Cosmetic Procedures Part of UHD’s Plans

Lang reports record profits for first half of 2010

By Antonio Acosta

Register Staff Writer

Improving health care and providing a one-stop-shop are among the goals of the multi-million dollar expansion project underway at United Hospital in Blue Earth.

Dr. Jennifer Smith, a family practitioner who started in August 2009, is doing her part to expand the type of specialty services available at UHD.

In two months, Smith will be performing various cosmetic procedures that include:

– BOTOX® injections
– Dermal Fillers
– Facial skin rejuvenation
– Fractional laser wrinkle reduction
– Permanent hair reduction
– Sclerotherapy vein reduction

Smith, last month, attended a nine-day medical aesthetic training course at National Laser Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona, to become certified in a field of medicine that has always interested her.

“Medicine is not just making a person feel good physically. How a person sees themselves affects their mind and spirit,” she says. “Being a doctor also involves making a person feel good about themselves.”

UHD administrator Jeff Lang informed board members at their Tuesday meeting of Smith’s new venture.

Lang says it’s exciting to have doctors who want to do more and expand into medical services not previously offered.

“All our doctors are moving into areas that excite them and can make a significant difference,” he says. “We want to provide all the services we can. We don’t want to force people to drive out of town.”

Smith admits most of her skin care patients will be women, but more and more men are going to aestheticians.

“Laser treatment can be used to remove a scar or help with other skin conditions,” she says.

Depending on the demand, Smith says, tattoo removal may be a service that is added in the future.