My training takes a customized approach with injectors of all backgrounds and level of experience. There is not a 'certification' of such that will certify you to be of a minimum level of competency. You may receive a certificate of completion that you can provide to your malpractice provider, but the only true certification is the Certified Nurse Specialist exam and designation, or for MD's an additional certification through the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
Training to transition into aesthetics is much more than a single course. Before you begin injecting you will need to understand the job/role/history of an aesthetic provider. A strong foundation in facial anatomy and the why behind the choices you will make as an injector: facial aging, muscle activity with toxins, why there are so many HA fillers and the rheology of each of them, why adverse events happen and what to do when they do, how to conduct thorough patient consultations and create treatment plans that help your patient achieve their goals. After you understand these basics, you may be ready to consider hands-on training. I would also advise you to wait on training until you are set up to begin practicing what you learn very soon after your training. Also, keep in mind that medical aesthetics is forever evolving and what you learn one day/month/year, may change in the minds of key opinion leaders very quickly. Techniques, anatomy and advancing your skillset should be a lifelong journey. I personally seek a live dissection/cadaver/injection course every year, along with professional CME programs that focus on business development, personal development, and leadership in the industry.
I have owned my own medical aesthetic practice for the past 9 years and have been wholly devoted to the art of aesthetic medicine for the past 15 years. Since opening my practice, I have dedicated at least one day a week to training colleagues throughout the country. I am also a Key Opinion Leader, Professional Speaker, and International trainer for the leading aesthetic provider, Allergan Aesthetics (makers of Botox, Juvéderm, Kybella, Latisse, SkinMedica, and Coolsculpting). There are only a few hundred professionals with this designation in our industry. I am passionate about improving outcomes and safety through teaching.
Training is whatever the trainee needs it to be, as it is totally customizable. My office is set up to be a training site, or I can travel to the location of your practice. I generally recommend that you begin with Toxin training, with a minimum of 4 hours. We would, together, set your goals and schedule for the day, and you would provide a minimum of 4 models that I would approve prior to that day. The first hour is typically didactic, followed by hands-on which is one-to-one with the two of us. After this training, you will need to be able to immediately begin implementing your skills and practicing in your location.
Once you are comfortable with your toxin injections then we can begin to move into HA filler training. Filler training is typically several sessions, set up much the same, where the focus is on a skillset and the correlating important assessment, anatomy, and safety. For instance, we would begin HA filler training with 'Cheeks and folds' and then you would become comfortable at home with the implementation of these skills in practice. Then we would advance to 'lips', 'cannulas', 'Kybella/body contouring', 'chin/jawline' etc., etc.
