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5 Steps for the Perfect Consultation

The consultation is an incredibly important part of your work. This is where you meet potential patients, find out their needs and begin a treatment plan. There is a lot that must be addressed with a consultation to ensure both patient and practitioner are confident to start their journey together. 

Nowadays anybody, anywhere can access aesthetic treatments. Uninformed decisions can leave patients damaging their bodies whilst trying to conform with celebrity standards. As a practitioner in this area it is your duty to assess each patient as an individual, help them to make informed decisions and be aware that sometimes you need to say the word “no”. You will also need to be able to suggest other treatments which may be more suitable for your patient or even refer to independent specialists.

Nuffield Council on Biothetics Report

Within recent weeks we saw Nuffield Council on Biothetics released a report on “Cosmetic Procedures: Ethical Issues”. A report which we encourage all of our delegates to read. Within this report they address the factors which an individual may make whilst deciding to have treatment. From social media “likes” to virtual reality apps, aesthetic treatments are more apparent now than they ever have been. Valid points are made throughout the report and practitioners are encouraged to open their eyes wider to the reasons people may be coming to them for treatment. In conjunction with our online training module specifically made for consultation advice and guidelines, we support all topics raised and have pin pointed 5 steps to ensure you and your patient get the best out of a consultation.

5 steps for a perfect consultation:

  1. Consent & safety: 

In order for your patient to give consent to any treatment they must make a voluntary, informed decision supported by their own capacity. This is a must as nothing can be done until consent has been agreed. Patients have the right to withdraw their consent at any time and the same goes for a practitioner refusing consent.

  1. Capability & limitations:

Work within your skills and knowledge. Resist feeling pressured by peers or patients to deviate far outside of your comfort zone. We are all bound by our professional bodies conduct and should abide by these within our practice. Feel confident in your practice as your name and reputation are based on the outcome of the treatment.

  1. Psychological: 

As a practitioner you need to have a clear understanding as to why your patient is considering aesthetic treatments. It is important that you listen to their concerns and are aware of the outcome they are hoping to achieve. Assess the situation. What is their reason for treatment? Are they making this decision due to peer pressure or a possible psychological reason? Do they have realistic expectations and do you feel you are the right practitioner for them?  You must conduct a duty of care to your patients and to refuse treatment where you see best.

  1. Communication: 

The goal is to make your patient understand everything about the decision and treatment even if it is a refusal to do it. You must spend time talking through every step of the process including the treatment process, aftercare, possible complications and include previous before and after photos where you can. The greater knowledge and understanding of the procedure your patient has, the more informed decision they will make. This will also help to prevent post-procedure regret.

  1. Do not rush: 

We advise that you do not rush into treatment and allow both yourself and the patient time to consider the treatment. We also recommend that for continuity of care your patient should see the same practitioner throughout the process. This will help build a strong patient and practitioner relationship and will also help to avoid any potential pitfalls.

Cosmetic Courses Online Training Academy

Why enrol to Cosmetic Courses Online Academy?

  • Learn key areas of aesthetic medicine including pharmacology, anatomy, consultation skills, managing possible complications and much more
  • You can complete the course anywhere in your own time
  • You can regularly refer back to specific modules when needed
  • Built on the philosophy of blended learning, the courses are created to keep the interest of the delegate and meet all learning needs
  • There are games and quizzes throughout the modules to test your knowledge and an end of course test to show successful completion
  • The unique “Contact your Mentor” feature gives you access to our team for advice and help
  • 8 modules including a short course introduction into Botox & dermal fillers
  • Level 7 online training modules included within the academy

 

Find out more about our online training academy by clicking here or speak to a member of our friendly team on 01844 390110 or [email protected] 

 

 

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Summer’s Here! Don’t Forget your SPF Sunscreen

Mornings are stressful enough, good intentions to wake up early and start the day calm and collected. Replaced by frantic hair brushing, coffee gulping and a room full of clothes left on your departure. When the summer season arrives in the UK another hurdle arrives into our morning routines, “what do I wear today?!”. British weather is famous for its constant change, one day boiling, the next freezing. Finding the right attire in our morning routine seems the impossible. Although there is one thing we can recommend you wear and we know it works… SPF sunscreen.

When Should you Wear Sunscreen?

All the time. A common misconception is that sunscreen should only be worn if you are purposely exposing your body to the sun. For example, many only wear sunscreen while they are on beach holidays. If the same weather was to hit the UK they wouldn’t really think of wearing sunscreen because they are not laying out in it and “it’s the UK”.

The sun can damage your skin anytime, anywhere. Even hidden behind the clouds, its harmful rays can still delve into our precious skin. So the advice is to always apply a minimum of SPF 30 every day when the sun has made its first appearance of the year to it’s last, no matter what continent you are on.

