Health and fitness has been at the forefront of this century. Millennials are more interested in green juices and yoga compared to Big Macs and nightclubs. The health industry itself continues to grow leaping from strength to strength in a health conscious world.

The trend is very much to look after our bodies, focusing on what’s inside it rather than what’s covering it.

Our bodies need at least 30 vitamins, minerals and amino acids to keep it healthy a day. Contrary to popular belief this cannot be consumed through food, drink and supplements alone. Only a small percentage of the needed nutrients make it into our bodies after the digestive system has broken down what has been ingested.

The health conscious have become aware of this, turning to IVNT therapy to help feed their vitamin needs…

What is IVNT?

Back in the 1960’s an American Doctor named John Meyers noticed that the body needed nutrients in order to be at it’s healthiest. It soon became apparent to Meyers that those who are ill also benefited from having nutrients and vitamins reintroduced into their bodies. After extensive investigation he successfully used an IV to administer the required vitamins and minerals into the human body. Vitamins were carried straight into the bloodstream with the use of a cannula. Unlike consuming the nutrients by food or drink, all nutrients in the IV made their way directly into the body. Named the “Meyers’ Cocktail” the IV could treat asthma, migraines, fatigue, muscle spasms plus many more medical conditions.

Since then researchers have found that this way of absorbing nutrients can be personalised to meet individual requirements of the patient. Developing a menu of vitamin “Cocktails” IVNT has been able to personalise IV’s to help all areas of human wellbeing from aging to tiredness and even skin quality.

What are the medical benefits for your patients?

  • Essential nutrients and vitamins are absorbed straight into the bloodstream
  • With the understanding that every individual is different, practitioners can tailor make IV treatment plans to ensure the best results
  • IVNT is proven to be the fastest way to rehydrate the body, a firm favourite in the a-list party circles!
  • When the body has all of the right vitamins, mineral and nutrients, it works to its best
  • IVNT therapy results can be seen up to 60 minutes after treatment and last for days after, practitioners are recommended to set up a 6 week treatment plan to ensure patients keep up with their needed vitamin intake
  • Increase of wellbeing due to the amount of nutrients being delivered giving the patient an all round healthier feeling

IVNT Celebrity Fans…
IVNT Celebrities

What are the benefits of adding IVNT therapy into my practice?

  • Guideline pricing for this treatment is £150- £300 per session, practitioners are recommended to offer a package of 6 treatments to patients to ensure full results are achieved
  • Expand your patient database
  • Offer additional treatments to your patients in between their routine appointments
  • The preparation and administration of the IV itself takes only around 10 minutes of your time. Patients can then relax for the rest of the treatment whilst the nutrients are being absorbed.
  • Everyone is unique and so are their nutrient requirements. With IntraVita there are many treatment options for IV therapy depending on individual goals. Each product is designed to meet a range of different health and well-being needs.
  • Gain competitive edge in your practice
  • Be taught by industry expert Dr Jacques Otto who also designed the course using a combination of lectures, hands on practical and business/marketing advice ensuring you leave with a thorough understanding of IV Nutrition Therapy from your training with us
  • All products in the IntraVita range have been thoroughly researched and tested by a team of leading medical doctors and pharmacists.

IVNT Therapy Training at Cosmetic Courses

Our one day comprehensive course in partnership with IntraVita will cover the understanding of the bodies needs for these vitamins. You will also understand the varieties of vitamin ‘cocktails’ on offer as well as the benefits of each one. The afternoon will comprise of practical demonstrations and hands on experience enabling you to implement IVNT into your practice on successful course completion.

Next Course Date: 

To find out more about this course please visit our course page here, or contact our friendly team on 01844 390110 / [email protected] 

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] 

 

 

Our Leeds clinic is now one of our most popular training locations for Cosmetic Courses. Leeds is a vibrant city and claiming to become the ‘London of the North’. With huge investments being put into the area and convenient travel connections from most UK cities including Sheffield, Manchester and Yorkshire, we knew it would be an ideal training location for our delegates.

