What’s Next in Your Aesthetic Career? Options for Practitioners Looking to Elevate Their Skills
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What’s Next in Your Aesthetic Career?

If you trained in aesthetics a few years ago, chances are you’ve already gained valuable hands-on experience and built confidence in delivering treatments. But in the ever-evolving world of aesthetics, staying ahead requires continuous learning and upskilling. Whether you’re looking to broaden your treatment portfolio, achieve formal recognition, or specialise in advanced techniques, there are many options available to take your career to the next level.

At Cosmetic Courses, we’re here to guide you through the next steps in your professional journey.

  1. Level 7 Diploma: Mastering Injectables

For practitioners aiming to achieve a formal qualification in aesthetics, the Level 7 Diploma in Injectables for Clinical Aesthetic Treatments (VTCT) is the gold standard.

This postgraduate-level qualification is perfect for those who already have a foundation in injectables but want to solidify their skills and gain a recognized credential.

Why Choose the Level 7 Diploma?

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Learn advanced techniques in Botox® and dermal fillers, including areas like tear troughs and advanced facial contouring.
  • Recognition and Credibility: Achieving the diploma demonstrates a high standard of clinical competence, enhancing your professional reputation.
  • Compliance and Safety: Gain in-depth knowledge of patient safety, anatomy, and ethical considerations to excel in your practice.

The Level 7 Diploma is ideal if you’re looking to formalise your training, enhance your credibility, and stand out in the competitive aesthetics industry.

Explore the Level 7 Diploma here.

  1. Advanced Courses: Perfecting Your Craft

If you feel confident in delivering foundational treatments and are eager to expand your treatment offerings, our advanced courses are the perfect choice.

What Advanced Training Includes:

  • Advanced Botox®: Learn treatments for complex areas such as jawline slimming, platysmal bands, and hyperhidrosis.
  • Advanced Dermal Fillers: Specialise in facial contouring, non-surgical rhinoplasty, and cheek augmentation.
  • Combination Treatments: Discover how to combine multiple techniques to create bespoke treatment plans for your patients.

Advanced training helps you cater to patients with more complex needs and commands a higher price point in your practice.

Browse our Advanced Courses here.

  1. Skin Courses: Expanding Your Expertise

Aesthetic medicine isn’t just about injectables—skin health is a critical aspect of patient care. Adding skin courses to your repertoire allows you to offer holistic treatment plans and meet the growing demand for non-invasive skin rejuvenation.

Popular Skin Courses Include:

  • Chemical Peels: Learn how to treat hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and signs of aging with this effective, low-downtime procedure.
  • Microneedling: Master collagen induction therapy for improved skin texture and elasticity.

Skin courses are perfect for those who want to diversify their offerings and appeal to a wider range of patients.

Explore our Skin Courses here.

Why Upskilling Is Essential

The aesthetics industry is continually advancing, with new techniques, products, and patient expectations emerging regularly. By investing in further training, you’ll:

  • Stay Competitive: Keep your practice up-to-date and aligned with industry trends.
  • Increase Patient Trust: Advanced qualifications and techniques inspire confidence in your patients.
  • Boost Revenue: Expanded services allow you to cater to a wider patient base and charge premium prices for specialized treatments.

Let Cosmetic Courses Be Your Guide

Whether you’re looking to achieve formal recognition with the Level 7 Diploma, perfect advanced techniques, or branch into skin rejuvenation, Cosmetic Courses offers training tailored to your goals. With over 20 years of experience and expert trainers, we’re dedicated to helping you succeed in your aesthetic journey.

Take the next step today. Explore our courses or contact us for personalised advice on how to elevate your aesthetic career.

Learn More and Book Your Course Today!

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Biofiller with Plasma Gel – The Natural Choice for Facial Rejuvenation
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Biofiller with Plasma Gel – The Natural Choice for Facial Rejuvenation

Biofiller is revolutionising the field of aesthetic medicine with its innovative approach to skin rejuvenation. Using your body’s natural resources, this advanced plasmotherapy treatment creates a plasma gel that mimics the properties of dermal fillers. The result? A safe, effective, and natural-looking solution for reversing signs of aging and restoring youthful vitality.

