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10 Steps to Kick Start Your Aesthetic Career

It’s been a challenging couple of years for many with a rise in people looking for different career directions. If you have reached a point in your professional career where you are looking for a new challenge or seeking some new skills the aesthetic industry could be the next step that you are looking for.

It can be daunting entering a new sector or starting up a new business. You need to consider your options and know what you are entering into.

Here is our 10 step guide to kick start your aesthetic career:

1.Researching – is there a demand/ much competition in your area?

In order to succeed within your aesthetic business, you need to make sure that there is a demand for your services. It is crucial at this point to conduct market research and use the collated data to inform your business strategy. It is also a good time to look and see how many other businesses exist and what they are offering to give you that competitive edge.

2.Training in the correct field

In order to avoid no further delays, it is best to make sure that you have completed as much training as you can beforehand. When getting started within the aesthetic industry, we recommend that you start with our introductory Foundation Botox and Filler course and then build on your skill set and portfolio with more advanced treatments.

3.Business Structure

You need to decide if you will operate as a Sole trader, Partnership or Limited Company. Each with their own set of pros and cons it would be up to you to decide which structure would be best for your business going forward. Now is a good time to get an accountant and decide with him the best way to set-up your business (this can save you money in the long run).

4.Creating a business plan

A business plan is the most important part of setting up a business, as this is the vital document needed for securing the investment to get started. This plan should include your business objectives and will provide you with the clear direction. In addition to this you will need to consider a time frame to plan out how long you want to take to reach your end goal. This plan can also assist you in thinking about the worst case scenario and can allow you to devise a contingency strategy for any unforeseen events that may occur.

5.Naming your business & creating a logo

It is important to ensure that you have an effective name and appealing company logo. This should reflect and portray the type of business that you want to be. A unique name and logo needs to be thought about carefully to ensure that there is no confusion with competitors. If you have the same name or a logo that is similar, this may result in legal action and loss of sales. When creating the logo, it’s a good idea to name the business so that people know what you do. Make sure that you research different designers and shop around to ensure you are getting the best for your business and allocated budget.

6.Funding your business

Many people tend to use their own savings when starting up their own business. In some cases there are grants available, or you may look to take out a loan from the bank (this will require a business plan) Alternatively, you may know someone that is looking to invest their own money into a new business.

7.Finding a location

It is important to consider where your business will be based. How easy is it to get to for your clientele? Is there plenty of parking? Does it fulfil your requirements? Can you look at expanding when the time comes? Do the costs fit in with your budgets? When choosing the correct location and place, it is always worth taking along a trusted friend, colleague or family member with you – two heads are always better than one and it can help you to visualise the final look.

8.Registering your business

You are legally required to register your business with either Companies House or HMRC before you can start trading. Depending on the type of business structure that you decide will depend on the documentation that you will need. There are certain deadlines that you will need to meet when completing this and all the information that you will need to know and the relevant dates can be found on the Government website.

9.Registering your domain name and website

It’s now common practise for many of your potential customers to research online before contacting you. Your website is therefore very important as it will become the key source of receiving enquiries. Use your website to give potential clients all the information they need about your business, your employees, treatments and services that you offer. You will need to register and purchase your domain name for your website first, and then pay for this every year after.

10.Gaining the correct insurance

To be able to practice in Aesthetic Medicine and kick start your aesthetic career, you must have medical indemnity insurance, public liability insurance, building and contents insurance. If you practice without the correct insurances and end up with a claim, this can result in heavy fines and your business may not be able to continue.

Aesthetic Training with Cosmetic Courses | kick start your aesthetic career!

Here at Cosmetic Courses we offer support right the way through your aesthetic career from choosing which course to start with, creating tailored training packages to meet your requirements and business support to help you become a successful practitioner. But what makes us stand out from other training providers? We are one of the only aesthetic training providers led by a Consultant Plastic Surgeon, we have been training delegates since 2002 so we know what it takes to become a safe and competent injector and we place a real emphasis on practical-based training.

