Aesthetic Medicine for Nurses

In this module, the concept of aesthetic medicine and the correct approach for patients seeking aesthetic treatments is described. Topics include the history of aesthetic medicine, applying various aesthetic medicine treatment options in a primary care setting, typical aesthetic presentations and how to assess the aging face. An aesthetic consultation and treatment plan is included. 

In this module, the process of skin ageing is examined commencing with the function of the skin and what happens to skin structure as the skin ages, including skin of colour.  Intrinsic and extrinsic factors that cause the skin to age are discussed. Assessment tools including the Fitzpatrick skin types, Glogau classification, Johnson’s wrinkle scale, Weiss’s, Merz scales and Lever are outlined. Quizzes are presented to encourage participants to familiarise with the most common assessment tools. Grading acne severity scales and Roberts hyper-pigmentation and scarring severity scales are discussed in detail. Skin analysers are introduced as a potential skin assessment tool. The content then moves to treatment planning information including prevention, medical, aesthetic and cosmeceutical options. 

Understanding facial anatomy is critical for successful aesthetic treatment outcomes. Patient considerations include gender, race, age, medical history (including previous facial treatments), face shape and other considerations. There is a detailed focus on the facial sub-units, innervation, vascularization, lymphatics and musculature systems of the face and neck. These areas are crucial when evaluating a patient for safe aesthetic treatments and determining the appropriate treatment modality. The signs and symptoms of potential adverse outcomes are included.      

This module focuses on identifying specific skin conditions suitable for facial peels and how to evaluate the use of skin conditioning and retinoids in aesthetic medicine. Tools to assess skin conditions are introduced including the classification of photo damage. The wound healing process and understanding of skin anatomy are featured before moving into understanding what a chemical peel is, and expected reactions and complications from chemical peels. The module concludes with a detailed description of how to perform a chemical peel.    

This module describes wrinkle-relaxant treatment, its cosmetic and non-cosmetic uses and available wrinkle-relaxant treatment brands. The molecular structures and modes of operation are detailed. Patient consent and assessment including gender, muscular differences, skin quality, symmetry, history, contraindications and precautions are important considerations for considering the use of wrinkle-relaxant treatment. Determining the best target site, deciding the administration technique and marking out entry points are outlined. Potential issues and complications are explained.  

This module outlines why volumisers are considered a useful aesthetic medicine option and describes appropriate application areas for volumisers. Three types of fillers are addressed – temporary fillers, permanent fillers and biostimulators. Patient assessment includes history, skin ageing and texture and a detailed examination of the patient before developing a treatment plan including product selection. The module also covers contraindications, side effects and how to manage side effects, and complications including granulomas, vascular compromise, infection and biofilm.

This module outlines the treatment process for volumisers including patient assessment, written patient consent and the importance of photos pre and post treatment. Anaesthesia options, needle choice and a variety of administration techniques are discussed. After treatment care is included for patient information.  

This module details injectable procedures including deoxycholic acid, wrinkle-relaxant treatment, volumisers and biostimulators. The importance of knowing your muscular and vascular anatomy is stressed to minimise adverse reactions. Severe reactions including syncope, seizures and anaphylaxis are detailed. Local anaesthetic complications, ptosis, skin irritations, bruising, dysphagia, dysphonia, pain, granulomas, necrosis, asymmetry, discolouration, oedema, angioedema, lumps/nodules, infection, biofilm and vascular occlusion are some complexities covered. Prevention strategies to minimize adverse outcomes are outlined and symptoms of complications and manageing these complications are included. 

This module introduces nurses to the legal, ethical, and professional standards required for safe aesthetic practice. It covers AHPRA advertising rules, TGA restrictions on Schedule 4 medicines, and state-based Poisons Act requirements for medication governance, storage, prescribing, and documentation. Participants learn how to maintain compliance, manage consent, ensure cultural safety, identify psychological red flags such as BDD, and uphold professional integrity in all patient interactions. The module also explores scope of practice for ENs, RNs, and NPs, including supervision, delegation, and clinical governance to support safe, accountable aesthetic nursing.