Advanced Certificate of Aesthetic Medicine

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The course is delivered fully online with the option to attend an eight-hour practical workshop. The modules are set up in such a way that you are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience. The suggested timeline is weekly learning over 15 weeks, with 12 weeks of teaching followed by the submission of required activities.  There are no face-to-face requirements for exams which can be conveniently completed online.

COURSE OUTLINE

Pre-course – Introduction to skin aging principles

In this section, the process of skin aging is examined including what happens as skin ages and the causes of skin aging including intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

Module 1 – Complications including relevant anatomy

This module details injectable procedures including deoxycholic acid, botulinum toxin, dermal fillers and biostimulators. Severe reactions including syncope, seizures and anaphylaxis are detailed. Ptosis, skin irritations, bruising, dysphagia, dysphonia, pain, granulomas, necrosis, asymmetry, discolouration, oedema, angioedema, lumps/nodules, infection, biofilm and vascular occlusion are some complexities covered in this module. Prevention strategies to minimize adverse outcomes are outlined and symptoms of complications and managing these complications are included.

Module 2 – Advanced chemical peels and cosmeceuticals

Unit one focusses on chemical peels. Different peel options are described to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Indications and contra-indications are described. The benefits of chemical peels are listed and an introduction of combination and progressive peels is provided. The patient consultation including skin assessment and the steps to perform a peel are included. Recognising and managing adverse effects finalizes this unit.

Unit two outlines the difference between cosmetics and cosmeceuticals and the role cosmeceuticals play in aesthetic medicine. It outlines how to identify skin conditions that would benefit from cosmeceuticals and how to prescribe cosmeceuticals as part of aesthetic medicine. The classification of cosmeceuticals and an explanation of cosmeceutical ingredients including AHA, BHA, antioxidants, vitamins, retinoids, depigmenting agents, botanicals, peptides and exfoliants are detailed. The module concludes with information on how to prepare the skin, regime options and aftercare.

Module 3 – Advanced botulinum toxin and hypehidrosis

This module opens with revision of facial anatomy and techniques taught in the professional certificate. Unit two focuses on the lower face and includes techniques and issues associated with the nasalis, ‘gummy smile’, lip lines, depressor anguli oris, mentalis and masseters areas. Unit three focusses on the platysma area including anatomical considerations and how to approach treatment for this area. Unit four outlines hyperhidrosis and how this can be treated in an aesthetic clinic. The technique and side effects are detailed for the underarm, face, upper lip palms and soles.

Module 4 – Advanced dermal fillers

This module explores advanced dermal filler applications commencing with when to use a needle versus cannula and covers the periorbital, brows, midface including pre-auricular and lower face areas. It describes different techniques that can be used for both men and women and how to manage complications. Unit three outlines the use of dermal fillers for the lower face including accordion lines, chin, perioral, lips and jaw line. Relevant anatomy is revised and chin augmentation assessment rules are included. The final unit introduces skin boosters and their role in aesthetic medicine.

Module 5 – Lasers: vascular conditions

This module commences with listing the contraindications for the use of lasers. The premise of using lasers is knowing that laser technology and selection are related to wavelength, pulse duration, fluence and spot size. Various laser options including modes of operation assist in determining what lasers could be used for what conditions. The use of lasers for treating superficial and deeper vessels is included. Congenital vascular conditions including port wine stain, haemangiomas and lymphangiomas are described. The module then moves to treating acquired vascular conditions such as cherry angiomas, spider naevi, venous lake, telangiectasia, rosacea, poikiloderma of civatte and peri-orbital vessels.

Module 6 – Lasers: pigment conditions

This module commences with outlining the considerations when deciding which laser to use for treating pigmented skin conditions. Laser treatment options for epidermal and dermal congenital and also epidermal and dermal acquired pigments are listed. Melasma treatments including melasma with vascular components treatments are outlined. The side effects of laser treatments are listed including the management of these side effects.

Module 7 – Lasers: tattoo and hair removal

Unit one focusses on laser assisted tattoo removal and the classification of types of tattoos and inks used that will determine the outcomes of tattoo removal. Each type of tattoo is detailed: amateur, professional, cosmetic, traumatic and medical tattoos. Tattoo colours, particle size and depth are considered when deciding laser treatment. Laser settings vary depending on the ink particle sizes. Patient preparation and post operative care are addressed including managing any complications.

Unit two focusses on laser assisted hair removal. The hair follicle structure and growth phases are discussed including the two types of hair – vellus and terminal. Descriptions of how the lasers destroy the hair bulb and histology are provided. The module then moves to laser safety and settings. Patient preparation prior to the procedure, post procedure and possible complications finalise this module.

Module 8 – Sclerotherapy

This module commences with an overview of sclerotherapy and how it can be adapted for clinical practice. The venous anatomy and physiology are outlined including deep veins, perforators, superficial veins, varicose veins, reticular veins and spider veins. The patient examination, investigation and treatment planning for both the doctor and patient are outlined. Clinical and animated images are provided throughout the module. Unit three focuses on sclerotherapy complications and their management including telangiectatic matting, hyperpigmentation, skin ulcers/cutaneous necrosis, arterial injection, allergy, anaphylaxis, STP, DVT and neurological complications. A guide to incorporating sclerotherapy into clinical practice finalizes this module.

Additional information: the skin therapist role

This information describes the role of the aesthetic skin therapist and includes a draft position description. An interview with a skin therapist and a recording of a face massage performed by a skin therapist feature in this section.

Additional information: laser safety information

This section outlines the laser safety considerations including Australian authorities by state, administration and practice controls, risk assessment, incident reporting and compliance guide.

Additional information: business considerations for an aesthetic clinic

This information outlines the personal journey of a general practitioner who branched out into aesthetic medicine.

COURSE INCLUSIONS

For your one-off investment, you will receive unlimited access to all course content, additional learning materials, ongoing post-course support and more.

• Online pre-course activity to be completed in your own time.
• Eight online video modules to be viewed, replayed and completed at your convenience.
• All presentation slides and further learning materials available for permanent access and download.
• Instruments and consumables for practical sessions in the optional practical workshop.
• Post-course online assessment to be completed in your own time within six months of the course start date.
• Ongoing post-course support in monthly webinars with the opportunity to discuss cases with course presenters.
• Access to the HealthCert Community with additional free learning opportunities, special offers and other benefits.

If you choose to attend the optional practical workshop and there is cause for postponement or you cannot travel due to Covid-19 restrictions, full workshop refund, transfer or alternative learning opportunities will be available for you. View full refunds and cancellation policy here.