Are you considering taking a botulinum toxin certification program (aka Botox, Dysport, Xeomin) and/or dermal fillers training program (Juvederm/Emervel/Restylane/Teosyal/etc)? Here are some pearls that practitioners, including physicians, dentists, nurses and naturopaths, should all consider before registering for a botox course.
Question #1 – How many hours is spent reviewing anatomy?
90% of negative side effects are injector related – this includes: eye lid droops, eyebrow droops, unbalanced results, bleeding, swelling, etc. At PTIFA, our introductory online Level 1 course provides 20+ hours of advanced anatomy learning, including an online cadaver lab and is a prerequisite to taking the advanced hands-on levels. Level 1 provides the foundation for learning basic and advanced botulinum toxin injections, as well as for dermal fillers and other facial rejuvenation procedures. Knowledge of relevant anatomy and its clinical applications ensure predictable results while minimizing the risk of negative side effects. You will find that most botulinum toxin and dermal fillers courses currently being taught include less than five hours of lecture, with often less than two hours spent reviewing anatomy. If you are considering incorporating Botox or dermal fillers into your practice, you should understand the importance of investing the time in an extensive head and neck anatomy review.
Question #2 – How many hours of clinical hands-on training will I have? How many patients will I be able to inject?
In order to gain experience and develop confidence, you need the opportunity to inject multiple patients with a variety of conditions in a safe and supervised environment. That’s why we incorporate a full 8-hour day of clinical experience at each of our hands-on programs (including Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5). You and your team will have the opportunity to watch an in-depth therapeutic and aesthetic treatment demonstration, followed by treating multiple patients yourself. You will find that most other courses provide minimal hands-on experience; either they will provide you solely with a demonstration, or you will treat only one or two patients.
Question #3 – What sort of evidence and research is the course curriculum based on? Is access to the material provided?
The curriculum at PTIFA is based on anatomy, proven clinical research studies as well as clinical evidence. We provide unrestricted access to the most evidence and practice-based approaches and techniques. Graduates have the ability to access all of the research material that is presented in our program through our membership websites. Additionally, our Instructors have comprehensive photographic records (including 29+ photos from each patient consultation and follow-up appointment) documenting continuous treatment and improved results for almost ten years. Most facial rejuvenation programs do not base their curriculum on the most current science and have limited records of their own patient’s facial rejuvenation cases.
Question #4 – What sort of standards does the course curriculum meet?
The courses provided at PTIFA provide the highest level of training in the field of botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, and facial rejuvenation and were used by the Alberta Dental Association + College to help create their “Standard of Practice” for facial aesthetic therapies. The standard outlines core competencies and educational requirements for patient care and is now being incorporated by other regulatory colleges across Canada and the world. This standard ensures practitioners receive a high level of training and that they are clinically proficient in one area, before advancing to the next area.
Question #5 – What sort of clinical integration will I be taught?
Integrating new systems and treatments into any practice is always challenging. Many CE courses do not provide training or tools that help you can successfully integrate treatment into practice. In order to successfully integrate a new service into one’s practice, support for the team is required. PTIFA teaches team membersTeam Members/Auxiliary Staff are any non-injector related office support staff of your practice. Ie: office managers, receptionists, chair-side assistants, medical assistants, hygienists, estheticians, etc. The courses at PTIFA are geared for complete practice integration and so we offer separate training courses specifically for your Team Members to learn the clinical integration and marketing. the specific skills necessary to ensure effective and consistent care is provided. Clinical skills, photographic record-keeping and patient management are all taught to aid in successful implementation. For details on the clinical integration taught at PTIFA, visit our Level 2 practitioner training or our Level 2 team training.