With the development of Leeds, there is plenty of demand for new businesses and as a result of this the city has seen a growth in the population of inspiring, dynamic individuals. So with more investment into the city and more money to spend on luxuries, the Northern regions really have become a great place to set up a lucrative aesthetic business.

Our Leeds training facility is based in the skin clinic Skindustry™, which is ideally located in Bingley. There is a direct rail link located less than 1 minute of Skindustry™ Clinic and multiple parking facilities are available. With the growth of this location we are pleased to be able to accommodate many more delegates from other areas such as Scotland, Ireland and Newcastle. Our team will also provide you with useful hotel and travel information to help you plan your stay.

Skindustry Clinic, 113 Main Street, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 2HT

Skindustry™ is a modern, high end skin clinic which is run by an experienced welcoming aesthetic team who can give you all of the support you need. Skindustry™ is a fully functioning skin clinic and CQC regulated, ensuring a professional environment for your training.

Which aesthetic training courses are offered in Leeds?

  • At Cosmetic Courses we understand the busy schedules of our delegates and pride ourselves in being as flexible as possible to accommodate all training needs. We currently offer a variety of training courses in our Leeds location including our Foundation Botox and Dermal Filler courses, which we currently offer once a month. We also offer 1-2-1 training days for Botox and Dermal Filler, which can be either a full day or a half day and can range from basic to advanced level to suit all abilities.
  • Another popular course we offer is the Non-Surgical Facelift (also known as the 8 Point Facelift) training, a brilliant alternative to surgery that will subtly reshape and redefine the face.
  • Due to popular demand over the last year we have extended our course offering in our Leeds location. Our training repertoire now includes the ever growing skin rejuvenation treatments such as Chemical Peels and Dermaroller. These procedures can often seem more appealing to patients who are new to the world of aesthetics as they are less invasive than Botox and Fillers. Many people interested in non-surgical treatments are now opting for chemical peels as an introduction or as an added benefit to their current treatment plan, depicting a growth in demand for skin rejuvenation. Therefore, it is an excellent way to tempt clients into the world of non-surgical treatments.
  • Another popular course we are offering at Leeds is Platelet Rich Plasma Training, which is becoming increasingly popular due to the fact there is no use of artificial products; it is a popular treatment not only on it’s own,  but it also compliments other treatments such as dermal fillers or the dermaroller.

Which ever stage you are at in your training, there should be something for you at our aesthetic training location in Leeds.

Due to the quality of teaching, and expertise of our trainers Pauline Walton and Nick, we are proud to say that the popularity of our training in Leeds has grown year on year. With the introduction of new courses and additional training dates, we’ve seen a substantial growth of 265% from 2015 to 2016! Our model database for Leeds has also grown significantly, showing the increasing demand for non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the area.

If you have any further questions on our Leeds location, would like to book a course or become a model; please feel free to contact the team on 01844 390 110 or send us an e-mail at [email protected]

 

As an Aesthetic Practitioner you will be well aware of the importance of protecting your skin from the sun. However, this awareness does not always carry over into the general public. To help advise your patients on the importance of sun protection and the different products available Shailesh Patel, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacyspace offers his five minute guide to sunscreen and sun care.

Most of us enjoy being in the sunshine, it makes us feel good, but too much sun exposure can lead to adverse effects on our skin such as; sunburn, skin ageing, sun induced skin allergies, cold sores and immunosuppression of the skin. So using a good sunscreen product with an SPF30 or above and a high UVA protection rating should be an essential part of a daily skin care routine, as well as seeking shaded areas to avoid sun exposure during 11.00am and 3.00pm, and protecting the skin with clothing.

Sun protection needs of individuals will vary according to;

  • skin type,
  • age,
  • gender and
  • daily activities.

It is important to provide product recommendation and advice which provides protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. UVB has a wavelength of 290 – 320 nm and is mostly responsible for sunburn and contributes to skin ageing. In the UK the sun is at its strongest in the middle of the day between 11.00am and 3.00pm. In hotter regions nearer the equator, UVB is more constantly present and intense.

