How I Became a Cosmetic Injector

Since my teenage years, I have been interested in skincare. Like most of the general public, my decisions to purchase products were mostly led by advertising. More than one or two ingredients were rarely mentioned, and I trusted that the promised results would be achieved. When fate stepped in and changed the course of my nursing career, my personal interest in skincare quickly turned into a passion.

I completed my Bachelor of Nursing Science at James Cook University, Townsville, in 1995 and worked in general nursing for the next two years before moving to London. Ten years after graduating, I took my first cosmetic and plastic surgery position with Mr. Chris Inglefield, the owner and director of London Bridge Plastic Surgery.

Initially employed for my theatre nursing experience, I soon gravitated towards the non-surgical section of the clinic. I was fascinated by a new world of injectables, muscle relaxers, dermal fillers, cosmeceutical skincare, laser and light treatments, and mesotherapy. I endeavoured to learn as much as possible for the next three and a half years. The courses and conferences were exciting; my passion for nursing was invigorated, and my career path was determined.

In 2008, after 11 years in the UK, I returned to theatre nursing in Australia. At the end of 2009, fate stepped in again, and I was offered a position at a new Cosmetic Plastic Surgery clinic in Brisbane. The clinic was opening, so I was able to work again in non-surgical procedures and involved in marketing, policy and procedure, and clinic advancement.

Some snaps from my 11 years in London.

In 2011, I moved back to Townsville and began the next part of my journey at Chrysalis Medispa as a Cosmetic Injector. Before maternity leave in early 2014, I also contracted as a Clinical Trainer (North Queensland) for Galderma Aesthetic. This role was very exciting and challenging, allowing me to ‘learn from my students.’ Very proudly, my sister Rachelle, also a Cosmetic Injector, has been a Clinical Trainer for Galderma, so I now call my little sister for advice!

Attending the ASAPS Non Surgical Symposium on the Gold Coast with Colleagues

Rachelle McIntosh, RN and Dr Peter Gianoulis

I continue to attend annual industry-leading conferences and workshops and ensure in-clinic product injecting sessions are regularly scheduled to stay as up-to-date as possible with new techniques and trends. Education is key to our professional recognition and integrity; I want to ensure I never stop learning.

In 2020, not only did the world change but so did my career. I was offered a dream opportunity to join Dr Monique Flores, the Medical Director at Northern Skin Studio. Four years later, I can’t believe I have been in this industry for 18 years. I can honestly say, hand on heart, that I love my job, and every day is filled with a deep desire to be the best practitioner I can be.

My passion has never wavered, but it continues to evolve. As a qualified meditation and yoga teacher, I personally like to ensure that my patients feel a sense of calm and attention when they are with me. My passion for #ageingwell has only become more important as I grow older, and my desire to support my patients in living their best lives—both inside and out—drives everything I do.

• Bachelor of Nursing Science (James Cook University)

• Generic Essential Life Support (Annual Update)

• Q-Med Restylane Lipp Masterclass; Q-Med Restylane Injection Technique Training; Advanced Skills in Administration Certificate Restylane, Restylane Touch and Restylane Perlane.

• Galderma Restylane Sub Q, Emervel Deep and Emervel Volume Training.

• Emervel Lips, Emervel Classic and Emervel Touch Training.

• Sculptra Injection Technique Training

• Core of Knowledge Course Laser and Light Therapy; Treatment and Theory (UK)

• Lumenis IPL Training and Crystal Clear IFL Training

• Laserscope AURA I KTP and Laserscope LYRA Laser System Training

• Skintech training certificate; Easy TCA, Easy Phytic

• Ultrashape Certificate of Training and Velashape Certificate of Training

• Md Formulations Certificate of Excellence

• OBAGI Nu Derm, Skincare and Blue Peel Certificate

• Sesha Skin Therapy Certificate of Achievement

• Vitage Certificate of Excellence

• Skinceuticals Diploma of Product Knowledge

• Laboratoiries Filorga Paris Mesotherapy Injection Techniques Certificate of Attendance

• Advanced Certificate in Guiding and Teaching Meditation and Mindfulness - ACMM

• 200 hr YTT - Santosha Yoga Institute

• The Australian Centre of Colour Therapy and Healing Arts – Certificate of Massage

• Health and Harmony College - Oriental Remedial Therapy Diploma

• Jane Scrivener Stone – Thermo Therapeutic Stone Massage Course

#CosmeticNursing #Education