A medical aesthetician—also known as a master esthetician—is an esthetician who has extended training in medical terminology and processes. This allows them to administer treatments such as chemical peels and microneedling that can treat certain medical conditions. The primary motivation behind the work a medical esthetician does though is still rooted in cosmetics.
What A Medical Aesthetician Does & Does Not Do
As previously mentioned, a master esthetician may perform a variety of cosmetic and non-surgical skin treatments. Some of the procedures and treatments a medical aesthetician can perform may include:
- Facials
- Chemical peels
- Microneedling
- Microdermabrasion
- Non-ablative laser resurfacing
- Laser hair removal
- IPL
- Radiofrequency treatments
- Laser tattoo removal
- Lash extensions and lifts
- Waxing
- Microblading
- Dermaplaning
What About Cosmetic Injections?
Most states do not allow medical aestheticians to perform cosmetic injections such as Botox and filler. While they may be able to perform some other injections such as drawing blood (depending on their specific training and credentials), due to the high amount of skill and technicality involved with cosmetic injections, estheticians regardless of training cannot legally perform these treatments.
However, three states—Nevada, Illinois, and Ohio—do offer exceptions as long as a master esthetician is properly trained on how to perform the injections and they are supervised by licensed physician. Unlike nurses or other medical professionals, estheicians usually require real-time supervision. Each state has slightly different requirements and regulations. For example, while a medical aesthetician can perform Botox injections in Illinois, they cannot perform filler. Ohio requires a specialized license for estheticians wanting to perform certain cosmetic injections.
Beyond these three states, performing cosmetic injections as an esthetician is completely off limits with few exceptions. However, some states may begin to loosen this, but it is unlikely that estheticians will have the same freedom to perform these injections like medical professionals.
Becoming A Medical Aesthetician
Many colleges and trade schools offer specific programs for prospective master estheticians. The course typically involves both traditional lectures and hands-on training. The length of the program will likely vary based on state requirements and the exact program a patient chooses.
Upon completion of these programs, patients can usually enter the workforce immediately, though some specialties or situations may involve an apprenticeship under an existing medical aesthetician or other form of training following the primary education is complete.
Most of these programs do not provide training on injections beyond when potentially your patient could benefit from them. Some programs involve medical assistant training which may involve basic injections, but not cosmetic injections.
Bottom Line
Choosing to become a master esthetician is a major decision. If you want to focus primarily on skin treatments, it is a wonderful and lucrative career path. However, those who wish to perform injections or treat more extensively may consider entering a nursing program. After licensure, patients can enter the American Academy of Cosmetic Medicine’s Botox and filler training course for specific training in all forms of cosmetic injections. Medical professionals from registered nurses through to physicians may benefit from AACM’s Botox and filler training programs.
