The Growing Public Interest in Anti-Aging Medicine Boosts the Need for Training
Sadly, the world’s aesthetics specialists have, as yet, failed to come up with the much wished for elixir of eternal youth. However, many of those whose youthful looks have begun to give way to crow’s feet and frown lines now perceive the many advances in the rapidly expanding field of anti-aging medicine, as offering them the next best thing. Their perceptions, in turn, have led to an increased demand for training in the various techniques involved.
One of the main reasons for the growing popularity of these treatments is that in many situations, they offer an effective alternative to cosmetic surgery that is both less costly and less invasive. Because of their minimally invasive nature, this means that these procedures also tend to require far less recovery time, and so their visible results can be seen much sooner. What, then, are the procedures commonly employed for this purpose?
The list is a surprisingly lengthy one, with emerging technologies constantly opening the way for new developments. Among the more established techniques are mesotherapy, chemical peels, photorejuvenation, radio-frequency skin tightening and contour threading, as well as various injection techniques involving the use of Clostridium botulinum toxin or dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid and collagen. Treatments with Botox™ and dermal fillers, together with chemical peeling, mesotherapy and micro-needling, have gradually become the cornerstones of most practitioners who specialise in anti-aging medicine and are, therefore, an equally common focus of aesthetic training centres.
In addition to the obvious benefits of these treatments for a person who may be displaying the effects of advancing years, especially in those cases where the signs are premature, they also present a new and exciting opportunity for doctors to expand their practices and, of course, to improve their incomes. Combining some home study with the necessary formal instruction and supervised practice, under the guidance of an experienced professional, could prove to be a game-changer for an ambitious general practitioner, or perhaps the means for a specialist dermatologist to diversify within his or her own field.
Anyone who may be uncertain about the long-term prospects of a career in anti-aging medicine once he or she has competed the necessary training should probably take note that, based upon its current rate of growth, the industry is expected to be worth almost US$2 billion, worldwide, by the year 2019. More significantly, it appears that the current rate of growth in South Africa closely parallels the global trend. We too want to retain the firm, evenly-toned and unlined appearance of our youth for as long as it may be possible.
In the face of a growing demand for treatments, there is a need for more trained therapists, and while there are many companies that offer instruction, not all will necessarily be able to conform to the high standards required. There can, of course, be only one industry leader and, in South Africa, this position is reserved for our widely-acclaimed Medskills Training Academy.
Covering the entire field of aesthetic and anti-aging medicine, our academy offers basic and advanced, theoretical and practical training to doctors, dental practitioners and beauty therapists. Furthermore, each of the courses offered at our academy is conducted, exclusively, under the expert guidance of a practicing specialist in the relevant field.