How I Built My Confidence as an Aesthetic Practitioner
Dr Janine Rothburn shares, ‘how I built my confidence as an aesthetic practitioner’.
From a Manchester dentist, to a London-based cosmetic injector and Harley Academy clinical trainer, she recounts her journey.
Dr Janine completed her Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers course at Harley Academy in 2022. She now works with us as a clinical trainer, mentoring new aesthetics trainees.
As a new aesthetics practitioner, it can feel daunting to inject patients. Dr Janine explains that your confidence as an injector will grow as you become more experienced. Making mistakes is all part of the process – it’s how we learn!
How did you feel about treating patients from your initial foundation training?
“After my initial foundation training in aesthetic medicine, I felt more confident carrying out toxin treatments compared to filler treatments.
“I was keen to inject patients but I was also concerned about causing complications. The more patients I treated, the more confident I became.”
Did you know that if you don’t want to commit to a full Level 7 Diploma course straight away, you can take our Foundation Training in Botox & Dermal Fillers? This option can help to get you started by giving you the basics. Then, if you fall in love with being an aesthetic practitioner, you can upgrade to the Level 7 afterwards!
Tell us about how you built your confidence as an aesthetics practitioner
Administering injectable treatments
Dr Janine notes, “I built my confidence in administering actual treatments by injecting more."
If you’re approaching the end of your combined course, our Harley Academy Scholarship programme is a great way to further practice your new skills.
Dealing with patients
“My confidence in dealing with patients increased by seeing more patients. I was in a fortunate position that I’d been dealing with patients and carrying out consultations since my second year of university.
“Practising consultations with friends or colleagues can also help build confidence in dealing with patients,” Dr Janine recommends.
What mistakes did you make when getting started in aesthetic medicine?
Dr Janine reflects, “One mistake I made when I started my aesthetics career was trying to do everything.
“Medical aesthetics is a speciality that’s growing and developing daily, and we are constantly learning new techniques. Build your skills in one area, such as mid-face filler and upper-face toxin before progressing to different treatments.
Building your skills in a targeted region is a great way to boost your confidence. Our Injectables Masterclasses that train you in specific areas have been designed with this in mind. Our mentors will help you to learn about region-specific techniques and give you hands-on practice. Choose from a number of popular areas, including our Perioral & Lip Filler Masterclass and when you’re more experienced, the Tear Trough Filler Masterclass.
Learn to trust your instincts
“Another mistake that I made was not learning to say no! I believe that we must trust our guts. If you get a negative vibe from a patient, whether they have unrealistic expectations or they’re rude, do not treat them.
You can find tips on declining treatments in our article, Aesthetics Marketing: Refusing Treatments.
“Learning from experience, I am now well-versed in recognising when to refrain from treating
difficult patients.”
Dr Janine’s best advice for nervous new injectors
“My advice for nervous newbies is to believe in yourself,” she tells us.
“As medical professionals, we already have a wealth of skills and knowledge under our belts. Transitioning to medical aesthetics is about utilising such skills and knowledge, and enhancing them.”
Becoming a safe, competent and confident aesthetic practitioner
As we’ve established, entering medical aesthetics can feel scary. However, as Dr Janine highlights, it’s important to believe in yourself! What’s also important is having the botox and filler training that fills you with confidence as you venture out into the world.
Our Level 7 Diploma injectables courses are designed to build you up! Furthermore, they’re Ofqual-regulated, JCCP-approved and come with a guarantee that you’ll meet the botox and filler education criteria for the incoming aesthetics licensing scheme in England.
If you’re looking for aesthetic medicine training for beginners in the UK, we have a few pathways open to you. Book a call with our approachable course advisors to pinpoint the best injectables course for your needs. This ensures that, when you graduate from Harley Academy, you do so safe, competent and confident – just like Dr Janine.
All information correct at the time of publication