UVA radiation has a longer wavelength of 320 – 400nm. Although it does not burn the skin, UVA does increase the burning effect of UVB and can cause skin cancers just as much as UVB. It is little affected by the seasons – it can be almost as strong in the winter as in the summer. This is why it is important to use a sunscreen which has high UVA protection. UVA penetrates deep into the dermis, where the supporting collagen and elastic fibres are contained. Much of the signs of skin ageing, such as loss of skin tone, sagging, enlarged blood vessels, uneven skin tone and wrinkles, are the result of UVA exposure. It is also responsible for photosensitivity reactions.

Skin type affects how the skin will react to the sun

One of the most commonly used skin type classifications is provided below.

TypeFeatures
Type INorthern European. Pale skin, often burn and rarely tan. They generally have light coloured hair or red hair and freckles. Blue or green eyes.
Type IIEuropean/Scandinavian. Usually burn but may gradually tan. They are likely to have light hair, and blue or brown eyes. Some may have dark hair but still have fair skin.
Type IIISouthern European. Central European. Burn with long exposure to the sun but generally tan quite easily. They usually have a light olive skin with dark hair and brown or green eyes.
Type IVMediterranean, Asian, Latin America. Burn with very lengthy exposures but always tan easily as well. They usually have brown eyes and dark hair.
Type VEast Indian, African, Native American, Have a naturally brown skin, with brown eyes and dark hair. They burn only with excessive exposure to the sun and their skin further darkens easily.
Type VIAfrican, Aboriginal. Have dark brown/black skin with dark brown eyes and black hair. They burn only with extreme exposure to the sun and their skin further darkens very easily.

Adapted from D’Orazio JA, Jarrett S,  Marsch A, Lagrew J, Cleary L (2013). Melanoma – Epidemiology, Genetics and Risk factor. Recent advances in the biology, therapy and management of melanoma. Dr Lester Davids (ed). 

Skin types I and II are at the greatest risk of sunburn and skin ageing whilst in the sun. Whereas darker skin types have increased levels of melanin and provide more protection.

What’s in the sunscreen products?Suncream

Sunscreen products contain organic UV filters (chemicals which are designed to absorb UV light) such as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, and inorganic (mineral) filters such as titanium dioxide which reflect and scatter the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) at the skin surface. Once opened, the packaging will give an indication of the expiry of the product. After this expiry period sunscreens will lose their effectiveness; this is normally an icon of a small jar upon which will be a number, generally 3, 6 or 12, with a ‘M’ next to it.

What is Sun Protection Factor (SPF)?

The SPF is mainly a measure of UVB protection and indicates how long a person can stay in the sun without burning with sunscreen on compared to a person without sunscreen on. For example, if it takes 20 minutes for unprotected skin to start to burn (turn red), then a SPF 15 sunscreen will protect them for 15 times longer (i.e. approx. 5 hours). However, it is important to remember that sunscreen products should not be used to increase the amount of time spent in the sun. SPFs are now categorized as providing low to very high protection. These are also printed on the product labels.

Low protectionSPF 6 and 10
Medium protectionSPF 15, 20 and 25
High protectionSPF 30 and 50
Very high protectionSPF50+

What are the UVA stars and circle?

The star system is widely used in Europe to indicate a products UVA protection. A product with five stars indicates excellent protection against UVA equal to the SPF. The EU recommendations in 2006 also introduced a UVA logo (letters UVA printing in a circle) to show that the product achieves the requirement.

How to apply sunscreens correctlyFace with magnifying glass

It is widely recognised that people who use sunscreen protection do not apply the required amount of sunscreen. Hence the importance to apply sunscreens evenly and liberally to achieve the indicated SPF. Particular attention should be given to those areas that burn easily such as ears, nose, neck and lips (via a lip screen).

Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before going out and to apply a second application just as you go out i.e. 30 minutes after the first application to correct missed areas and ensure adequate application.  If a sunscreen has a high SPF factor it will provide greater protection to the areas where they are thinly applied. As a general guide an average sized adult should apply approximately 35ml (6 full teaspoons) for full body application – a teaspoon for the face, each arm, each leg, the front of the body and the back.

