Cosmetic Dermatology Assistance Flashcards
7 cards from real CDT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Cosmetic Dermatology Assistance flashcards as text
Which cooling method integrated into laser handpieces helps protect the epidermis during hair removal by reducing surface skin temperature?
Answer: Dynamic cooling device (DCD) or contact cooling
Dynamic cooling devices spray cryogen or apply contact cooling to the epidermis milliseconds before each laser pulse, protecting it while the dermis and follicle are heated.
In cosmetic practice, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is derived from which blood component and is used to stimulate collagen and tissue regeneration?
Answer: Plasma enriched with a high concentration of platelets and growth factors
PRP is autologous plasma concentrated with platelets that release growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF) upon activation, stimulating collagen synthesis and wound healing.
When assisting with body contouring using cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting), which tissue is selectively destroyed by the cold temperature while the overlying skin remains unharmed?
Answer: Adipose (fat) tissue
Adipocytes are more sensitive to cold-induced apoptosis than surrounding tissues; cryolipolysis exploits this differential to selectively destroy fat cells.
A patient reports a small bruise (ecchymosis) one day after hyaluronic acid lip augmentation. The most appropriate response is to:
Answer: Reassure the patient that bruising is a common side effect and typically resolves in 7–14 days
Minor bruising is a common, expected side effect of filler injections; cold compresses and arnica can help, and the bruise typically resolves within two weeks.
Which chemical is used as the neutralizing agent for glycolic acid and salicylic acid peels to stop the reaction once the desired endpoint is reached?
Answer: Sodium bicarbonate solution or water rinse
Sodium bicarbonate solution neutralizes glycolic acid by raising pH, while water dilutes and stops the reaction for both glycolic and salicylic acid peels.
Which regulatory body classifies laser and light-based devices used in dermatology as medical devices requiring FDA clearance or approval in the United States?
Answer: Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) regulates laser and energy-based aesthetic devices, requiring 510(k) clearance or PMA approval before marketing.
A dermatology tech is setting up for a PDT (photodynamic therapy) session. Which photosensitizing agent is topically applied before the activating light source?
Answer: Methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) or aminolevulinic acid (ALA)
ALA or MAL is applied topically, absorbed preferentially by actinic keratoses and sebaceous glands, then converted to protoporphyrin IX, which is activated by the PDT light source to destroy abnormal cells.