How Can Aesthetic Medicine Become Greener?

Laser therapies and energy‑based devices (EBD) are booming in aesthetic medicine, yet they drain electricity, emit CO₂ and create disposable waste. To tackle this, researchers built a competency model that guides doctors toward greener practices. Using McClelland’s competency theory, they interviewed specialists to map high‑impact tasks and the environmental skills needed. An expert panel then validated the findings with statistical tests, confirming the relevance of 33 identified competencies. The model is organized into six domains: sustainable operations, regulatory and ethical knowledge, doctor‑patient communication, dermatological science, EBD techniques, and maintenance. In practice, a physician should lower room energy use, pick recyclable materials, explain the environmental footprint to patients, and keep equipment running efficiently. This framework can shape university curricula, workshops and national guidelines, steering the whole field toward “green medicine.” The goal is to make beauty a responsible act for the planet, without sacrificing aesthetic results.

The sustainable competency model rests on three theoretical pillars: McClelland’s competency theory, life‑cycle assessment (LCA) of medical devices, and ISO 14001 environmental management principles. LCA evaluates a laser’s environmental impact from component production, through energy consumption during use, to final disposal. Within the “sustainable operations” competency, doctors learn to measure electricity use in kWh per session, optimise pulse parameters to shorten treatment time, and adopt high‑efficiency cooling systems. The “regulatory and ethical knowledge” domain requires familiarity with EU waste‑management directives (Directive 2008/98/EC) and WHO guidelines on reducing healthcare emissions. For “doctor‑patient communication,” clinicians must translate technical data into clear messages, e.g., explaining how a low‑power diode laser can cut carbon footprint by roughly 15 % compared to a traditional CO₂ laser. The dermatological science competencies cover photothermal mechanisms and the ability to assess treatment efficacy relative to energy consumption. In “EBD techniques,” emphasis is placed on preventive maintenance: regular cleaning of optical filters, periodic beam calibration, and recycling electronic components. Finally, “maintenance care” involves scheduling software updates to improve operational efficiency and reduce device downtime, directly lowering CO₂ emissions linked to device operation. This integrated approach turns clinical practice into a low‑impact process while preserving safety and aesthetic outcomes.