An overview of our advice on protecting your skin from sun damage

  • Choose a sunscreen labelled broad spectrum or high protection against UVA and UVB so it offers balanced UVA and UVB protection e.g. SPF30 and 5 star UVA
  • Do not stay in the sun too long, even whilst using sunscreen, as no sunscreen can provide 100% protection
  • Use a high protection sunscreen and re-apply frequently and generously, especially after perspiring, swimming or towelling
  • In sunny weather, seek shade between 11am and 3pm
  • Cover up with clothing and don’t forget to wear a hat that protects your face, neck and ears, and sunglasses
  • Never let your skin burn
  • A tan is a sign of sun damage to the skin

Shailesh Patel


Pharmacyspace
is based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire and is dedicated to providing a trusted and cost-effective service for your clinic supplies. The handpicked team of dedicated staff will ensure that you get the products you need for your clinic, together with a professional service.

 

 

Male and Female Ageing

As technology has advanced, it has become more apparent that in society we are more obsessed with how we look. Mobile phones, iPads and tablets, make capturing the moment even easier with the rise in ‘selfies’ and social media sharing. Within the aesthetic industry, there has also been a shift. Over 90% of procedures performed in the UK in 2015 were non-surgical, and approximately 800,000 of those treatments were for Botox and filler treatments. Many clinics are also reporting that they have seen an increase in the volume of male patients that they are now Image showing Peter Andretreating with in their clinic, showing that it is not just woman that are interested in anti-ageing treatments. This could be due to more male celebrities admitting to having treatments, such as Peter Andre and Shane Warne having a little ‘Brotox’ here and there.

One of the questions that we at Cosmetic Courses have been asked by our delegates over the past few months is; are there any differences between the male and female ageing process?

In essence, the ageing process itself is more or less the same, but it is worth noting that there are significant differences between both sexes anatomy, and care should therefore be taken when carrying out aesthetic treatments to ensure a natural and harmonious look is achieved to suit both sexes.

The areas that we believe need to be treated differently for Males and Females are the following:

  • Forehead
  • Eyebrow
  • Cheek
  • Nose
  • Jawline and chin
  • Peri Oral Area

The Forehead

Picture showing the difference between male and famle supraorbital ridgeThis is one of the most important areas for rejuvenation, but there are noticeable differences between the sexes. Anthropologists use the forehead as an indicator to determine the sex of the skull. It has been observed that a female skull has more of a flat supraorbital ridge, with a smooth convexity up to the hairline, whereas the male skull has a more pronounced supraorbital ridge with some concavity before the forehead becomes flatter towards the hairline. This skeletal structure is what influences the soft tissues and the overall position of the eyebrows.

Eyebrows

The male eyebrow is flat and tends to sit along the supraorbital ridge whereas the female brow arches at a 10 -2- degree angle with a tail that is more superior to the head.

The aim of aesthetic treatments is to restore a more youthful and natural looking appearance. To treat this area for a female it may require forehead re-volumisation and a bit of brow lifting to maintaining that feminine look, but applying the same technique for males, it could result in over feminising, and portray an unnatural. To stay respectful of the male gender, it is advised to not lift above the supraorbital and to only elevate the ptotic brow to ensure the most natural look is achieved.

Cheeks

Male and Female AgeingThis is an area that is extensively covered in female rejuvenation, but it does come with limited descriptions when it comes to males. Females have a rounder and fuller cheek due to having a thicker fat compartment in the medial area compared to the lateral area. In regards to female ageing, a fuller cheek gives a more youthful look, referring back to the triangle of youth – everything is more pert and smoother. Male cheeks tend to be flatter and more angular due to a thinner layer of subcutaneous fat. The technique used to treat this area have slight differences, and the volume of product used needs to vary. To keep the ‘flatter’ cheek look for male patients, product should only be used to replace the volume loss. Females can have slightly more product used, and this can be replaced more often to maintain the fuller cheek look.

Nose

Image showing Naso LabialThere are more subtle differences between the sexes in this area. There are 2 angles that are used to determine the ideal nose shape: Naso-labial Angle and Naso-frontal angle.