If you would like more information on the courses that we offer to help you get started in aesthetics then please feel free to contact one of our course co-ordinators: 01844 390110 / [email protected].

Find out more about delegate’s most frequently asked questions on Aesthetic Training in our Aesthetics Knowledge Hub.

The perfect course package to get started in Aesthetics

To help you begin your new career into the world of aesthetics we have developed an ‘Introduction into Aesthetics package’.

April 27, 2021/by Mr Adrian Richards

Online Training: Training at your Fingertips…

We understand that as a medical professional your life can be rather hectic. We want to learn but we want to learn fast! Which is why we have launched our brand new online training academy. This is a great way to further your knowledge within the Aesthetic Industry as well as providing a resource for you to refer back to 24/7, ensuring you feel confident in your practice!

To kick start our online academy we have the following two courses available:

1. Introduction to Botulinum Toxin Type A

The first of our online courses is an Introduction to Botulinum Toxin Type A. A great course if you are starting off in the Aesthetic Industry to further your knowledge of Botulinum Toxin Type A. Although an excellent introductory course, it’s also beneficial if you are wanting to refresh your knowledge in this area.

The course itself takes around 30 minutes to complete from start to finish but can be done through various sittings. At the end of the course there is a short online test which on successful completion will award you a certificate.

Within the course there are 10 pods including:

Pharmacology
Reconstitution & preparation
Dosages
Contraindications
Patient information and aftercare sheets
Games & quizzes to test your knowledge

2. Introduction to Dermal Fillers

The second of our online courses is an Introduction to Dermal Fillers. A topic that naturally goes hand in hand with our botulinum toxin training above.

The course is laid out in a similar format to the Introduction to Botulinum Toxin Type A module with 10 pods to navigate through ending with a multiple choice test to assess your knowledge.

This module will teach you how the dermal fillers work, where it can be used and the relevant contraindications to it’s use.

The 10 pods include the following:

Outline of the different types of fillers & patient selection
Pharmacology of dermal fillers & Hyaluronidase
Contraindications to dermal fillers & Hyaluronidase
Patient information & aftercare sheets
Games & quizzes to test your knowledge

Online Learning with Cosmetic Courses

We have combined a variety of learning elements to ensure this course is practical and beneficial for all users.

On successful completion of the courses, you are awarded a certificate and have the option to go back and look through the pods at any time.

There’s no middle man to our online courses either, you can sign in at the top of our website and any problems or queries come directly to us. So we can help you take your next steps within the aesthetic industry!

“I found the online course extremely beneficial for my learning and development in this fast paced industry. The layout and design were pleasing to the eye with great content to match. I especially love how you can refer back to the pods at anytime, even after you have completed the course!”

Want to know more about online training and enroll?

Speak to a member of our friendly team now, they will set up your account and get the ball rolling for your successful completion of our online courses. Each of our online courses are £50 + VAT but if you would like to purchase both modules together this is currently on offer for £85 + VAT for the two modules.

Visit our brand new online learning page to find out more about the courses on offer to support your aesthetic learning!

To take advantage of this offer and purchase your online course please call or email us on: 01844 390110 / [email protected]

June 7, 2017/by Melanie Recchia

Bespoke Training, Business Support, Cosmetic Surgery, Dermal Filler News, Filler Training, Lip Enhancement, Skin Rejuvenation

Dermal Fillers: What areas can we treat?

For those of you that have attended our Foundation and Advanced Botox and Dermal Fillers courses, you will be aware that dermal fillers are used to introduce volume back into areas of the face that have lost volume during the ageing process. When it comes to dermal filler training, there’s a lot to cover, do you know your Juvederm Ultra 2 from your Ultra 4? And what about knowing your marionette lines from your tear troughs?

Where can dermal fillers be used?

Dermal fillers have a wide multitude of uses from the obvious to the not so obvious. If you have a patient that is interested in having dermal filler, we advise that you get them to attend an initial skin consultation with you before having the treatment. This will allow you to find out more about the patient’s medical history, and the look that they are hoping to achieve.

