Are you thinking of going into aesthetic nursing? There are many procedures to learn about and master. You’ll want as much information as possible so you can fulfill your role in the field as an aesthetic nurse. Many nurses find this career rewarding because they can boost their patients’ confidence.
So, we’re here to help you navigate the world of cosmetic procedures and unveil everything about aesthetic nursing. Let’s dive in!
Aesthetic Nursing Explained
Aesthetic nursing is a specialized nursing field that focuses on improving the physical features of patients through various procedures. These procedures can be surgical and non-surgical. Overall, the main goal of an aesthetic nurse should be to bring their patients more confidence in their appearance.
Aesthetic nurses are also responsible for providing their clients with cosmetic consultations. During these meetings, they address concerns and explain the procedure. They also review the goals that the patient has and come up with various personalized cosmetic treatment plans.
The average aesthetic nurse salary can vary depending on the state that you live and work in. However, you can expect it to be around $76,400 yearly in the United States.
In short, aesthetic nursing can be very satisfying while offering great compensation for your lifestyle.
Most Common Cosmetic Procedures
Now, let’s cover some of the primary cosmetic procedures you can expect to see in the world of aesthetic nursing. Botox injections, dermal fillers, laser hair removal, and chemical peels are some of the most common ones you can expect to perform.
Here are some of the most common cosmetic procedures broken down in more detail:
1. Botox Injections
To start, Botox injections are one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures. So, if you become an aesthetic nurse, you’ll have to do this treatment.
This procedure involves using a purified form of botulism to reduce fine lines and wrinkles on a patient’s face. It temporarily prevents the muscles from moving, keeping them relaxed and reducing facial wrinkles.
The most common areas where you’ll place Botox injections include:
- The smile lines around the outer corners of the eyes
- The Glabellar lines, also called frown lines
- The fine lines that appear on peoples’ foreheads
During the procedure, you’ll use a very thin needle to inject a small amount of Botox into specific areas on the patient’s face to relax muscles. It’s not an invasive procedure, and the patient usually only feels mild discomfort from the needle—the results last about three to four months. Patients may return for touch-ups if the wrinkles reappear.
2. Dermal Fillers
Next, an aesthetic nurse would be expected to give patients dermal fillers. Dermal fillers also target wrinkles and fine lines but work differently than Botox injections. The fillers plump up the patient’s skin, smoothing wrinkles and making their face look younger.
There are a few different dermal fillers, although the most common one uses hyaluronic acid, which already occurs naturally in the skin.
The most common areas in the face where you’ll use these dermal fillers include:
- In the cheeks and lips to restore volume
- In the chin to reduce wrinkles
- In the marionette and smile lines
- In the nasolabial folds
The procedure is relatively quick. The aesthetic nurse injects the dermal filler into the skin using a thin, fine needle. The filler can contain an anesthetic to reduce pain. If it doesn’t, the nurse may apply a topical version beforehand.
The results usually last between six months and a year. It can be combined with Botox treatments to get much more noticeable results.
3. Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is another cosmetic procedure that’s popular for aesthetic nurses to perform. During the treatments, patients have concentrated light applied to their skin. The light turns into heat, stopping the hair follicles from growing hairs. The process can, therefore, slow down or even stop body hair growth.
Aesthetic nurses can apply it to any area of the patient’s body. For example, they may want less hair on their face, chest, or back. The bikini line is another popular place for laser hair treatments.
It’s not usually permanent because body hair grows in a cycle, so many patients will need to return to complete multiple rounds of the treatment.
However, the results can depend on the patient’s skin and hair types. It’s most effective on people with light skin and dark hair, making consultations essential before the procedures. As an aesthetic nurse, you must be comfortable discussing the patient’s options with them.
4. Chemical Peels
The next procedure you’ll want to know more about is the chemical peel. This cosmetic treatment involves applying a solution of chemicals to the skin to exfoliate a layer of skin off the face. It can improve fine lines and skin by removing the old skin, revealing the new layer underneath.
Chemical peels have other benefits, including acne reduction, and can even out the skin’s pigmentation.
Three different chemical peels are categorized by how deeply they exfoliate the skin. There are three chemical peels: superficial, medium, and deep.
5. Sclerotherapy Treatments
Sclerotherapy is the name of the cosmetic treatment that helps reduce varicose veins. During this cosmetic procedure, the patient receives an injection of a sclerosant into the impacted veins. The solution destroys the vein, so it’s no longer visible.
Due to the nature of the treatment, it’s reserved for smaller varicose veins and is often used on the ankles, thighs, and calves. Larger or deeper veins can’t receive this treatment, making a thorough consultation necessary.
6. Microdermabrasion (Exfoliating)
Finally, microdermabrasion is another standard cosmetic treatment. This process scrubs away the outer, dead layer of skin, improving the texture and tone. The process also helps with fine lines and improves pigmentation.
The aesthetic nurse uses a tool to sand away skin during the procedure. It’s non-invasive and can promote skin rejuvenation, making it great for stretch marks and light scars.
Now You Know The World Of Cosmetic Procedures
Now that you know more, you should be excited to become an aesthetic nurse! These standard treatments make patients feel more confident and aren’t invasive procedures.
