Dr. Beatriz Porras, Skin Diagnostics Laser & Rejuvenation

Beatriz H. Porras MD, Skin Diagnostics Laser & Rejuvenation

Physician: Dr. Beatriz H. Porras
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Website: CincinnatiSkinLaser.com
That's interesting: Dr. Porras is the owner of a patent for a wound healing compound to treat chronic ulcers.

We got togetether with Dr. Beatriz Porras, physician owner of Skin Diagnostics Laser & Rejuvenation in Cincinnati, Ohio as part of our new series of interviews with doctors who are running successful medical spas and laser centers. You can find more in the Medical Spa MD Physician Report.

Can you tell us a little bit about you and how you got started in cosmetic medicine?

I am a Dermatopathologist with extensive training and experience in skin diseases, cosmetic dermatology and laser medicine. I practice cosmetic and general dermatology in Cincinnati OH. 

I got interested in cosmetic medicine many years ago because of all the wonderful results that can be achieved with Lasers, fillers and Toxins.  Also because I can help people improve their self esteem.

Question:  Can you tell us more about your clinic?

My clinic is Skin Diagnostic Laser & Rejuvenation in Cincinnati OH.  We have a condo office in a beautiful neighborhood called Montgomery. My office is very relaxing, we have painted mural of Tuscany and a water fountain in the waiting room. We offer cosmetic and general dermatology. We offer ablative and non ablative laser, Botox, fillers, treatments for acne, scars, wrinkles, sun damage, cellulite, hyperpigmentation etc. My patient population is 55% women 45% men.  I see Whites, African Americans, Hispanics and Asians.

Can you give us some insight into how you hire, motiviate, and manage your staff?

Hiring and firing personal is one of the most challenging parts of running a cosmetic practice.  Before, I had my office manager do that and it was a disaster. Now I do the hiring. I hire people that are personable, friendly and happy. I pay basic salary because I travel a lot and my personal need to get paid consistently. I also give bonuses according to performance, free treatments and products. I tend to hire people that other people have recommended. Before, I used agencies but that was a disaster. I found it is a very bad idea to use people from agencies.

What IPL or laser technologies are you using? 

I use an IPL by Cutera, I love it. I have the entire Cutera Plataform that is non ablative. It is a great laser. I also have a Sciton Erbium laser that is more ablative, it is also excellent. I think the key is choosing the right treatment for the right patient.

How do you market your clinic?

For external advertisement we do TV and Billboards. I also write for 2 magazines. I don’t believe in radio since what I do is visual. I try to be in every event possible so people get to see me.  I also give contributions to several charities and try to be present for their events. I also have my website. We have a big open house every year, we invite many people and we are very successful with this event. 

For internal marketing to existing patients, we send postcards and call patients. We also give referral rewards.

What treatments or services are most profitable for you?

Lasers are the most profitable... once you have paid off the lasers. Botox and fillers don’t have nearly as good margins. I have my own skin care line and that is very profitable. People love my products.

I would like to start doing cool sculpting. (If anyone has any thoughs on cool sculpting please leve them in the comments.)

What have you learned about practicing cosmetic medicine? 

I have learned doing cosmetic medicine that it's importent to never do what the patient wants and what is going to fit their needs (results, price, etc.), rather than what I want or would prefer to do. Everybody’s needs are different and it is very important to listen. I just think cosmetic medicine is very rewarding.  It is very important to be honest and to choose the treatments that will most benefit your patient.

About: Beatriz H. Porras, M.D. is the medical director of Skin Diagnostics Laser & Rejuvenation. She is board certified dermatologist.

Dr. Porras graduated from Medical School from Norte University in Colombia; subsequently she did a surgical internship and fellowship in Plastic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis MO. She completed her Dermatopathology training at UT Southwestern at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas TX, where she trained with one of the best dermatologist in the world, and former president of the American Academy of Dermatology (Dr. Clay J. Cockerell). Dr. Porras was a professor of Biology at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, MO. and currently is the president of SKIN DIAGNOSTICS INC, where she serves other physicians by diagnosing skin diseases.

Dr. Porras has extensive research experience, twenty years ago she helped in the research and development of growth factors to promote wound healing, today growth factors are used in several medications and skin products to promote skin regeneration and rejuvenation. She has authored over 30 peer-reviewed papers in leading medical scientific journals and she has contributed several chapters in major dermatology, dermatopathology and plastic surgery textbooks. Dr. Porras is also trained in Laser Medicine and is Laser Certified.

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