Although as aesthetic practitioners we are perhaps more familiar with Botox being used to reduce signs of aging, it is interesting to note that it was used to treat medical conditions long before it was used for aesthetic purposes. It was first licenced to treat crossed eyes and eyelid spasm in 1989, a full 13 years before it was approved to treat lines and wrinkles. Botox® has proven to be an incredibly versatile treatment, and can be used to treat conditions such as hyperhidrosis and bruxism with incredible results.
Botox for Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating that isn’t caused by heat, stress, or exercise; a condition affecting hundreds of thousands of people in the UK alone. It can be an embarrassing, isolating condition that causes anxiety in its sufferers; who can sweat so much that it soaks through their clothes. Fortunately, Botox® is licensed for treating underarm hyperhidrosis.
Although the exact cause of hyperhidrosis is as yet unknown, it can be summarised that the nerves that send signals to the sweat glands are overactive. When Botox® is injected into the underarm, it blocks signals to the sweat glands; stopping them from producing sweat. It is an incredibly effective treatment; so much so that the procedure has become incredibly popular as an aesthetic treatment as opposed to one to target medical needs.
Botox for Bruxism
Bruxism affects over 10 millions adults in the UK, clenching and grinding their teeth through the day and night, with symptoms ranging from excessive teeth wear and gum inflammation to headaches, migraines, earache, and neck, shoulder and jaw pain; along with hypertrophy of masseter muscles causing a squared jawline.
Injecting small doses of Botox into the masseter muscles weakens the muscle just enough to stop the clenching and grinding action, not only alleviating the symptoms of bruxism, but also slimming the appearance of the jawline.
Training in Botox for Medical Conditions
At MATA, we train our Advanced delegates in the use of Botox to treat not only aesthetic concerns, but also medical conditions including hyperhidrosis and bruxism. Offering these treatments to your clients will only widen your appeal in your local aesthetics community, and will give you an edge over your competitors. If you are a medical professional and hold a Foundation Certificate in aesthetic injectable procedures; get in touch with us today to discuss joining our Advanced Course. Alternatively, if you are new to Botox® and dermal fillers, you may be interested in learning more about our Level 7 Diploma in Facial Aesthetics, a JCCP approved course that will take you from beginner to advanced practitioner over the course of nine months. Contact us
What is a Blended Learning Experience?
The term ‘blended learning experience’ can sound a little complicated, but at MATA it simply means that our delegates get to experience both theoretical learning online through our bespoke Virtual Learning Environment and hands-on practical training in a clinical setting.
Online Learning
Joining our Foundation Course or our Level 7 Diploma in Facial Aesthetics will grant you access to MATA’s Virtual Learning Environment, where you will gain an understanding of facial anatomy, the aging process, patient assessment and consultation, and the principles and practice of aesthetic injectables. The VLE contains 150hrs of e-learning over the course of six interactive modules, each concluded with a set of multiple choice questions to test your knowledge.
E-learning with MATA has been designed for medical professionals to complete alongside their existing work commitments as a flexible, self-managed course.
Practical Training
Our practical training takes place in groups of no more than six medical professionals, all at similar levels of ability in aesthetic injectables. You’ll begin your training with a presentation by your trainer which investigates facial anatomy, injection points and techniques, product information, danger zones and managing complications; followed by hands-on practice in Botox® and dermal filler.
You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in a range of treatment areas, carrying them out on MATA’s models who have been pre-assessed to ensure their suitability for their chosen procedures. All practical training is delivered under the supervision of one of our expert trainers, selected by MATA on the basis of their experience in aesthetics.
The Best Beginning in Aesthetics
The combination of online and practical training that makes up MATA’s blended learning experience will ensure that you have the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills needed to launch a successful career in aesthetics; and we are proud to have helped over 1000 delegates worldwide begin and enhance their work in the aesthetic industry. If you are ready to join our international community, then contact us today and take your first step in your journey towards aesthetics excellence.
Improve Retention, Results and Revenue – Adding a Skincare Line to Your Clinic
If you’re looking to improve retention, results and revenue at your clinic; there is one simple step you can take – adding a line of pharmaceutical grade skincare products.
Incorporating take-home skincare products that complement your aesthetic treatments into your clinics’ offering can come with a range of benefits:
- Adding a pharmaceutical skincare line can create a medium to high profit margin revenue stream at your clinic, to help recoup income from missed appointments or unexpected clinic closures.
