Reflection of a lecture on Botulinum Toxin-Type A at the 14th IMCAS (International Master Course on Ageing Skin) Congress in Paris (26th-29th of January 2012).

This session was aimed at healthcare professionals involved in aesthetic treatments. During this session the outline of available techniques of treatments with Botulinium Toxin type A (BNT-A) was provided and an update on the available techniques for the upper face treatment with BNT-A.  The emphasis of the session was on the newly discovered need for examination of patients facial anatomy prior to treatment. The evaluation of various types of anatomical facial variation, caused by different kinds of cosmetic surgery and the implications for BNT-A treatment was discussed.  During this session the new trend in a “softening” approach of BNT-A treatment was also discussed and demonstrated. I found this session particularly informative and relevant to my area of interest. In particular, I was pleased to hear that a new “softer” approach in treating with BNT-A is being promoted by world class specialists. I felt that this knowledge would give me more confidence in the future when I will be consulting with potential clients.  I was keen to learn how BNT-A treatment techniques not only improve the results of the treatment but also ensure the safety and comfort of future clients. It was discussed how cosmetic surgery may change the facial anatomy of clients and the complications surgery may cause when BNT-A treatment is administered. Asking clients if they have had previous facial cosmetic surgery is very useful and will help ensure the desired treatment results are achieved.  I have also realised that the field of aesthetics is constantly evolving and that one must never be complacent about the quality of the treatments that are being delivered to patients.  The aesthetics facial treatment industry is developing rapidly and becoming more available with an ever-growing number of providers. In order to secure clientele it is vital to have the best information in the aesthetic field. The quality of the information provided during the IMCAS congress is considered to be some of the best in the world. This will give me and other aesthetic practitioners an opportunity to incorporate the latest scientific developments into their practice. Congresses such as IMCAS are not only improving one’s practical skills but also provide valuable opportunities for networking and meeting up with collegues.  The quality of the BNT-A treatment and the final outcome of the treatment is dependant on the administration techniques and the practitioners experience in injecting the BNT-A. Therefore, learning new and perfecting existing teachniques will potentially decrease adverse outcomes and and complications for patients.  The IMCAS Congress experience was very enjoyable and I feel that I have gained a great deal of new practical and theoretical knowledge on subjects that are of particular interest to me.  I will continue to improve my skills and theoretical knowledge on the subject of aesthetics treatments. It is important to attend practical and theoretical seminars to assist improvement.  This, in turn, will allow me to continue to provide an effective, safe service to more clients.