If you’re unclear on the distinctions between estheticians and medical estheticians, don’t worry; you’re not alone.Estheticians—sometimes known as aestheticians—handle basic skin care procedures such as washing, massage, toning, and hair removal. Many of the same duties are carried out by medical or “paramedical” estheticians. However, these specialists often receive added training that allows them to provide advanced therapies as well as work in clinical settings.
Medical estheticians, unlike aesthetician specialists, typically focus on treating more serious skin problems or traumas rather than simply assisting people with little difficulties such as dry skin or sunspots. Medical estheticians work with those who have major skin diseases or injuries, such as post-burn care or plastic surgery recovery. Estheticians are often found in spas and salons, whereas medical estheticians may be found in plastic surgery offices or rehabilitation centers.
While there is a lot of overlap between the two vocations, there are several distinctions to consider, such as licensing standards, education requirements, employment opportunities, and salary potential.
Can I get licensed in medical esthetics and become a medical esthetician?
Although you must be licensed as a general aesthetician to operate, there are no specialized licenses available for medical estheticians at this time. The most common approach for aspiring medical estheticians is to obtain a general esthetics license and go on to specialize in areas of interest, such as microblading and chemical peels. Not all states need certification for several distinct services carried out by medical estheticians, so do your homework.
Classes Taken by Esthetician Candidates
To be licensed, estheticians must usually complete at least 600 hours of training, with varying minimum hours required by state. You’ll most likely study skin illnesses and impairments, salon management, facial cleansings and massages, and hair removal during your coursework.
Coursework and Potential Certifications for Medical Estheticians
Esthetics courses might teach you about a wide range of skin-care, hygiene, facial massage, cosmetics, and sanitation topics. As each state has its own criteria, you must contact your licensing board to find out about any special requirements. One thing to keep in mind is that no aesthetician may administer Botox, dermal fillers, or other “medical” treatments rather than “cosmetic.” Consider becoming a nurse esthetician rather than a medical esthetician if you’re interested in this career path. Individuals who offer these services generally need a nursing license, however various state laws may differ.
Medical estheticians can’t administer medical treatments, but many courses include instruction in medical-related services. Medical esthetician training programs may cover subjects including:
Permanent makeup
Permanent or semi-permanent colors are used to apply lipstick, eyeliner, brow filling, and other forms of make-up in this method. Microblading, the newest area of interest in microblading technology, is frequently included within this category.
Pre- and post-surgical skincare
Medical estheticians assist persons who have experienced skin damage due to burns, abrasions, or other causes. They offer cleaning treatments and advice on how to maintain your skin clean and healthy.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
MLD is a type of light therapy that uses lasers to “boost” the body’s ability to drain lymph nodes, improve blood flow, and enhance circulation. Lymphedema sufferers receive MLD treatments from medical estheticians.
Advanced hair removal
This technique, which employs lasers and intense pulsed light to prevent follicles from developing, is designed for individuals who want to get hair off of specific parts of their body permanently. Medical estheticians, on the other hand, may assist doctors and laser technicians in administering laser resurfacing rather than operating the lasers directly.
Eyelash extensions
The application of semi-permanent glue to synthetic eyelashes is referred to as lash extension or artificial eyelash application. Estheticians must be able to match the thickness, color, and curvature of natural lashes, as well as perform touch-ups on a regular basis.
Medical Estheticians and Traditional Esthetician Careers
When comparing medical esthetician vs. esthetician jobs, it’s important to understand what each one has to offer and the responsibilities they entail.
Medical Estheticians Careers
Cosmetic Medical Estheticians
Medical estheticians are trained in cosmetic medicine and use procedures to help people improve their appearance after dealing with sickness or trauma. They may work in hospitals or rehabilitation centers to assist patients who need assistance with their look following an illness or accident. They may help burn victims deal with delicate skin, people on chemotherapy locate acceptable wigs, and persons with facial abnormalities select the right prosthetic.
Medical Spa Esthetician
Working in these conditions can help your clients feel better and get healthier. Chemical peels, correcting discolorations, treating sun damage, removing unsightly tattoos, and cauterizing varicose veins are all examples of typical tasks.
Medical Esthetician Training Inspector
After working in direct client services for a while, you may wish to change fields. Inspecting medical spas, rehabilitation centers, and other employers of medical estheticians to guarantee that all rules are followed is part of the job of being a training inspector.
Esthetician Careers
Spa Esthetician
Estheticians who work in salons or spas use basic skincare treatments for a variety of clients. Facials, massages, skin peels and resurfacing, hair removal, and product recommendations are all part of daily duties.
Beauty Educator
Beauty instructors visit spas, salons, and other skincare environments to teach both estheticians and their clients on specific products. Estheticians are experts in skin treatments and treatments for wrinkles and other signs of aging. They frequently work for skincare product businesses and use their understanding of esthetics to promote how particular goods may help with healthy, clear skin.
Esthetician Training Teacher
Teaching may be an excellent way to continue using your esthetics skills without having direct contact with clients who want skin treatments if you’re looking to leave the world of client care. Esthetician instructors are generally employed as cosmetology educators or in other education settings to educate the next generation of estheticians. Click here for help on finding your dream master esthetician program. Discover esthetician schools near me.