In today’s world and more than ever, beauty is emphasised as a very important characteristic that helps people to get employment, fit in a demanding society that values and rewards appearance.

Demand for aesthetic care is expected to exponentially increase in the near future. India and China have the largest population pool aged between 30 to 65 years, and rising disposable income coupled with the presence of a very wide working population is generating demand for aesthetic procedures in these countries.

The introduction of technically-advanced systems enabling minimally invasive procedures is identified as the most influential growth driver. Moreover, rise in disposable income has greatly boosted the demand for cosmetic procedures. All in all, factors such as wider awareness regarding the availability of these minimally invasive procedures and their products as well as affordable costs are leading to a spur in demand globally.

The medical and personal care products industries are keeping up with this growing demand by a public desirous to avail the latest techniques and products available in cosmetology and aesthetic medicine. A social phenomenon, dedicating a certain budget to beauty is now accepted as a norm. This translates into hugely profitable economic activities, where physicians and cosmetologists have both an important role to play and a place of choice though direct contact and care they offer to patients.

Scientific and medical progress means that a wide range of solutions are available to the public, but only a trained practitioner will deliver safe and effective treatment. Along with the increase in techniques available, rises the awareness of the public but also, the need for skilled professionals in cosmetology and aesthetic medicine.

Cosmetology is not concerned anymore with mere topical skin care. Laser treatments, injectables, facial peels and many more procedures, can be performed by a professional who has received adequate training. Naturally, that will make any established practice or activity more lucrative. Cosmetology is also a full-time career options for trained technicians.

Professional can easily convey information and arouse interest in patients to try out safe, effective and sometimes life-changing cosmetic solutions. Getting training in today’s most effective therapeutic skin care solutions is indeed a tremendously exciting prospect for any practitioner.

Choosing to add aesthetic medicine as a speciality has the potential to enhance the physician’s revenues and to become a full-time career due to the massive demand for aesthetic treatments.

Aesthetic Medicine is one of the fastest growing sectors and disciplines that will continue to thrive with technological innovation. Not only does it promise excellent outlook in terms of advancements in diagnostic, curative modalities and treatments, choosing training in Aesthetic Medicine is intellectually and humanely rewarding and offer amazing career prospects.

The real benefit of practicing it is the type of care that practitioners are offering to their patients. These procedures are elective and are performed on patients who do not suffer from life-threatening illnesses. They are usually healthy, but aesthetic care will have a very significant and positive impact on their lives. This, along with the very lucrative business it represents, are the benefits any doctor should expect by expanding his/her own practice or to get an Aesthetic Physician position in a reputed hospital or a polyclinic.

The advantages of training in cosmetology and aesthetic medicine are indeed manifold. They are fascinating disciplines that call for precision, patience and allows a privileged and long-term relationship with patients. Indeed, aesthetic treatments are always projects to be decided and implemented together by the patient and his caregiver. The results offered by the procedures are amazing, quickly visible and lead to the immense satisfaction of the patient.

It is nonetheless crucial for the professional wishing to be trained or to be taught by the best in the field; by a team of doctors highly trained, experienced, who practice and research in cosmetology and aesthetic medicine. Mostly, an established and highly specialised Institute with proven track record of trained professionals can satisfy these criteria. Choosing the right training course and the best institutes is as important, as choosing the right practitioner for the patient who wishes to avail treatment.

As a fresher, a candidate should have a basic level of understanding of what the beauty industry does and how it works. Understanding of beauty products, and new trends and techniques is a plus point for those looking for a job. Some of the valuable tips to get hired in this profession are as follows:

A candidate must have completed a Certificate or Diploma course from a certified institute of cosmetology & Aesthetic Medicine.

• If you’re skilled enough to work as a professional under different circumstances, you are eligible to get a job. Prior experience is helpful, but not necessary. A candidate must be passionate and flexible towards his / her profession.
• Attitude goes a long way too. A candidate who demonstrates “confidence” always has an advantage in getting a job in any stream of the beauty industry.
• There are multiple choices of beauty institutes, but aspirants must check the quality and facilities provided for training, certifications offered, training modules, faculty and post-training employment opportunities, before enrollment of a course in an institute.

The pay package as a practitioner majorly depends on the specific stream of profession chosen by a candidate.

In India, a fresher can start at Rs. 1.5 to 2 lakhs per annum as a starting salary. With a professional degree, they can expect a starting salary of Rs. 50,000 per month.

The writer is founder and director of ILAMED.