Lesson 1Focused physical exam: facial anatomy, skin quality, laxity, volume loss, dynamic vs static linesThis part outlines a focused cosmetic physical exam, highlighting facial anatomy, skin quality, laxity, volume status, and dynamic versus static lines to develop realistic, prioritised, and anatomically safe treatment plans.
Analyze facial shape and structural supportAssess skin texture, pores, and dyschromiaEvaluate laxity, ptosis, and tissue descentDifferentiate dynamic from static rhytidesIdentify volume loss and fat compartment changesPrioritize findings into staged treatment plansLesson 2Dermatoscopic and photographic documentation: tools, standardised views, Fitzpatrick classificationThis part describes dermatoscopic and photographic documentation, covering device choice, standardised views, lighting, and skin typing, to monitor outcomes, aid diagnosis, and provide medicolegal protection.
Select cameras, lenses, and lighting setupsStandardize patient positioning and viewsUse consistent exposure and background settingsIncorporate dermatoscopy for lesion assessmentClassify skin type with Fitzpatrick and GlogauStore and secure images for follow-up comparisonLesson 3Medication and supplement review: anticoagulants, isotretinoin, immunosuppressants, herbal supplementsThis part details a systematic review of medications and supplements, including anticoagulants, isotretinoin, immunosuppressants, and herbal agents, to predict bleeding, bruising, delayed healing, and interactions with cosmetic procedures.
Identify anticoagulants and antiplatelet agentsReview isotretinoin and retinoid exposureAssess steroids and immunosuppressive therapyScreen for photosensitizing medicationsDocument herbal and over-the-counter productsCoordinate medication adjustments with prescribersLesson 4Assessment of vascular and sensory status: palpation, blanching tests, vascular mappingThis part explains assessing vascular and sensory status before procedures, using palpation, blanching, and mapping to identify high-risk areas, anatomic variations, and neuropathies that could affect injection strategies and complication handling.
Palpate pulses and assess capillary refillPerform blanching and compression safety testsMap major facial arteries and danger zonesIdentify prior surgery, scars, and fillersScreen for neuropathy and altered sensationPlan safer injection planes and volumesLesson 5Medical history essentials: systemic diseases, medications, allergies, pregnancy and breastfeedingThis part covers targeted medical history for cosmetic patients, focusing on systemic diseases, medications, allergies, and reproductive status to foresee complications, adjust product choices, and schedule procedures safely and responsibly.
Screen for cardiovascular and metabolic diseaseIdentify autoimmune and connective tissue disordersReview allergies, atopy, and prior drug reactionsAssess pregnancy, fertility plans, breastfeedingEvaluate bleeding risk and wound healing issuesClarify prior anesthesia or surgery complicationsLesson 6Lifestyle and skin care factors: sun exposure, smoking, topical regimens, recent tanningThis part looks at lifestyle and skincare factors affecting healing, pigment changes, and treatment longevity, including sun exposure, smoking, tanning, and topical regimens, to optimise timing, advice, and pre-treatment plans.
Quantify chronic and intermittent sun exposureAssess indoor tanning and recent sunburnsEvaluate smoking, vaping, and nicotine useReview current topical and prescription productsIdentify irritants, exfoliants, and retinoidsPlan preconditioning and post-care regimensLesson 7Cosmetic history and psychosocial screening: previous aesthetic treatments, expectations, body dysmorphic riskThis part reviews gathering cosmetic history, exploring motivations, and screening for psychosocial issues, including body dysmorphic disorder, to match expectations, safeguard patient wellbeing, and guide ethical treatment choices.
Document prior cosmetic and surgical proceduresAssess satisfaction with previous aesthetic outcomesExplore motivations and treatment goalsScreen for body dysmorphic disorder and red flagsEvaluate social, cultural, and financial pressuresDiscuss consent, autonomy, and treatment boundariesLesson 8Dermatologic history: acne, rosacea, prior procedures, scarring, photosensitivityThis part focuses on targeted dermatologic history, including acne, rosacea, scarring, pigment disorders, and photosensitivity, to predict flare risks, abnormal healing, and pigment changes after lasers, peels, injectables, and energy devices.
Document acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitisReview history of keloids and hypertrophic scarsAssess melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentScreen for photosensitivity and photodermatosesNote prior lasers, peels, and resurfacingEvaluate chronic infections and herpes labialis
