Facial aesthetics is fast becoming a key field in the beauty industry. As a result, healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurses, and dentists, are shifting from the National Health Service (NHS) to it. This transition offers them flexible working hours, higher earnings, and self-employment.
Medical practitioners making such a move undertake several courses offered in specific accredited training institutions. The best aesthetics training in the UK is determined by the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP). Examples are Derma Medical, Derma Institute, and Interface Aesthetics.
Facial aesthetics courses
Medical personnel leaving the NHS gain foundational knowledge and skills through facial aesthetics courses, which include:
Beginner/Foundation Course
This beginner course provides healthcare professionals with basic information and practical skills to deliver safe, effective services. Beginner courses include the study of patient assessment, facial anatomy, and injection techniques.
Patient assessment training teaches how to conduct an initial analysis of a patient's medical history, followed by facial mapping to identify key danger zones to avoid complications. The facial anatomy course focuses on blood vessels, facial muscles, and nerves for safe injection.
Training often focuses on safe ways of administering botulinum toxin (Botox) and dermal fillers in the upper and lower face. It's usually hands-on to ensure a learner builds confidence and proper technique.
Advanced injectable course
This is designed for practitioners from the NHS with fundamental experience in aesthetics who are working towards learning advanced techniques. Among the modules covered are face augmentation through jawline slimming, the use of cannulas, non-surgical rhinoplasty, 8-point facelifts, and lip rejuvenation.
An advanced injectable course focuses on complex dermal fillers and advanced Botox treatments. The former enhances the jawline, cheeks, and chin, while the latter focuses on complicated facial and neck areas. This course covers lower face contouring, hyperhidrosis, Nefertiti lifts, and face refinement.
Moreover, healthcare professionals are trained on how to use cannulas. This is a blunt-tipped instrument, an alternative to needles, used to inject dermal fillers. It slides under the skin rather than piercing and damaging tissues. This training helps a medical aesthetician prevent bruising and swelling while maintaining comfort.
Level 7 aesthetics course
The Level 7 aesthetics course is an Ofqual-regulated postgraduate qualification equivalent to a master's degree. It focuses on theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in Botox and dermal fillers. It takes NHS professionals one to three years to complete this level.
This course focuses on several key areas, including advanced anatomy and physiology, clinical practice, and patient care.
In advanced anatomy, professionals extensively study the facial muscles, bone structure, skin, nerves, and vascular system. For example, they study how certain toxins may affect nerves and muscles in the area where they are administered. In turn, they can develop effective treatment options by identifying risk areas.
Understanding a patient’s skin biology also helps them understand what is causing their skin wrinkles and laxity. Everyone is different; hence, treatment plans should be tailored for optimal care.
Safety and complications course
The safety and complications course trains healthcare providers on how to assess patients' medical history and their anatomy, and to identify potential risk factors. This helps them develop safe treatment plans.
Treatment protocols approved by the JCCP are taught in this course. Sticking to strict protocols ensures sterile conditions are maintained, reducing the risk of infection.
Training providers also teach complications that can occur during a procedure. Learners are trained on how to recognise a complication early and determine the right approach to deal with it.
Core topics covered in this course include Basic Life Support (BLS), dermal filler and Botox complications, and recognition and management of medical emergencies like anaphylaxis.
Conclusion
Many healthcare professionals are transitioning from the NHS to facial aesthetics. Training is crucial in ensuring patient safety and optimal results. The JCCP sets standards to provide practitioners with the best courses and to improve public safety.
