CDT Cosmetic Dermatology Assistance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which topical agent is most commonly used as a pre-treatment to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation before laser resurfacing in darker skin tones?
- Tretinoin
- Hydroquinone (Correct answer)
- Kojic acid
- Azelaic acid
Correct answer: Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is the gold-standard pre-treatment to suppress melanocyte activity and reduce PIH risk before laser procedures in Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI.
Question 2: When assisting with a chemical peel, what is the correct action if the patient reports extreme burning beyond the expected sensation during a medium-depth TCA peel?
- Apply more neutralizer immediately
- Notify the supervising physician and prepare to neutralize (Correct answer)
- Fan the area and encourage deep breathing
- Document the complaint and continue the procedure
Correct answer: Notify the supervising physician and prepare to neutralize
Unexpected intense burning may indicate excessive penetration; the dermatology tech must alert the physician immediately while being prepared to neutralize.
Question 3: A patient presents for a consultation on dermal fillers and reports taking aspirin daily for cardiac prophylaxis. Which is the most appropriate next step?
- Proceed with filler since aspirin is OTC
- Advise stopping aspirin 2 weeks before the procedure
- Document the medication and inform the supervising physician (Correct answer)
- Reschedule the patient indefinitely
Correct answer: Document the medication and inform the supervising physician
The dermatology tech's role is to document all medications and relay the information to the physician, who will determine if anticoagulant management is needed.
Question 4: Which neuromodulator injection is FDA-approved for treating glabellar lines and works by blocking acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction?
- Hyaluronic acid
- Poly-L-lactic acid
- Botulinum toxin type A (Correct answer)
- Calcium hydroxylapatite
Correct answer: Botulinum toxin type A
Botulinum toxin type A (e.g., Botox) temporarily paralyzes targeted muscles by inhibiting acetylcholine release, smoothing dynamic wrinkles.
Question 5: During microneedling setup, the sterile cartridge tip should be discarded after each patient to prevent which primary risk?
- Tip corrosion
- Cross-contamination and bloodborne pathogen transmission (Correct answer)
- Device battery drain
- Inconsistent needle depth
Correct answer: Cross-contamination and bloodborne pathogen transmission
Single-use sterile cartridges prevent cross-contamination with blood and body fluids, protecting subsequent patients from bloodborne pathogens.
Question 6: A patient interested in skin tightening asks about radiofrequency (RF) treatments. Which tissue layer does RF energy primarily target to stimulate collagen remodeling?
- Epidermis
- Stratum corneum
- Dermis and subdermis (Correct answer)
- Periosteum
Correct answer: Dermis and subdermis
RF energy heats the dermis and subdermis, triggering collagen denaturation and subsequent neocollagenesis without significantly damaging the epidermis.
Question 7: Which of the following is a contraindication for intense pulsed light (IPL) hair reduction treatment?
- Blonde hair on light skin
- Recent suntan or active tan (Correct answer)
- Closed comedones on the treatment area
- Mild seborrheic dermatitis
Correct answer: Recent suntan or active tan
A recent tan increases epidermal melanin, raising the risk of burns, blisters, and pigmentation changes with IPL treatment.
CDT Cosmetic Dermatology Assistance 2
Which topical agent is most commonly used as a pre-treatment to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation before laser resurfacing in darker skin tones?