Tear troughs

These are the lines under your eyes that make your eyes look tired. A loss of volume in the area, a loss of tissue elasticity or a mild reduction in bone density could all be causes of concern. By using an advanced technique, dermal fillers can be placed in either the tear trough itself, slightly lower in the cheek area, or indeed a combination of both to achieve brighter, more rejuvenated eyes.

Naso-labial folds
Commonly known as the smile or laughter lines, these are the two skin folds that run from each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth. If you are bothered by your nasolabial folds, and wonder what to do to improve the area then filler is perfect to fill out these folds, and partnered with cheek filler the face will appear much younger looking.

Mouth corners

Sometimes the corners of your mouth can droop leaving you looking unhappy. Dermal filler can be placed below the corners of the mouth with a small amount directly into the corners of the lips.

Marionette lines
Marionette lines run between the corners of the lips down towards the chin and jaw giving a puppet-like effect. As we age, our facial bones become smaller resulting in lines like these appearing. Dermal filler is great for filling in these lines making them less prominent.

Cheeks

As you age you lose an amount of subcutaneous fat which can result in a loss of volume and elasticity to the face. This in turn highlights hollow cheek bones, and the presence of excess skin resulting in sunken cheeks. This can cause someone to appear gaunt and tired-looking. Dermal fillers can be injected into this area to plump out the face with natural volume and a gentle lift. This is an advanced technique and is offered at one of our specialist training days.

Lips & vermillion border

A celebrity favourite and probably the most well-known use of filler. The lips can be injected with dermal filler either in the body of the lip to boost fullness or the border of the lips to increase definition. This treatment is ideal for correcting thin lips but can also help solve problems with a downward smile and the need to lengthen the mouth.

Chin augmentation

A perfect alternative to a surgical chin implant, is a non-surgical chin augmentation which is achieved with dermal fillers. Fillers will help define your jaw line and although only a temporary solution it is a great way to see what can be achieved surgically if you are unsure.

Smoker’s lines

These are the vertical lines above the lip that appear when you pout. They are mostly caused by regular lip movements but are also called smokers lines, because regular smoking means pressing the lips together. If your lines are deep enough then they can be drastically reduced with a small amount of injectable filler to achieve a smoother appearance.

Nose
Have you heard of the lunchtime nose job? Dermal fillers can now be used to straighten out any lumps or bumps in your nose without the need for any surgical downtime. Fillers are injected into the nose to smooth out slight bumps in the bridge of the nose, or rectify a crooked line of the nose (particularly in profile view) and even cartilage irregularities at the tip of the nose all in less than 15 minutes! This is another advanced course available for those that have been practicing in dermal filler for a while.

Hands

Hands are a new use for fillers, patients have found that the use of the fillers in their face is great for concealing their real age, but then it is often their hands that give it away. Ageing hands lose volume and the skin appears thinner. Having filler injected into the skin on the back of the hands can make them appear plumper and less veiny.

So now you know your areas, let’s look at the product that we use on our training days at Cosmetic Courses:

Juvaderm® Vycross Range

The Juvaderm® Vycross range is a smoother gel which means you get a comfortable treatment. The risk of bruising and swelling is reduced as is any discomfort as anesthetic is added into the formulation of the filler. The Vycross range provides subtle and natural outcomes due to the smoothness of the gel making it easier to inject with precision.

The Vycross range has 3 different forumulas;

Juvederm® Voluma

Juvederm® Voluma is a much thicker hyaluronic acid gel which has been made by altering the cross-linking technique used in Ultra to create a more viscous result. Voluma can be used for recontouring and restoring the face in the case of age-related volume loss. Designed for deep volume restoration to re-contour the face in areas such as the cheek bone and chin regions.

The effects of Juvéderm® Voluma® last for approximately up to 18 months.

