Pamela Hill Institute

I am just back from Orlando, what a great meeting! Most of the aestheticians I met were eager to learn and gather knowledge. There are so many opportunities for aestheticians right now. Whether you are interested in day spa, cruise ship spas, resort spas or medical spas the chances that you will find the perfect job are pretty good. If medical aesthetics is your passion there are many niches that are possible. Consider the following opportunities

1. Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery (growing at over 100% per year)

2. Burn Units

3. Oncology units (cancer)

4. Hospital care

5. Teaching hospitals/Universities

All of these sectors are looking for aestheticians. But here is the problem, and all of the smart aestheticians have recognized this;continuing education. There are only a few states that offer a Master Esthetician program. So how does one get trained to become a medical esthetician? The answer; very carefully. There are plently of quasi programs out there that claim to be the best continuing education program. Some are even run by doctors. These individuals are looking to make money; it is a business for them. While, some of them may be very good it is important to evaluate the course carefully and make sure the topics covered are what you need. Next investigate the instructors and owners. Make sure they are on the up and up.  Then consider the costs. Once you have gotten all of this information, choose the course(s) that is right for you.

Meanwhile, read. Some great text books are recommended on this blog. Take advantage of them.

Lines, wrinkles and sagging skin were once a right of passage, but no more. Looking good for as long as possible is the goal. Microdermabrasion was introduced over 15 years ago and is a tool that everyone providing skin care (medical or not) should have at their fingertips.

There has been debate about the efficacy of microdermabrasion over the last 20 years. But, I have found it to be a very useful tool, especially for rough textures (golfer's skin), hyperpigmentation and fine lines. It can help the skin to look good in a short period of time (3-6 months) with very little down time. Of course proper client selection will ensure the success of the treatment. Those with superficial changes will have the best outcome. Problems such as fine lines, mild solar damage, superficial hyperpigmentation, rough textures, mild acne scarring and some types of skin lesions are easily treated.

Clients must also have realistic expectations. Education is key to the ultimate success of this treatment. Those individuals that are candidates for a facial lift and pull their neck skin tight when they describe their hope for the treatment are not microdermabrasion candidates. On the other hand those that describe their goal as smoothing and improving the glow of their skin are good candidates. Additionally, clients should recognize that the skin did not deteriorate overnight and therefore will not improve with one or two treatments.

Good Luck!