From Babies to Botox – Opportunities for Midwives in Aesthetics


opportunities for midwives in aesthetics

Ask most midwives in the UK why they entered the field, and they’ll give you a similar answer – to help women at one of the most vulnerable points in their lives. Yet current conditions in the NHS means that midwives are facing low pay, long hours, bureaucracy and burnout, and in a 2019 study it was found that over 33% of midwives were experiencing work-related stress, anxiety and depression. Midwives in the UK deserve to work in an environment where they face less stress, have a better work-life balance, have the opportunity to directly help their patients, and where they are paid appropriately for their years of study and professional experience. The aesthetics industry provides an environment where all of this is possible.

Why Working in the Aesthetics Industry Could Be the Perfect Next Step For Midwives

The aesthetics industry is booming worldwide. Demand for Botox and dermal filler treatments has risen every year, with the UK expected to spend upwards of three billion pounds on aesthetic injectables in 2021. Midwives are ideally placed to take advantage of this demand, with their wealth of experience in clinical settings and in patient-centred care incredibly transferable to aesthetics practice. 

Midwives who have joined aesthetics have found that the move has positively impacted their lives, with the costs of training outweighed by benefits including:

  • A much better work-life balance with the freedom to set their own schedule.
  • The time to build real connections with their clients and to see the improvement in confidence that aesthetic treatment can create; often still helping women at a vulnerable point in their lives.
  • The ability to work independently without the stresses of red-tape, shift-work and targets.
  • The opportunity to learn new and exciting techniques.
  • A significant increase in earning potential, often enough to leave midwifery and focus solely on aesthetic practice.

Take the First Step in Your Aesthetics Training Journey

Given demand, there has never been a better time to invest in your future and experience these benefits for yourself. MATA offers a range of training options for nurses; whether you’d like to take things step-by-step with our Foundation Course; or if you want to develop both your practical skills and theoretical knowledge through our Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Facial Aesthetics. Whichever you choose, you can be confident that our courses are flexible around your schedule, and have been created to give you the best possible start in a new industry. 

At MATA, we’ve watched with pride as our midwife delegates have flourished in the aesthetics industry, whether they’ve joined existing clinics or have set up their own business; and we look forward to welcoming more midwives to our worldwide community of aesthetics professionals. 

To discuss taking the first step on your journey towards a fulfilling career in the aesthetics industry and explore training opportunities with MATA, call us today on 020 3976 6979.

Should Dermal Filler be Reclassified as Prescription-Only?


Despite the overwhelming rise in popularity of aesthetic injectables, legislation and regulation of the aesthetics industry has not kept pace. This has led to botched dermal filler treatments going viral on social media and to a growing demand from practitioners and the media for greater government oversight of aesthetic injectables practice. In 2019, an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing was formed and in July 2021 they published their concluding report. This featured a number of recommendations for legislative action and regulatory oversight, including a call to reclassify dermal filler as a prescription-only medication.

Current Dermal Filler Classification

At the moment, Botulinum Neurotoxin is a prescription-only medication, only available from a trained prescriber after a face-to-face consultation with clients to ensure treatment suitability. In contrast, Dermal Fillers are currently classed as a medical device and are freely available for purchase and use by non-medics, with no need for a prescriber to assess clients beforehand.

This lack of medical oversight is a point of concern not only the APPG, but for voluntary bodies within the aesthetics industry including the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners and the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology; who have highlighted that “risks of fillers are significant and arguably even greater than those posed by botulinum”.
These risks have been on full display across the media over recent years. Leah Morton, a 26 year old woman from Liverpool, was left at risk of losing her nose after a practitioner caused and then failed to recognise a vascular occlusion during a non-surgical rhinoplasty. Dr Tijion Esho, an experienced aesthetic practitioner and medical professional, shared a clip that showed him treating lip cysts caused by superficial filler placement. Meiska Mamajeski, a 53 year old woman from Leeds was blinded in one eye when her practitioner injected directly into her eye rather than the skin around the eye in 2015.

Proposed Changes

Dermal fillers must be performed under the oversight of a prescriber who has gained the accredited qualifications to prescribe, supervise and provide remedial medicines if necessary.