Juvederm® Volbella
Launched in Paris Juvederm® Volbella® is specifically designed to enhance lip volume and define lip contours, with a completely natural look and feel. The filler has a smooth, liquid consistency for a smoother look and the addition of lidocaine anaesthetic makes the treatment even more comfortable in an otherwise uncomfortable area.

The effects of Juvederm® Volbella® last for approximately up to 12 months

Juvederm® Volift®
This revolutionary dermal filler is produced using VYCROSS™ technology. This creates an ultra-smooth gel for natural appearance with minimal swelling and bruising. It is best used for smoothing nasolabial folds and facial contours.

The effects of Juvederm® last for approximately up to 15 months.

Juvederm® Hydrate

The Juvederm Hydrate is used to improve skin hydration and restore elasticity which is lost through ageing. It works by replacing hyaluronic acid but unlike traditional filler it acts as a hydrating agent attracting and keeping moisture within the skin to achieve that healthy natural glow. Juvéderm® Hydrate is most commonly used for very fine lines and wrinkles associated with ageing. It has also been recommended as an early treatment for crow’s feet and fine lines around the mouth.

The effects of Juvéderm® Hydrate last for approximately four to 6 months

Juvederm® Ultra is our most common dermal filler. The filler contains non-animal hyaluronic acid with the addition of 0.3% lidocaine which is a local anaesthetic to make you feel comfortable both during and after the treatment.
There are actually four different formulations for Juvéderm® ULTRA available;

Juvederm® Ultra 2 is a highly cross-linked formulation which is used for the subtle correction of medium facial lines, in particular those around the corners of the eyes and those very close to the surface of the skin. It can also be used to around the lips to enhance natural lip contour.

Juvederm® Ultra 3

Ultra 3 is another highly cross-linked formulation but is instead used for more versatility in contouring and volumising anything from moderate to medium facial lines and skin depressions, in areas such as the nasolabial folds. It can be used subtly in lips to enhance lip contour, increase volume and maintain a youthful smile.

Juvederm® Ultra 4 [image]

Ultra 4 is a highly cross-linked robust formulation used for volumising and correction of medium to deep folds and wrinkles, including adding volume in the cheeks and chin improving contour to the face.

Juvederm® Ultra Smile

The newest arrival to the Juvéderm® ULTRA family the Juvéderm® Ultra Smile is based on the Ultra 3 product but it is specifically targeted for use in the lips. It works by providing fuller but softer and natural looking lips and smooths fine lines to fully enhance the mouth area for a fresh new look.

The effects of Juvéderm® Ultra Smile lasts approximately up to 18 months

If you would like to find out more about our Advanced Dermal Filler Training Course and the product range that we use, you can call the team on 01844 390110 or email [email protected].

May 24, 2016/by Melanie Recchia

Aesthetic Industry News

Fundraising for Cancer Charities in 2016

After supporting MacMillian last year with a coffee morning at head office, we decided it’s about time with supported another cause.

In 2016 we’re supporting both Against Breast Cancer with the return of our bra recycling scheme and Cancer Research UK by participating in our very first team entry into the Race for Life 5k alongside our sister companies Aurora Clinics and Aurora Skin Clinics.

Bin your bra for Breast Cancer!

For those of you that have been to our Head Office in Buckinghamshire, you might remember seeing a bin for your bras in our reception area in October 2014. We supported the Bin your Bra campaign for Against Breast Cancer, and had such a good response that we decided to bring back the bra recycling scheme for 2016.

Why recycle your bras?

For every tonne of bras received, Against Breast Cancer receive £1,000 to go towards vital research for better detection and increased survival rates after breast cancer diagnosis. Your unwanted bras will go towards helping small businesses in Africa where the materials from these bras can be sold by traders locally. This type of recycling keeps many people both out of unemployment and more importantly out of poverty.

If you’ve had a breast augmentation, a breast reduction or simply fancy having a clear out of your unwanted bras then please don’t just throw your bra into any bin! Throw it into our bra recycling bin!

