8 TIPS FOR COSMETIC INJECTORS
- Shona Great, RN
- Jul 11, 2024
- 5 min read
Photo credit:: http://www.kleinphotographen.com
I have been asked many times, by both Doctors and Registered Nurses, how I became a Cosmetic Injector. To be honest there was a lot of luck and good timing involved in gaining my first job; I wasn't looking to "get into" Aesthetic and Cosmetic Nursing. But looking back I couldn't have asked for better mentors and teachers.
I have strong opinions about professional recognition and integrity in our chosen specialty. So whilst I appreciate that a lot of nurses and doctors would like to work in aesthetic and cosmetic medicine, there has to be industry standards that
But for those of you considering a change of direction, here are my basic 8 tips or pearls of wisdom (if you like), Things that I think you either need to consider or at least be aware of when
1. YOU AS A PRACTITIONER
Firstly I will say to anyone; just because you want to do this kind of work doesn't mean you'll be good at it!! Yep there it is. And trust me, I have said this directly to prospective practitioners.
Obviously you require your medical background, this is a must. A thorough and advanced knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology in the face and neck is not just a recommendation, it should be a requirement to practice.
You also need to use both sides to your brain. By this I mean you'll need an eye for it. I see it in potential practitioners straight away. They will just 'SEE' the deficit, the line, the fold, the contour, the shadow. Call it maths (PHI) or call it art - it's the same thing. But you'll need to be able to master it.
The cosmetic non-surgical industry is growing every year, love it or hate it, it is influenced greatly by money, social standing, peers and social media. Your psychology hat will have to be well and truly on. This will be your choice, but I would always advocate that you ensure that you are happy with the ethics of your practice.
Lastly you’ll need to be able to sell; hard for medico's as this is very different to our previous vocation of Nursing or Medicine. It's a profit driven business and the treatments most certainly do not come free!!
2. ON THE JOB TRAINING
I would definitely recommend finding a clinic that you can work for (RN’s) or with (Dr’s). You will learn faster and gain more confidence this way. If you choose to study, working in the industry as you go will consolidate what you learn each day. Living in North Queensland I completely understand that, depending on where you are geographically, this may be easier said than done.
3. POST GRADUATE TRAINING
More and more courses are appearing in Australia that offer ‘Post graduate Cosmetic Nursing Qualifications’ - I personally haven’t completed any so I can not comment on the study content. Dr’s will have more choice, and most courses and qualifications will be recognised by a governing body.
However, I would suggest that you endeavour to find a position in the industry first before spending the money on the course. WHY? You could do the course, and then not get a job in the industry for say? 2 years - and I guarantee that you would have lost both your confidence and significant knowledge of the practical side to things by then.
I got very lucky, I started with a plastic surgeon in the UK as his surgical assistant and then 'fell' if you like into the Non-Surgical side of it. By the time I was home and looking at the courses here, I had enough practical and theoretical knowledge to question whether I would learn anything knew. However never say never. I'm still searching for a good course.
4. USE YOUR REPS: THEY ARE INVALUABLE
On the job training is the best way to learn. The reps are a wealth of knowledge (stuff you can’t buy) and so I would always say get them in to your clinic as much as possible, and ask all the questions you can think of. Not only do they have training, and of course (hopefully) know their product, they also see other clinics so can keep you up to date with the latest techniques.
Also, get friendly with the skincare reps. A lot of the skin care companies in Australia have short courses that they offer to clinics that use their products. This way you can also find out about the product side of things - which is very important. It will only be basic skin diagnosis and of course product ingredients, but it is another dynamic to the industry. Most patient’s will expect you, even as ‘an injector’, to at least have some knowledge of skincare.
5. IF YOU CAN, GO TO THEATRE
If you can get to see any facial surgery - utilise it. Doing this will enable you to convert to 3D while you are injecting. A great app for an iPad is Essential Anatomy. Of course every patient should be assessed and all precautions taken when injecting, however I like that it enables me to visualise the vascular, musculature and nervous systems (just a nice little reminder), whilst looking at the patient.
6. LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES - YES, YOU WILL DROP THAT BROW
Photo credit:: http://www.clarenicolsonstylist.com/
You will mess up - I gave my first patient a Brow Ptosis in 2008 whist working in a very fast Harley Street Clinic. I remember it VERY CLEARLY. I rang the rep for the product I was using and he just said 'now you can call yourself an injector - anyone who hasn't had a ptosis isn't injecting enough". At least it made me feel better - for a day.
It's horrible but it happens - just remain confident and take your time when you are injecting and if you really don't know just return to your notes and maybe be conservative - they can always come back for more.
7. DOCUMENTATION
Of course RN’s and Dr’s are very aware of how important documentation is. However, sometimes when we are not in an intensive medical setting, we can become complacent. You must take the time to chat to them. Give them options, talk about the ageing process, why they are ageing the way they are? Don’t be afraid to ask; are you a - smoker? sun-baker? How much is your daily alcohol intake? Dietary history? We are here to enable the patient to correct and enhance their skin and appearance, however it is also the responsibility of the patient to ensure that they are living a lifestyle that supports healthy skin and ageing. I have a medical questionnaire that they sign, and I always give out aftercare sheets.
8. LEARN TO TAKE A VERY GOOD PHOTO
Always take photos. Get a good camera and stand them - NOT sit - at the same wall every time. I always get 5 shots front on - to the corners (of their space) and side on. And they should move their body NOT just the neck. Sometimes I will even get a patient back for review and I catch myself asking “did that work?” I get the photo out and it’s amazing what you have forgotten yourself - let alone them. I also have a photo disclaimer that I use for patient's to read and either sign OR not. It just asks them if they would be happy for their photos' to be used in different situations. ie social media, in clinic, medical presentations etc.
So I think that is my knowledge complete!!!! If you are an RN or Dr looking to enter the industry I hope that this gives you a little bit of insight. It is a challenging, rewarding, enjoyable career that most never leave. Enjoy.
Talk soon, Shona
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