All-Party Parliamentary Group on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing

The APPG has recommended that dermal filler be reclassified from Medical Device to a Prescription Only Medication, with the view that this would “remove a significant danger to the general public.” It would make it necessary for all dermal filler providers to ensure that their clients are seen and assessed by a medical prescriber before treatment, helping to ensure that clients are suitable for treatment and that medication such as hyaluronidase can be quickly accessed should the procedure go wrong. This would allow for rapid treatment of vascular occlusions, should the practitioner have the skill to recognise and treat this complication.

MATA’s Opinion

MATA was established with the aim of standardising training in aesthetic injectables within the UK Aesthetics Industry, and as such we welcome greater legislation and regulation. Making dermal fillers prescription-only would be a positive step in the direction of establishing a properly monitored aesthetics industry. 

Still, we must highlight that medical and aesthetic professionals have been seeking greater oversight of aesthetic injectables for years. Sir Bruce Keogh noted in his 2013 report that “dermal fillers are a crisis waiting to happen” and suggested that they be made prescription-only; yet almost a decade later, fillers are still freely available and the aesthetic industry is still under-regulated. 

It remains to be seen whether the UK Government will work with the MHRA and Manufacturers to reclassify dermal fillers as prescription only. For now, we will continue to train our delegates to a high standard in both the theory and practice of aesthetic injectables through our Level 7 Diploma in Facial Aesthetics, ensuring that they enter practice with the skills they need to recognise and manage complications. We are also committed to supporting the activity of voluntary bodies in the aesthetics industry in their work to regulate and monitor our industry.

MATA’s Response to BBC3’s “Under the Skin: The Botched Beauty Business”.


BBC 3’s recent documentary, “Under the Skin: The Botched Beauty Business” has highlighted the dangers of the unregulated aesthetics industry. Over 30 minutes, the host meets clients who have suffered poor treatment by poorly trained practitioners, and investigates Training Academies which provide inadequate tuition in aesthetic procedures.

At MATA, we are all too aware of these circumstances. We were founded with the goal of improving standards in the aesthetics industry, and originated the Level 7 Post Graduate Diploma in Facial Aesthetics. This is regulated by OFQUAL, accredited by the JCCP and provides the highest industry standard in aesthetic injectable education.

Benefits of MATA’s Level 7 Diploma

Our Level 7 Diploma takes nine months to complete and is only open to medical professionals, making it a far cry from the one-day courses or even virtual courses which have sprung up across the UK. Through extensive e-learning and written assessments alongside a minimum of six practical training days, we ensure that our delegates enter the aesthetic industry with the education and practical training you need to provide long-lasting, safe aesthetic treatments that are centred around the needs of the patient.

We provide 150 hours of online learning, designed to deepen and develop your understanding of the theory behind aesthetics practice. This will be cemented by written assessments that ensure you have full knowledge of risks in aesthetics practice, the literature and research within aesthetics, and that you are able to take a client from consultation to treatment, and to aftercare and follow-up.

Our practical training days are overseen by an expert practitioner with a minimum of three years experience in the aesthetics industry, in addition to their studies and experience as a medical professional. Furthermore, our training days are conducted in groups of no more than six, to ensure that you have the support you need as you carry out treatments.

In addition to online and practical learning, as a MATA delegate you will have access to an exclusive online community which will allow you to share best practice, receive the latest industry news, and to network with your fellow delegates. 

If you have taken a one-day course and feel that there are gaps in your practice or understanding of aesthetic injectables, contact us today to discuss beginning your Level 7 Training Journey with MATA.

Online Study with MATA


Joining our Foundation Course, our Advanced Course, or our Level 7 Diploma in Facial Aesthetics will grant you access to MATA’s bespoke Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The VLE will give you an understanding of facial anatomy, the aging process, patient assessment and consultation, and the principles and practice of aesthetic injectables over the course of 150hrs of e-learning conducted over six interactive modules, each concluded with a set of multiple choice questions to test your knowledge. MATA’s VLE learning has been designed for medical professionals to complete alongside their existing work commitments as a flexible, self-managed course.