What Is Biofiller?

Biofiller is derived from your own blood, specifically the platelet-poor plasma (PPP) component. Through a specialised process, this plasma is transformed into a gel-like substance that is ideal for treating static and dynamic wrinkles, rejuvenating tear troughs, addressing lines on the neck, and improving skin laxity in areas like the elbows and knees.

Unlike traditional fat transfer, Biofiller is softer, easily adapts to facial expressions, and minimises the risk of lump formation. This makes it an excellent choice for achieving smooth and natural results.

Each session uses 5–10 ml of processed plasma, and it can be combined with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) for enhanced effects on fine lines and overall skin health.

Why Choose Biofiller?

Biofiller offers several unique advantages that make it a standout treatment:

  • Completely Natural Results
    Biofiller rejuvenates the skin without the tell-tale signs of aesthetic treatments, providing a refreshed and youthful appearance.
  • Minimal Risk
    Because it uses your own plasma, Biofiller eliminates the risk of allergic reactions or long-term adverse effects, making it suitable for a wide range of patients.
  • Stimulates Skin Health
    The mixture of fibrin and trapped platelets in Biofiller releases growth factors over 3–6 months, stimulating stem cells, promoting collagen production, and enhancing skin regeneration.
  • Effective at Any Age
    Whether you’re looking to prevent aging or reverse existing signs, Biofiller is a versatile solution that caters to all age groups.

What to Expect From Biofiller Treatments

  • Treatment Time: 60 minutes
  • Immediate Onset Results: Patients can see improvements right away, with enhanced effects over time.
  • Downtime: Minimal, usually around 24 hours.
  • Duration of Results: 3–6 months, with the option for repeated sessions to achieve longer-lasting effects.

How Does Biofiller Work?

Biofiller combines the best of volumetric filling and regenerative science. The gel’s direct filling effect is due to its denatured gelled proteins and fibrin bundles, which provide stability and volume. Additionally, platelets trapped within the gel release growth factors that interact with stem cells and dermal fibroblasts.

These interactions promote neocollagenesis (new collagen formation), neovascularisation (formation of new blood vessels), and synthesis of hyaluronic acid. The result is firmer, tighter, and more youthful skin.

Biofiller is particularly effective for:

  • Lines and wrinkles
  • Crow’s feet
  • Loss of facial volume
  • Frown lines
  • Aging neck and hands

The Science Behind Biofiller

Research has highlighted key differences between PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and PPP (Platelet-Poor Plasma). While PRP is rich in growth factors, PPP boasts higher concentrations of fibrinogen, forming a fibrous scaffold for tissue regeneration.

When injected, the gel localises growth factors at the treatment site, enhancing their concentration and prolonging their release. These growth factors stimulate:

  • Soft tissue augmentation.
  • Wrinkle reduction through myofibroblast contraction.
  • Long-term synthesis of extracellular matrix components like collagen and hyaluronic acid.

The continuous release of growth factors ensures therapeutic benefits for several months after treatment.

Why Patients Love Biofiller

Patients appreciate Biofiller for its natural look and feel, as well as its ability to provide immediate and long-lasting results without the risks associated with synthetic fillers. As a versatile treatment, it addresses a wide range of concerns, from fine lines to skin laxity, while promoting overall skin health.

With minimal downtime and a low risk of side effects (e.g., mild swelling or bruising), Biofiller is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a non-invasive, natural approach to rejuvenation.

Discover the Power of Biofiller

Biofiller represents the next step in aesthetic treatments—natural, safe, and highly effective. Whether you’re addressing facial volume loss, wrinkles, or aging hands, Biofiller offers a solution that looks and feels as natural as it is transformative.

Learn with Cosmetic Courses

At Cosmetic Courses we are delighted to launch our brand new course, Plasma Bio Filler and Exosomes Training Course, this one day advanced course cover the usage of  Cellenis systems to create PRP as well as an immediate, natural, soft tissue filling effect. With the added benefit of exosome technology to reduce inflammation, repair and hydrate the skin as well as increase collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production.

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Exosomes – What’s the Fuss?

