As the aesthetics industry continues to grow rapidly, Botox and filler courses offer benefits such as increased work-life balance and considerable monetary rewards for medical professionals. You can also cultivate a career in aesthetics to fit around NHS commitments if required.

If you’re considering getting into the field of aesthetics, you may have wondered about the legalities surrounding it and whether an aesthetic practitioner degree is required to get started. Professionals such as doctors, dentists and nurses can kickstart a career in aesthetic medicine with an accredited course that complements your existing skillset perfectly.

So what are the current requirements for those who wish to provide these treatments? Let’s discuss the UK training regulations and whether an aesthetic practitioner degree is required to administer non-surgical procedures.

What is the current law?

Despite social expectations that becoming an aesthetic practitioner in the industry must have strict regulations and guidelines, the reality is somewhat different. As one of the fastest-growing industries in the UK, there is a worryingly low amount of data surrounding the training opportunities and potential risks involved.

It may come as a shock that procedures such as botulinum toxin injections and dermal fillers can legally be performed by any individual, regardless of their medical or professional background.

When performed incorrectly, these procedures can result in a multitude of complications and injuries. These include scarring, infection and even burning. Worse, though, is that under-qualified practitioners will often cut corners on provisions and sanitation. They invest as little time and money as possible into research, training and care standards to make a profit. This has been described as the ‘perfect storm’ and gives the industry a bad name while also putting people’s lives at risk.

For this reason, it is imperative for anyone considering botox or filler training to understand that despite the lack of laws surrounding the non-surgical cosmetic industry, both training providers and medical professionals are upholding extremely high standards.

Requirements to become an aesthetic practitioner

Health Education England (HEE) published a report in 2016 aimed at redefining the standard of training that delegates should undertake before they can carry out aesthetic procedures. Its findings state that:

• In order to carry out procedures such as Botox and fillers in the UK, delegates must first complete a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification from an accredited training provider.
• Delegates must complete a Level 7 qualification for ‘comprehensive use.’ This means that a practitioner should be able to individualise treatments and provide timely management of complications.

A regulatory framework has been created collaboratively between various cosmetic associations that exist to increase patient safety. These include the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM), the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (BACN), the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), the British Association of Aesthetic Surgeons (BAAPS), and the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons(BAPRAS). These are enforced and overseen by two independent bodies, the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) and the Cosmetic Practitioners’ Standards Authority (CPSA).

Thanks to this framework, there are far more rigorous general regulations in place, creating a much higher standard for non-surgical practitioners. By limiting those eligible for esteemed training courses to healthcare professionals only, the abilities and medical knowledge of those practicing is ever-increasing, thereby increasing the safety of patients and quality of treatments.

Why is training essential?

Despite the lack of concrete rules enforced by law, the regulations set out by the various medical bodies have set a standard that the public expects when seeking treatments. Thanks to continued efforts striving for change, it is also highly likely that the law will change in the future.

Aside from this, it is critical that professionals who wish to provide high-quality treatments and maintain their positive reputation first complete the necessary certification that qualifies them to undertake such procedures. Gaining hands-on experience working with patients and the ability to listen and learn from an experienced practitioner will be invaluable for perfecting techniques and ensuring first-class results.

What type of training do I need?

Acquisition Aesthetics’ Level 7 training allows both current and aspiring practitioners to meet Health Education England’s 2016 qualification requirements. While anyone can undertake an aesthetic practitioner degree, our Level 7 aesthetic medicine training is only open to medical professionals who meet specific criteria. In terms of botox courses for beginners, it is the highest level available and equivalent to a postgraduate degree.

If you’re a doctor, dentist or nurse, this is the ideal course for you to build on your existing medical skills and enter the aesthetics industry.

What to expect from Level 7 training

Undertaking Level 7 aesthetics training provides a postgraduate level of understanding of several key areas within non-surgical aesthetics. These include the anatomy and function of the skin and dermatological indications and contraindications. You will also learn how to expertly undertake a productive consultation with your patients and gain a deeper understanding of injection techniques and complication management when working with toxin and dermal fillers.

As well as expert supervision from some of the UK’s leading aestheticians, you’ll also benefit from a combination of 1-2-1 and small group training, business and marketing support, and lifelong mentorship and support from our acclaimed practitioners.

If you’re interested in undertaking a Level 7 aesthetics course with Acquisition Aesthetics, you can view more information here. 

If you have any queries, please email level7@acquisitionaesthetics.co.uk or call 020 3966 5745 to speak to our Level 7 Coordinator, who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.