Naso Labial is the angle between a line drawn from the lip border to the base of the columella to the nasel tip. This angle is slightly more obtuse and slightly upturned for females, and it’s also necessary to consider your patients cultural and ethnic differences when treating this area.

Image showing the Naso Frontal AngleNaso Frontal is the angle at the radix, the lowest point of the nasal bridge formed by a line running from the radix to the glabella and from the radix along the dorsum of the nose. This position of the radix is important between males and females. Females are normally in line with the lash line whereas males are at the level of the tarsal fold.

Jawline and Chin

Both masculinisation and feminisation techniques can be used within this area. Toxins can be used to narrow down the masseter or curve the chin, and Dermal Fillers can widen the jawline, increase definition or add a sharper gonial angles as well as flatten or enlarge the chin area.  Different cultures and ethnicities have different representations of what they believe is an attractive jawline, so it is useful to be aware of this when treating patients. The Hollywood ideal is a defined as a strong wide jaw for males whereas females have a softer narrower pointier chin.

Perioral Area

Treating this area is a more common request in females rather than males. Male skin within this area is thicker than in females, who tend to suffer more with smokers lines and wrinkling. This area benefits from toxin, filler and skin resurfacing treatments for both sexes. If treating a male patient, we suggest you treat with caution.

Male and Female AgeingWhen treating both the female and male face for any aesthetic treatment, it is important to book them in for a full consultation, to undertake a facial analysis. Within this consultation, grade the upper, mid and lower face in terms of structure, proportion and symmetry. Within our training, we advise that you take photos of all your patients and keep these as a record to show before and after treatment– it also helps to show the patient how far they have come on their treatments with you.

At Cosmetic Courses, we offer an advanced Botox and Dermal Filler training Course which offers more advanced techniques. If you would like to find out more about the course, or have any questions, please call the team on 01844 390110 or email [email protected]

 

Cosmetic Courses: Banner showing Blog title

As a Beauty Therapist, you’ve put in the hard work to build up a loyal client base.

But while you can help your clients with a lot of their aesthetic issues, there are probably some needs you can’t meet. 

Current beauty therapy training only qualifies you to treat some complaints you’re likely to encounter in your clients. And for an ambitious Beauty Therapist like you, that can be frustrating.

Not only does it mean you can’t provide a truly comprehensive service to your clients, you’re also missing out on the revenue from treatments they’re seeking elsewhere!

So what can you do?

You already have a good understanding of aesthetics and the “science of beauty”. And you already have the client base. 

All you need to do is broaden your repertoire. Extend your beauty salon treatments to include some popular non-surgical aesthetic treatments.

You want to become a ‘one-stop beauty shop’, so there’s every chance your clients won’t need to go anywhere else! And there are a few Beauty Therapist Training Courses that will help you do just that.

Which Beauty Therapist Training Courses are available?

Cosmetic Courses: photo showing Dermaroller training

There are two obvious choices when it comes to adding new treatments to your beauty repertoire. Chemical skin peels and Dermaroller micro-needling.

With proper training you’ll be able to safely offer these advanced aesthetic techniques to your clients – either individually or as part of a beauty package.

Add them to your treatment menu and watch your profits skyrocket.

Both Dermaroller and skin peel treatments are extremely cost-effective to perform. Once you’ve trained, the consumables used for each treatment are very inexpensive.

Genuine Dermaroller treatments use no product on the skin, so the only expense is the disposable roller. Treatments are usually charged at around £225, and a course of at least 3 is usually recommended for best results. 

Skin peels have a broad scope, treating specific skin complaints as well as improving the general condition of the skin, which makes them popular with all ages. Prices vary depending on the product used, but are typically from £75-£150 per treatment – and again, a course of at least 3 is usually recommended to get optimum results.

Training in both means you can provide your customers with proper, comprehensive treatment plans, leading to a significant increase in both your income and your client satisfaction levels.

Our next available Beauty Therapist Training Courses

Would you like to get some more treatments under your belt? We’re always adding new dates for Beauty Therapist Training Courses throughout the year, but these are our next available dates:

  • Chemical Peel training – Buckinghamshire – BOOK NOW
  • Dermaroller training – Buckinghamshire – BOOK NOW

Both of these upcoming courses will be held at our Paddocks Clinic training centre in Princes Risborough, Bucks.

Find out more about our Beauty Therapist Training Courses

Cosmetic Courses is led by acclaimed Consultant Plastic Surgeon Adrian Richards. We offer a wide range of accredited training courses for people looking to enter or improve their credentials in the aesthetic industry. For more information on any of our Beauty Therapist Training Courses, please call the team on 01844 318317 or email us at [email protected].

 

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With shocking celebrity photos and a never-ending supply of horror stories on Botched Bodies, as aestheticians we’re up against it. But what can we do to clean up the reputation of the cosmetic industry?

The long-awaited Keogh Report, published in 2013, found what most of us in the industry already know. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments are grossly under-regulated.

And while the report made several recommendations, so far it hasn’t translated into new legislation.

So in the absence of strong regulations, it’s our responsibility as practitioners to do what we can to reassure patients. And there’s a couple of important ways we can do that.

Cosmetic Training

UntitledUnfortunately, lax rules have created conditions where unqualified, unscrupulous practitioners have been allowed to flourish.

It’s hugely disappointing that Botox and fillers can be legally injected by people without any medical training. So if we want to raise standards, those of us who recognise the need for proper training need to make our voices heard.

Pursuing the best, most comprehensive cosmetic training we can, and displaying our credentials, is vital. We need to create a ‘race to the top’, where the best practitioners help decide the new norm.

Talking to patients about our training, in the form of newsletters and displayed certificates, will help raise awareness – and put clear water between us and unqualified practitioners.

We need to make sure patients expect their practitioners to be medically qualified, and have pursued additional cosmetic training.

Our patients trust us. So it’s our duty not only to make sure we’ve pursued the best training we can, and are updating it as needed, but to make sure they know how important that is.

Accreditation

Cosmetic Courses: Save Face Certification LogoAccreditation is voluntary, so by seeking it out you’re sending a powerful message to your patients, and by extension, the industry. The bare minimum is not enough.

The organisation Save Face was founded in 2013 as a direct response to the Keogh Review of the Regulation of Cosmetic Interventions.

Their Save Face Scheme is a voluntary register of cosmetic practitioners who have been thoroughly vetted by doctors.

It gives independent accreditation to practitioners and clinics who complete a rigorous cosmetic training programme and demonstrate that their practice complies with robust standards.

They check professional credentials, interview practitioners, and visit clinics to ensure they’re fit for purpose, all products are stored correctly and data protection is adhered to.

Accreditation is a reassuring ‘shorthand’ for patients. A prominent logo lets them know that their practitioner conforms to certain standards, and has nothing to hide.

The more practitioners seek and achieve accreditation, the more patients will start to look for it as a minimum standard.

At Cosmetic Courses, we’ve teamed up with Save Face to promote their enhanced accreditation programme to our delegates. All those who meet the criteria and achieve Save Face accreditation are entitled to a discount on further training with us.

As professionals, the power is in our hands to bring about the changes we want to see in the industry.

Educating ourselves and our patients, and seeking accreditation, are powerful tools to help raise the bar when it comes to patients’ expectations. And in time, those clinics and practitioners who don’t measure up will either have to take steps to improve, or fall by the wayside.

Cosmetic Courses offer cosmetic training to medical professionals looking to move into the aesthetics industry. We have training centres throughout the UK, including Bucks, Birmingham, Leeds, London, Kent and Essex. For information on any of our cosmetic training courses, call the team on 01844 318317 or email us at [email protected].

 

 

With demand for aesthetic treatments growing fast, and more professionals looking to enter the industry, the number of aesthetic training providers is expanding too.

Which means if you’re a medical professional looking to train in aesthetics, you’ve more choice than ever. But given the number of providers out there, it’s important to do your research and find the right provider for you.