In the ever-evolving world of aesthetic medicine, one of the most exciting breakthroughs is the rise of exosomes. But what exactly are exosomes, and why are they creating such a buzz in the cosmetic industry?

What Are Exosomes?exosomes cosmetic courses

Exosomes are tiny, extracellular vesicles released by cells, acting as powerful messengers that transport proteins, lipids, and genetic material between cells. These microscopic particles play a critical role in cell-to-cell communication and are integral to the body’s natural repair processes.

In aesthetics, exosomes derived from stem cells are being utilised for their regenerative properties, offering an innovative way to rejuvenate and repair skin at a cellular level.

Why Are They Game-Changers in Aesthetics?

Unlike traditional treatments that focus on external enhancement, exosomes go deeper. They target skin health from within, offering a more holistic approach to rejuvenation. Their benefits include:

  • Enhanced Skin Rejuvenation
    They stimulate collagen and elastin production, helping to improve skin texture, tone, and elasticity. Patients report smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin after treatment.
  • Accelerated Healing
    They are widely praised for their ability to speed up wound healing. This makes them an excellent complement to procedures like microneedling, laser treatments, or chemical peels, as they help the skin recover more quickly.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Properties
    With their anti-inflammatory effects, exosomes reduce redness, swelling, and irritation, creating a more comfortable experience for patients post-treatment.
  • Long-Lasting Results
    Since exosomes work by enhancing the body’s natural repair mechanisms, the results tend to last longer compared to traditional treatments.

How Are They Used in Aesthetics?

Exosome therapy is typically paired with other minimally invasive treatments such as microneedling, injectables, or PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma). In these procedures, exosomes are applied directly to the skin or injected into targeted areas, where they get to work repairing and rejuvenating from within.

What’s especially exciting is how well exosomes complement PRP, amplifying the natural healing and growth factors already present in platelet-rich plasma.

What’s the Catch?

While exosomes are being celebrated for their game-changing properties, the field is still developing. Ongoing research and evolving regulatory standards will help refine the science behind these treatments. However, early results are overwhelmingly positive, and the demand for exosome-based therapies continues to grow.

Training in Exosomes at Cosmetic Courses

At Cosmetic Courses, we understand the importance of staying ahead in the fast-moving world of aesthetics. That’s why we’ve incorporated exosome training into our PRP Training Course.

Our Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Course equips you with the knowledge and skills to offer advanced regenerative treatments, including how to combine PRP with cutting-edge exosome therapies for enhanced results. You’ll learn:

  • The science behind exosomes and their role in regenerative medicine.
  • How to integrate exosomes into your aesthetic practice safely and effectively.
  • Techniques to combine exosomes with PRP and other treatments like microneedling for optimal patient outcomes.

This training is ideal for aesthetic practitioners looking to expand their treatment offerings and provide the latest in skin rejuvenation therapies.

Why Choose Exosomes for Your Practice?

They represent the future of aesthetics—treatments that don’t just mask aging but actively repair and restore the skin at a cellular level. Offering exosome therapy is an excellent way to differentiate your practice, attract forward-thinking patients, and deliver exceptional results.

Ready to Learn More?

Take the first step toward mastering exosome therapy by enrolling in our Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Training Course. Gain hands-on experience with this revolutionary treatment and elevate your aesthetic practice to new heights.

Explore our PRP Course and Book Now!

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menopause awareness month
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October is Menopause Awareness Month – Why You Should Consider Our Menopause Level 1 Course

October is globally recognised as Menopause Awareness Month, an important time to raise awareness about a phase of life that affects millions of women worldwide. At Cosmetic Courses, we are dedicated to supporting healthcare professionals in expanding their knowledge and skills in women’s health, particularly during the crucial stages of menopause. This is why we are excited to offer a special promotion for our Menopause Level 1 Course this month.

Why is Menopause Awareness Important?

Menopause marks a significant milestone in a woman’s life, often accompanied by both physical and emotional challenges. Unfortunately, this period is frequently misunderstood or overlooked in healthcare, leaving many women without the support they need. By increasing awareness and understanding, practitioners can offer more comprehensive care to women during this time.

