Frequently Asked Questions
EXPERIENCED EXPERT PHYSICIAN INSTRUCTORS – SMALL CLASS SIZE – UNLIMITED LIFETIME SUPPORT
FAQ FOR PHYSICIANS & MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
What is aesthetic/esthetic medicine ?
Aesthetic medicine is a rapidly growing medical field that enhances existing appearance and slows the degradation of skin and tissue due to natural aging. Most techniques in aesthetic medicine are nonsurgical and have short recovery times. Aesthetic medicine does not require the practicing physician to be from the traditional field of dermatology or plastic surgery as long as the physician is properly and well trained. Physicians that are Certified by American Board of Aesthetic Medicine – ABAM have been through a rigorous 1 year duration of standardized training and certification process, and have passed a comprehensive examination to ensure competency.
Why is being Certified by the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine – ABAM important ?
While certification by a specialty board is not required to practice medicine, it is an added credential that a physician has achieved a high level of expertise and training in a specialty. Being certified by the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine indicates that the physician has undergone beyond the minimal standard training and competency in the field of Aesthetic Medicine.
Physician certifying boards are private organizations that test and certify physicians for specific specialty. Certification is optional, therefore physicians can choose from the different boards for their certification. Certification signified that a physician has proven a high level of expertise in comparison to a non-certified doctor. Patients can be confident their ABAM Certified physicians have proved their knowledge and training in the specialty of Aesthetic Medicine.
Why take courses from the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine – ABAM ?
We offer comprehensive training with live demonstrations and hands on sessions. Our certificate courses in aesthetic medicine are designed for practitioners from all specialties. Aesthetic medical training from ABAM are complete and standardized. Basic skin & hair anatomy to laser physics & safety are some of the important topics which other aesthetic medicine courses or certification program do not offer. All graduates of the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine will have enough knowledge in all areas of aesthetic medicine to start practicing in this rapidly growing and exciting field. Botulinum injection (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin), dermal filler injection (Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Voluma, Belotero), chemical peeling, laser/IPL/light therapies, and the business of aesthetic medicine are among the many topics that are taught.
Our aesthetic medicine courses are given in an actual clinical environment such as a cosmetic center or a medical spa for a more realistic hands on experience. A tour of a medical spa is a part of most courses.
Who may attend aesthetic medical training from the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine – ABAM ?
Physicians (MD / DO / MBBS), Dentists (DMD / DDS / BDS),Nurses (RN / NP), Physician Assistants (PA),
I am from another country can I take courses from ABAM ?
We welcome all medical practitioners (MBBS / BDS / RN) regardless of country of origin.
Who can be certified by the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine – ABAM ?
Only physicians (MD, DO, MBBS), and dental surgeons (DDS, DMD) can be receive certification from ABAM. To be certified by the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine, physicians will have to complete Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3 aesthetic medicine training regardless of prior experiences. Candidates must then collect one case each of dermal filler, botulinum toxin, laser/light therapy prior to being allow to sit for the board examination. A score of 70% is required for passing.
What does being Certified by the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine – ABAM means ?
Certification by ABAM is a milestone for physician in the field of aesthetic medicine. Patients are assured that physicians that are Diplomates of The American Board of Aesthetic Medicine have met the rigorous standard set by ABAM. Certificates are issued by ABAM to physicians with passing score on the written board examination. Candidates must have completed all three aesthetic medicine training courses (Step 1-3) from ABAM regardless of previous experience.
Do I have to take courses in a particular order ?
Courses from ABAM do not have to be taken in order. Practitioners who have documented prior experience in the field of aesthetic medicine may register for the advanced Step 2 certification. However, to qualify for the board examination , all Steps (Step 1 – 3) must be completed regardless of experience.
Is one-on-one individualized training available ?
Yes, for those who want to have more time with our physician instructors or to learn a particular technique. ABAM offers individualized training that can be tailor to your schedule. Please Email or call us for scheduling.
FAQ FOR PATIENTS
What is botulinum toxin type A (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeveau) ?
Botulinum toxin is a protein produced by the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum and is responsible for “botulism” causing paralysis of muscles. In small and precise dose it can be used to soften facial expression lines such as the crows feet around the eyes or the frown line between the eyes.
What is a dermal filler (Restylane, Juvederm, Voluma, Bellafil, Radiesse) ?
Dermal fillers are a variety of substances that can be injected to smooth out lines and wrinkles for cosmetic purposes. Fillers are also very popular for lip augmentation and facial contouring. The majority of fillers are made from a substance called hyaluronic acid that is chemically identical in all living organisms and hence do not need to be pretested in patients for allergy. Hyaluronic acids tend to retain and hold water avidly which is a very good property to plums and fill up facial lines.
Other substance used for fillers include calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), polymethylmethacrylate / PMMA (Bellafil, Artecol)
How does Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) works ?
Poly-L-lactic acid is in a class of drug called biostimulators. Once injected the drug is absorbed into the tissue and stimulates the body to make collagen at the site of injection. In general 2-3 sessions are needed 4-8 weeks apart. The final result can last on the average 1.5 to 2 years. Sculptra is popular for use in older patients that have lost a large amount of facial volume.
Who can inject dermal filler and botox ?
Dermal filler and botox injections are considered to be medical procedures. In most countries dermal filler and botox can only be injected by doctors or nurses working under a physician’s supervision.
Aesthetic medicine courses are available at our national and international regional training centers
USA aesthetic courses and training centers (San Diego/California, Verona/New Jersey) : Providing training for the USA, Canada, Mexico / Latin America, and the Caribbean
Asia aesthetic courses and training center (Bangkok, Thailand) : Providing training for Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines
Middle East / Africa aesthetic courses and training centers (Dubai/UAE, Beirut/Lebanon, Cairo/Egypt, Baghdad/Iraq) : Providing training for the Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia/KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Jordan, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Sudan, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa