Aesthetic or cosmetic medicine comprises all medical procedures that are aimed at enhancing the physical appearance of the patient using non-invasive to minimally invasive procedures. This field of medicine is not confined to dermatologists and plastic surgeons as doctors practicing different specialties seek to offer services to address the cosmetic needs of their patients. Almost all cosmetic medicine procedures are performed under a loco-regional anesthesia.
The exciting field of cosmetic medicine is now a new trend in modern medicine. The medical aesthetic industries are growing exponentially and the increasing acceptance, availability and affordability of several non-invasive or minimally invasive cosmetic treatments has named our time as the “Era of Glamour.” This era shows that medical aesthetic treatments are already part of an individual’s routine to maintain natural and healthy appearance. In fact, there were 23 million recorded cosmetic procedures worldwide from 2013 to 2014.[1] In 2013, the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Germany and Spain were among the countries who performed the most aesthetic procedures and most of them are non-surgical. This proliferation of consumer acceptance has resulted in a sudden rise of technological and cosmetic treatment advances, establishing cosmetic medicine as subspecialty. Core physicians including dermatologists and plastic surgeons account for 60.1% of all aesthetic procedures performed in 2006 while non-core physicians such as internists, obstetrician, gynecologists and family practitioners accounted for only 33.3%.[2] This expansion has caused several state and regulatory boards to create uniformity in medical licensure and training requirements. In addition to this, standards for best practice are emerging to ensure the effectiveness and safety of all cosmetic procedures.
Emerging new medical societies and organizations such as British college of aesthetic medicine (BCAM), American academy of aesthetic medicine (AAAM), and anti ageing societies around the world also ensure the safety of all cosmetic procedures by teaching physicians who have clinical interest in exploring the aesthetic medical facet of their practice. These societies and organizations teach the art, science and latest techniques and procedures of aesthetic medicine lo licensed physicians, regardless of the area of their specialty.
The recent trend only proves that patients prefer minimally invasive procedures with minimal to no downtime. It also explains the current success of cosmetic medicine around the globe. The most common aesthetic procedures are:
Botox (Botulinum toxin injection): Botox injection works by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles so that they no longer contract. This causes the wrinkles to relax and soften. It is most often used on frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. Getting Botox injection takes only a few minutes and doesn’t require any anesthesia. Full effect can be visible in 3 to 7 days. You may need to return to your doctor for regular Botox injections to maintain your appearance.
Dermal fillers: They are naturally-derived or synthetic material that is directly injected into the skin to plump the target area and to remove wrinkles, depression or fold. Depending on the type of dermal filler, the effects can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Do not confuse dermal fillers with Botox. Botox injection stop muscle movement that causes wrinkles but it doesn’t have any plumping and smoothing effect dermal fillers have.
Chemical peels: This treatment improves the skin’s appearance by creating a controlled wound to let new skin replace the old skin. It uses chemical solutions such as carbolic acid (phenol), lactic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid to make the skin blister and peel off.
PDO Threads: This is one of the most popular and highly effective non-surgical procedures to lift and tighten loose, sagging skin as well as dissolve small fatty areas on the face and body. It makes use of a synthetic fiber called polydioxanone threads to stimulate formation of new collagen – gives our skin strength and elasticity, and helps remove dead skin tissues. Also, PDO threads have the ability to induce death of fat cells called lipolysis which is very effective in treating stubborn fat on the lower face and other body parts. The PDO threads are strong, non-allergenic and will dissolve after 6 months – this is enough to produce more collagen and skin tightness that can last for several years.
References:
- Statistics on Cosmetic Procedures Worldwide. International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2014.
- Fellowship in Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine. Available at http://www.docdatabase.net/more-fellowship-in-anti-aging-and-aesthetic-medicine-590833.html
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Thinking about adding Botox treatments to your practice? 💉
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Do you inject the Vermillion border in young clients with a perfectly defined border?
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While Botox is great to reduce muscle activity and lines, dermal filler actually fills the cavity of the line; converting static lines to dynamic ones
During our certificate in aesthetic medicine (3 days) injection skills are properly developed using various types of needles and cannula. What you are learning is injection depths.
