The Foundations of Aesthetic Practice: Filling the Gap in Training

Welcome from our Founder, Ashley Carmen

Welcome to the heart of the aesthetic medicine world, where beauty meets science in the pursuit of rejuvenation. As someone deeply immersed in the aesthetics and injectables scene, I get it – the importance of robust training and continuous education in this rapidly evolving field is undeniable. But let’s face it: there’s a noticeable gap in formalized training programs, leaving many aspiring practitioners feeling underprepared for the nuances of aesthetic practice. Isn’t it wild that aesthetics is the only specialty in medicine with absolutely no formal training while other high skill specialties require years of rigorous work – both didactic and clinical forms as well as standardized certification testing? That's precisely why I’ve developed our Aesthetics Residency program.

So, what’s causing this gap in immersive training for aesthetics and injectables? It boils down to a fundamental disparity between the traditional medical training model and the (often) ad hoc training received by non-medically licensed practitioners. Aesthetics is a field that continues to boom without consistent training or regulation, and I’ve built our unique residency program with the following in mind: 

• Traditional Medical Training:
  Medical professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants undergo extensive formal education and training in medical school or specialized programs. Their training includes in-depth studies of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care, among other subjects. However, traditional medical training often provides limited exposure to aesthetic procedures and injectables, as these may not be included in the core curriculum.

• Non-Medically Licensed Practitioners:
  On the other hand, practitioners who are not medically licensed, such as estheticians, cosmetologists, and technicians, often receive training through short courses or “certification” programs specific to aesthetics. While these programs may offer hands-on experience and practical skills in performing procedures like injections, they typically lack the comprehensive medical knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology that are essential for safe and effective practice.

• Safety and Regulation:
  The lack of standardized training and regulation in the aesthetics industry further intensifies the gap. Medical professionals are held to higher standards of patient safety and care due to their licensure and professional accountability. Non-medically licensed practitioners may not have the same level of oversight or adherence to medical standards, which can pose risks to patient safety.

• Complexity of Procedures:
  Aesthetic procedures and injectables involve intricate techniques that require a deep understanding of facial anatomy, product selection, patient assessment, and potential complications. Without proper training and education, practitioners may lack the skills to navigate these complexities safely and effectively.

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Introduction to the Program: Aesthetics Residency

Our Aesthetics Residency Program is designed to blend traditional medical training and the specialized skills required for success in aesthetic medicine. Our comprehensive Aesthetics Residency Blueprint covers facial anatomy, rheology, injection techniques, complication management, patient consultations, and business management.

Program Highlights

Our Aesthetics Residency Program offers a variety of training opportunities to enhance skills in aesthetic medicine for established practitioners. Residents participate in a “day in the life” shadow experience with an aesthetic nurse practitioner, gaining insights into workflow, patient management, and practical business aspects. Tailored one-on-one training sessions cater to individual needs, from beginners to those seeking skill enhancement, with prep meetings to optimize learning. The program also includes private elite trainings, company-sponsored programs, inner circle networking, clinical mentorship, business mentorship, and consulting services for guidance on practice management or starting their own practice, with virtual or on-site consultations available to address specific needs.

Addressing the Need for Comprehensive Training

In today's competitive landscape, patients are seeking highly skilled practitioners who can deliver safe, effective, and natural-looking results. With many medical professionals entering the field of aesthetics without formal training or mentorship, relying on weekend courses and trial-and-error to develop their skills – the urgency to make aesthetics a legitimate, medical space looms large. 

Our unique residency program aims to change that by providing a structured learning environment with hands-on experience and one-on-one mentorship.

Safety as a Priority in Aesthetic Medicine

Patient safety is paramount in aesthetic medicine, and it's our top priority in the residency program, particularly given the invasive nature of many procedures and the potential for worrying outcomes. This commitment to safeguarding patients is not only an ethical imperative but also a professional responsibility. If you’ll allow me an academic moment, according to a study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, adverse events in aesthetic procedures can lead to physical harm, psychological distress, and financial burden for patients, highlighting the critical importance of stringent safety protocols (Perez, 2017). Yes, this is also common sense – but research further supports the need for programs like ours.