As a healthcare provider, expanding your expertise in menopause care allows you to guide patients through the transition with confidence, offering them the necessary support and tailored treatment options. This course provides the practical and theoretical tools to help you achieve that.

About the Menopause Level 1 Course

Our Menopause Level 1 Course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the essential knowledge to care for women navigating menopause. The course covers:

  • Understanding Menopause: Symptoms, stages, and how menopause impacts a woman’s body.
  • Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Treatments: Learn about the latest treatments available to ease menopause symptoms, from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to lifestyle modifications.
  • Improving Patient Well-being: Gain insights into how you can support your patients holistically, helping them improve their quality of life during this phase.

The course is CPD accredited, adding value to your professional credentials and ensuring that you are up-to-date with the latest in women’s health care.

Special Offer for Menopause Awareness Month

To celebrate Menopause Awareness Month, we are reducing the course price from £925 + VAT to £695 + VAT, offering you the opportunity to enhance your skills at a fraction of the original cost. This is a limited-time offer for October only, so if you’ve been considering expanding your expertise in this area, now is the perfect time to act.

Why Take the Course?

There’s never been a more important time to invest in menopause education. Women going through menopause face a wide range of symptoms, from hot flashes and sleep disturbances to mood swings and cognitive changes. As healthcare professionals, understanding these experiences and knowing how to provide the best care is essential.

By taking this course, you can:

  • Expand your practice: Offering specialized menopause care allows you to serve a broader patient base.
  • Provide better care: Understand the full scope of menopause symptoms and treatments to offer more personalized care.
  • Gain accreditation: This CPD accredited course will enhance your qualifications, boosting your professional standing.

Conclusion

This Menopause Awareness Month, take the opportunity to advance your knowledge and help women navigate one of the most pivotal moments in their lives. Enrol in our Menopause Level 1 Course at the special reduced price of £695 + VAT and become a trusted expert in this crucial field of women’s health.

Ready to get started? Click here to learn more and book your place.

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menopause
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Launch of Menopause Level 1 Training Course

Cosmetic Courses Launches Ground breaking Menopause Level 1 Training for Healthcare Professionals in Partnership with Roseway Labs and MRSL Insurance

Transforming Women’s Health: Empowering Practitioners to Support Women Through the Menopause Journey

Cosmetic Courses, the UK’s leading aesthetic training provider, is proud to announce the launch of its newest course offering: Menopause Level 1 Training. Developed in partnership with Roseway Labs and MRSL Insurance, this innovative course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to support women during the menopause, a crucial yet often misunderstood stage of life.

The Menopause Level 1 Training course responds to the growing need for specialised care in women’s health. As the conversation around menopause continues to evolve, there is a pressing demand for trained professionals who can offer evidence-based, compassionate care to women experiencing the physical, emotional, and psychological changes associated with menopause.

Course Highlights:

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering everything from the biological changes during menopause to the latest treatment options, the course ensures that practitioners are well-prepared to address a wide range of symptoms and concerns.
  • Expert-Led Training: Delivered by leading experts in women’s health, the course offers participants access to cutting-edge research and practical guidance.
  • Accreditation: Participants will receive a certificate upon completion, adding a valuable credential to their professional portfolio.
  • Collaborative Expertise: The course has been developed in partnership with Roseway Labs, a premier provider of bespoke hormone treatments, and MRSL Insurance, offering specialised insurance solutions for healthcare professionals, ensuring participants receive a well-rounded and supported educational experience.

Why This Course Matters: The menopause is a significant life stage that impacts millions of women, yet it remains underrepresented in medical training. Cosmetic Courses’ Menopause Level 1 Training is designed to close this gap by providing healthcare professionals with the tools to offer better support and improve the quality of life for women navigating menopause.

“We are excited to launch this course in collaboration with Roseway Labs and MRSL Insurance,” said Mr Adrian Richards, Medical Director at Cosmetic Courses. “Menopause is a complex and deeply personal experience, and our goal is to ensure that healthcare providers are equipped to offer the best possible care during this pivotal time. This partnership enhances the course by integrating the expertise of leading hormone therapy providers and specialised insurance services.”