Assessment and Learning Outcomes for Level 7 Delegates

Although our online learning allows our Foundation and Advanced Course delegates to gain a deeper understanding of the theory underpinning aesthetic injectable practice, completion of the six modules are a mandatory requirement for those studying towards their Level 7 Diploma in Facial Aesthetics. This course has been created to bring those beginning in aesthetics to a confident level over the course of nine months, and your completion of the VLE modules in conjunction with written assessments allows us to gauge your progress.

Written assessments on the Level 7 Diploma include a Risk Assessment, a Critical Literature Review and a Case Study:

  • The Risk Assessment can be on the topic of your choice within the context of working within an aesthetics clinic, for example sharps handling, infection control, or electrical equipment and fire hazards.
  • The Critical Literature Review can be on the topic of your choice within aesthetics, allowing you to delve deeper into an area of particular interest, or into an area that you would like to specialise in as a practitioner.
  • The Case Study requires that a model from your practical training is selected for write-up, and should include your assessment of their needs during the initial consultation, the treatment(s) performed, and a follow-up consultation which can be conducted through video conferencing as required.

Your practical training, online learning and assessment with MATA will ensure you have a thorough understanding of the following learning outcomes:

  • Unit 1: Introduction to Aesthetic Injectable Therapies (8 credits)
  • Unit 2: Patient Medical Assessment and Image Recording (10 credits)
  • Unit 3: Principles, Practice and Treatment Management of Aesthetic Injectables (12 credits)
  • Unit 4: Injectable Therapies for Management of Hyperhidrosis (4 credits)
  • Unit 5: Health, Safety and Clinical Compliance (10 credits)
  • Unit 6: Appraising the Clinical Literature (6 credits)
  • Unit 7: Professionalism in Cosmetic Aesthetic Practice (10 credits)

Join Our Global Community

Since our launch in 2015, MATA has trained more than 1000 aesthetics professionals in countries worldwide. If this introduction to our online study has inspired you to begin your own aesthetics training journey; then get in touch with us today to take your first step in joining our global community.

Get Started in Aesthetics with MATA


Aesthetics is a rapidly growing industry which provides medical professionals with the opportunity to establish a lucrative part- or even full-time business, however getting started could seem a little daunting. At MATA, our Foundation Course and our Level 7 Diploma in Facial Aesthetics provides beginners with the ideal route into aesthetics, giving you the theoretical and practical training you need to begin a successful career in a fast-paced, exciting environment.

MATA’s Foundation Course

MATA’s Foundation Course is perfect for medical professionals new to aesthetic professionals, and provides two days of practical training in Botox and dermal fillers supervised by our expert trainer, alongside six months access to online learning modules on MATA’s bespoke Virtual Learning Environment. The course will allow you to begin practicing in some of the most popular aesthetic injectable treatment areas including lip and cheeks fillers and Botox for forehead lines and crows feet.

MATA’s Level 7 Diploma in Facial Aesthetics

MATA’s Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma is the ultimate course for medical professionals who would like to rapidly develop their understanding of aesthetic injectables, and will take you from a complete beginner to the level of advanced Botox and dermal filler practitioner over the course of nine months. This JCCP Accredited, OFQUAL regulated, comprehensive course combines in-depth learning of the theory behind aesthetic injectables with extensive hands-on practice in a range of the most popular treatment areas, ensuring you are fully prepared for a successful career in the aesthetics industry. 

The Diploma includes our Foundation Course and Mentorship Day and Advanced Course and Mentorship Day, for a total of six hands-on training days. This gives delegates the opportunity to practice a wide range of Botox and dermal filler treatments on up to ten MATA approved models per training day, all under the supervision of one of our experienced trainers.

This practical training is complemented by twelve months access to our Virtual Learning Environment, where you will have access to 150 hours of study content written to develop your understanding of the theory behind both aesthetic injectables practice and clinic management. You will also complete written assessments which will give you greater insight into clinical literature and risk management.  You can conduct your study and written assessments at your own pace and around your own schedule. 

Join MATA’s Aesthetics Community

Since our launch in 2015, MATA has trained over 1000 international aesthetics professionals, who have gone on to work within existing clinics or have even launched their own successful practices. Get in touch with us today to take the first step in your aesthetics journey and join our global community.

