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Studies & Degrees in Aesthetic Medicine

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In the earlier years, society did not accept Aesthetic Medicine as something medical just as they did not accept aesthetic surgery. They look down on people who had undergone aesthetic treatments and considered them shallow and vain. However, as time passed and as technology improved the techniques and methodologies of, not only aesthetic, but all medical treatments; people came to accept, sometimes even encourage, Aesthetic Medicine.

Aesthetic Medicine did not develop before the invention of the first collagen grafts. It originated from aesthetic surgery which, in turn, came from plastic surgery. For so many years, the history of Aesthetic Medicine and surgery had been confused with plastic and reconstructive surgery although the two had never been apart because the first ones to develop aesthetic techniques were plastic surgeons. The crudest forms of aesthetic surgery existed 2,500 years ago but the greatest development it had was during the two world wars. In 600 B.C., Indian surgeons could reconstruct a nose by using flaps of skin from the cheeks while in the year 1,000, rhinoplasty or nose surgery using skin from the forehead also became a known Indian technique. At the end of the 15th century, many people were affected by syphilis which had a symptom of a depressed nose. Gaspare Tagliacozzi, an Italian barber and considered the Father of Plastic Surgery, successfully reconstructed a nose by using flaps of skin from the upper arm. A significant advancement in rhinoplasty came in 1880 when a New York surgeon, John Orlando Roe, developed internal rhinoplasty which operated on the nose by making incisions inside the nostrils. John Orlando Roe also classified five different types of noses—Roman, Greek, Jewish, Snub or Pug, and Celestial—which he related to psychological traits. This could be considered as the start of using plastic surgery for aesthetic purposes. In 1906, Charles C. Millers wrote series of articles about physiognomic surgery and, finally, a book titled Cosmetic Surgery where he described various surgical techniques for the ears, eyelids, and for the correction of thin or thick lips. He also proposed certain techniques for removing wrinkles and preventing them from appearing.

Should a student choose to take this major, they will learn the practical and clear-cut approach of Aesthetic Medicine. Most schools and training schools include theory lessons, live demonstrations, and hands-on basics such as Botulinum Toxin Type A (BTA)—their indications and complications, chemical peelings, injectable fillers, and lasers including laser lipolysis, laser treatments for vascular lesions, laser tattoo removal, laser treatments for hair removal, and laser for pigmented lesions. Students will also learn about anti-aging medicines, phebology and aesthetic lymphology, POFE Cellulitis, hyper and hypopigmentation management, and sclerotheraphy. They will also gain knowledge on facial wrinkles classification, skin conditioning—its indications, side effects, results, and skin regimen. Most schools, however, allow only nurses practitioners, and physicians to take Aesthetic Medicine or any formal cosmetic surgery training. Students who graduated or finished formal training on Aesthetic Medicine can find many career opportunities in today’s society where outward beauty does matter. Here are some career paths a licensed aesthetician can follow: aesthetic nurse practitioner, aesthetician or therapist, aesthetic doctor, clinic managers, trainers, receptionists, and sales consultant.