As an aesthetician who wants to continually develop their skill set, a tear trough correction training course should be your next move. Adding this option to your clinical repertoire has the potential to elevate the status of your clinic and your personal professional profile. This is a selective course, aimed at those with a sound working knowledge of cosmetic injectables and pre-existing practical experience. Delegates attending can hope to gain a real competitive edge in an increasingly competitive market, whilst enhancing patient satisfaction rates with the application of this core technique.
What is the tear trough treatment?
The tear troughs are the areas immediately under your eyes. This zone, otherwise called the periorbital region, is commonly associated with dark circles or bags. As we grow older, these dark circles can become more prominent, resulting in not only an aged appearance, but a tired or saddened expression. The prominence of hollow or sunken tear troughs can also be the result of a lean stature or recent weight loss.
Tear trough treatment is designed to improve the overall appearance of this specific area. As with many other “tweakments”, the tear troughs are injected with dermal filler which is introduced to reduce the appearance of dark circles, hollows and/or shadows and create a fresher and more youthful appearance. However, as this treatment involves a complex facial area, only skilled aestheticians with the appropriate training should perform this procedure.
What will I learn on a tear trough treatment training course?
This is a masterclass! Yes, the clue is very much in the title. Attendees need to be qualified dentists, doctors, nurses or level 7 certified delegates. The key learning points are as follows:
- In-depth knowledge of the periorbital region, including fat pads, ligaments, nerves and vasculature
- Assessment and appropriate patient selection
- Consent
- Overview of dermal fillers and the quality of products
- Bespoke treatment plans
- Exclusive access to Acquisition Aesthetics’ Signature Tear Trough Correction technique
- Preparing for complications, e.g. Tyndall effect and necrosis.
As a doctor, nurse or highly trained aesthetician, when it comes to offering new treatments to your patients, safety will always be at the top of your agenda. This is the same for Acquisition Aesthetics, and as the periorbital area of the face can be particularly sensitive, we only offer this training to more experienced individuals.
Tear trough correction with dermal filler is, however, not without risk. It is critically important that any clinician performing this treatment has a good understanding of the relevant anatomy, including that of the surrounding vasculature and lymphatics, in order to reduce the risk of complications. The inherent risk of this procedure demands a safe injecting technique which is taught on this course, including the use of microcannula for correction of the medial tear trough. Finally, practitioners will be reminded of the fundamentals of consenting patients for a tear trough procedure to ensure they are appropriately aware of the potential risks and complications of treatment.
As you will see from the online description, this masterclass utilises a blend of needle and cannula techniques. The experts have recognised that both methods have advantages and disadvantages and when used in combination, results are significantly optimised.
When undergoing cosmetic enhancements, many patients like to be discreet. They want to maximise results but minimise any side effects such as bruising. The cannula method can help this be achieved.
What are the associated complications?
As a responsible aesthetician, transparency is key. Whilst you will always take maximum precautions when recommending tear trough filler, understanding and communicating potential problems with your patient will ensure informed decisions and valid consent.
It is important to remember that most negative experiences associated with tear trough filler are as a result of inexperienced therapists. Knowledge and practical experience are key. Some of the most common complications from this procedure are listed below.
Tyndall effect
Tyndall effect is associated with the development of a blue hue, shortly after the injection of fillers. When the filler has been injected too near to the surface of the skin, the particles reflect the light around us and this results in discolouration.
As you will already be aware, with the administration of fillers, clients may experience some bruising shortly after treatment. This will heal by itself in just a few days. In contrast, those experiencing the Tyndall effect will see no improvement, and discolouration may last many months. This complication is most common with procedures taking place on delicate skin. It is important to remember that prevention is much better than a cure. Acquisition Aesthetics are well placed to train our delegates in understanding and minimising these risks.
Necrosis
Necrosis, when associated with the aesthetic industry, normally occurs due to the incorrect injection of the dermal filler. When filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, the blood supply will be restricted in that area and the tissue will essentially start to die.
As a delegate with Acquisition Aesthetics, you will be given all the essential knowledge and practical experience to deliver tear trough treatments in a safe manner. We aim to prevent injury by teaching facial anatomy and superior injection techniques.
How to identify adverse reactions
Unfortunately, at some point in your career, your client may experience an adverse reaction to treatment. It is important that you are ready to recognise the problem and act swiftly to treat the affected area. This tear trough training course will assist you in understanding what to look for.
Pain: Whilst some discomfort is inevitable during a dermal filler treatment, obvious or severe pain could be an indicator that something has gone wrong. As an aesthetician you will also need to consider the effect of any numbing technique used, which could potentially mask the problem.
Discolouration: Whilst some light bruising is to be expected, more severe discolouration could be problematic. In order to minimise risk, many aestheticians will offer follow up calls or appointments to assess how the client is coping after the initial treatment.
Pale and cool: If the area is looking particularly pale or cool to touch, this may indicate a lack of blood supply and you will be advised to communicate this with your patients as something to watch out for.
Treatment for adverse reactions
This is a truly comprehensive course. Delegates are given the training and tools to deal with any unexpected side effects effectively and appropriately. On the course, for example, we shall cover how to deal with suspected necrosis.
Stopping treatment: If something seems wrong, the treatment must be stopped immediately.
Massage: In some cases the application of pressure or massage may assist in removing any obstruction from the vessel, allowing the blood to start flowing freely.
Heat: Applying heat will increase blood flow to the area, widening the vessel.
Hyaluronidase: This is an enzyme which effectively dissolves filler when injected into the affected site.
Referral: In the event of a potential ocular complication (loss of vision or visual compromise), referral to the nearest eye hospital may be required. The referral process is explored on this course.
