receive with their like-minded friends. 

Office-based patient seminars are another cost-effective way to raise awareness about your new treatment and your practice as a whole. If physical space is an issue, you can explore other venues such as spas, salons, retail stores and private clubs. This type of partnership can expand your reach to a whole new group of prospective patients. 

10 Steps to a Successful Seminar 

  1. Define your target audience 
  1. Select a theme 
  1. Choose your venue 
  1. Use a moderator to introduce speakers 
  1. Include light refreshments 
  1. Rely on visuals for an impactful presentation 
  1. Promote your seminar 
  1. Give attendees a goody bag or special offer 
  1. Leave time for questions 
  1. Limit your seminar to one hour 

Although you can’t lease a brilliant new technology and expect it to pay for itself overnight, an aggressive approach to marketing your latest offering and your practice as a whole can provide a swift ROI. Once you have a plan in place, you can use it for future new treatment announcements as you build your menu of services, and enhance the overall visibility of your practice. 

To learn more about UltraClear™ the world’s first cold laser, and the full Acclaro portfolio of novel medical devices, contact hello@acclaromd.com.

Acclaro Medical

How to Take Advantage of Tax Code 179

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Section 179 deduction may seem like a complicated tax code, but it is actually very simple. It offers practitioners a viable way to take advantage of this end of year deduction to enhance their practices by adding a valuable medical device at a significant advantage.  

This section of the IRS code can save your business money on capital equipment costs and allow you to invest in the efficiency of your practice by adding a technology that your patients are interested in. By taking advantage of this once per year opportunity, you will be able expand the products and services you offer and boost overall sales and revenue. 

Here is how it works:  

The Section 179 tax deduction allows you to deduct up to $1,050,000 in qualifying equipment from your tax return when you purchase and install the device of your choice during this calendar year – ending 12-31-2022. This deduction applies to equipment purchased for use in your business. The upper cap full deduction your business can claim on qualifying equipment is $2,620,000. 

The IRS introduced Section 179 to incentivize small and medium-sized businesses to invest in assets and equipment that will ultimately boost the economy. When you take advantage of this tax code, you will be able to save money in the year the qualifying equipment was purchased rather than depreciating it over several years. This opportunity can help your business purchase more equipment to boost your profits without taking money away from the tax revenue. 

Qualifying equipment must be tangible and depreciable property: 

  • The business needs to use more than 50% in operations. 
  • The asset is purchased and used in the business the same year it is acquired, and deductions are claimed. 
  • Once you have purchased the qualifying equipment or software, you must begin using it before claiming a tax deduction. 
  • The business must purchase the equipment and not lease it. Leased equipment does not qualify. 

If the equipment purchased is not used for business purposes 100% of the time, the business can only claim for the percentage that is used for the time as long as this percentage is more than 50%.  

If you are considering upgrading or replacing your current laser and light portfolio, Section 179 tax deductions will significantly reduce your costs if you act fast.  

Here is what you need to know about the NEW UltraClear™ all-in-one platform: 

UltraClear is a groundbreaking innovation in skin rejuvenation. Powered by first-of-its-kind cold fiber laser technology, it helps reverse signs of aging, addressing multiple skin conditions in one treatment to help patients look their best—quickly, safely, effectively, and comfortably. Treatments are easily delegated for higher ROI.  

  • Fine lines and deep wrinkles 
  • Sunspots and age spots 
  • Scars, including acne scars 
  • Skin tone and texture 
  • Enlarged pores 

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to add UltraClear to your practice.  

Your representative can walk you through the required documents so you can take full advantage of Section 179.   

For more information, visit the Tax Reform page of IRS.gov or consult with your tax professional.  

Acclaro Medical

Current Trends in Medical Aesthetics

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By definition, a trend is “a general direction in which something is developing or changing.” We see trends in fashion, interior design, and beauty, which of course includes medical aesthetics. Patient demand is a driving force when it comes to professional skincare-treatment trends, and a singular laser platform with the adaptability to address a wide array of needs and wants for patients of all skin tones is the holy grail. 

Consider the search over, because Acclaro’s UltraClear™ fiber-laser technology safely and effectively targets myriad skin concerns with ultimate patient comfort. Here, the biggest medical-aesthetic trends that the UltraClear platform is ready for:

#1: Prevention and Prejuvenation

The younger set (especially late-millennials early-Generation Z) isn’t sitting back and waiting for visible signs of aging to make their presence known. Instead of putting off professional intervention, these patients are opting for lighter, downtime-free treatments that help maintain the youthful look and feel of their skin. “In this case, an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure,” says Michael H. Gold, MD, FAAD, Founder & Medical Director of Gold Skin Care Center and Tennessee Clinical Research Center in Nashville, TN. “Being proactive by starting superficial laser treatments before fine lines, dark spots and other age-related changes become visible can help maintain the health and appearance of the skin for years to come.”

 

#2: Multitasking Treatments

Patients want the most bang for their buck, often addressing multiple skin concerns with just one treatment modality. “It’s rare to see a patient who is solely concerned about fine lines, enlarged pores or skin discoloration, as age-related skin changes generally occur in tandem,” explains Dr. Gold. “The UltraClear™ platform has far-reaching capabilities that allow me to customize each treatment session for a range of concerns that includes visible signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, scars, rough texture, and more.”

 

#3: Quick, Comfortable Treatments

Most patients and doctors agree that there aren’t enough hours in the day to cross everything off their to-do lists. This is why fast, efficient professional skincare treatments are in high demand. “One of the highlights of UltraClear™ is that there’s no need for topical anesthetic because the treatment is practically painless and saves our patients from numbing for 45 minutes,” Dr. Gold shares. “Even more, I can perform a full-face treatment in 20 minutes or less, which allows me to schedule more appointments, and allows patients to get in, out and on their way.” 

UltraClear™ owes its speediness to two actions in each pass, unlike many other modalities that require multiple passes on different settings. “UltraClear™ can simultaneously resurface the skin to target irregularities in the uppermost layers while sending controlled thermal energy to the mid-dermis to remodel existing collagen and promote the skin’s natural production of more. This comprehensive approach helps rejuvenate the skin from the inside and out, and the cold laser technology minimizes thermal-induced side effects such as pain and discomfort,” Dr. Gold adds.

 

#4: Fast Results

Just one UltraClear™ treatment can deliver smoother, tighter and more radiant skin. The platform’s flexibility allows it to be used for both quick “lunchtime” treatments and deeper collagen remodeling, so patients can enjoy instant gratification as well as results that continue to improve over time.

 

#5: Safe for All Skin Tones

“In the past, patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III and above have carried increased risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after laser treatments,” explains Dr. Gold. UltraClear minimizes thermal damage, which allows for safe, successful treatment of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, scars, and rough texture in those with darker skin tones.

 

 

To learn more about UltraClear™, visit UltraClearLaser.com.