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    ADVANCED CERTIFICATE

    Aesthetic Medicine

    Increase your clinical knowledge of aesthetic principles and the safe practice of evidence-based cosmetic treatments.

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    Doctor performing an injectable treatment

    Overview

    Gain a new level of confidence and competence in your aesthetic practice and add more advanced cosmetic services to your clinic.

    • Add laser, hair removal, and advanced cosmetic injecting techniques to your practice. 
    • This course is perfect for practitioners with prior training and experience.
    • This course is for medical doctors and International Medical Graduates.
    • The online course is quality-assured by Bond University and CPD accredited.

    CPD requirements

    Fulfils 50 hrs for medical professionals in Australia*

    Study modes

    100% online
    Online + workshop

    Course fee

    Fully online: $2595
    Online + workshop: from $3795
    Special rates available

    Study duration

    88.5 hrs
    Self-paced

    Workshop dates & locations

    2025
    6 Apr in Sydney
    3 Aug in Brisbane
    19 Oct in Melbourne

    *provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of 5 hours is completed.

    Bond University

    Course benefits

    • Understand anatomy and manage complications to improve patient safety.
    • Utilise chemical peels for skin rejuvenation and sun damage repair.
    • Administer advanced Botulinum toxin treatments for a full-face approach. 
    • Upskill in laser treatments for vascular and pigment conditions, tattoo and hair removal.

    Get unlimited access to all course content, additional learning materials, ongoing post-course support, and more.

    *These topics are covered during the face-to-face sessions in the optional skills workshop. 

    View the workshop program.

    Course contents

    Skin ageing principles

    In this module, the process of skin ageing is examined commencing with the function of the skin and what happens to skin structure as the skin ages, including skin of colour.  Intrinsic and extrinsic factors that cause the skin to age are discussed. Assessment tools including the Fitzpatrick skin types, Glogau classification, Johnson’s wrinkle scale, Weiss’s, Merz scales and Lever are outlined. Quizzes are presented to encourage participants to familiarise with the most common assessment tools. Grading acne severity scales and Roberts hyper-pigmentation and scarring severity scales are discussed in detail. Skin analysers are introduced as a potential skin assessment tool. The content then moves to treatment planning information including prevention, medical, aesthetic and cosmeceutical options. 

    Complications including relevant anatomy in aesthetic medicine

    This module details injectable procedures including deoxycholic acid, botulinum toxin, dermal fillers and biostimulators. The importance of knowing your muscular and vascular anatomy is stressed to minimise adverse reactions. Severe reactions including syncope, seizures and anaphylaxis are detailed. Local anaesthetic complications, ptosis, skin irritations, bruising, dysphagia, dysphonia, pain, granulomas, necrosis, asymmetry, discolouration, oedema, angioedema, lumps/nodules, infection, biofilm, and vascular occlusion are some complexities covered. Prevention strategies to minimise adverse outcomes are outlined and symptoms of complications and managing these complications are included.   

    Advanced chemical peels* and cosmeceuticals

    The first unit of this module focuses on chemical peels. Different peel options are described to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Indications and contra-indications are described. The benefits of chemical peels are listed and an introduction to combination and progressive peels is provided. The patient consultation includes skin assessment and the steps to perform a peel. Recognising and managing adverse effects finalises this unit. 

    Unit two outlines the difference between cosmetics and cosmeceuticals and the role cosmeceuticals can play in aesthetic medicine. It outlines how to identify skin conditions that would benefit from cosmeceuticals and how to prescribe cosmeceuticals as part of aesthetic medicine. The classification of cosmeceuticals and an explanation of cosmeceutical ingredients including AHA, BHA, antioxidants, vitamins, retinoids, depigmenting agents, botanicals, peptides and exfoliants are detailed. The module concludes with information on how to prepare the skin, regime options and aftercare.    