Who Should Enrol: The Menopause Level 1 Training is ideal for general practitioners, nurses, and other healthcare providers seeking to enhance their understanding of menopause and expand their service offerings. It is also suitable for those working in aesthetics who wish to incorporate a more holistic approach to women’s health into their practice.

About Cosmetic Courses

Cosmetic Courses is the UK’s leading provider of aesthetic training, offering a wide range of courses for medical professionals. With over 20 years of experience, Cosmetic Courses is dedicated to providing high-quality education that combines clinical expertise with hands-on experience.

About Roseway Labs

Roseway Labs is a private pharmacy established in 2018 dedicated to making personalised medication more accessible. Specialising in tailored solutions for patients with unique medical needs, Roseway Labs offers a comprehensive range of services including compounded medication, licensed and unlicensed medications, supplements, diagnostic kits, and clinical-use stock. This unique combination sets Roseway Labs apart from other UK pharmacies, demonstrating a commitment to patient care.

Roseway Labs is a leading provider of personalised hormone treatments, specialising in menopause care. They offer bespoke treatment plans designed to meet the individual needs of women experiencing menopause.

With a particular focus on hormones, thyroid, dermatology, hair loss, and functional medicine, Roseway Labs also possesses expertise in low-dose naltrexone (LDN), Lyme disease, pain management, allergies and intolerances, nutrition, and general medication. The pharmacy’s unparalleled level of expert knowledge and service consistently delivers positive outcomes for prescribing physicians and their private patients.

About MRSL Insurance

MRSL Insurance provides tailored insurance solutions for healthcare professionals, ensuring that practitioners have the coverage they need to operate with confidence and security.

For more information about the Menopause Level 1 Training course, or to enrol, click here.

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JCCP Update Regulation
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Level 7 Reapproved by JCCP

We are delighted to announce that we have been reapproved for another 3 years with the JCCP for our VTCT (ITEC) Level 7 Diploma in Injectables for Aesthetic Treatments. This is great news for the safety of the industry. It ensures our Level 7 delegates looking to future-proof their career within aesthetics are getting the highest quality training.

Below you can find confirmation from the JCCP of our reapproval.

“We have also noted that you have provided evidence from your recent annual reviews with VTCT which include evidence that your Training Centre remains approved and up to date with VTCT’s approval processes’ and that you are actively in consultation with VTCT regarding potential changes to the Level 7 assessment specification (which have already been discussed with the JCCP).

In addition, we noted your declaration that you have had ‘no restrictions’ on your ability to provide the JCCP approved qualification (as awarded by VTCT) and have had no cases of any academic malpractice or clinical negligence throughout your time offering this qualification and that the clinical standards within which treatments are being offered remain in-line with CPSA guidance.

We confirm that following review of the documentation and evidence presented as part of this review process that we are assured that you continue to meet required education, teaching and learning standards required by the JCCP to reapprove your Level 7 course without further condition. We have also noted your demonstrated commitment to ongoing quality assurance and improvement.

It is therefore our pleasure to inform you that the JCCP has agreed that you continue to meet the JCCP’s standards to be an ‘Approved JCCP Education and Training Provider’ and that the above qualification as delivered by ‘Cosmetic Courses’ remains formally approved by the Council.”

View our Level 7 Qualification that has just been preapproved by the JCCP by clicking here.

We recently spoke with Professor David Sines CBE from the JCCP about an update on regulation in the aesthetics industry, specifically the Government Consultation – Licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Click here to view his comments.

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MD Codes Live Tour London 2024

MD Codes Live Tour London 2024

The start of June welcomes the MD Codes Tour to London. While many injectors have seen these live injecting conferences before, I had not seen Mauricio de Maio inject Live on stage so was extremely excited to attend. Here is a recap from our trainer Dr Matt Perks over the two days.

The MD codes were created by Dr de Maio to highlight areas of concern that are usually linked with emotions such as ‘looking tired’ ‘looking saggy’ ‘I want to look more attractive’. The MD codes are a way of injecting Hyaluronic Acid filler to lower the guesswork for the injector and ensure we can give our patients predictable natural results.