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. If you’ve got an appointment scheduled at The Paddocks Clinic in the next few weeks or are attending a course with us and would like to help, please feel free to bring in your bras and help us to fight breast cancer!

Race for Life – Aylesbury and Falkirk 5K

All the ladies at Cosmetic Courses and our sister companies Aurora Skin Clinics and Aurora Clinics are joining forces to raise money for Cancer Research UK by joining the #PinkArmy. A total of 17 of us have entered the Aylesbury Race for Life and 6 of our colleagues across the border the Falkirk Race for Life!

Almost every member of our team has been affected by cancer in some way. So by coming together and raising money for such a great cause hopefully we can go some way to beating cancer once and for all.

Do you want to join the #PinkArmy?

We’d love to see you there as part of the Pink Army, running or walking alongside the Aurora team or simply cheering us on. If you’d like to join us in beating cancer then the dates and venues are as follows:

Aylesbury 5K: Sunday 15th May at 10:30am Venue:Waddesdon Manor, Silk Street, Waddesdon, HP18 0JY

Falkirk 5K: Sunday 12th June at 11:00am Venue: Callendar Park, Callendar Road, Falkirk, Central, FK1 1YR

How can you donate?

We would really appreciate any donation towards our Race for Life. You can do this in person when you pop into clinic either at The Paddocks Clinic in Princes Risborough or The Gatehouse Clinic in Northampton.

Alternatively you can visit our Just Giving page, where you can donate online. It only takes a few minutes and we would really appreciate the support towards such a fantastic cause.

Remember every donation, big or small, can help us save more lives!

March 16, 2016/by Melanie Recchia

Aesthetic Industry News

We have been nominated for Safety in Beauty Awards

We are pleased to announce that we have been short-listed for the Best Training/Educational Professional development award at this years’ Safety in Beauty Diamond awards, alongside our Clinical Director, Mr Adrian Richards who has also be short-listed for Proactive Surgeon of the Year.

Launched in October 2013 by award winning beauty blogger Antonia Mariconda, Safety in Beauty is a campaign set up to help, educate and empower aesthetic and cosmetic consumers as well as encourage and facilitate a better and safer industry for those entering into it. The awards evening is a night set aside to celebrate and reward those practitioners and surgeons who have gone that extra mile in public safety.

All the short-listed candidates have been complied by Safety in Beauty via a panel of guest judges. Those selected have displayed extraordinary dedication to raising awareness and standards in the beauty, health, aesthetics and cosmetic industry. Examples include the following:

Those who have selflessly helped those left maimed by botched beauty and aesthetic treatments or cosmetic surgery
Those who have made a difference by conducting outstanding campaigns, education programmes, or training schemes with the aim of eradicating unsafe practice
Writers, bloggers, or media representatives who have used their writing skills to raise awareness of the importance of safety and transparency in the industry
Professionals, brands, and businesses who have given up a significant amount of their time, services, or products to help charitable or pro-bono cases in the beauty and cosmetic interventions industry
Those who have been dedicated to raising awareness and standards in the industry and who’ve shown perseverance and determination to do so.

The winners will be announced on the 2 July 2016 at a white themed awards party in London.

We would like to wish everyone who has been short-listed the very best of luck!

March 10, 2016/by Mr Adrian Richards

Botox News, Botox Training, Cosmetic Courses Models, Cosmetic Surgery Training, Facial Rejuvenation

Botox – the A -Z Guide

Anti-wrinkle injections, commonly known as Botox® injections can be used to reduce the appearance of lines on your face including frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines.
If you’re considering anti-wrinkle injections but want more information our A-Z of Botox will help to answer some of those questions:

Aftercare

Aftercare is important in order to get the best results from your botox® treatment. It is advised that after the first 30-60 mins after having botox you move your facial muscles regularly, smile a lot! Take it easy, get comfy in front of the TV or why not catch up on that book you have been meaning to read. You will need to remain upright and avoid touching or applying pressure to the area. For the next 24 hours Avoid any strenuous exercise and any hot baths or saunas. Any swelling after treatment is completely normal and can be helped with ice, and any slight bruising can be helped with Arnica gel.

