Certification Legislation Certification is an affirmation that one has completed a course of study, passed an examination, or otherwise met specified criteria for certification. However, certification is not a permission to act, but rather a statement of completion or qualification. Certification is a private matter, issued by a private organization that provides the clients with more information and confidence about the certified practitioner. It also gives practitioners a way to increase their competency through passing a course of study and exams and advertise or inform colleagues and public of their qualification of performance in the certified subject. Reasons for certification in Aesthetics Medicine Certification is a method to elevate your status and legitimacy amongst peers, other medical personnel and demonstrate competency with potential and existing government regulatory agencies. For physicians, board certification may be necessary to gain or maintain privileges to perform medical aesthetic surgery at a particular firm, to demonstrate a level of competency greater than others in the field, and to demonstrate that practitioners are interested in setting and maintaining high standards of patient care. As well, for medical aestheticians certification may be necessary because clinics or physicians may require certification for employment. In addition, medical aestheticians can demonstrate a level of competency equal to or greater than others in the field through certification. Medical Aesthetics Technology ProgramTM With the prompt advances in the field of skin care and the medical cosmetic procedures, critical need for both education and special certification is substantially increasing. The Medical Aesthetics Technology ProgramTM designed by the Canadian Association of Medical Spas and Aesthetic Surgeons presents both basic core information and advanced practical knowledge in medical aesthetics. This program offers potentials of employment and professional occupation for make-up artists, holistic health practitioners, cosmetologist, nurses, estheticians, and medical or lab assistants. Program Outline Anatomy and Physiology for the Estheticians Microbiology and Sanitization Skin, Nails and Hair disorders Client Assessment for Medical Aesthetics Skin Care Products and Chemistry Cosmetic Lasers and Physics (Laser Hair Removal; Laser Tattoo Removal) Chemical peels Dermal Fillers (For Licensed MDs or RNs) Cosmetic Botox (For Licensed MDs or RNs) Microdermabrasion and Laser Skin Resurfacing Medical Spa Safety and Regulations Medical Spa Business and Management Practice and Hands on Training Medical Aesthetics Certification Program Medical Aesthetics Certification Program recognized and recommended by the Canadian Association of Medical Spas and Aesthetic Surgeons should be able to train medical doctors and registered nurses who wish to expand their qualifications in the areas of Aesthetic Medicine and to practice non-surgical / non-invasive procedures in medical aesthetics clinics. Other medical or paramedical educators may attend the program and obtain the certification of completion, however, in most circumstances they must work under the supervision of qualified physicians, board certified surgeons or licensed dermatologists. Recommended Courses Physiology and Anatomy of Human Skin (2 cr.) This course covers the following topics: Epidermis, dermis and hypodermis, skin wound healing, extracellular matrix, connective tissue, collagen fibrillogenesis, epidermal appendages, melanocytes and skin color, hair follicle, hair growth cycle. Medical Aesthetics Microbiology (2 cr.) This course covers the following topics: Microbial risks and skin infection, infection control in salon and spa, disinfectants, safety measures and preventions, skin protection in foot spa, potential microbial agents in spa and salon, cellulitis, candidiasis, fungi infection, nail fungus, green nail syndrome. Medical Aesthetics and Skin Disorders (4 credit) This course makes the attendees familiar with the most common skin disorders and the treatments using medical aesthetic procedures. The course covers at least but not at most the following topics: Skin types, perspiration sweating disorders, Miliaria (Prickly heat), sun damaged skin, sagging skin, aging of skin wrinkles and folds, biology of aging skin, scars and stretch marks, cellulite, pigmentation disorders, melasma and cholasma, moles, rosacea, acne, spider veins, and hair disorders including alopecia (hair loss), hirsutism (Female excessive hair growth), pseudofolliculitis barbae. Medical Aesthetics Procedures (MAP; 6 credit) This course involves basic techniques in Botox, dermal-filler, and laser therapy, and safety. Participants will gain adequate skills to accompaniment their existing practices with aesthetic medical procedures. The course will increase the participants confidence to choose the best treatment for