Qualifying in Injectibles.

The rise in popularity for anti-ageing treatments continues and the demand for procedures such as BOTOX® and dermal fillers shows no signs of falling.  The injectables’ success story is due to affordability, effective results and accessibility through local providers.  Although the procedure is non-invasive and therefore considered low risk it is not completely risk-free.  The well known phrase “supply and demand” in the commercial world depicts the need for the right balance in order to have an equal playing field for both sides.  When demand is too high the supply struggles and prices increase and/or unscrupulous providers are encouraged to cut corners.  In this case it means by-passing the appropriate training.

The Importance of Getting Qualified:

Governments around the world are starting to recognise the problems associated with sub-standard practice on treatments like BOTOX®. As a result, the UK government has created a new set of guidelines which focus on the appropriate training requirements and minimum education qualifications.

Although not yet mandated the new guidelines, issued by a newly formed organisation Joint Council of Cosmetic Practioners (JCCP), set out clear standards for clinicians already performing injectible treatments and anyone who is interested in developing their career to include procedures like BOTOX®.
If you are thinking about training-up to offer injectible therapies to new or prospective patients, it is essential that you prepare for the best training courses. The right training course will not only give you the knowledge and practical expertise to safely and confidently deliver effective treatments, it will also be your pledge and code of practice to your patients that you are the best person to administer these treatments. Gold standard training and education will ensure long-term business success.

Once you are properly trained in the aspects of injectible treatments, the benefits are numerous to your career.  To begin with there are the financial rewards because the procedures themselves do not require a great deal of equipment or products.  You biggest outlay is actually the training course.  But soon after your return on investment is high and quick! The procedures are not lengthy so you can choose to do more and increase your earnings or do less to give more flexible working hours.

The beauty of offering your services to a mix of business models also offers flexible working conditions which you can choose to suit your lifestyle and change when you feel there is a need to change

The business model options open to qualified professionals could be any of the following:

• Aesthetics business start-up such as an independent clinic or hire space in another’s clinic
• Employment by another aesthetics business eg. spa or clinic
• Employment within a medical environment such as hospital (public sector or private)
• Mobile aesthetics practitioner. (Indemnity policies must be cleared against non-established clinic properties)
• Freelance services to a mix of the above options

Getting Qualified to administer BOTOX®:

The JCCP Guidelines on providing injectible treatments are set at a high standard.  This is mainly to ensure patient safety but there are also good reasons to learn everything about the therapies in order to protect you as a clinician.   Should a patient make a formal complaint, you are able to defend yourself by showing your training certificates and that you have followed the correct procedure guidelines end to end.

The recommendations are that for Botulinum Toxin (BTs) – typically the well-known brand called BOTOX® – the qualification entry requirements is Gradual Level – Level 6.  The Training requirements are set at the next level, Post Graduate Level – Level 7.  Successful completion entitles practitioners to administer BOTOX (under the supervision of independent prescriber).  Alternatively at Level 6 (Degree Level) Practical Skills Training (under supervision) includes the administration of BOTOX to the upper face.

Subjects covered:

• Facial and neck anatomy including relevant vessels, nerves and muscles
• Concepts of youth and attractiveness, facial contours and symmetry
• Identification of contra-indications for use, eg pregnancy.
• Biochemistry and pharmacology of various BTs
• Mechanism of action of BTs, effects at neuromuscular junction and acetylcholine blockade
• Manufacturers’ guidelines and when to justify a deviation from
• Accurate and appropriate injection technique and product placement
• The risks including facial asymmetry, lip drooping
• Common treatment areas, danger zones and high risk areas
• Recognition of and correcting sub-optimal outcomes using knowledge of facial muscle interactions
• Molecular structure of BTs and mode of action of each component
• The variety of BT products available and how their doses correlate to each other.

Getting qualified to administer Dermal Fillers: 

Similar to BOTOX, the government guidelines on the training standards required to administer Dermal Fillers (DFs) to paying patients is much higher than most people realise.   There is an education entry level recommended at Level 6 (Graduate Level) with training requirements at Level 7 (Post Graduate Level).  The successful completion of the course would entitle a practitioner to administer permanent fillers (GMC-registered practitioners with a license to practice only).  They are also entitled to administer dermal fillers under supervision of independent prescriber.   Alternatively at Level 6 (Graduate Degree Level) – Practical Skills Training under supervision includes the administration of temporary/reversible fillers for lines and folds (precluding complex zones).

Subjects covered:

• Facial anatomy including relevant vessels, nerves, muscles and fat pads
• Volume changes associated with ageing and impact on appearance
• Patient assessment, analysing wrinkles, folds, facial shape and the development of appropriate treatment plan
• Biochemistry, pharmacology of various types of dermal filler: permanent, semi-permanent and temporary; replacement vs stimulatory; when to use local anaesthetic
• Selecting best products for individual need
• Variety of injection techniques
• Dosage, placement of product at appropriate anatomical site
• Placement of product at appropriate tissue depth
• Needle vs cannula techniques
• Commonly treated areas, danger zones and high risk areas
• Relative risks of commonly treated areas
• Severe adverse events and those that require emergency treatment
• Specific adverse events
• Hyaluronidase usage

Summary

If you are already qualified at Level 6 with a medical background such as a doctor, dentist or nurse you are already well placed to add to your career by offering injectible treatments.  The ideal course will be one of a blended learning approach so that you can complete the theory online to suit your working week.  The course for injectibles at the Medical and Aesthetics Training Academy (MATA) offers you the gold standard of e-learning followed by practical skills training with real tutors, group sessions, plenty of hands-on practice on live models and ongoing support post course.  If you are unsure of qualifications and ways to build on your existing knowledge call a MATA expert today.

Frequently Asked Questions