Botulinum Toxin Type A | A-Z of Botox

Botulinum toxin type A is a protein more commonly known as Botox® which is actually a brand name just like Bocouture, Azzalure, Dysport and Xeomin. Botox® is made from the bacteria that cause botulism. Botulinum toxin type A works by blocking the nerve activity in muscles which causes a temporary reduction in muscle activity.

Consultations | A-Z of Botox

Consultations before Botox® are essential. Everyone’s face is different so what your sister’s best friend got is going to be different to what is suitable for you. Once you arrive at your consultation you will meet your practitioner and you will be able to discuss areas of concern to you. Your practitioner will also go through the possible complications of botox the common of these include swelling, bruising, headaches, and redness at injection site, everything will be discussed in detail and you will also be able to ask any questions before deciding to go ahead or not.

Don’t Drink | A-Z of Botox

It is highly recommended to avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours before and 24 hours after having received the botox® treatment. Not drinking will minimize the likelihood of side effects and reactions. Droopiness is a side effect of botox® especially in the eyelids or eyebrows which can happen when botox® is injected too low, too deep or even too much, always get your botox® done by an experienced medical professional for the best results.

Eyes | A-Z of Botox

Eyes are a common area that people have concerns over and look to botox for help. It is so important that you look a professional practitioner for all treatments of botox® but especially for any treatment that involves injecting around the eye to avoid any un-wanted side effects. Botox® can be injected into the periorbital area to lift tired eyes giving a fresh faced look.

Frozen Face | A-Z of Botox

Frozen Face is a common misconception about having a botox treatment. If done correctly, botox® should not leave you with a frozen face and you should be able to regain natural movement. Make sure you research your practitioners understand that you may not reach your desired effect until after at least 2-3 treatments. Unfortunately if you do end up with a frozen face then the only cure is time, and you will have to wait for it to wear off.

Gummy Smile | A-Z of Botox

Gummy Smile is a phenomenon which causes the upper lip too rises too far above the upper teeth, exposing gums when you smile. If you are hiding away a gummy smile then all is not lost! A small amount of botox® can be injected at the junction of nostrils and nose to mouth fold to relax the hyperactive muscle which causes the lift.

Hyperhidrosis | A-Z of Botox

Hyperhidrosis is actually a common condition where a person sweats excessively. Botox® is licensed in the UK for treating localised products hyperhidrosis in the armpits, it works by blocking the nerves that supply the eccrine glands which then prevents the glands from producing sweat. It is important to remember however that this is not a cure for hyperhidrosis, your nerve endings do return to normal and the sweating will gradually return, at this point you should go back to your practitioner to receive the treatment again. Hyperhidrosis treatment would be suitable for hands, faces and hairline.

Injections | A-Z of Botox

Botox® despite its powdered initial form is an injectable. It is also rarely just a single injection and will generally consist of a series of injections to the upper face although this varies depending on your treatment type. Patients can be pre-treated with a topical aesthetic before treatment which makes them virtually painless. The needle itself is small and each injection is very quick and therefore the discomfort, if any, is over very quickly.

Jowls | A-Z of Botox

Jowls are a natural part of ageing. As your skin starts to lose elasticity you may notice the lower part of your face such as your cheek and jaw areas begin to sag down. Although it is not a common use of the anti-wrinkle treatment because botox targets the muscle you can focus it on to the muscle in your neck that causes wrinkling, sagging and a jowl-like appearance in this area. Using botox® to relax this muscle means that the sagging is reduced.

Knowledge is king | A-Z of Botox

Knowledge is king! Before getting any treatment, especially an injectable like botox® it is always important to do your research and make sure you fully understand the process involved and the recommended aftercare advice. If you are unsure of anything make sure you make a note of the question and ask your practitioner at your consultation.