their clients, perform Botox therapy, inject dermal filler such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Radiesse, work with laser device and perform laser hair reduction and tattoo removal, and treat patients with chemical peel where needed. Advanced Medical Aesthetics Procedures (AMAP; 6 credit) Graduates of MAP or those who already have the basic skills in aesthetic medicine can participate in AMAP. They will be able to boost up their knowledge and skills in aesthetic medicine. The most up to date aesthetic techniques will be covered and participants will have more opportunity to advance their skills in facial contouring using Botox such as eyelift, scar reduction and treatment for excessive sweating. Further advancing of skills dermal filler injectables will enable the practitioners to perform non-surgical rhinoplasty (nose job), nasal augmentation, cheek and facial contouring and wrinkle reduction using injectables such as Radiesse, Juvederm and / or Restylane. Advanced laser training will consist of combination skin rejuvenation techniques, microdermabrasion and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Medical Aesthetics Business Administration (MABA, 3 credit) Upon completion of all courses the graduates will be able to start and / or manage a medical spa independently. Medical Aesthetics Certification / Unit Botox Certification  (For Licensed MDs or RNs) This workshop consists of an intense, comprehensive (one-day) course in both Botox cosmetics and Botox therapeutics. Participant will go over facial muscles anatomy, injection techniques, patient examination and facial analysis, and treatment of complications. Botox dilution methods, preparation and storage, will also be covered. Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the training. Dermal Filler Certification (For Licensed MDs or RNs) A comprehensive and hands-on two-day training course for dermal filler. The training will cover major dermal fillers currently in use such as Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Teosyal and Evolence. The use of Macrolane, in non-surgical body contouring may be covered in this course. Special emphasis will be placed on precise injection techniques, facial anatomy, nerve block for dermal filler, patient selection and examination, treatment of complications, pain control / nerve block techniques for dermal filler injection, and preparation and storage of dermal fillers. Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the training. Chemical Peel Certification This course comprises a comprehensive, 8-hours hands-on training. Basic hair and skin anatomy will be discussed in detail. Participants will gain knowledge of procedures and protocols for skin preparation prior to chemical peeling. This is essential for reduction the risk of complications such as infection and pigmentation. Participants will also learn how to examine and treat different skin types and color. All main chemical categories commonly use in clinical and aesthetic medical procedures such as Trichloro Acetic Acid (TCA), Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Phenol, and various Alpha Hydroxy Acids will be covered in the course. Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the training. Cosmetic Laser Certification This course is ideal for those who want to incorporate cosmetic lasers therapy in their practices. This extensive and hands-on laser training includes all necessary medical grounds to safely and effectively perform laser and light therapy. Fractionated lasers, laser hair reduction, laser tattoo removal, Intense Pulse Light (IPL) devices, and photodynamic therapy are covered in this certification course. Laser physics, analysis of skin type, skin and hair anatomy, skin preparation prior to laser treatment, and non-ablative laser techniques is also an essential element of the curriculum. Various types of laser currently employed in medical aesthetics including CO2 and Erbium lasers, will be trained. Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the training. Mesotherapy Certification (For Licensed MDs or RNs) Mesotherapy is a non-invasive procedure alternative to liposuction. It works by a series of microinjections of specially selected drug, vitamins and/or amino acids into the areas of the body where the unwanted fat deposit is located. Mesotherapy is effective for breaking up the persistent fat deposits that is hard to be removed by diet and exercise. Injection of lipolysis or fat dissolving substances will also reduce and shrink the size of unpleasant lipomas. Participants will learn two techniques that are most popular: Subcutaneous microinjections and Nappage technique. Dilution, preparation, injection and storage methods of the drugs used in Mesotherapy will also be covered. Participants will receive certification upon completion of training. Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the training.