    Advanced botulinum toxin and hyperhidrosis*

    This module opens with revision of facial anatomy and techniques taught in the Introduction to Botulinum Toxin module. Unit one focuses on the upper face covering the glabella, frontalis, crow’s feet and brow lift areas. Unit two focuses on the lower face covering the nasalis, gummy smile, lip lines, depressor anguli oris, mentalis and masseters areas. Unit three focuses on the platysma area including anatomical considerations and how to approach treatment for this area. Unit four outlines hyperhidrosis and how botulinum toxin can be used to treat this excessive sweating condition. The technique and side effects are detailed for the underarm, face, upper lip palms and soles.    

    Advanced dermal fillers*

    This module explores advanced dermal filler applications commencing with when to use a needle versus cannula and covers the periorbital, brows, midface including pre-auricular and lower face areas. It describes different techniques that can be used for both men and women and how to manage complications.

    Unit three outlines the use of dermal fillers for the lower face including accordion lines, chin, perioral, lips and jaw line. Relevant anatomy is revised and chin augmentation assessment rules are included.

    The final unit introduces skin boosters and their role in aesthetic medicine.

    Lasers: vascular conditions*

    This module commences with listing the contraindications for the use of lasers. The premise of using lasers is knowing that laser technology and selection are related to wavelength, pulse duration, fluence and spot size. Various laser options including modes of operation assist in determining what lasers could be used for what conditions.

    The use of lasers for treating superficial and deeper vessels is included. Congenital vascular conditions including port wine stain, haemangiomas and lymphangiomas are described.

    The module then moves to treating acquired vascular conditions such as cherry angiomas, spider naevi, venous lake, telangiectasia, rosacea, poikiloderma of civatte and peri-orbital vessels.

    Lasers: pigment conditions*

    This module commences with outlining the considerations when deciding which laser to use for treating pigmented skin conditions. Laser treatment options for epidermal and dermal congenital and also epidermal and dermal acquired pigments are listed.

    Melasma treatments including melasma with vascular components treatments are outlined. The side effects of laser treatments are listed including the management of these side effects.

    Lasers: tattoo and hair removal*

    In this laser tattoo removal module, unit one focuses on laser assisted tattoo removal and the classification of types of tattoos and inks used that will determine the outcomes of tattoo removal. Each type of tattoo is detailed: amateur, professional, cosmetic, traumatic and medical tattoos. Tattoo colours, particle size and depth are considered when deciding laser treatment. Laser settings vary depending on the ink particle sizes. Patient preparation and post operative care are addressed including managing any complications.

    Unit two focuses on laser assisted hair removal. The hair follicle structure and growth phases are discussed including the two types of hair – vellus and terminal. Descriptions of how the lasers destroy the hair bulb and histology are provided.

    The module then moves to laser safety and settings. Patient preparation prior to the procedure, post procedure and possible complications finalise this module.

    Sclerotherapy

    This module commences with an overview of sclerotherapy and how it can be adapted for clinical practice. The venous anatomy and physiology are outlined including deep veins, perforators, superficial veins, varicose veins, reticular veins and spider veins.  The patient examination, investigation and treatment planning for both the doctor and patient are outlined. Clinical and animated images are provided throughout the course. Unit three focuses on sclerotherapy complications and their management including telangiectatic matting, hyperpigmentation, skin ulcers/cutaneous necrosis, arterial injection, allergy, anaphylaxis, STP, DVT and neurological complications. A guide to incorporating sclerotherapy into clinical practice finalises this module.     

    Did you know you can also study most of these course modules in HealthCert 365?

    If you're not interested in pursuing a full certificate in this field but simply want to enhance your skills in specific topics covered in this course, you can access the content of this and other courses for a flat fee of $83 per month (paid annually) within HealthCert 365.

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    Meet your instructors

     
    Paul Davis__1
     
    Dr Paul Davis
    MBBS, FRACGP, FACRRM 

     

    Honorary Lecturer in Pathology, The University of Queensland
     

    Dr Simon Clark runs the pathology component of the postgraduate certificate courses in skin cancer medicine at The University of Queensland and lectures in the Masters of Medicine course. He has been involved in dermatopathology education for more than 20 years, training registrars in dermatology, pathology and plastic surgery. More recently he has been active in GP education. One of the best known dermatopathologists in Australia, Simon was recently appointed a visiting professor in dermatology at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

