THE BENEFITS OF Pharmacists in aesthetics

Holly Armstrong looks at the integral role of pharmacists in aesthetic medicine

From subtle enhancements to complete facial transformations, aesthetics empowers individuals through self-expression and self-care, and the surge in the sector’s popularity comes hand in hand with excelling innovation, deeper understanding and the complexity around treatments and patients.

To truly elevate the aesthetic industry to its maximum potential, a multidisciplinary approach is essential. This means leaning on the collective expertise of doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists and other professionals who all have their own individual strengths and weaknesses. Each of these professionals brings unique skills and knowledge to the table, contributing to the industry’s innovation, patient safety, and overall quality of care.

As an aesthetic pharmacist of six years, I have treated over 10,000 patients at the Dr Bonny Clinic in Ireland, which I established with my sister Dr Bonny Armstrong in 2017. We currently have a multidisciplinary team of 10, including doctors, dentists, nurses and pharmacists. Our reputation as a clinic has excelled due to advocating each person’s strength and clinical knowledge, and I feel passionate about ensuring our profession is not overlooked, but rather celebrated as a vital component of the aesthetic industry. In aesthetics, collaboration among medical professionals is crucial, which is something my sister and I have embraced from the start of our journey. By working with the strengths of each other and, more importantly, building upon our weaknesses, we can push the boundaries of what is possible, improve patient outcomes, and innovate the industry continuously.

The pharmacist’s role, often unsung, is particularly critical in managing medications, formulating skincare products, and ensuring the overall safety and efficacy of treatments. I work closely with my sister and guide our whole clinic when my strengths are needed.

I feel strongly that, for the aesthetic industry to continue its upward trajectory, the contributions of pharmacists must be recognised and integrated into the multidisciplinary framework that defines modern aesthetic medicine.

THE EVOLUTION OF AN AESTHETIC PHARMACIST

Pharmacists undergo rigorous training and education, typically involving five years of study to obtain a Master of Pharmacy degree, followed by a year of pre-registration training and a registration exam. Within our training, the use of the British National Formulary (BNF) of medicines and Electronic Medicines Compendium (ECR) is essential to understand the pharmacological properties of drugs, therapeutic indications, contraindications, method of administration and side effects of any medication dispensed in the health industry.

This comprehensive training equips pharmacists with a thorough understanding of pharmaceutical sciences and patient care. Recently, prescribing has become a part of university courses for pharmacists, allowing new graduates to enter the field with prescribing qualifications.

Despite their extensive training, aesthetic pharmacists face unique challenges, with prescribing privileges being a recent addition, many pharmacists had to return to university to gain this qualification to meet the requirements of conferences and training opportunities in aesthetics to be recognised within the field. They must navigate a medicinal area that extends beyond traditional pharmacy practice, requiring continuous learning about cosmetic ingredients, facial anatomy, physiology, and advanced treatment techniques. This additional knowledge is crucial for meeting the evolving needs of patients and practitioners in aesthetic medicine and is a pivotal reason for collaborative aesthetics and acceptance within the field.

A UNIQUE SET OF SKILLS

Pharmacists bring a unique and indispensable set of skills to the aesthetic industry, enhancing the multidisciplinary approach that defines modern aesthetic medicine. Their expertise in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics provides adeep understanding of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolised, and excreted, as well as their biochemical and physiological effects. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring the safe and effective use of medications in aesthetic treatments including those that we use regularly in clinic, like botulinum toxin, sodium chloride, hyaluronidase, tretinoin and hydroquinone.

Pharmacists’ proficiency in drug mechanisms and interactions enables them to prevent adverse reactions and manage complications, a critical aspect of patient safety in aesthetic procedures. Their specialised knowledge in formulation allows them to understand the properties and effects of different pharmaceutical ingredients, making them vital in understanding complex patient scenarios, complications, and side effects from aesthetic treatments.

In terms of prescription management, pharmacists excel in interpreting, verifying, and dispensing prescriptions with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards. This reduces the risk of errors in aesthetic treatments when treating patients in a clinical environment and allows aesthetic pharmacists to have an elevated skill in the reconstitution, administration and documentation of some treatments.

When complications arise, pharmacists are adept at providing immediate and effective management, minimising risks and ensuring patient safety. Their expertise in antimicrobial therapy contributes significantly to infection prevention strategies and antibiotic management, crucial for mitigating the risks of post-treatment infections. Their knowledge around local drug formularies and up-todate therapeutics aids any medical professional with their input.

Patient consent and capacity is essential in any aesthetic treatment, and patients often do their own research on treatments prior to attending clinics. An aesthetic pharmacist possess extensive knowledge of active pharmaceutical ingredients, including their stability, efficacy, and potential side effects allowing precise selection of the right products and treatments for patients. They are also trained in patient education and counselling, ensuring that patients understand their treatments, possible side effects, and post-procedure care, which enhances patient compliance and satisfaction.

Furthermore, pharmacists are well-versed in regulatory requirements and standards for medications and treatments, ensuring that all aesthetic procedures comply with legal and safety guidelines. Their holistic approach to patient care considers all aspects of a patient’s health, including potential drug interactions and overall medication management, which is beneficial in ensuring safe and effective aesthetic treatments.

By embracing these specialised skills, pharmacists significantly enhance the quality of care in the aesthetic industry, complementing the expertise of doctors, nurses and dentists. Their role bridges pharmaceutical science, clinical practice, and patient safety, extending beyond basic medication management to a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

HOW TO EXCEL AS AN AESTHETIC PHARMACIST

Professional growth in aesthetic pharmacy is a dynamic and ongoing journey. As a pharmacist in this field, it’s crucial to stay updated with advancements in treatments through continuous education. Attending educational conferences, training days, and courses helps you keep pace with the rapid changes in the industry. Obtaining relevant certifications from accredited training clinics in treatments like botulinum toxin, filler, and skincare techniques is essential to ensure you are well-qualified and credible.

Hands-on experience is invaluable. Spending time in an aesthetic clinic, shadowing experienced practitioners, and engaging with peers during conferences will significantly improve your knowledge and patient care. Understanding what strengths you can add to a multidisciplinary team as an aesthetic pharmacist ,but also being open and engaged with your peers and colleagues. Learning from the aesthetic doctors, dentists, nurses and other professionals within the industry to build your skills &knowledge from their strengths.

Networking is another critical component of professional growth. Joining professional groups, attending conferences, and participating in online communities focused on aesthetic medicine allows you to connect with industry leaders, stay informed, and exchange insights.

I advocate seeking mentorship from experienced practitioners and aesthetic medics who have been in the industry for years can provide guidance and support as you navigate your career. Their expertise and advice can be invaluable in helping you avoid common pitfalls and excel in your practice. Understanding your limitations as an aesthetic pharmacist is crucial, however indifferent to any other medical professional understanding theirs. Collaboration among us all will only build the industry further and allows all our weaknesses to become strengths. This holistic approach to professional and aesthetic development will not only benefit us as a profession but understanding, innovation and patient safety.

HOLLY ARMSTRONG

Holly Armstrong (MPharm) is a pharmacist of nine years and aesthetic pharmacist of six years and the lead practitioner at the Dr Bonny Clinic in Belfast. Having treated over 10,000 patients, she advocates innovation and patient safety through collaborative aesthetics.