Women in Aesthetic Technology

Despite conversations about gender diversity in technology, women are still underrepresented, underpaid, and often discriminated against in the tech industry. While women make up 47% of all employed adults, as of 2022, they hold only 28% of computing and mathematical roles, according to data from Zippia, with women identifying as Asian or Pacific Islander making up just 7% of the IT workforce and Black and Hispanic women accounting for 3% and 2%, respectively. How is this affecting the aesthetics sector?

EMBRACING THE MACHINES

Erika Sheyn, senior director of aesthetics at Guidepoint Qsight, has seen her career evolve significantly with the introduction of new technologies. “I’ve witnessed and been part of numerous advancements that have transformed the industry, making treatments more effective and accessible,” she shares. Such developments have not only made procedures safer and more efficient but have also resulted in shorter recovery times for patients.

Sheyn highlights the importance of continuous learning in this fast-paced field, through “constantly reading journals and news focused on aesthetics.” This sentiment is echoed by Dr Amy Law, clinical director of Dr Amy Law Cosmetic Clinic and co-founder of Infinity Aesthetic Training, who emphasises the value of attending conferences and exhibitions to keep up to date. “Reading journals and articles is a great way to keep my knowledge fresh and continue learning,” she says.

Sheyn feels that most women within this sector tend to face unique challenges: “Due to the aesthetic sector still being new, finding mentorship and networking opportunities can be more challenging.” In response, she joined groups such as Chief to become a mentor for those that want to break into the industry.

THE PATIENT AND THE TECH

With great technology comes great responsibility, and training is essential to mastering the new machines. Dr Law enrolled on a six-month mentorship programme to further enhance her studies: “Our anatomical knowledge has vastly improved over the last eight years.” This rigorous training enabled her to provide safer and more effective treatments. Similarly, Jo Hayward, nurse prescriber and co-founder of Aesthetic Nurse Software, stresses the importance of expanding knowledge beyond traditional methods. She exclaims that we must “embrace technology because it is evolving the way we work and how we manage our patients.”

It is this rapid evolution of the industry that presents opportunities for women to rise to the top. “There is a significant opportunity for women to take on leadership roles. Women bring diverse perspectives that can drive innovation and create more inclusive and patientcentred solutions. By leading research and development efforts, women can shape the future of aesthetic medicine”, Sheyn notes. Kate Ross, founder, clinic director and lead aesthetic nurse of The Clinic by La Ross emphasises the unique position of women in aesthetic medicine to understand and address the pressures patients face due to ageing: “We are in a unique position to help them and for that I am always grateful and humbled but what comes with that is a responsibility.”

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING PROFESSIONALS

For young women aspiring to enter the field, the key to success lies in embracing technology and continuous learning. Hayward stresses that you must “be confident in your abilities and seek a mentor to embed what you have learnt through training, giving you the confidence to discuss a range of treatments which builds patients trust. Embrace technology because it is evolving the way we work and how we manage our patients.”

Overall, the integration of technology in aesthetic medicine has opened new horizons for women in the industry. By embracing these advancements and overcoming challenges, they are transforming patient care and setting new standards of excellence. As the field continues to evolve, the contributions of these pioneering women will undoubtedly shape the future of aesthetic medicine.