If you’ve landed here, we guess you’re considering us (thanks!). So to give you a flavour of what you can expect, here are 5 reasons to consider our Aesthetic Training Courses…

1. Our team 

We think the number one reason to choose us is the thing we’re most proud of – our people. The Cosmetic Courses team, handpicked and led by Consultant Plastic Surgeon Adrian Richards, go the extra mile for our delegates.

All of them have excellent medical credentials and bags of experience. That’s a given. But what sets them apart – and what we consistently receive great feedback for – is their approach.

Our team understand that you need a little hand-holding while you’re learning, and in the early days after training. So we’ll always be there to help and support you throughout. We don’t just provide training – we see ourselves as a lifelong learning partner for our delegates.

2. Our history

We’ve been doing this for a long time. We’re the UK’s most established provider of aesthetic training courses, starting life back in 2002.

Over those 13 years, we’ve continuously refined and developed our courses, and added several new ones, in order to make sure we’re offering the best aesthetic training available in the UK.

To date, we’ve successfully trained and mentored over 3,000 Doctors, Dentists and Nurses, many of whom are now running their own successful businesses – and 72% of whom came back for more training.

3. Our comprehensive service

There are plenty of challenges involved in changing career. So we’re determined to make the training part as easy and hassle-free as possible for our delegates.

We provide all the models and resources you need for your training. All you need to do is turn up on the day, ready to learn.

We also offer a bespoke, tailored service that lets you piece together a comprehensive training plan to suit your specific needs.

4. Our business support

As a medical professional, the practical side to aesthetics should come easily to you. But if you want to work for yourself, you’ll need to know about the ins and outs of running a business too.

So we’ve put measures in place to help you.

Once you’ve completed one of our aesthetic training courses, you’ll get access to the Members area of our website. Rather than having to create patient medical history and consent forms, treatment information sheets and other essential documents yourself, you can simply download them from here.

We’re also partnered with a pharmacy to give you a convenient way to access the products and supplies you need to run your practice – with cost savings too.

5. We’ll help you find new clients – for free

Training is only part of the picture. We know it can take time to build up your client base in the early days. So after you complete a course with us, we’ll automatically give you a free listing on our National Cosmetic Network (NCN) website.

The website is targeted at patients looking for safe, insured and accredited aesthetic practitioners in their local area. You can update your profile as you complete more training with us, so any prospective patients can see your expert credentials at a glance.

We only list practitioners that we’ve personally trained, so a listing on the NCN is a vote of confidence from the most established aesthetic training company in the land. Priceless!

Find out more about our Aesthetic Training Courses

At Cosmetic Courses, we offer a broad range of aesthetic training courses at several centres across the UK, including Bucks, Essex, Kent, Birmingham and Manchester. For information on our training, or to book a place on a course, please call us on 01844 318317 or email us at [email protected].

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Are you a nurse looking for a new direction? Still keen to keep using your practical and personal skills to change people’s lives?

There could be a home for you in aesthetic nursing.

The aesthetic industry is booming – and the non-surgical side in particular. Demand for non-invasive aesthetic treatments is now growing faster than cosmetic surgery.

And nurses have been at the forefront of the aesthetic revolution. They’ve been treating and caring for aesthetic patients since the early 1980s.

There are over 4,000 Aesthetic Nurses currently practising in the UK. So how do you go about joining them?

Aesthetic Nurse training – the requirements

Cosmetic Courses: Photo showing Mel Recchia, trainer on our Aesthetic Nurse training coursesWhile a minority of Aesthetic Nurses work in cosmetic surgery, most work on the non-surgical side.

Either based in clinics or self-employed in their own practices, they offer treatments like cosmetic injectables (Botox, dermal fillers), skin peels, sclerotherapy and medical micro-needling.

The most popular treatments by far are injectables. So if you’re serious about becoming an Aesthetic Nurse, you’ll need to pursue training in Botox and dermal fillers.

As long as you’re a Registered Nurse with current registration with the NMC, you’re eligible to train in the use of Botox and fillers.

Training can be completed in one day, and will qualify you to offer both Botox and filler treatments to your own patients.

But bear in mind that Botulinum Toxin is a prescription-only medicine. So unless you’re a Nurse Prescriber, you’ll always need to work with someone else who can prescribe it.

