As technology advances in the medical aesthetics industry and consumer demand for non-invasive aesthetic procedures continues to rise in the UK and globally, the need for highly skilled practitioners is crucial.
Over the last 12 months alone, around 11% of the UK population (7.7 million people) have had aesthetic treatment, including dermal fillers and botulinum toxin injections. To coincide with this, the UK has also seen a rise in medical complications and complaints about “botched jobs”, according to Save Face, a UK register of accredited cosmetic practitioners. During 2022 alone, they received 2,824 complaints relating to dermal fillers and Botox treatments, a significant increase from 2,436 in 2021 and 2,083 in 2020.
These alarming figures highlight the need for highly skilled aesthetic practitioners with credible, industry-approved qualifications such as the Level 7 Diploma in Aesthetic Practice.
The Level 7 Diploma plays a pivotal role in aesthetic education, designed to set a higher standard of knowledge and aid professional development in aesthetic medicine. Whether you’re a medical practitioner looking to undergo advanced aesthetic training or a practice owner/manager considering staff development opportunities, discover how the Level 7 Diploma is transforming aesthetic education.
The Evolution of Aesthetic Education
The history of aesthetic medicine is an arguably long and complex one, with the first cosmetic procedure thought to have been conducted in India, more than 2,000 years ago. Aesthetic medicine as we know it today has been largely shaped by the emergence of twentieth-century technology.
Over a short span of time, technological innovation in aesthetic devices and products has forged a more accessible path for people to undergo non-surgical procedures. On one hand, the introduction of innovative equipment and advanced techniques has revolutionised the aesthetic medicine industry, making aesthetic and cosmetic procedures safer and more effective. On the other hand, however, rapid advances in technology combined with different regulations from country to country have also led to underqualified individuals performing aesthetic procedures.
With an ever-growing demand for aesthetic treatments and a growing awareness of patient safety and aesthetic best practices, more regulations have rightly been put in place in the UK over the past few years. But there’s still a way to go. For example, the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recently stated it will bring stricter dermal filler rules under UK medical device regulations.
The Level 7 Diploma, therefore, represents a significant shift towards more rigorous and standardised training in aesthetic procedures. Taking this prestigious qualification showcases a commitment to the highest standards of patient care and best practice in aesthetic medicine.
Core Components of the Level 7 Diploma Curriculum
The Level 7 Diploma curriculum goes beyond theory alone, providing you or your staff with essential, practical experience, including hands-on workshops, mentoring sessions, and supervised clinical sessions. To achieve the best-in-class aesthetic medicine standards, the Level 7 course offers the perfect blend of theoretical and practical training while communicating ethical considerations.
The curriculum has been designed around four key areas to provide you with an extensive knowledge of aesthetic medicine, including building a practical and academic portfolio and undertaking theoretical and practical training. Learn from seasoned practitioners in shadowing sessions to help you develop advanced injectable techniques and deliver the highest standard of patient care. These hands-on sessions are conducted in a secure and controlled environment to help you learn how to administer aesthetic procedures and enhance your consultation skills safely.
The Level 7 course will also help you develop an incredible understanding of facial anatomy, skin physiology, and dermatological indications/contraindications of treatment to elevate your career and/or your practice’s offering.
Impact on Professional Practice and Patient Care
With significant hands-on practice administering injectable treatments to patients, this Diploma will enhance the reputability of your practice or, if you’re an individual practitioner, your career. With mentoring and hands-on training from seasoned practitioners, you’ll develop a deep understanding of handling complex cases and responding to patients needing emotional or psychological support. You’ll also learn how to craft and deliver personalised aftercare plans for patients.
The Diploma also encourages practitioners to apply ethical best practices, such as establishing protocols to protect the health of patients as well as staying up to date with the latest industry regulations and working in accordance with them. Through tailored treatment planning shaped around the concept of patient-centred care, the Diploma will also elevate your communication, consultation and patient care management skills.
The extensive theoretical and practical experience gained from the Diploma equips practitioners with a deeper understanding of aesthetics and fosters innovation and excellence in injectable treatment delivery.
Setting New Standards in Aesthetic Medicine
Surprisingly, 31% of UK aesthetic practitioners administering treatments are not doctors, nurses, or dentists. With a number of non-medically trained aesthetic practitioners administering injectable procedures, it’s no wonder why the UK has seen a growing number of “botched jobs”.
To win back the public’s trust and set a high standard for the aesthetic medicine industry, it’s essential for practitioners to take industry-recognised, respected and credible qualifications like the Level 7 Diploma.
Not only will this drive professional recognition to your practice, but it will also help better regulate the aesthetic injectable therapies industry in the UK, making it safe for all.
Pathways to Achieving the Level 7 Diploma
To take a Level 7 Diploma, you have to be a healthcare professional (e.g. a Doctor, Dentist, Nurse, or Pharmacist). Depending on your previous experience and qualifications, you might be suitable to apply via the recognition of prior learning (RPL) route. This means that you might not have to complete all of the standard stages to achieve your Level 7 Diploma.
Once you’ve successfully enrolled, the course covers four core areas:
- Practical portfolio
- Academic portfolio
- Theoretical training
- Practical training
As part of your theoretical training and academic portfolio, you’ll need to submit essays and coursework. For the practical elements of the course, you’ll have to record 40 procedures, including:
- 10 observed toxin treatments
- 10 performed toxin treatments
- 10 observed dermal filler treatments
- 10 performed dermal filler treatments
All coursework and recorded procedures must be assessed and approved by the relevant bodies. For more information, read our ultimate guide on achieving your Level 7 Diploma.
To make the most out of a Level 7 Diploma, it’s important to select a reputable program that aligns with your professional goals and learning style. When searching for a course, then make sure the faculty consists of seasoned experts in the field of aesthetic medicine and that the provider has all the right accreditations. You should also check whether the course materials are in line with the most authoritative bodies in the industry, such as OTHM.
The Future of Aesthetic Education
The aesthetic industry is constantly growing and evolving, with education alongside it. The rapid advancement in aesthetic technology, such as patent filings for next-generation dermal fillers and bio stimulators, has risen to meet the needs of an increasingly demanding consumer base. As such, continuous professional development in aesthetics is crucial.
As we’ve seen, the lack of regulation and quality control in medical aesthetics has led to serious consequences for patients. The answer? Robust regulations on a global scale and a clear pathway that caters to medically-trained practitioners – the Level 7 Diploma.
This industry-recognised qualification has been designed to ensure aesthetic practitioners work safely, ethically and effectively in the industry. While it is not currently a mandatory standard, it will likely become a required qualification for anyone looking to legally practice aesthetic medicine in the UK. As such, education in this field is important to help elevate global standards and keep up-to-date with ever-changing technological advancements and innovation.
Transform Your Career and Practice with Education
Whether you’re an individual professional seeking advancement, an educator aiming to enrich your programmes, or an aesthetic practice owner looking to enhance your staff’s expertise, the Level 7 Diploma can help.
Recognised by Health Education England (HEE) and an array of authoritative medical councils in the UK, the Level 7 Diploma signifies a commitment to the highest standards of patient care in aesthetic medicine and raises the bar for aesthetic education excellence. In the rapidly evolving field of aesthetic medicine, education has never been more important.