- Offering skincare products will allow you to take a holistic approach to your clients’ needs, ensuring that the successful results of your treatments are continued at home.
- As long as the skincare product visibly benefits the client, it will positively keep your clinic at the front of their mind for treatments even in between visits, improving client retention.
Here are the first steps we believe you should take when offering professional skincare and topical treatments to your clients
Choose Your Products
Take the same time and care in choosing pharmaceutical grade skincare products as you would have for the devices and injectable products already at your clinic. Research products fully; checking for active ingredients used (retinoids, vitamin c, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, etc), along with ensuring that their ingredients and manufacturing process is in line with your clinics’ ethos (for example, cruelty free, vegan, low plastic or recyclable materials), and that the product branding matches in with your own (alternative, punk type packaging wouldn’t mesh with a sophisticated setting, and vice-versa).
We would recommend that you keep your initial product selection small, and focus on products that will enhance the treatment outcomes of your best selling treatments alongside being convenient and easy for your clients to use.You can always increase the products you offer at a later stage, once you have an better understanding of client product needs and preferences
Merchandise Your Products
If you have taken the time to research your new skincare products, then it doesn’t make sense to hide them away. Integrate the skincare line into every element of your clients’ clinic visit – use images of the products in your promotional literature and social media, have them well-displayed in your waiting area or reception, and have them on show and to hand in your treatment rooms. All of this will show your clients that the skincare line is an important part of treatment, rather than something to be treated as an afterthought.
Start Selling Your Products
Before attempting to sell these skincare products to your clients, ensure that you (and your employees) have a complete understanding of the skincare products; from ingredients and manufacturing processes to the benefits of the product and how they fit into a clients’ skincare and aesthetic treatment regime; along with any contraindications and which client group the product is optimal for.
Once you are confident you can answer any question asked, then the product can be introduced to your clients. Build the products into your client conversations from the very beginning, when discussing their skincare needs and concerns. Let clients see and feel the products and ask questions, and even let them apply small amounts of the product if this will not interfere with your treatments. Together, this approach will help drive product sales.
MATA’s Top 5 Treatments to Transform Your Client’s Smile
Over 30% of adults in the UK have been made to feel self-conscious about their smile, so it’s perhaps unsurprising that the cosmetic dentistry industry was valued at £2.2 billion in 2019; with increasing numbers of clients seeking out veneers, whitening and orthodontics to achieve their ideal smile. At MATA, we believe that Botox® and dermal fillers are the perfect partner to cosmetic dentistry, and that together they can transform not only your clients’ smile, but their entire lower face.
1. Botox for Bruxism
Bruxism affects over 10 millions adults in the UK, clenching and grinding their teeth through the day and night, with symptoms ranging from excessive teeth wear and gum inflammation to headaches, migraines, earache, and neck, shoulder and jaw pain; along with hypertrophy of masseter muscles causing a squared jawline.
Injecting doses of Botox into the masseter muscles weakens the muscle just enough to stop the clenching and grinding action, not only alleviating the symptoms of bruxism, but also slimming jawline.
2. Gummy Smile Reduction
A gummy smile, or “excessive gingival display”, is generally quantified as anything over 4mm of gum showing above the teeth when smiling. Although this can affect anyone of any age, it is more common in women aged 20-30. If a gummy smile is caused by an hyperactivity of the upper lip elevator muscles, it can be treated simply and quickly with Botox®
Injecting small amounts of Botox into both sides of the nostril will weaken the upper lip elevator muscles just enough to prevent the upper lip from lifting or curling under excessively when smiling, giving clients a noticeably less gummy smile.
3. Nasolabial Lines
Running from the nose to the corners of the mouth, nasolabial can sag over time and weigh down the face, often making clients appear older than their years.
A combination of Botox and dermal filler can be used to treat this, with Botox relaxing the muscles in this area to combat sagging and dermal fillers smoothing out wrinkles; giving the lower face a more youthful appearance.
4. Lip Fillers
As the popularity of aesthetic injectables has soared, perhaps no dermal filler treatment has become as popular as lip filler. Whether due to naturally thin lips or to a loss of lip volume due to age, clients across the UK are seeking natural, revitalising lip filler treatments.