Top dermatologists recommend introducing sunscreen into your morning routine and even keeping the bottle near your toothpaste to give you that gentle reminder. The sun can penetrate through clothing, so although you are “covered up” there is no harm generously applying to all areas of the body.

What Happens if I don’t Wear Sunscreen?

The top concern for those exposing themselves to sun rays without protection, is skin cancer. This is developed from a build up of skin damage from the sun. Studies have recently shown that skin cancer kills more than 2000 Brits a year. Alongside this the Soleve Sunburn Relief carried out research which found that 3 in 5 of us had sunburn within the past 5 years.

Not only are you raising the risk of skin cancer when you don’t splash on the sunscreen. You are also helping your skin age faster. Numerous studies have confirmed that UV rays account for 80% of skin ageing. The results from heavy exposure are; pigmentation, reduced skin elasticity and degradation of skin texture (photoageing).

What are UV Rays?

The rays that come down from the sun are classified into three: UVC, UVA & UVB, collectively known as UV rays.Stratosphere

UVC – the most damaging type of UV radiation. However, it’s completely filtered by the atmosphere and doesn’t reach the earth’s surface, so we don’t have to worry about that one!

UVB – the ray that makes our skin change colour. This one will burn all superficial layers of your skin and play a big role in the risk of developing skin cancer.

UVA – this ray will go all the way to the dermis, the thickest layer of our skin. This breaks through the skin’s surface and damages from within.

Therefore it’s important we wear a suncream that protects UVA and UVB rays.

Our go-to SPF Sunscreen Products…

Heliocare Advanced Gel – SPF 50

This on the top of our favourites list. The oil-free, light beige cream-like gel is easy to apply with it’s light to the touch formula. Due to its ultra-lightweight gel formula it is ideal for oily and acne prone skin types and can be used all over the body.

It provides advanced anti-ageing UV protection combining high technology mineral & nonmineral filters with photobiological protectants, featuring Fernblock, a natural fern extract unique to Heliocare products. 

Fernblock has been proven to be a powerful antioxidant and skin protector, it enhances your skin’s ability to fight against UV damage that leads to skin ageing. It is proven to reduce UV skin reactions and also improves skin cell DNA protection and repair as it inhibits the DNA damage linked to development of skin cancers.

 

NeoStrata: Refine – Sheer Hydration SPF 35

We love NeoStrata products, not only do they provide for all skin types but each product shows fantastic results.

This product contains broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against UVA and UVB fighting photo-aging. It also contains NeoGlucosamine. This is clinically proven to help reduce the appearance of dark spots from ageing and acne for more even tone, and to improve your skin’s texture and firmness. It is a light, oil-free fluid, formulated with Phytotal, a botanical blend that helps control oily skin without irritation.

Why do we love it?

  • A hydrating sun shield that improves the health of normal to oily complexions
  • Reduces the appearance of dark spots
  • Improves skin texture, firmness and tone
  • Broad spectrum UVA / UVB sunscreen
  • Suitable for Oily, Combination and Normal skin types

Purchase your sunscreen from Cosmetic Courses today

To enquire about the price of these suncreams or to purchase the products shown in today’s blog, please speak to a member of our friendly team today on 01844 390110 or email [email protected].

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70% of People are Looking for Cosmetic Procedures

A few years ago, we would mention the word Botox and people would look in disbelief as if we were muttering a spell.  Aesthetic treatments were seen to treat only the wealthy and famous. We watched as celebrities continued to look effortlessly young, but not once did we consider the treatments ourselves. Fast forward a few years and the words “cosmetic procedures” is on everyone’s lips. So why has it changed? 

The Growth of Cosmetic Procedures

A recent report by ASDS (American Society for Dermatologic Surgery) saw that 70% of individuals surveyed are now looking for a cosmetic procedure. The online survey was taken by 7322 individuals all expressing their reasons as to what they thought about the treatments.

So why is it now so popular? 

A few reasons that have come to light from recent articles, surveys and reports such as the Nuffield Council on Bioethetics – Cosmetic Procedures: Ethical Issues are the following:

  • Self confidence
  • Celebrity influence
  • Physcological reasons
  • Media
  • Career reasons
  • Low cost
  • “Quick fixes”

Cosmetic procedures are also easy to reach. A quick google in your area and lists can appear of local practitioners all willing to make your vision a reality. A large part of the decision is also from the fact that cosmetic procedures in aesthetics are temporary. Results will last for an average of 3 months with the option to “top up” the treatment to maintain it’s effects.

7 in 10 are Considering a Cosmetic Procedure

Whatever the reason for your decision to consider treatment, you are not alone. Long gone are the days of this hushed topic. People now proudly show off their new features achieved with the power of the needle. Women are no longer swapping knitting patterns but practitioner details.

You are not alone in your consideration to have cosmetic procedures.