     
    Dr Jenny Kimmins_circle
     
    Dr Jenny Kimmins
    MBBS, FRACGP, Dip. Derm

     

    Fellow of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia

    Aesthetic Medicine Physician and Medical Director at Southern Cosmetics, Victoria

    HealthCert Course Chair for Aesthetic Medicine

    Dr Jenny Kimmins spent many years in General Practice before developing an interest in management and treatment of skin conditions. She has over 10 years’ experience in cosmetic medicine, including the management of acne and rosacea, laser skin treatments, dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections. She is a lecturer and trainer in aesthetic medicine and injectable cosmetic treatments. Jenny completed a postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology with the Australian Institute of Dermatology and is a trained skin cancer physician with a special interest in sun-damaged skin. She was recently awarded a Fellowship of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia.

     
    Dr_Anthony_Rixon
     
    Dr Anthony Rixon
    MBBS, FRACGP, MMed, DRCOG, B.Biomed.Sc

     

    Medical Director, Main Street Cosmetic and Skin, Lilydale Victoria 

    Dr Anthony Rixon graduated from the University of Queensland in 2001 with a post-graduate degree in Medicine. Prior to this, he undertook a Bachelor of Biomedical Science majoring in Physiology. He has trained extensively in hospitals both in Australia and overseas.

    In 2009, he completed expert training in general practice, achieving his Royal Australian College of General Practice Fellowship (FRACGP). He has since focused on skin and cosmetic medicine. Anthony has also completed a Masters of Medicine specialising in skin cancer. This is recognised as the most comprehensive qualification in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, he has detailed knowledge of facial anatomy and understands the intricacies of structures underneath the skin.

    Anthony is recognised as a skilful injector through his participation in advanced workshops on dermal filler and Botulinum Toxin. He regularly attends conferences showcasing the most current information on cosmetic medicine, staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques.

    Study modes

    Study 100% online

    100% online

    Study at your own pace and to your own schedule. Interactivity, discussion, and feedback opportunities are included.

    • View and replay video lectures at your convenience.
    • Participate in online case discussions and interact with your peers.
    • Attend or watch recordings of live tutorials with experts in this field.
    • Ask questions and discuss clinical cases in live tutorials.
    • Complete your assessment online and receive your CPD hours and certificate.
    Study online and complete a practical workshop

    Online + workshop

    Complete your course online and receive all the benefits of online study, then put theory into practice at a small-group workshop.

    • Gain hands-on practise in various procedures under expert guidance.
    • Workshops are available in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
    VIEW UPCOMING DATES
    HealthCert 365 - a digital CPD library

    HealthCert 365

    Easily meet your CPD requirements and gain valuable skills – all in one place for $83 per month.

    • Customise your learning experience by accessing and focusing only on course modules that interest you the most.
    • Gain access to 200+ additional CPD activities and 50-hour special focus CPD programs, sourced from all HealthCert university-assured programs.
    START FREE 7-DAY TRIAL

    Advanced Certificate of Aesthetic Medicine

    from $2595

     .
    • Meets the 50hr annual CPD requirement*
    • 100% online from $2595 or with face-to-face workshop from $3595
    • Workshops in Brisbane, Melbourne & Sydney
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    *provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of 5 hours is completed.

     

    Bundle two courses and save 5%, or three courses and save 10% upon enrolment.
    Talk to us about deferred payment options, registrar scholarships and special rates.

    Advanced Certificate of Aesthetic Medicine example
    This certificate meets the 50hr annual CPD requirement for medical practitioners

    I wanted to diversify my GP practice and to expand more on an area of special interest. The HealthCert aesthetic medicine online courses and practical workshops have been precisely what I had been looking for. The program has taught me so much relevant theory and extremely useful practical techniques, such that I feel encouraged and supported on my journey in this new area of medicine. The facilitators in the workshop are highly knowledgeable and are such wonderful mentors, providing real life cases and sharing their extensive experience, which has been invaluable.

    Dr S. Rajalingam

    This is a very effective course which enhances your knowledge in aesthetic medicine in a short period of time. Highly recommended.