Licenced | A-Z of Botox

Botox® in the UK is classed a prescription only medicine which means it can only officially be prescribed by a doctor, dentist or independent nurse prescriber. The prescriber will take liability for the administration of the drug under their supervision. The liability for patient safety rests with the prescriber. Always ask to see a GMC, (General Medical Council) NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) or GDC (General Dental Council) registration before letting your practitioner start botox treatment.

Migraines | A-Z of Botox

Migraines are quite severe headaches which effects on average 1 in 7 people in the UK. But did you know that botox® is reported to be an effective treatment option for adults who suffer with chronic migraines. Although the exact reason why it works is still officially unknown it has been suggested that treatment works by blocking the pain pathways in certain nerve cells.

Natural Results | A-Z of Botox

Our philosophy on botox® is less is more. It is our aim to not let you leave the clinic looking like someone else, but to leave looking like yourself, but rejuvenated. You will obviously want people to notice that you look different, but not allow them to figure out what exactly it is that has changed. So consider having your botox® treatment in stages, let your practitioner know you want natural results and follow your aftercare advice to the letter!

On-going treatments & Other procedures | A-Z of Botox

Botox® is an on-going treatment, one session is not going to make your wrinkles and lines disappear forever. No matter how great you look afterwards, you will generally need to return every 12 weeks for a top-up. At the same time, if you have botox®, and decide it’s not for you, after 12 weeks the effects should have all faded. Other procedures may be offered to compliment your anti-wrinkle treatments; these could include Dermal Fillers, Skin Masks and other Skin Rejuvenating processes.

Practitioners

Picking your practitioner sounds like a hard task, but it doesn’t have to be. Feel free to explore your options and visit as many clinics and practitioners as you want before deciding on one you feel comfortable with. Thoroughly research the procedure and the practitioner, don’t just rely on the practitioner’s/clinic’s own website and don’t make your decision based on the price. We highly suggest using the SaveFace guides to ensure you are in safe hands at all times.

Quick Results

Quick results are not realistic. After having a botox® treatment you are recommended to wait at least 10 days to start seeing the desired effects which will peak at around 2 weeks following your first injection. If you are still not happy after this time then you can contact your clinic or practitioner to discuss your options.

Review

At Aurora, after any botox® appointment we always offer a review appointment 2-3 weeks because it can take up to 2 weeks for the effects of the treatment to actually fully take effect. We get you to come back just so that we can make sure that you have got the best results and sometimes we need to tweak it a little bit just to make it better for you and it just makes sure that you’re getting the best treatment possible.

Sausage

It all started with a sausage! You may, or may not know that the history of Botulinum toxin type A goes all the way back to a poisoned sausage. Botox® is a toxin produced by bacteria first discovered in poorly prepared sausages during the 18th Century. It was named after the Latin for sausage – botulus.

Timings

Treatment times for botox can vary, it often depends on the amount you are having and where. Generally botox® injections take around 20 minutes to complete. Timing is everything with botox®, if you are planning on getting treatment before a special occasion or event then it is recommended you leave 2 weeks between the treatment and the event to look at your best.

Uses

Uses of botox® vary from cosmetic to medical. Medicinal uses include the treatment for Hyperhidrosis, Urinary incontinence, Migraines, Tennis elbow, Bell’s palsy, Squint, and MS and for controlling muscle spasms for children with cerebral palsy to name a few but research is improving all the time to widen its usage.

Vials

When your practitioner receives botox from the manufacturer it will come in avial. Inside the vial is a will be a white powder which is Botox® before injection the powder will need to be reconstituted. The extremely fine powder is dissolved in saline (salt-water) and it then becomes a completely clear solution which is then ready to be administered by syringe.

Wrinkles

Wrinkles and Lines are the common reason for people to choose to have Botox treatments. Upper face treatment can include Forehead lines, frown lines to crow’s feet and bunny lines whereas a lower face treatment would cover marionette, lip, chin and neck lines which can all be reduced with the regular treatment of Botox.