Can tear trough filler problems be rectified?
As you will already be well aware, the aesthetics industry has previously been criticised in terms of regulation. This means there will be inexperienced practitioners carrying out procedures which result in less than ideal results. So, as a highly regarded professional, unsatisfied patients may request your help and expertise. Your tear trough training course will specifically address these issues.
In cases where your patient is unhappy with the results of their tear trough treatment, you could look to resolve this situation by dissolving the filler. Whilst fillers will naturally dissolve on their own over time, the patient may wish to speed up this process. Dissolving the filler with Hyaluronidase may also be advantageous for those who are experiencing discoloured skin.
How often will my client need to top up this treatment?
This is a particularly interesting question! If we ask Google, the answer can range from as little as six months up to several years, however, most industry professionals would suggest the range is between 9-12 months. The frequency of repeat treatments really depends on individual factors, which include:
Type of Filler: A soft hyaluronic acid based product is the preferred dermal filler for this area. However, there is a wide range of hyaluronic products available, each with different characteristics and quality.
Filler Placement: All filler will often stay in the body for longer than a 12 month period. However, filler which has been injected close to the surface of the skin will be visible for a longer period of time. Whilst this may seem advantageous, shallow filler can appear lumpy. Conversely, filler injected deeper into the area may dissipate more quickly, but is often linked to better and more natural results. During the tear trough training course, the instructor will highlight how to achieve the best results for your patients.
The advantages of tear trough filler
Now that we have covered any potential concerns or complications with tear trough fillers, it is time to look at the flip side, as tear trough fillers really can make significant differences for your patients.
Firstly, it is important to remember that this is a non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment, requiring little recovery time for your patient. The filler effectively treats dark circles, sagging, lines, wrinkles and overall offers rejuvenation for the eye area. The results are quick and overall the patient is left with subtle but visible improvement. See further details below.
Dark Circles: Nobody likes pesky dark circles under their eyes and many of your potential clients will have tried alternative treatments prior to opting for filler. However, we need to consider why the patient has dark circles before recommending filler as a solution. For example, when dark circles are caused by ageing or weight loss, the appearance is due to hollowness in this area. In these cases, dermal filler can significantly refresh the area and leave it looking more youthful. For some individuals, dark circles may be apparent due to discolouration of the skin instead of a genuine lack of volume in this region. In these cases, filler will do very little to rectify the problem, even exacerbating it for some. A proper examination is therefore a necessity.
Excess Baggage: As we age, we lose volume in the face. This accentuates the appearance of eye bags, which is essentially the space between our lower eyelid and cheekbone. By strategically injecting filler into this area, this gap becomes less prominent and reduces the effect of the ageing process.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles: The dermal filler injected in this area will effectively hydrate the face from the inside and thus create a smoother appearance. It will also increase the production of collagen which often wanes as we grow older, as well as the hydration of the area.
What happens after the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will gain an immediate CPD certification of your attendance. As with many of our courses, Acquisition Aesthetics are committed to continually supporting your learning journey. Following the course, delegates will have access to many educational resources such as practical training videos, mentoring and graduate forums.
If the celebrities are championing the benefits of tear trough fillers (and they are!), you just know that demand is going to rise and you need to be ready to supply. Whilst many celebrities may choose a cloak and dagger approach to the cosmetics enhancements they have undergone, others take a much more transparent approach. This includes Katy Perry, who confessed that she turned to tear trough fillers to address the hollowing under her eyes which exacerbated the dark circles.
During the training, you will receive comprehensive information in relation to appropriate candidate selection. Your patient needs to have overall good physical health as certain medical conditions may lead to complications. Whilst the patient may have visible hollowing under the eyes, the skin should have a good level of thickness and elasticity. The tear troughs should have mild to moderate sagging only. Deeper troughs cannot be successfully treated and those with herniation of infra-orbital fat may be better candidates for surgical treatment (blepharoplasty). The treatment is also not suitable for those with thin skin around the eyes, puffy eyes or any kind of skin irregularity.
What’s more, attendees will receive information on the rheology of products required for this procedure. Whilst all dermal fillers consist of hyaluronic acid, the grade and consistency can differ. When unsuitable dermal filler is used, this can result in increased swelling and undesirable results. Acquisition Aesthetics will advise on which products are suitable for this treatment. Highlighting this to your patients will ensure that they feel in safe hands.
Our final tip for life after the course: when administering tear trough filler, it is important to remember that less is more. More fillers can always be added at a later date. However, over-injecting can cause a “botched” appearance with visible puffiness, lumps and blue tinged skin. And none of your patients will want that!
How will tear trough training progress my career?
Your patients rely on your expertise and continued advancing knowledge of the aesthetics industry. By completing a course for the treatment of tear troughs, you can offer holistic treatment plans to your clients, ensuring superior results and optimal patient satisfaction.
Perhaps you are seeking employment with a top aesthetic clinic. By investing your time and money into a tear trough training course you are demonstrating your commitment to the industry. It is an opportunity to stand out from less experienced individuals.
If you are self employed or perhaps working in your own clinic, you will already be aware that additional treatments equate to additional revenue streams. So, get that business booming!
When and where can I take the tear trough training course?
Acquisition Aesthetics’ tear trough training course will be available on selected dates in February, June and September 2023. The course will take place in both Newcastle and London and spaces are still currently available. The course is priced at £999 plus VAT, and with tear trough treatments costing from £450 per patient, your return on investment is very efficient.
The course offers in-depth insight into a treatment growing in popularity. As a delegate on the tear trough training course, not only will you be given the chance to develop a new skill, you will also benefit from additional industry insights and create an opportunity to network with others working within the same field. Invest in yourself today and sign up to the next tear trough training course!