Lip filler injections provide hydration and volume, even out asymmetrical lips, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, rejuvenating the appearance of the mouth.
5. Marionette Lines
Running straight from the corners of the mouth to either side of the chin, marionette lines are creases which, like nasolabial lines, can sag and weigh down the face; with clients often complaining the lines make them look permanently unhappy.
Dermal fillers can be used to smooth these lines, injected below the corners of the mouth to fill out the creases and lift the smile.
The skills and techniques you will need to perform these treatments can be learned through MATA’s practical training courses; whether Foundation, Advanced, or even our Specialised Masterclass for Dentists. Why not get in touch today to find out more?
MATA Models Share Their Views on Aesthetics
After a year of shuttered clinics, at MATA we thought it would be wise to take a pulse check on clients. We reached out to our models with a range of questions regarding aesthetic treatments and were delighted to receive over 450 responses. We’ve detailed our findings below.
Q1 – What treatments have you missed the most in lockdown?
Over 85% of respondents chose cosmetic botox and dermal filler as the treatments they had missed the most during lockdown, which is perhaps unsurprising as treatments schedules for aesthetic injectables will have been completely knocked out of sync by clinic shutdown. With the prospect of future lockdowns and subsequent clinic closures uncertain, perhaps there is an opportunity for aesthetic practitioners to advocate for the use of pharmaceutical grade skincare products between treatments.
Q2 – How often do you visit an aesthetic clinic?
With the majority of clients visiting aesthetic clinics every six months to annually, skin concerns could be missed. Why not make a treatment plan with your clients to ensure that their aesthetic aims will be met, and that any skin concerns can be promptly addressed and proactively treated?
Q3 – What attracts you to visit a specific clinic?
Given the current climate, it might be expected that prices would be the biggest attraction for our clients, however clinic reviews were ranked as the number one reason to visit a clinic by our models. Could boosting your reviews online enhance your client base and give you an edge over your competitors?
Q5 – What treatments do you regularly have?
As you can see, aesthetic injectables were by far the most popular treatments, with over 300 models receiving these on a regular basis. These findings reflect the demand for Botox® and dermal fillers that has been felt across the global aesthetic industry, and show that there will likely be no lack of clients for new aesthetic practitioners.
Opportunities for Doctors in Aesthetics
Although the nations’ gratitude to doctors and the NHS is perhaps at an all-time high, COVID-19 has uncovered cracks within the NHS that were there long before the pandemic. Stress, burn-out and long hours alongside low pay, understaffing, and bureaucratic red tape have been thrown into the spotlight by coronavirus; and as thousands of doctors consider leaving the NHS, the hunt is on to find an alternative career path. At MATA, we believe that the answer lies in the Aesthetics Industry.
Why Doctors Should Consider Joining The Aesthetics Industry
With countless hours of professional experience, not to mention five years of study, Doctors are particularly suited towards aesthetic training. This is because:
- Professional experience is in high demand in the aesthetics industry.
- Doctors are trusted aesthetic practitioners, with clients willing to pay a premium to see a doctor above other medical professionals.
- Doctors are trained injectors with experience in managing complications.
- Doctors have established expertise in clinical interactions.
- Doctors are experienced prescribers with knowledge of contraindications.
- Doctors have pre-existing expert knowledge in anatomy and physiology that will only be enhanced by aesthetic training.
Doctors who have joined this rapidly growing industry have reported that moving to aesthetics has improved their life and has:
- Improved their earning potential, whether through employment with established aesthetics clinics or through self-employment.
- Allowed them to have a better work / life balance with the ability to set their own hours.
- Created the chance to develop their own business, a rare opportunity in medicine.
- Given them autonomy in their work and the opportunity to explore novel techniques.
- Allowed them to lead change in a growing industry.
Aesthetic treatments have become thoroughly normalised in the UK, and there is an ever increasing demand for procedures including Botox® and dermal fillers. Given this, perhaps now is the time to invest in training and set your sights on a new career direction. MATA offers a range of aesthetic training courses perfectly suited to doctors; including our JCCP accredited Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Facial Aesthetics. To find out more, and take the first step towards a rewarding career in a fast-paced, exciting industry, contact us today on 020 3976 6979.
Why Study Towards a Level 7 Diploma in Facial Aesthetics with MATA?
