Lesson 1Focused physical exam: facial anatomy, skin quality, laxity, volume loss, dynamic vs static linesThis section outlines a focused cosmetic physical exam, emphasizing facial anatomy, skin quality, laxity, volume status, and dynamic versus static lines to create realistic, prioritized, 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, standardized views, Fitzpatrick classificationThis section describes dermatoscopic and photographic documentation, including device selection, standardized views, lighting, and skin typing, to track outcomes, support diagnosis, and enhance 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 section details systematic review of medications and supplements, including anticoagulants, isotretinoin, immunosuppressants, and herbal agents, to anticipate bleeding, bruising, healing delay, 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 section explains how to assess vascular and sensory status before procedures, using palpation, blanching, and mapping to identify high-risk zones, anatomic variants, and neuropathies that may alter injection strategy and complication response.
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 section covers targeted medical history for cosmetic patients, focusing on systemic diseases, medications, allergies, and reproductive status to anticipate complications, adjust product choices, and time 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 section examines lifestyle and skincare factors that influence healing, pigment change, and treatment durability, including sun exposure, smoking, tanning, and topical regimens, to optimize timing, counseling, and preconditioning 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 section reviews how to obtain cosmetic history, explore motivations, and screen for psychosocial red flags, including body dysmorphic disorder, to align expectations, protect patient wellbeing, and support ethical treatment decisions.
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 section focuses on targeted dermatologic history, including acne, rosacea, scarring, pigment disorders, and photosensitivity, to predict flare risk, abnormal healing, and pigment change 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
