NO to Non-Medical Training for BOTOX and Fillers

Firstly, let’s get one thing straight.  SkinViva Training only train qualified medical professionals who have active registration with the relevant professional body e.g. GMC/GDC/NMC/HCPC.

In fact, SkinViva Training regularly decline applications from non-medical professionals eager to get into aesthetic treatments.  This is primarily due to insurance considerations, although we do also share the view that these are medical procedures and should be seen as such in terms of ensuring adequate levels of medical training for those seeking to practice non-surgical treatments.

Find out more about the entry requirements for aesthetics training with SkinViva Training.

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS – MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS ONLY

 

The Law – Non-Medicals Carrying out Cosmetic Injections

It comes as some surprise to many patients to learn that the law allows unqualified and non-medical persons to carry out BOTOX and dermal filler procedures.

However, the law does state that a prescription is required for obtaining BOTOX for each patient treated, which means finding a qualified prescriber for wrinkle relaxing injections who is willing to work with a non-medical professional.

This is why many non-medical professionals restrict their activities to fillers.

Industry Attitudes to Non-Medical Professionals Working in Aesthetics

A recent survey carried out by SkinViva Training looked at what those already working in the industry think about the issue of non-medical professionals carrying out BOTOX and dermal fillers.

• Respondents said that ‘Non-medical people carrying out injectable treatments’ was the biggest issue facing the industry today, with 67% choosing that option from a list of 11 possible answers
• In terms of what purpose aesthetics qualifications serve,
  • 81% of respondents said ‘I think regulated aesthetics qualifications are useful for ensuring all practitioners operate at a consistent and recognised standard
  • 81% of respondents said ‘I think regulated aesthetics qualifications are useful for protecting the public by raising standards’
• 87% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement: “Botulinum toxin and dermal filler procedures should ONLY be carried out by medical professionals” – the vast majority, 79%, strongly agreed

While those in the industry are keen to advocate the need for qualifications and standards, understanding among patients or clients regarding qualifications/registration is still perceived to be low:

• 66% of respondents replied Never or Almost Never to the question: ‘How often do your customers ask you about your aesthetic qualifications or if you are on a professional aesthetics register (e.g. Save Face or Treatments You Can Trust)?’

Many believe that patients simply assume that practitioners are trained and regulated in some way, but that is not the case. In the UK, non-medical and unqualified persons can quite legally carry out BOTOX or dermal fillers (although BOTOX does need to have been prescribed by a qualified prescriber).

One respondent commented:

“The complications that may occur can safely be managed by medical professionals, others may not recognise or appropriately treat complications and this may cause significant harm to patients. For me, it’s about protection of patients and best practice. We are the only country in the world that allow non medicinal professionals to administer treatments and I believe this will make our country a laughing stock in others eyes. These procedures are not beauty treatments and should not be trivialised as “cosmetic” and something that anyone can do! I could probably train a monkey to do fillings, but it is the appreciation of medical history, complications, anatomy and physiology that should underpin holistic treatment.”

SkinViva Training Academy Manchester

SkinViva Training Ltd offer a range of professional training courses for cosmetic and medical skin treatments.

Their courses in cosmetic treatments directed at qualified medical professionals who wish to learn and build on their skills in delivering these procedures. See our entry requirements information.

SkinViva Training stipulate that delegates must have current registration with the appropriate body and the company do not offer courses for non-medical professionals.

See Entry Requirements – Who Can Train for more information.

See our full list of forthcoming training course dates.

SkinViva Training Academy was established in 2013 by Dr Tim Pearce MBChB BSc (Hons) MRCGP – learn more about us. The SkinViva Training Academy team upholds high standards of clinical training providing a combination of fully-supervised practical experience together with essential theory.

For further information, to discuss which course is right for you, to enquire about availability or to book a training course please call 0161 850 2491, or email info@skinvivatraining.com.