MATA’s Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Facial Aesthetics originated standardised aesthetics injectable education in the United Kingdom. We are proud to offer a JCCP Accredited, OFQUAL regulated, comprehensive course that combines in-depth learning of the theory behind Botox and dermal fillers with extensive hands-on practice in a range of the most popular treatment areas; ensuring our graduates are fully prepared for a successful career in the aesthetics industry.
Reasons to Choose MATA’s Level 7 Diploma
You can fit the Diploma around your existing commitments
The Level 7 Diploma is a blended learning experience, combining practical training with online theoretical learning, which takes place on MATA’s bespoke Virtual Learning Environment. You can study online at your own pace and around your own schedule. Practical training is organised by MATA across a range of dates and at a variety of cities across the UK, so you’re sure to find a time to suit you.
The Level 7 Diploma is the most cost-effective way to transform yourself from a complete beginner to an advanced practitioner in aesthetic injectables.
The Diploma takes you through our Foundation Course and Mentorship Day and Advanced Course and Mentorship Day, for a total of six hands-on training days. You will have ample opportunity to practice Botox and dermal filler treatments on MATA approved models, all under the guidance and supervision of one of our experienced trainers.
The Level 7 Diploma will make it easier to become insured.
An increasing number of insurance providers are looking for proof that applicants have studied to an advanced level in aesthetic injectables before offering coverage. The Level 7 Diploma, which is both accredited by the JCCP and regulated by OFQUAL meets these more stringent requirements.
The Level 7 Diploma will make you stand out from the competition
Whilst two-day courses have their place, the Level 7 Diploma, which takes between six and twelve months to complete, shows a commitment to higher learning in aesthetics which is sure to appeal to clients and give you an edge over your competitors.
The Level 7 Diploma will enhance your earning potential
You will study a wide variety of aesthetic injectable treatments, including advanced areas such as tear-trough fillers and the use of Botox to treat medical conditions. Being able to launch your career with such a range of treatment options for your clients will enhance your earning potential from the very beginning of your career in aesthetics.
#Motivational Monday – Become Your Own Boss with MATA
COVID-19 has brought home the importance of the NHS across the UK, and it would be safe to say our gratitude towards medical staff is at a national high. Still, the last year has highlighted problems with the working conditions medical professionals face daily. From stress, lack of patient time, and bureaucratic red tape; to unsocial working patterns, a poor work / life balance, and lower rates of pay; it’s little wonder that some medical professionals are looking for an alternative to traditional healthcare.
Make a Change with MATA
Although working in aesthetics could seem like a leap; doctors, nurses, dentists, midwives, pharmacists and paramedics are all perfectly placed to join this growing industry. Using skills and knowledge gained through years of education and professional experience, enhanced by training in aesthetics, medical professionals can launch a successful career in aesthetics. Many graduates of MATA’s training courses (who are all registered medical professionals) have gone on to open their own aesthetics business, and have reported that working within the aesthetics industry has:
- Given them a better work / life balance
- Given them flexibility around their working hours.
- Given them autonomy in working and let them spend more time with patients
- Allowed them to develop new skills
- Enhanced their income.
Take The First Steps in Your New Career
MATA’s JCCP Accredited Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Facial Aesthetics is the quickest, most cost-effective way to develop in aesthetics from beginner to expert practitioner; gaining practical experience in the most popular treatment areas for Botox and dermal filler alongside developing an advanced understanding of the theory behind aesthetic injectables, perfect for beginning a career in aesthetics. If you’re interested in joining MATA’s international community of medical aesthetic professionals, get in touch on 020 3976 6979 or by email; and take the first steps in your journey towards launching your aesthetics career.
Why MATA Only Trains Medical Professionals in Aesthetic Injectables
At MATA, we pride ourselves on providing plastic-surgeon led aesthetic injectable training that focuses on patient safety. We only accept doctors, nurses, dentists, midwives, pharmacists and paramedics onto our courses, as we believe that only those working as medical professionals have the underlying education and skills needed to be able to work safely in the aesthetics industry.
Life-Endangering Mistakes
This belief has been proven by a story shared by the Consultant Clinic over the course of the last week. A client had attended an unnamed Liverpool-based beautician for non-surgical rhinoplasty, and suffered a vascular occlusion which wasn’t detected until four days after the initial injections. The client had had a full 1ml of filler injected, far above the recommended volume for this type of procedure.