Our residency program places a paramount emphasis on adhering to strict standards of care, drawing upon evidence-based guidelines and industry best practices. This approach is further reinforced by ongoing education and training sessions, where residents are kept abreast of the latest techniques and advancements in the field. 

Staying updated on the evolving landscape of injectables, including new products and injection protocols, is crucial for ensuring optimal patient outcomes and minimizing risks. Residents follow a vetted blueprint, undergoing rigorous training in injection methodologies, learning the intricacies of dosage calculation, injection site selection, and injection depth to ensure accuracy and safety. 

Our program also places a strong emphasis on preparing residents to effectively manage complications that may arise during or after aesthetic procedures. A study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open emphasizes the need for practitioners to be proficient in recognizing and managing complications such as vascular compromise, infection, and tissue necrosis (Haley et al., 2019). You probably didn’t expect to read “necrosis” at any point in your day, but it (and all the other complications mentioned) are a reality of medical and aesthetic practice. Why not set up the next generation of practitioners with the best platform possible for success? Through simulated scenarios, case studies, and hands-on workshops, program residents develop the critical thinking skills and practical expertise needed to address unforeseen challenges with grace and confidence.

Ensuring Credibility and Expertise

In an industry flooded with providers offering quick-fix solutions, credibility and expertise are essential for building trust and attracting discerning patients. Our program sets a high bar for excellence, with rigorous standards for admission and a focus on mentorship from seasoned professionals. 

Aesthetic procedures require both an understanding of facial anatomy and proficiency in injection techniques, enabling practitioners to deliver optimal and natural-looking outcomes. Additionally, patients rely on credible practitioners for accurate information, honest assessments, and transparent communication, fostering trust and confidence in the practitioner-patient relationship. 

Compliance with regulatory standards is another aspect our program considers, as trustworthy practitioners adhere to regulations to uphold professional standards and ethical conduct. Likewise, credibility and expertise contribute to a practitioner's reputation, leading to positive word-of-mouth referrals and reviews, which are essential for success and growth in the field. 

Testimonial from our Current Resident

I’ve covered a lot of ground about the need for training, our program structure, and why I’m passionate about bringing an aesthetics residency to a broader audience. The best endorsement, however, is from one of our residents who has been a part of its earliest implementation:

As a nurse transitioning to aesthetics, I was frustrated by the lack of formal training and certification options available. Weekend courses provided a basic introduction, but I wanted a more in-depth learning experience that would equip me with the skills and confidence to excel in my new career. The Aesthetics Residency Program exceeded my expectations, providing comprehensive training, mentorship, and hands-on experience that have been invaluable in my journey to becoming a successful aesthetic practitioner.

- Andrea Clark

Elevating Aesthetics: Join Us in Shaping the Future

Our Aesthetics Residency Program bridges a critical training gap for medical professionals aspiring to enter the field of aesthetic medicine. Prioritizing safety, credibility, and comprehensive education, we empower residents to become industry leaders, delivering superior clinical care with a focus on service excellence.

Seamlessly blending best practices with hands-on experience, our structured Aesthetics Residency Blueprint offers a holistic approach to learning. Through mentorship and individualized instruction, residents delve into the art and science of aesthetic medicine, honing their skills alongside seasoned practitioners. From perfecting injection techniques to crafting personalized treatment plans, our program equips residents with the confidence and expertise to deliver exceptional patient care.

Join us in shaping the future of aesthetics and fostering greater respect for the industry by enrolling in our innovative residency program today.

Haley, A. C., Allen, A., & Ahmad, J. (2019). Aesthetic Complications in the Face and Neck: Avoidance and Management. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open, 7(6S), 15. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.GOX.0000572870.45248.a4

Perez, B. M. (2017). Safety in Aesthetic Medicine: A Review of Non-Invasive Cosmetic Procedures. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 37(7), 796–806. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjx104