INTERFACE AESTHETICS

Training for a Career in Aesthetics

Training in Aesthetics


With an estimated worth of over £3 billion in the UK alone, the growing aesthetics industry has the potential to offer healthcare professionals a lucrative and exciting career.
There is a wide range of training courses available, and healthcare professionals looking to break into the field of non-surgical aesthetics can often be left with questions regarding which course could be right for them. Some important differences exist between both the training providers and the nature of the courses offered, and it is important that prospective delegates are sufficiently informed in order to make the correct choice.

    Some important points to address include:

  • Is the course accredited? If so, is this nationally accredited and regulated (by OFQUAL) or CPD accredited?
  • Is the training hands-on, using real patients?
  • How big are the group sizes in the training?
  • Who designs and delivers the training?
  • Is the training recognised by insurers – enabling you to practise upon completion
  • What training products will be used on the course?
  • What support is provided before and after the course?
  • How is the feedback from previous delegates (eg: on Facebook or Google)?

Let’s consider the three main injectables courses available on the market.

The Level 7 Diploma in Injectables in Aesthetic Medicine


This OFQUAL-regulated and accredited post-graduate level qualification in injectables was the first of its kind. It is one of a small number of nationally regulated qualifications, with training and assessment adherent to externally set standards, and a process which is externally moderated. In a sector which is poorly regulated on the whole, the Level 7 Diploma is rapidly becoming the new Gold Standard in non-surgical aesthetics training. It was rolled out in response to Health Education England (HEE) and GMC guidance, following on from the publication of the Keogh Report in 2013.

    The qualification consists of a number of steps which can be taken over a number of months:

  • Undertaking a Foundation Course where the main techniques in both anti-wrinkle and dermal filler will be taught.
  • Mentorship training days involving small group training on real model patients under direct supervision of an expert trainer. During these training days, delegates will build a portfolio of 40 patients which will be submitted as part of their final assessment.
  • Level 7 Diploma learning material which consists in over 120 hours of work, and covers the key aspects of contemporary aesthetic practice ranging from the practical aspects of injecting, through to ethics, cosmetic psychology and dermatology.
  • Short Answer Questions (SAQs) which are completed in a coursework format. Questions cover the key aspects of the Level 7 syllabus and marking is externally moderated.
  • Practical examination in the format of an OSCE, taken towards the end of the process and contributing to the evidence of progression to Level 7 standard in injectables.
  • Again, this is externally moderated, ensuring rigorous standards.

Upon completion of the Level 7 Diploma, you will be eligible to join a national register of aesthetic practitioners, and in addition to the skills and knowledge gained, you will be able to boast of being the holder of one of the few nationally accredited and regulated qualifications in injectables, with the employability benefits that come with this.

Foundation Course in Injectables


A Foundation course is the first step for any healthcare professionals looking to start out in the aesthetic field. This one-day course may be the first step as part of the regulated Level 7 Diploma (see above), or it can be taken stand-alone. The Interface Aesthetics Foundation Course has the following key features:

Course details

    • Learn to perform the most commonly requested anti-wrinkle (botulinum toxin) and dermal filler procedures.
    • Training designed and delivered by doctors with a background in Facial Surgery.
    • Guaranteed small group training, with a maximum of 3 or 4 delegates per trainer.
    • Hands-on training with live model patients.
    • Exclusive training in cheek augmentation using dermal filler at the Foundation level
    • Dedicated training in the recognition and management of complications
    • Practical emphasis, with 80% of the training time spent injecting patients.
    • Training is recognised and accredited by the leading provider of insurance in the UK – this enables delegates to start practising immediately after completion (upon obtaining insurance).
    • Training partner of Allergan – ensuring delegates are taught using the most trusted and recognisable quality products (eg: Juvederm)
    • Pre- and post-course support including exclusive video tutorials, and access to our online portal
    • Support from an aesthetic trainer for ongoing guidance
    • CPD accreditation

Advanced Course in Injectables


The Advanced course will build on previous training and experience with the aim of expanding your repertoire in both anti-wrinkle and dermal filler modalities. The Interface Aesthetics Advanced Course shares some important similarities with those features outlined above:

Course details

    • Training designed and delivered by doctors with a background in Facial Surgery.
    • Guaranteed small group training, with a maximum of 3 or 4 delegates per trainer.
    • Hands-on training with live model patients.
    • Practical emphasis, with 80% of the training time spent injecting patients.
    • Training partner of Allergan – ensuring delegates are taught using the most trusted and recognisable quality products (eg: Juvederm).
    • Pre- and post-course support including exclusive video tutorials, and access to our online portal.
    • Support from an aesthetic trainer for ongoing guidance.
    • CPD accreditation

Starting Your Aesthetics Career the Right Way:


Before embarking on training, it is important that you get all of the information necessary to make the right decision. Training can be expensive, but choosing a course that provides the knowledge, practical experience and confidence you need to establish a safe and successful practice will pay dividends in the medium to long term. The top points to consider are:
Be confident that you will be trained in a small group, with hands-on training with real model patients. Training in a classroom setting or injecting using mannequins will not provide the confidence and experience necessary.

Be confident in the quality of the training, including the credentials of the trainers and reviews from previous delegates. At Interface Aesthetics , we strongly believe that a detailed understanding of facial anatomy as well as experience of dealing with complications are prerequisites for any aesthetic trainer.

Make an informed decision regarding nationally regulated and accredited qualifications (The Level 7 Diploma), versus non-regulated qualifications (The Foundation Course, The Advanced Course). Regulated qualifications are more expensive, but in an industry which is moving towards greater regulation, the Level 7 Diploma may be the right course for you in terms of long-term employability and gaining greater confidence under expert supervision.