X-Rated

X-Rated not in nature but in age. Botulinum toxin type A, more commonly referred to as Botox® is actually only licensed for patients aged 18 and over. Here at Aurora Skin Clinics, we would certainly find it unethical to even consider treating anyone under 18, and would never treat anyone unless there was a clinical need. We don’t treat anyone without a full and thorough consultation.

Your face is unique

Everyone’s face is unique meaning treatment for everyone is different. For example; if you have a weak frown then less Botoxwould be used compared to someone with a stronger frown with larger muscles who would require more Botox. It is important to always have a consultation before any injectable appointment so your face can be looked at and a course of treatment which is suitable for you can be decided on.

Zinc supplement

Our final letter on the A-Z of Botox. According to a small study carried out by researchers in the USA, it was found that taking a Zinc supplement could make the effects of Botox® injections last approximately 30% longer. The official supplement is actually known as ‘Zytaze’, and is a combination of zinc and the enzyme phytase. Zinc is thought to be necessary in order for Botox® to act as a neurotoxin. And phytase is an enzyme that helps to slow down the breakdown of zinc in the body. So combining the two into one pill effectively boosts the neurotoxic effects of Botox® on the muscles in the face. Further studies will be required to test the safety and efficacy of Zytaze. But the early signs for the supplement as a beauty booster look promising.

To find out more about our Botox and Filler Courses, or if you would like to become a model with Cosmetic Courses for this treatment, please call the team on 01844 390110 or fill in our quick consent form.

February 24, 2016/by Melanie Recchia

Cosmetic Courses Models, Dermal Filler News, Facial Rejuvenation, Lip Enhancement

Side effects of Lip Fillers

Here at Cosmetic Courses, we want to reassure patients considering lip filler and also provide practitioners with information and advice Lip Filler side effects.

An overview of Lip Filler

Dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid which is a key molecule involved in the skin’s moisture. In Dermal fillers, this is suspended in a gel. They’re mainly used by practitioners to improve the appearance of wrinkles and replace the volume that has been lost due to the ageing process.

The Procedure

A topical anaesthetic (numbing cream) may be applied in advance to the area to be injected, minimising any discomfort from the injections. Using a very fine needle, a slow injection of filler is injected into the agreed area. When treating the lip area, your lips are separated into two treatment areas – the vermillion borders and the main body of your lips. The vermillion border will give your lips definition; where as the main body will give your lips volume. This will be discussed with your practitioner beforehand so that you can gain the look that you want to achieve. Using a very fine needle, a slow injection of filler is placed into the lip to create the desired result. Sometimes a little massage is required but this depends on the depth and placement of the product we are using.

Lip Filler Side effects

As with any treatment, there are some risks and side effects, and not everyone will experience the same thing each time, but you need to be aware of them:

Bruising and bleeding

Depending on the type of person that you are, or are treating, there maybe some bruising, slight swelling and slight bleeding after the treatment has taken place. The swelling should subside within 24-48 hours but can last up to 2 weeks , and the bruising within 5 –10 days. The bleeding will be minor and will stop within a few minutes of treatment.

Lumps and bumps

Once you have had filler it is common for you to be able to feel the product particularly in the lip area and most noticeably on your first treatment. Filler can also sometimes rise to the surface and leave a few lumps and bumps a few days after treatment. Usually this will settle but if it doesn’t this can often be treated by gently massaging the area. However it is always best to speak with your practitioner before doing anything else.

Infection

If you are prone to cold sores and picking up infections quite quickly, having an injection to the area may trigger an attack. Keeping the lip area clean and using fresh clean towels can help to prevent an infection or cold sore from starting. If you have a cold sore or think one is on the way you should hold off from having any procedures until this has completely cleared. You should also discuss this with your practitioner as they may advise alternative treatments or products.

If you would like more information on the courses that we offer, or would like to enquire about becoming a model for us, you can email [email protected] or call the team on 01844 390110.

Find out more about our practical lip filler training courses and our online lip filler courses here.