Here at Cosmetic Courses we focus on our patients. We teach our delegates how to perform treatments but also how to look after their patients. We guide them through their treatment and help them to make a decision. We work strongly by the belief that only the patient can decide what they want and encourage our delegates to listen and advise.

Top Tips for your Decision…

If you are thinking of getting a cosmetic procedure we ask you to think of the following in order to aid your decision:

  1. Why do I want this?
  2. What do I want to achieve?
  3. Have I researched this treatment?
  4. Am I prepared for the change?

A good practitioner will help you in your decision and will only carry out treatment as they see fit and when you are confident in your decision. 

Non-Surgical Treatments as a Model at Cosmetic Courses

If you’re one of the 70% interested in trying out a new cosmetic procedure becoming a model is a safe and cost-effective way of trying the latest techniques and products available.

Cosmetic Courses has been training medical professionals in the UK since 2002. As one of the longest-established providers we pride ourselves on the quality of our training and the products we use for treatment. This means that you are receiving the safest possible treatment as a model with us. The added bonus is that the treatment with us is a fraction of the high street cost.

If you would like to speak to one of our consultants or to book in for any of our Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetic Treatments please call us now on 01844 390110 or register here to receive further information.

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Non-Surgical Treatments for the Eyes

The eyes are very much the focal point of our faces. Any irregularities in this area can quickly make you look tired and aged. Eye creams after eye creams promise to remove dark circles and brighten the eyes with hefty price tags and tiny bottles. Here we look at the non-surgical treatments available to banish those bags that actually work…

Common problems with the eye area:

  • Heavy eyes
  • Hooded eyelids
  • Deep under eye circles
  • Sunken eyes
  • Crow’s feet

The majority of these issues are caused by the thinning of your skin around the eye area due to ageing. The loss in elasticity and volume causes the area to look tired and lose its youthful glow.

Each of these problems can be easily treated with the correct combinations of Botox and dermal fillers. This can reduce the appearance of tired skin and brighten up your eyes, boosting your self-confidence.

Which treatment is right for me?

Heavy Eyes / Hooded Eyelids

You may have noticed that your brow has dropped causing your eyelid to rest heavily on your lash line. This can obstruct your vision and can result in you needing to prop the area up, particularly if you’re applying make-up such as eyeshadow. Many believe the only cure is a surgical blepharoplasty. In some cases this is true however there is a non-surgical option for those of you with minor hooding of the eyelid…

Treatment: Brow Lift 

Using Botox injections just above the eyebrow, your eyelid can be stretched out by relaxing the muscles. This minimises their hooded appearance. The treatment takes just 20-30 minutes to complete with results being noticed fully 10-14 days after the procedure. The effects from the Botox will last 12 weeks and after this it can be “topped up” with another appointment.

Deep under eye circles / sunken eyes

The skin around your eyes thins out over time which can cause your eyes to look darker. This sunken appearance is known as ‘bags under your eyes’ and is particularly apparent first thing in the morning. This is a very common problem and is one of the first signs of skin ageing.

Treatment: Tear Trough Rejuvenation

Tear Trough Rejuvenation uses dermal fillers injected just under the eye into the ‘tear trough’. Once the area under the eye has re-gained volume it produces a youthful, brightening effect. Treatment time is 30 minutes and full results can be seen after 10 days. This treatment can be re-administered after 12 weeks.

non surgical treatments for the eyes

The Kardashians love PRP

Treatment: Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

The use of Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy otherwise known as PRP or the Vampire face lift can help to banish dark circles. The purpose of the treatment is to regenerate and rejuvenate the skin surface using the bodies own blood. The practitioner will re-inject your ‘platelet-rich-plasma’ into the problem area. This natural process promotes youthful skin under the eyes causing dark circles to lighten.

Patients can see full results from PRP 3-4 weeks after treatment.

Crow’s feet

Crow’s feet are the formation of wrinkles at the side of your eyes, replicating the image of a birds feet (hence the name!)

Crow’s feet normally appear from the movement of smiling. Although we love smiling, we hate that it makes us look older than we are so fortunately there is a very simple treatment to combat them.

non-surgical eye treatments

Naomi Watts showing Crow’s feet around her eyes.

Treatment: Botox 

By using Botox injections, practitioners can relax this area causing the wrinkles to fade and your muscles to relax. This means the next time you smile, laugh or squint the crow’s feet will have magically disappeared! Treatment time is 20-30 minutes, with results being visible after a week and the option to have the treatment again after 12 weeks.

 

Non-Surgical Treatments as a Model at Cosmetic Courses

Cosmetic Courses has been training medical professionals in the UK since 2002. As one of the longest-established providers we pride ourselves on the quality of our training and the products we use for treatment. This means that you are receiving the safest possible treatment as a model with us. 

If you would like to speak to one of our consultants or to book in for any of our Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetic Treatments please call us now on 01844 390110 or register here to receive further information from our friendly team.

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