The aesthetic industry is plagued by widespread poor training that puts patients at risk and leaves students thousands of pounds poorer. As you are browsing Facebook, the post immediately stands out.

A two-day training program that costs £1,500 and teaches students with backgrounds in medicine and beauty therapy how to administer dermal fillers is being advertised.

This advertisement for a course in invasive cosmetic procedures is just one of thousands that can be found on social media platforms.

Even though there are plenty of good options, some vendors are peddling instruction that is way below industry standards.

There has been an “enormous” increase in the number of institutions offering instruction over the past two years, according to specialists.

This industry is a part of the wider non-invasive cosmetics market, which the government estimates will be worth £3.6bn by the end of the year.

However, there is a lack of regulation in this area. Getting started on a course requires no prior knowledge or preparation.

Many higher education institutions will accept freshmen into introductory courses in exchange for payment.

These programs guaranteed to turn students who had never administered a dermal filler or anti-wrinkle injection into skilled practitioners in less than a week.

Students find it challenging to distinguish between good and bad courses as a result of the industry’s expansion.

In addition, experts in the field have noted a pervasive “culture of silence” wherein students feel they cannot report negative experiences or seek recompense from businesses for fear of legal repercussions, online harassment, or even physical threats.

Misled by deceptive online advertisements

Our research into one hundred different service providers’ Facebook pages suggests there are many more new academies than previously thought.

To further complicate matters, there is such a plethora of courses available that many students rely solely on online reviews to make their course selections.

The market is flooded with legitimate organizations offering comprehensive training.

However, proponents cautioned that the prevalence of deceptive advertising practices on the internet makes it difficult for prospective students to determine whether or not the course they are enrolling in will actually provide them with a worthwhile education.

Some have suggested that social media is a “catalyst” for the issue at hand.

Many people get suckered in by Instagram ads and Facebook pages of training providers when they’re looking to break into the industry because of how well they market themselves.

They use fancy-sounding names like “academy” and “university” and offer “advanced certificates” and “diplomas” to make themselves seem more credible.

On closer inspection, however, it becomes clear that they are not qualified to teach in any capacity.

They’ve only recently begun administering these treatments themselves, and the certificates are meaningless given that they’re learning by observation.

In a recent report, the Advertising Standards Authority stated that they had issued five formal warnings to training companies for using misleading advertising.

Marketers frequently use catchy slogans like “Be your own boss” and “Girl Boss” to pique consumers’ interest.

Some of these advertisements encourage customers to “change your life today!” while others promise them the chance to “make a six-figure salary.”

It’s not uncommon for businesses to advertise “limited time only” sales that slash incredibly steep amounts from the cost of courses, sometimes by the thousands of pounds.

It’s all part of a pervasive advertising culture that can be overwhelming for students trying to pick the right major.

Do we have a shot at getting some sort of regulation in place?

Last year, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Aesthetics, Wellbeing, and Beauty opened a probe into the norms surrounding the provision and promotion of non-invasive aesthetic procedures.
As part of this process, norms for training are being evaluated.

The group’s co-chair, Member of Parliament (MP) Carolyn Harris, said they have yet to find an ideal collection of training materials.

The group believes Minister for Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and Patient Safety Nadine Dorries will use the inquiry’s findings as a springboard for new legislation based on the recommendations made by the panel.

However, this problem of inadequate training will not go away unless the government takes action.

Although there are obstacles to providing the quality of care your patients deserve, reputable Botox training programs are confident in their ability to help you overcome them. To improve the quality of their lives immediately, invest in your own education and professional growth.