What is a Paramedical Esthetician?

A paramedical esthetician is a skincare specialist who can provide advanced skincare techniques or work in a medical office side by side with a doctor, preparing patients for surgery that is designed to address skin issues. The regulations concerning these estheticians vary widely. In some regions, they are subject to strict regulations and licensing requirements, while in other regions, almost anyone can practice as one. Clients should be aware of this fact because people may advertise themselves with official-sounding titles that actually carry no weight.

Estheticians in general provide care for the skin, along with advice on skincare, and in some regions, they also deal with hair care. The most common official title for someone who has received esthetician training is “licensed esthetician,” a term that is regulated and usually implies that someone has successfully completed a training requirement, taken a written exam, and demonstrated practical skills. Paramedical estheticians have more training, which allows them to perform advanced skincare interventions, and in some regions, they may be subject to licensing.

People can approach this career from a number of perspectives. Some are doctors, nurses, paramedics, or physician's assistants who are interested in focusing on skin care, while others are licensed cosmetologists who want to expand their offerings. These skincare professionals can work in private practice, spas, and medical offices, depending on their preference and the types of services they offer. With the exception of doctors, they not write prescriptions or offer medical advice.

Some services that can be offered by a paramedical esthetician include dermal filling, dermabrasion, Botox® injections, permanent makeup, presurgical skincare, facials, postsurgical skincare, and hair removal. Also known as medical estheticians or paramedical aestheticians, these skincare professionals can offer many services that a conventional esthetician cannot, and they can provide services that would normally only be available through a doctor to patients.

People interested in this career can attend a technical or trade school that offers a degree in paramedical esthetics. They should inquire about the licensing laws where they intend to practice, and they should strongly consider attending a school that has been independently accredited, as this generally implies a higher quality of education and more exacting standards for graduates. Clients interested in the services of a paramedical esthetician should ask the esthetician about the type of training he or she received, and which licenses he or she holds.