5 Reasons to Choose Practical Training with MATA


With so many companies offering training in aesthetic injectables, it can be difficult to know who to choose. At MATA, we believe our Harley Street-developed practical aesthetics training gives delegates the best possible start in the aesthetics industry for the following five reasons:

1. We Provide Real Models

We provide live model patients who have been pre-assessed to ensure their suitability for treatments. We believe that this gives delegates the best opportunity for a wide breadth of learning; as all clients will vary in their treatment needs, their skin and anatomy, and even their pain thresholds and comfort levels during the Botox or dermal filler procedure.

2. We’ve created a Worthwhile Curriculum

Our curriculum has been developed from our home at No.1 Harley Street by a team of medical professionals led by a plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience in the field, and we have worked to ensure that our hands-on training allows delegates to perfect their technique in the most popular Botox and dermal fillers treatments in the UK, which will only enhance their success on entering the aesthetics industry. 

3. Our Courses Are Delivered By Experts

MATA’s trainers have all worked in the aesthetics industry for at least three years and have extensive training and qualifications; with many owning and operating their own aesthetic clinics in addition to training for MATA. This level of expertise allows them to deliver incredible hands-on training for our delegates.

4. Our Class Sizes Are Small

At MATA, we will not register any more than six delegates on a course. This ensures that every delegate is able to both practice and observe Botox and dermal filler treatments; alongside having the opportunity to meaningfully network with fellow attendees.

5. We Only Accept Medical Professionals

Although current regulations in the UK allow anyone to study towards and carry out aesthetic injectable procedures; at MATA we only accept medical professionals onto our courses. This is because we believe that only medical professionals, with their wealth of clinical experience and years of education in anatomy, vasculature, musculature, medications and contraindications have the appropriate skills to provide aesthetic injectable treatments and handle any emergencies that could occur. This selectiveness in admission is beneficial for our delegates, as all will operate at similar levels of skill which will allow classes to progress at a speed comfortable for all attendees.

Join a MATA Training Course

Whether you’re new to aesthetics or have experience in providing Botox and dermal filler treatments; MATA will have a course to suit you. Our Level 7 Diploma in Facial Aesthetics is perfect for beginners, taking delegates to the level of advanced practitioners over the course of nine months. For experienced practitioners who currently hold a training certificate, then our Masterclasses are an ideal way to enhance and perfect your technique in particular treatment areas. Why not get in touch today and begin your training journey with MATA.

Working in Aesthetics as a Non-Prescriber


Although any qualified aesthetic practitioner can order dermal filler, Botox is a prescription-only medicine. This can be a source of worry for healthcare providers who want to practice in aesthetic injectables but do not have prescribing rights; but truly, this should not be a barrier to you establishing a career in aesthetics.

At MATA, we are accustomed to training non-prescribing medical professionals, and their being unable to prescribe has not prevented them from achieving great success in the aesthetics industry. They have built and used their professional connections to find a prescriber; networking with delegates at MATA training sessions, or discussing prescribing possibilities with colleagues. Alternatively, they have used a Prescriber Service such as Aesthetic Associates to find a prescriber for their aesthetic practice. These services have a network of prescribers nationwide who, for a fee, will come to your business, provide a face-to-face patient consultation, and write a prescription.

Studying Towards a V300 Non-Medical Prescribers Qualification

Once you have gained experience of working in aesthetics and you are comfortable carrying out injectable treatments in association with a prescriber; the next step is to undertake a V300 course at University which will allow you to consult and prescribe yourself.

At MATA, we can assist you in your V300 study by acting as your Designated Medical Practitioner; providing 90 hours of shadowing in our clinic at No.1 Harley Street in London. MATA’s V300 Mentorship Training will allow you to gain experience in carrying out patient consultations, and our experienced clinical mentors will ensure that you are in the best position to achieve your V300 Qualification. 

Admission criteria for the V300 varies according to the University applied to, and you may find that you do not meet their requirements for experience. If this is the case, then why not consider our Level 7 Diploma in Facial Aesthetics. Not only will this ensure you are practicing to the utmost levels of excellence in aesthetic injectables, but will also provide you with one year’s experience towards course requirements for the V300.
To find out more about our V300 Mentorship Training or Level 7 Diploma in Facial Aesthetics; then get in touch to take the next step in your aesthetic career.

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.

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.