Becoming a medical aesthetician can offer financial stability, job security, and an opportunity to combine science, artistry and compassion to help people look and feel their very best.
What is a medical aesthetician?
A medical aesthetician is a skincare professional who works in a clinical setting, providing advanced treatments to improve the health and appearance of clients' skin.
While traditional aestheticians typically focus on beauty treatments such as facials, waxing, and basic skincare routines in spas and salons, medical aestheticians work alongside dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and other healthcare professionals.
Their role involves performing more advanced procedures like laser treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and microneedling.
They also assist in treating patients with medical skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, or scarring, often working in medical spas, dermatology offices, or cosmetic surgery clinics.
How do medical aestheticians differ from traditional aestheticians?
The key difference between a traditional aesthetician and a medical aesthetician is the level of expertise and the types of treatments they are qualified to provide. Medical aestheticians undergo additional training to work with medical-grade skincare products and equipment. Their knowledge extends beyond beauty enhancement to skin health, wound care, and pre- and post-operative skincare support. This makes them an essential part of both the beauty and healthcare industries.
What career opportunities are there for medical aestheticians?
Medical aestheticians have a wide range of career opportunities, allowing them to choose a path that aligns with their skills and interests. Some of the most common workplaces for medical aestheticians include:
- Medical spas (Medi-Spas) offering services with advanced medical treatments like laser resurfacing, injectables, and chemical peels.
- Dermatology clinics often have medical aestheticians working alongside dermatologists to assist in treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and hyperpigmentation.
- Plastic surgery offices may have medical aestheticians available to help patients prepare for and recover from cosmetic procedures, ensuring optimal skin health.
- Some oncology clinics offer services from medical aestheticians specializing in skincare for cancer patients. These skilled professionals perform the vital role of helping to manage the effects of chemotherapy and radiation on the skin.
- Laser clinics have medical aestheticians on staff for treatments such as hair removal, skin resurfacing, and other laser-based procedures.
- Colleges and other training facilities need experienced medical aestheticians on staff as educators. These skilled professionals teach students and other professionals advanced skincare treatments.
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Is there demand for medical aestheticians?
The demand for medical aestheticians continues to grow as more people seek non-invasive cosmetic procedures to maintain youthful, healthy skin. The beauty industry has seen a significant shift toward medical aesthetics, with an increasing number of clients looking for treatments that provide long-lasting results. This demand ensures job stability for those entering the field.
Additionally, the healthcare industry values medical aestheticians for their expertise in skin health, particularly in dermatology and plastic surgery settings. As more people recognize the importance of skincare in overall health, the role of a medical aesthetician becomes even more critical. Whether working in a medical spa, clinic, or hospital setting, professionals in this field can expect consistent job opportunities and career growth.
How much do medical aestheticians make?
One of the major benefits of becoming a medical aesthetician is the potential for a lucrative salary while choosing the number of hours you work in a given week. Earnings vary widely based on location, experience, and workplace setting, not to mention how many clients you see each day.
Medical aestheticians generally earn more than traditional aestheticians due to their specialized skills. They can expect to start out around $30,000 a year with the scope to earn upwards of $80,000 with experience and specialty treatment expertise. That said, in Canada, the average salary earned by medical aestheticians is about $43,000.
Those who work in luxury medical spas, private dermatology clinics, or high-end cosmetic surgery offices often earn higher salaries, especially when commissions and tips are included.
Additionally, medical aestheticians who specialize in advanced treatments, such as laser therapies and chemical peels, can command higher pay. Some professionals choose to open their own medical spa or work as independent contractors, further increasing their earning potential.
What other benefits can I expect from a career in medical aesthetics?
A career as a medical aesthetician offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and specialization. Since the field is constantly evolving with new technology and treatments, medical aestheticians can continue to expand their expertise by obtaining additional certifications in advanced procedures.
Some areas of specialization include:
- Laser hair removal, skin resurfacing, and tattoo removal require specialized training.
- Chemical peels and Microdermabrasion procedures to help improve skin texture and tone and address issues such as hyperpigmentation and acne scaring.
- Microneedling treatment for collagen induction, helps with skin rejuvenation and anti-aging.
- Injectables and filler treatments - While medical aestheticians cannot administer injectables themselves, they can work alongside medical professionals to assist with these treatments.
- Oncology aesthetics specializing in treating cancer patients’ skin conditions provides a meaningful and rewarding career path.
Continuing education is key in this field, as new treatments and technologies are frequently introduced. Many medical aestheticians take advanced courses and certifications to stay ahead in the industry, ensuring they offer the best services to their clients and maintain a competitive edge in the job market.
Should I train to be a medical aesthetician?
With the increasing demand for non-invasive cosmetic procedures and skincare treatments, medical aestheticians play a vital role in both the beauty and healthcare industries. Whether working in a medical spa, dermatology office, or cosmetic surgery clinic, training as a medical aesthetician can allow you to make a real difference in how people look and feel about themselves. If you're passionate about skincare and interested in a dynamic, evolving field, becoming a medical aesthetician is an excellent career choice with limitless potential.
How do you become a medical aesthetician?
To become a medical aesthetician in Canada, you typically need to complete a recognized medical aesthetics or skincare program from a licensed institution. These programs cover topics such as skin anatomy, laser treatments, chemical peels, and advanced skincare techniques.
While formal licensing varies by province, obtaining certification from reputable organizations, such as the ClaraDerma+ Academy, can enhance credibility.
Many medical aestheticians gain hands-on experience through internships or working under experienced medical aestheticians, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or in medical spas. Additionally, staying up to date on industry trends and continuing education in new technologies and treatments can help advance your career in the field and build your client base.