Dr De Maio had several models over the two days to show how injecting methodically can give the desired outcome to faces of different sizes, shapes and ethnicities. It was amazing to see how bolus cheek filler was able to slim all faces when viewed from the front, even the genetically rounder face shapes that sometimes injectors feel that adding more filler will just make them look rounder.

There was a real emphasis on combining HarmonyCa with the Juvederm range to enhance our patients’ results immediately and in the long term. We reviewed HarmonyCa results on patients who had had a treatment 6-12 months beforehand and how the skin in the treated areas had improved structure and the filler work now looks better too. The way he explained how to use the different products in the layers of the face made me much more confident to use them and explain their benefits to my patients.

Some injectors say that these live injecting days are like real life because the patients are having 20mls in one session! I feel that Mauricio addressed these concerns by splitting treatment plans into what could injected per session and showing the results after every 3-4ml session. It gave me real confidence that I would potentially give my patients results similar to this, rather just being in awe of an injector that I thought was leagues above me and left with the feeling that maybe I could be like this in a few years.

I loved the MD Codes Live Tour conference. The atmosphere was electric. All of the professionals I spoke to over the two days were humble, enthusiastic and happy to speak about their experiences in the aesthetic industry. I would imagine that many others like me found it very educational and can’t wait to try some of the techniques that Mauricio showed us.

Find out more information about the MD Codes Live Tour London 2024, Mauricio de Maio and our HArmonyCa Training Course below.

A big thank you to Allergan Aesthetics for the invites.

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JCCP Update Regulation
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Update on Regulation – Professor David Sines CBE

We recently spoke with Professor David Sines CBE about an update on regulation in the aesthetics industry, specifically the Government Consultation – Licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

Here is what he had to say about the current situation:

‘Unfortunately the long awaited Government response to the first Non Surgical Cosmetics Consultation document has been delayed due the suspension of Parliament for the election. This means that nothing has been ‘derailed’ but the timeline for a Government announcement on their response will not be expected no until either late July or September this year. The JCCP is confident that both the Labour and Conservative administrations remain committed to the principles enshrined in the Health and Care Act, 2022 regarding the implementation of a new mandated license for the non-surgical sector in England’.

You can find the latest updates on regulation within the aesthetics industry in our Government Guidelines section in our Aesthetics Knowledge Hub or by clicking here.

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Regenerative Aesthetic Medicine

Rise of Regenerative Aesthetic Medicine

Regenerative aesthetic medicine continues to be a hot topic in the aesthetics industry with the latest studies anticipating that the global market size will reach a staggering 246 billion by 2032! Regenerative medicine focuses on improving the body’s natural ability to heal and regenerate itself. With these new technologies, we can address both aesthetic issues alongside improving overall skin health and vitality which is transforming healthcare as we’ve previously known it.

In aesthetic medicine, we have a number of options to help to improve both the signs of ageing and hair loss but they all have their limitations. Anti wrinkle treatments help to improve fine lines but don’t help with environmental damage to the skin. Soft tissue fillers help to restore volume lost with age but when administered incorrectly can give an unnatural look and can’t target hair or skin conditions. Laser and energy based treatments can notably improve these conditions but can have significant downtime and sometimes mixed results.

In most aesthetic clinics a combination approach will be required for optimum treatment outcomes. Regenerative treatments are now offering more longevity in results to both skin health and collagen stimulation along with a safety profile that other modalities cannot provide. Bio-stimulatory injectables not only give some immediate volume restoration and lift but also stimulate collagen production for up to two years.

Polynucleotides continue to be on trend for 2024 and are living up to the hype! Trends and fads can often come and go in the world of aesthetics but Polynucleotides are offering a legitimate option in the quest to improve skin health and ageing. They are injected into the skin and contain DNA fragments that stimulate key cells in the skin to heal and repair. They have fewer risks to that of soft tissue fillers so when a patient comes for a consultation with the complaint of fine lines, crepy skin, pigmentation and often a fear of filler, aesthetic professionals now have an option to target all of these using only one product. If you are looking to train in Polynucleotides and offer this as a treatment to your patients you can view our course by clicking here.