If feels like a gamble that’s your sign to speak to someone from our team to get your headspace certain if this is for you. Comment “CAM” and my team will reach out to you #aestheticcareers #cliniceducator #aesthetic
Trying to figure it out on your own is how you get overwhelmed! This is why my team put 15 min aside to help bring you clarity - comment “CAM” below and my team will reach out to you #aesthetics #aestheticeducation #aestheticeducationworldwide
Remember slow and steady is way better than not taking action. Curious on how you can transition into aesthetics comment “CAM” and I’ll personally reach out to you #aestheticclinic #aestheticeducation
Investing into something new will always come with these thoughts, it’s your duty to make sure you’re investing into courses that feel aligned - that’s why our team put aside 15 minutes a day to help you gain clarity on what is necessary for you to move the needle with aesthetics. Comment “CAM” and I’ll personally reach out #aestheticcourses #aestheticsclinic #education
Aesthetic Talk with Dr Ahmed Haq
If you think you know aesthetics… think again.
Read on https://www.harleystreetinstitute.com
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Link in bio
Biofilm is a rare complication of dermal fillers; however, its incidence varies significantly between clinics, with some encountering it very infrequently and others seeing it more often.
This article explores the real-world experience of a single clinic, supported by relevant research. Read the article to deepen your understanding and gain certification toward your continuing professional development (CPD). #aestheticmedicine
It’s common to have fear when investing into aesthetic courses, as it can feel like a ‘risk’. If you want to understand how to enter aesthetics in a calm, structured, low risk way. Comment ‘CAM’ and I’ll walk you through it
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Botulinum Toxin Top-Up: Forehead, Frown & Crow’s Feet
In this male patient, the upper forehead has relaxed well; however, there is compensatory hyperactivity directly over the eyebrows, resulting in visible movement and line formation. I’m addressing this with very superficial micro-drops, using a 32G needle, keeping the dose conservative at ≤1 unit per injection point to soften activity without risking brow heaviness.
Moving to the frown complex, I first assess which components are still active. In this case, the medial corrugators are adequately relaxed, while the lateral corrugator remains dominant, driving the residual frown expression. Although the contraction appears central, the top-up is strategically placed laterally, targeting the true source of movement rather than the visible crease.
Finally, for the crow’s feet, if lower lateral eye lines become accentuated following initial treatment, I often recommend a small, controlled top-up of 1–2 units into the lower crow’s feet, placed superficially and laterally. This refines residual lines while maintaining smile dynamics and avoiding unwanted diffusion into the zygomaticus.#botoxinjections #botoxtraining
The Truth About Trendy Lips
We need to stop treating lips like a construction project. This dynamic, delicate structure is being ruined by over-manipulation and trendy, trauma-inducing techniques.
The outcome of chasing these “fancy” names? Long-term fibrosis and the look everyone judges: overdone and unnatural.
Don’t be that person. Don’t let your practitioner get sucked into the marketing games. Let’s protect the integrity of a great procedure. Our motto? K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Stupid).#kisslips
Forehead Indentations Explained
Not all forehead dips are created equal — some come from the soft tissues, and others from the hard bony foundation underneath.
🔹 Soft Tissue Causes
The forehead skin is thick and tightly bound down by fibrous connective tissue. These tethering points can pull the skin inward, leaving little dimples or grooves. With age, soft tissue thinning and volume loss make these dips appear more obvious.
🔹 Bony Irregularities
Sometimes, the issue lies deeper. The forehead bone itself can have slight irregularities or contour changes. These structural variations mean the skin and tissue drape unevenly, creating visible shadows.
🔹 Treatment Approach
With dermal fillers placed via cannula, we can soften the transition — filling the dips, smoothing the surface, and balancing light reflection. Think of it as creating a seamless blend between skin and bone so the forehead reflects light evenly, not in patches.
💡 From anatomy to aesthetics, understanding both soft tissue and bony contributions is key to a natural, smooth result.
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