On attending the Consultant Clinic, their medically trained staff immediately administered hyaluronidase to dissolve the filler, however the client had to be taken to Accident and Emergency as the tissue in the nose was showing signs of necrosis. The Consultant Clinic team pushed for treatment, and the hospital placed the client in a Hyperbaric Chamber to hopefully prevent the loss of her nose. As of yet, it’s unknown what the longer-term implications will be for this poor young woman – she may still lose part of her nose, she will likely have scarring, and it’s only thanks to the actions of the medical professionals at the Consultant Clinic that the situation wasn’t worse.
A Need for Greater Industry Legislation and Regulation
These circumstances highlight the need for greater legislation and regulation in the aesthetics industry. A study by Save Face showed that in 2018, 46% of botched filler treatments that required repair had been carried out by beauticians. Medical professionals have the opportunity to gain a huge amount of experience in a clinical setting, not to mention years of education in anatomy, vasculature, musculature, medication, contraindications and clinical practice. Non-medical aesthetic practitioners simply cannot match this level of expertise. Given that mistakes made with dermal fillers can cause tissue necrosis, blindness, and even death; it is our opinion that only medical professionals should be administering aesthetic injectables, to prevent risk to clients.
MATA was launched with the intention of improving training within the aesthetic industry, and we will support measures to make a safer, more regulated industry a reality. In the meantime, we will continue to provide patient-centred training to medical professional; ensuring our delegates leave us with the advanced injecting skills that will prevent severe complications, and the confidence to manage any emergency that may arise.
MATA’s Top Tips for Starting Out in the Aesthetics Industry
Although the benefits to working in aesthetics are numerous – setting your own hours, gaining a better work-life balance, or enhancing your earning potential – getting started may seem a little daunting. We’ve put together some top tips for launching your career in this fast paced, exciting industry.
Invest in High Quality Training
If you’ve decided to study aesthetics, you should ensure that the course you attend will give you the greatest grounding for success in the industry. We’d recommend checking:
- How much practical training your course will give you
- Whether you’ll be able to practice on live models and whether the company will provide these
- How much theory you’ll have the chance to engage with
- Whether the course has approval from regulatory organisations like the JCCP.
Plan Your Branding and Marketing
Once you’ve completed your training, it’s time to plan branding and marketing strategy – there’s no need to wait until you have a venue. Decide on a name for your practice, launch your website and social media channels, and begin to generate local interest. Consider taking online business and marketing courses to further your knowledge in this area and enhance your presence in your local aesthetic market.
Find a Prescriber
Although any qualified aesthetic practitioner can order dermal filler, Botox is only available to prescribers following a face-to-face consultation with patients. This can be a source of worry for healthcare providers who want to practice in aesthetic injectables but don’t have prescribing rights; but truly, this shouldn’t be a barrier to you establishing a career in aesthetics.
Build and use your professional connections to your advantage to find a prescriber – network with fellow delegates at aesthetic training sessions, or speak to medical colleagues who could prescribe for you. Alternatively, you could even use a service such as Aesthetic Associates to find a prescriber for your aesthetic practice.
Find a Venue
At MATA, we would highly recommend seeing your clients in a clean, professional setting. Treatment rooms are often available for rent in existing clinics and salons, or why not explore leasing rooms and setting them up to your satisfaction?
Take Out Indemnity Insurance
Once you’ve found a venue, it’s time to get indemnity insurance. Providers such as Hamilton Fraser, InSync and Cosmetic Insure all have a wealth of experience in providing cover to medical aesthetic practitioners, ensuring you are protected should things go wrong.
Register with the CQC (England) or HIS (Scotland)
Once you’ve found a long-term premises, begin registration with the CQC if you’re in England, or HIS if you are in Scotland. Registration with England’s Care Quality Commission isn’t a legal requirement for botox and dermal filler procedures, however registration with Healthcare Improvement Scotland is needed. Although registration can take time, it will show prospective clients that you have met high standards that ensure patient safety; giving them a further reason to choose you for their aesthetic procedures over your competitors.
Keep Learning
Once you’ve completed your training and began work in the aesthetics industry, it could be tempting to rest on your laurels; but continuing your professional development could set you apart from your competitors. Keep abreast of the latest aesthetic trends and industry news, and register for additional practical training and you’ll show your clients your commitment to expert aesthetic practice.