Exosomes are also growing in popularity as a therapeutic option for tissue repair and skin rejuvenation. These cell derived nanovesicles play a key role in cell to cell communication by carrying molecules such as proteins and lipids which can impact biological responses. When they are met with cells that are in need of repair they can instigate the process of cellular regeneration. Currently, exosomes can be plant, animal or human derived and are continuing to be developed for optimum use, safety and efficacy. In the UK human-derived ingredients are banned giving plant based alternatives a better platform. With their regenerative function and anti inflammatory properties, exosomes are becoming widely used in synergy with other aesthetic devices.

Clinically developed skincare and supplements are also on the rise with patients being able to influence an improvement of their health and wellness through their daily habits. By improving vital components such as collagen production, hydration and Glutathione levels will have a positive effect on the body’s ability to naturally heal, repair and protect itself.

Both practitioners and patients continue to become more educated on Regenerative Aesthetic Medicine, specifically how to improve the signs of ageing by achieving natural results. With more and more regenerative treatments on the horizon, it is certainly an exciting field of medicine to keep up to date with.

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Aspiration - Something that is widely taught, but should be discussed

Aspiration! Something that is widely taught, but should be discussed.

Aspiration is a technique that is widely taught to new injectors as a way to assess safety to gauge if they are intravascular in position and if they should continue to inject in that place or not. However, this technique continues to be widely debated amongst injectors within the industry.

With soft tissue filler injections becoming more and more popular, injectors are continually faced with a fear of possible complications. The main complication we are taught to try and avoid is intravascular occlusion with subsequent necrosis of tissue. Aspiration is a widely taught method of trying to predict if the needle is intravascular before injecting. Aspiration is performed by pulling back on the plunger of the syringe before inserting the product, creating negative pressure in the syringe. The theory then is, that if the tip of the needle is intravascular then blood will be drawn back into the syringe causing a positive test result. The practitioner would then not inject and withdraw the needle, potentially avoiding a possible vascular occlusion.

Firstly, there is a discussion about the ability of the filler to come back up the needle and bring blood with it. The rheology of the filler, length and diameter of the needle will affect this. Another is aspirating for long enough with enough pressure. According to Poiseuille’s rheology law, aspirating a dermal filler with a higher viscosity in a longer and thinner needle is more difficult. Therefore aspirating pressure and duration must be adjusted according to dermal filler, needle, and syringe properties. This adjustment in everyday clinical practice seems unlikely given the wide variety of injectors. Some injectors often don’t fully understand the properties of every filler they use and are unlikely to change their newly learnt practice for each chosen product. That being said, the higher G prime fillers do often come with a larger gauge needle so may aspirate at a similar degree to softer products with smaller needles.

So what is the concern with aspiration and why is it being disputed?

There appears to be little argument with a positive aspiration as there are only two possibilities. Either the needle tip is intravascular or is extravascular with surrounding vascular damage. The result for the injector is the same, the injection will be halted and the needle repositioned. The concern with the technique comes from the relatively high false negative rate. This is where the needle is intravascular and there is no positive aspiration.

Another potential limitation is with the aspiration technique itself and whether the needle can be kept still whilst aspirating. If the needle is moved during or after aspiration but before injection the result will be useless. Movement is promoted by many consensus groups as a way to significantly improve safety. (3-5) With continual movement of the needle there will theoretically be less chance to inject a bolus of filler in a single vessel, with any unintentional intravascular filler being of small enough size to be dissipated harmlessly. New injectors face conflicting advice on what to do to be safe.

A possible danger is the injector’s reliance on a ‘negative’ result as it may be unclear due to the other factors mentioned. Aesthetic practitioners must be aware that there are several techniques we use to promote safety whilst injecting and aspiration forms one of those.

Practitioner preference based on their research and knowledge of the products they are using will usually be the deciding factor for whether or not to aspirate for each treatment. Nevertheless, a large majority of practitioners still favour aspiration as it does not cause any harm to the patient and can still provide useful information before injecting the product. The main agreement amongst practitioners is the desire to maintain patient safety. This remains at the forefront of each decision.

Here at Cosmetic Courses, we teach the importance of safe techniques and managing possible complications from the beginning of our delegate’s journey. This continues from a foundation to an expert level as we believe it is vital to expand our knowledge of this exciting, growing industry.

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