How To Get Into Medical Aesthetics

More and more people are choosing to enter into the world of medical aesthetics. The industry has seen significant demand for aesthetics in recent years, with treatments being easier to access than ever before. There are many factors behind the rise in the popularity of aesthetic treatments. The increasing popularity of social media, which often places emphasis on image and appearance, is one of the most significant motivating factors for many.  

If you’re considering training in medical aesthetics, there is no better time to do so. In this blog post, we will explore what exactly medical aesthetics is, what a medical aesthetician does, pathways into the career and the different requirements needed to be fulfilled to become qualified.  

What is aesthetic medicine? 

Aesthetic medicine is defined as the use of non-surgical medical treatments that are aimed to increase a person’s satisfaction with their appearance. It can include non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments. 

It is a relatively new, modern trend, with people from all walks of life choosing to undergo procedures to help minimise the appearance of natural ageing, as well as ensure good overall health. 

Many practitioners choose to enter aesthetic medicine thanks to both the satisfaction they gain from helping boost the confidence and self-image of their patients and the lucrative nature of the market.  

What does an aesthetician do? 

An aesthetician is a practitioner who focuses on the skin, recommending treatments, procedures and skincare routines to their patients. The skin treatments aestheticians perform are non-medical, and they are not able to diagnose conditions in their patients. They can, however, treat previously diagnosed skin conditions such as eczema and acne.  

An aesthetician will help patients to improve the quality and appearance of their skin while providing a relaxing and enjoyable treatment. This includes spa-type treatments like facials and massages and more specialised options like acid peels. 

They may work independently, in a spa setting or under the supervision of a qualified dermatologist.  

What does a medical aesthetician do? 

The critical difference between an aesthetician and a medical aesthetician is that a medical aesthetician is a qualified medical professional, while an aesthetician doesn’t have specialised medical knowledge of aesthetics. 

A medical aesthetician is registered with a governing body and accountable for their actions and treatments. Most often, medical aestheticians are nurses, dentists or dental nurses. Medical aestheticians have taken extensive training in cosmetic therapies and may be licensed to carry out injectable treatments.  

How to become an aesthetician 

There are a number of ways to become an aesthetician, and you will need to consider which is the right option for you. Typically, the route into the profession will include the following:  

• Completing your GCSEs in maths, English and the sciences 
• Gaining NVQs in facial skincare and skincare treatments 
• Getting practical on-the-job experience in a salon, spa, or other skincare settings 

The training an aesthetician will receive in skincare should be ongoing and extensive. For medical aestheticians, further training is also required to allow them to perform more invasive procedures.  

Medical aesthetician requirements 

To become a medical aesthetician, further education is critical. The first step is gaining qualification as an aesthetic nurse, followed by specialist aesthetic training. 

The typical steps towards becoming qualified as a medical aesthetician include: 

• Training in nursing 
• Registering with a governing body 
• Completing training in dermal fillers, Botox and other injectable treatments 

Once qualified as an aesthetic nurse, practitioners can undertake additional training opportunities to help them provide better and more comprehensive care to their clients. 

Continuous training to improve skills can be invaluable in providing the best level of care and quality aesthetic results. Options like the Level 7 Diploma in Clinical Aesthetic Injectable Therapies could be ideal for medical aestheticians who want to develop their skills even further.  

How long does it take to become an aesthetician? 

The time it takes to become an aesthetician can depend on a range of factors, including whether you study full or part-time and what qualifications you possess before you begin your training.

Typically, the full training will take between one and three years to complete the 600 to 1,200 hours of training and practice required by quality aesthetician training programs. This is a typical number of hours but, again, may vary depending on where you are studying and the course provider.  

Careers in medical aesthetics 

If you think a career in medical aesthetics is right for you, there are plenty of career paths available. 

The majority of career paths focus on cosmetic health and beauty treatments, helping patients to enhance their natural beauty and boost their confidence and self-image. Some of the key career paths include: 

• Plastic surgeon assistant. This role involves preparing patients for surgery and discussing the surgery with them. Plastic surgeon assistants may also assist in surgery, depending on the level of qualification and experience they possess.  
• Massage therapist. A massage therapist uses massage to help treat aches, pains and muscular concerns. They may work in a spa environment or a specialised clinic.  
• Skincare specialist. A skincare specialist will help patients to improve the appearance and health of their skin. They may use medicated lotions and creams, as well as injectable treatments if they have the proper qualifications.  
• Supporting staff. Supporting staff will aid cosmetic doctors and surgeons in the carrying out of their duties. This can apply to a wide range of scenarios, with various paths available to qualified aestheticians.  

Start your aesthetic training with us 

Here at Derma Institute, we provide award-winning training to all of our trainees. We pride ourselves in offering the very latest in skills and techniques to the highest professional and regulatory standards. Patient safety is our highest priority, and we ensure that we provide our trainees with all they need to practise safely and give patients results they will love.  

We offer courses that are suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners, helping you through your career path every step of the way. 

For more information and recommendations on where to begin on your path to becoming a medical aesthetician, get in touch with one of our experts today!