    Dr W. Y. Lai

    The Advanced Certificate of Aesthetic Medicine gave a broad overview of aesthetic medicine - good for a doctor who is thinking of entering the field.

    Dr R. Blum

    I really enjoyed this course and look forward to the third part of this pathway. The presentations and course material were so relevant!

    Dr F. Cranwell

    The course was well planned and so informative and interesting. Well organised with a great team to keep me on track. Lots of new information and so much fun! Thank you.

    Dr M. Carstens

    Having completed six HealthCert courses now, I am feeling professionally confident and am able to consider a future in aesthetic medicine. I have gained valuable knowledge and confidence in my subspecialities of interest. The courses have allowed me to develop and grow professionally as well as network with some fabulous professionals.

    Dr S. Shinwari

    Accredited CPD activities in this certificate

    Each module in this certificate is an RACGP and ACRRM approved CPD activity.

    RACGP Activity Number ACRRM Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours Outcome Hours
    453174 31128 Lasers: Vascular conditions 453174 31128 5 5 0
    453187 31130 Lasers: Tattoo and Hair Removal 453187 31130 5.5 5 0
    453181 31129 Lasers: Pigment conditions 453181 31129 4 5 0
    453069 31125 Advanced Chemical Peels and Cosmeceuticals 453069 31125 4 5 0
    453065 31124 Complications including relevant anatomy 453065 31124 4.5 5 0
    453107 31126 Advanced Botulinum toxin and hyperhidrosis 453107 31126 4.5 5 0
    453171 31127 Advanced dermal fillers 453171 31127 5.5 5 0
    453060 31123 Skin ageing principles 453060 31123 4.5 5 0
    809648 32990 Undertaking a cosmetic consultation Outcome Improvement Activity 809648 32990 0 0 8.5
    Total hours 37.5 40 8.5

    Note: The workshop is an optional self-submitted CPD activity and is not university reviewed.

    View the CPD Hours for all HealthCert Education activities.

    Outcome measurement

    The purpose of outcome measurement activities is to improve your clinical confidence in managing an identified learning gap. Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of our Professional Certificate of Advanced Certificate courses; they are a requirement for Australian CPD purposes.

    HealthCert Education provides a variety of outcome measurements activities to suit your needs:

    • Outcome Improvement Activities relating to specific topics within a course. They are designed to examine current clinical care, align clinical practice with best practice standards, and identify opportunities for improvement. These activities are accredited with RACGP and ACRRM.
    • Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) options on a specific topic or your identified area. A generic template and guides are provided. PDSAs are self-submitted activities.
    • Additional activities with guides include Test Measurement, Pathology Results, Practice Meetings, Peer Review, Practice Accreditation, Project Management, Student Supervision, and Pick your own topics (General Practice and Log Book methods). These are self-submitted activities.

    Pre- and post-course information

    Entry requirements

    The Advanced Certificate of Aesthetic Medicine will meet the needs of medical professionals who are interested in enhancing their clinical knowledge in aesthetic principles and the safe practice of the latest evidence-based aesthetic medicine procedures. Ideal for practitioners who are considering working in the field, the course provides a new level of confidence and competence relevant to primary care, enabling participants to integrate cosmetic services into their day-to-day work.

    This course is for physicians, nurse practitioners and degree-qualified nurses who are registered with AHPRA. Participants must have completed the Professional Certificate of Aesthetic Medicine (or a qualification deemed equivalent) and HealthCert also recommends successful completion of at least 25 cases of aesthetic medicine prior to enrolment.

    Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing in English is assumed.

    Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

    Professionally accredited qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course. Please send an email to credit@healthcert.com for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.

    This email should contain information about your educational history and work experience that specifically pertain to the content and procedures covered in the Professional Certificate of Aesthetic Medicine. Please include any applicable certificates and course outlines from previous education.

    The relevant Course Chair will make a determination on your application within two to three weeks.

    Certification

    This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types, provided an outcome measurement activity with a minimum of five hours is completed. You may use an optional HealthCert outcome measurement activity or develop your own.

    Outcome measurement activities are not a requirement of Professional or Advanced Certificates.

    Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Advanced Certificate of Aesthetic Medicine certificate. 