For that reason, we’d recommend your Aesthetic Nurse training also includes an Independent Nurse Prescriber Course. These are offered on a part-time basis at colleges and universities and can usually be completed in around 4 months.

Being able to prescribe Botulinum Toxin, as well as administer it, will make you a valuable asset to potential employers. It’ll also make it easier to set up and run your own business further down the line.

Other Aesthetic Nurse training options

Once you’ve trained in Botox and fillers, you’re ready to start practising as an Aesthetic Nurse. But in time, you’ll probably want to be able to offer more treatments to your patients.

You can add more to your repertoire at your own pace, as and when you’re ready. It’s simply a case of deciding which treatments you’d like to offer your patients, and completing the appropriate course.

Most non-surgical treatments only need a one-day course, letting you get up to speed very quickly. At Cosmetic Courses, we offer a wide range of one-day courses, including MicrosclerotherapyChemical PeelsDermaroller and Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy.

You might also want to consider advanced Botox and dermal filler courses to learn more specialist techniques like chemical brow lift and peri-oral sculpting.

Whatever you choose to learn on your Aesthetic Nurse training journey, it’s a great time to get on the aesthetics learning curve.

If the UK market keeps growing (and with an increasing – and ageing – population, it seems likely), you can expect to carve out an extremely rewarding career, both financially and professionally.

Find out more about Aesthetic Nurse training

Cosmetic Courses are the UK’s most established aesthetic training provider, with centres in Buckinghamshire, London, Kent, Birmingham and Manchester.

To date, we’ve trained over 3,000 nurses and other medical professionals to administer safe, effective treatments to their patients. Want to find out more about our Aesthetic Nurse training courses? Give us a call on 01844 318317 or email [email protected].

Cosmetic Courses: Aesthetic Awards Finalists
We’re not ones to boast – but we can’t keep this to ourselves. We’ve been shortlisted for ‘Training Initiative of the Year’ in the Aesthetics Awards!

My, there’s a buzz in the air at Cosmetic Courses HQ. Even more so than normal. Finding out we’ve made the finals in our category has put a real spring in everyone’s step.

Cosmetic Courses: Aesthetics Awards Finalist 2015

The perfect antidote to the onset of autumn and those back to school blues!

We’re genuinely thrilled to be shortlisted. And doubly delighted because it’s the second award we’ve been shortlisted for this year (we’ve also made the shortlist in the My Face My Body Awards.)

Everybody in our team works hard to provide the most comprehensive service they can to our delegates, both during their training and afterwards. So getting a tip of the hat in these awards is fantastic.

All finalists were officially announced in the September issue of Aesthetics Journal.

Judging and voting is now underway. The winner in our category will be decided by the judging panel, with no voting process – so you won’t be able to help us with this one. But you can wish us luck!

We’ve been told there were more entries this year than last, and the standard was the highest it’s ever been. So whatever happens from here, we’re really proud to even make it this far.

What happens next?

Voting and judging closes on 30th October. All the winners, as well as the Highly Commended and Commended finalists, will then be announced at the Aesthetics Awards 2015 ceremony on 5th December in London.

About the Aesthetics Awards

The aim of the Aesthetics Awards is to bring together the best in medical aesthetics and leaders in the profession to celebrate the achievements of the past year.

There are 24 categories in total, chosen to recognise a broad cross-section of the aesthetic industry for the contributions they have made. Awards are presented for clinical excellence, product innovation and practice achievement to those who have excelled in the field of aesthetic medicine. That includes clinics and individual practitioners, as well as manufacturers and suppliers.

The awards ceremony takes place on Saturday 5th December at the Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster Bridge. It’s expected there will be around 500 guests who – reading the itinerary – can look forward to a fantastic evening.

A drinks reception will be followed by a performance from a top comedian and sit-down dinner. After the main event – the announcement of the winners – we’ll let our hair down with music and dancing until late. Hopefully whilst celebrating, rather than commiserating, with our colleagues and friends!

Watch this space – we’ll be sure to let you know how we get on.