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 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?
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.
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?
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.
A patient presents for a consultation on dermal fillers and reports taking aspirin daily for cardiac prophylaxis. Which is the most appropriate next step?
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.
Which neuromodulator injection is FDA-approved for treating glabellar lines and works by blocking acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction?
Answer: Botulinum toxin type A
Botulinum toxin type A (e.g., Botox) temporarily paralyzes targeted muscles by inhibiting acetylcholine release, smoothing dynamic wrinkles.
During microneedling setup, the sterile cartridge tip should be discarded after each patient to prevent which primary risk?
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.
A patient interested in skin tightening asks about radiofrequency (RF) treatments. Which tissue layer does RF energy primarily target to stimulate collagen remodeling?
Answer: Dermis and subdermis
RF energy heats the dermis and subdermis, triggering collagen denaturation and subsequent neocollagenesis without significantly damaging the epidermis.
Which of the following is a contraindication for intense pulsed light (IPL) hair reduction treatment?
Answer: Recent suntan or active tan
A recent tan increases epidermal melanin, raising the risk of burns, blisters, and pigmentation changes with IPL treatment.