Lesson 1How findings guide management decisions: matching signs to medical vs aesthetic priorities and staging treatmentThis section elucidates how to convert clinical findings into phased management plans, differentiating pressing medical requirements from aesthetic aims, prioritising safety, and ordering therapies to maximise effectiveness, recovery time, and enduring skin wellbeing.
Separating medical and aesthetic prioritiesIdentifying red flags needing referralStaging acute, corrective, and maintenance careBalancing efficacy, downtime, and riskAdapting plans to evolving clinical responseLesson 2Targeted symptom review: acne history, flare triggers, atopic background, photosensitivityThis section outlines focused questioning for acne, atopy, and photosensitivity, instructing you to pinpoint flare triggers, chronological patterns, and systemic links that sharpen differential diagnosis and direct both medical and aesthetic treatment selections.
Key acne history elements and chronicityIdentifying internal and external flare triggersAssessing atopic and allergic backgroundEvaluating photosensitivity and phototoxicityLinking symptoms to systemic red flagsLesson 3Comprehensive dermatologic history-taking: medical, dermatologic, medication, allergy, hormonal, and family historyIn this part, you will master structuring a thorough dermatologic history, incorporating medical comorbidities, previous skin conditions, medications, allergies, hormonal influences, and familial patterns to foresee risks, hone diagnosis, and personalise integrated treatment schemes.
Core medical comorbidities to documentPast dermatologic diagnoses and coursesMedication, supplement, and topical reviewDrug allergies and adverse skin reactionsHormonal and reproductive history pointsFamily history of dermatoses and cancersLesson 4Clinical scoring tools and scales: acne severity (IGA, GAGS), hyperpigmentation indices, photoaging scales, and quality-of-life measuresThis section addresses validated clinical scoring instruments for acne, hyperpigmentation, and photoaging, alongside quality-of-life metrics, demonstrating how to choose, utilise, and analyse scales to standardise evaluations, monitor advancement, and aid patient instruction.
Choosing appropriate acne severity scalesHyperpigmentation and melasma indicesPhotoaging and photodamage grading toolsDermatology quality-of-life instrumentsUsing scores to monitor treatment responseLesson 5Focused aesthetic history: prior procedures, expectations, risk tolerance, desire for "natural" resultsYou will acquire the ability to gather a targeted aesthetic history, delving into previous procedures, satisfaction levels, expectations, risk acceptance, and inclinations for natural outcomes, facilitating pragmatic planning, informed agreement, and averting discontent or injury.
Documenting prior aesthetic proceduresExploring motivations and treatment goalsAssessing risk tolerance and downtime limitsClarifying desire for subtle versus dramatic changeScreening for unrealistic expectationsLesson 6Objective photographic documentation: standardised lighting, views, scales, and serial comparisonYou will grasp the tenets of standardised clinical photography, encompassing lighting, camera configurations, patient positioning, and scale utilisation, permitting dependable sequential comparisons, result recording, and straightforward dialogue with patients and colleagues.
Setting up consistent lighting and backgroundStandard facial and body view protocolsCamera settings and distance standardizationUse of reference scales and color chartsOrganizing and securing image archivesLesson 7Structured skin examination: lesion morphology, distribution, skin type (Fitzpatrick), photodamage grading, pore size, texture, atrophy, scarringThis section imparts a comprehensive head-to-toe skin assessment adapted for integrated care, stressing lesion morphology, distribution, Fitzpatrick classification, photodamage, texture, pores, atrophy, and scarring to underpin precise diagnosis and aesthetic strategising.
Systematic regional skin inspectionDescribing primary and secondary lesionsDetermining Fitzpatrick and Glogau typeGrading photodamage and dyschromiaAssessing texture, pores, and laxityCharacterizing scars and atrophy patternsLesson 8Lifestyle and skincare assessment: products, routines, sun exposure, smoking, diet, sleepHere, you will learn to appraise lifestyle and skincare habits, including product application, routines, sun exposure, smoking, diet, and sleep, recognising adjustable elements that exacerbate conditions or hinder aesthetic results and advising patients proficiently.
Analyzing current skincare products and stepsAssessing UV exposure and photoprotectionEvaluating smoking, vaping, and pollutionDietary patterns affecting skin healthSleep, stress, and circadian disruptionDesigning realistic behavior change plans