    This certificate course:

    • Qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
    • Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
    • Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Points are calculated differently.
    • Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD hoursmust be stated on the certificate. Please contact PLD@dhcr.gov.ae for more information.
    • Is a self-submitted activity in the UK. CPD events overseas, applicable to a doctor’s scope of practice, may be submitted for revalidation. Please confirm with your Responsible Officer.
    • Is a self-submitted activity in Canada through the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.
    • Is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP). Learn more about practising cosmetic medicine in New Zealand here.
    • Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
    • Is quality-assured by Bond University.
    • Has been independently developed with subject experts and does not receive education grants from any pharmaceutical company.

    To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit our FAQs.

    Pathways

    Professional Diploma Pathway

    This course is the second stage of the diploma pathway. The full pathway is the Professional Certificate of Aesthetic Medicine the, Advanced Certificate of Aesthetic Medicine and the Professional Diploma of Aesthetic Medicine. 

    Postgraduate Pathway for Aesthetic Medicine with the University of South Wales

    This pathway is suitable for doctors who are mainly interested in clinical academic study. The Postgraduate Diploma and Master of Science in Cosmetic Medicine is studied entirely online through Diploma MSc and awarded by the University of South Wales (UK). Medical professionals who successfully complete the HealthCert Professional Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Professional Diploma of Aesthetic Medicine will be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for module 1 of the Postgraduate Diploma of Cosmetic Medicine which will save them time. When the Postgraduate Diploma has been successfully completed, doctors can apply for credit towards the MSc in Cosmetic Medicine awarded by the University of South Wales. In addition, they will receive up to £500 scholarship for the MSc course and £250 for the PGDip course when they inform our partner’s applications team that they are a HealthCert graduate. Please apply directly here. 

    Certified Clinical Attachments Pathway

    Clinical attachments are optional and available on a 1:1 basis. These provide the opportunity to observe aesthetic medicine and ask questions of the expert performing the procedures. HealthCert certificates are awarded for participating in clinical attachments. Many doctors find this a very valuable learning experience.

    University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider 

    This organisation is an RACGP-accredited CPD provider under the RACGP CPD Program.

    HCE homepage logo _ RACGP Major Provider _ transp
    Quality assured by Bond University
    ACRRM-2023-logo_200x100
    Postgraduate studies with the University of South Wales
    Clinical attachment with Southern Cosmetics

    Frequently asked questions

    Don't see your question? Explore other faqs or talk to us.

    What are the costs and payment options of the course?

    Fees will vary based on the program and study option selected (fully online vs online + optional practical workshop). Payments can be made upfront or in monthly instalments. Special rates and various payment options are available. GP registrars and doctors in training enjoy a scholarship of up to $500. Talk to us to learn more.

    What is the Alumni Support Program?

    Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:

    • Access to special alumni rates for new courses when they are released.
    • Special alumni price for HealthCert Conferences.
    • Exclusive advanced access to HealthCert events.
    • Regular Alumni Webinars pertaining to the course(s) you have attended. These will provide content review of the course and an opportunity to discuss case studies.
    • Access to the video lectures as seen during the course(s) that you have attended.
    How will I receive my certificate?

    HealthCert Education is pleased to issue digital credentials for alumni. Digital credentials are a permanent online record of your successful completion of a HealthCert course and are issued to all course participants in addition to PDF certificates. If you are based in Australia, you also have the option to order a hard copy of your digital certificate for a small additional fee.

    How long will the course take to complete?

    The recommended study duration of this certificate course is 88.5 hours, which includes study of the pre-course activities and readings, online lectures, live tutorials, and online assessment. This self-paced course offers the flexibility of 100% online study in your own time, at your own pace, in your own home or office, with no mandatory face-to-face requirements. You are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience.

    Is this course recognised in my country?

    All HealthCert courses meet World Federation of Medical Education standards. This certificate course qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Australia. It is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in New Zealand. It is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) in China. It is a self-submitted activity in Dubai and the United Kingdom. It is a self-submitted activity through the College of Family Physicians in Canada. If you live or work outside one of the above-mentioned countries, please contact us on admin@healthcert.com to discuss whether this course can be recognised in your country.

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