Advertorial: Elevating Training Standards

Merz Institute of Advanced Aesthetics – Elevating Training Standards

A report on the Merz Innovation Partner Workshop on March 5 and 6

The Merz Institute of Advanced Aesthetics (MIAA) is the training and education brand representing the full Merz portfolio. It is an expert-led educational brand devoted to advancing knowledge and providing UK Healthcare Practitioners with academic and practical skills to successfully compete in the area of aesthetics. Merz Aesthetics understands the value of supporting healthcare professionals (HCPs) with expert-led education and guidance on Merz brands. This requires a team of established trainers committed to raising industry standards by sharing knowledge and expertise with likeminded peers. Merz is proud to invest in the skills of the growing group of trainers, known as the Merz Innovation Partner (MIP) team, in order to fulfil our mission of putting medicine back into aesthetics. The Merz Innovation Partner workshop held in Glasgow on March 5 and 6 was hosted by the Merz Innovation Board (Dr Kate Goldie, Dr Emma Ravichandran, Dr Simon Ravichandran, Dr Julia Sevi, nurse prescriber Helena Collier and consultant plastic and aesthetic surgeon Mr Dalvi Humzah). As recognised experts in the field of aesthetic medicine and Merz brands, this team delivered a comprehensive agenda to advance the breadth and depth of knowledge of the MIPs. The focus was to enhance skills in teaching key scientific messages relevant to making sound clinical decisions when using Merz brands. Also in attendance was special guest, Professor Sebastian Cotofana. Professor Cotofana is an internationally recognised anatomist and an Associate Professor of Anatomy at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, Minnesota. Professor Cotofana delivered several highly relevant and impactful applied anatomy lectures over the course of the two days to support the clinical knowledge of the MIP team. Our investment in highly-educated specialists to share knowledge and expertise will reflect on the overall quality of the training programme delivered by the Merz Institute of Advanced Aesthetics.

Merz Innovation Board and Partners

From left to right: Dr Kim Booysen, Dr Paula Mann, Sarah Holness, Dr Simon Ravichandran, Annie Cartwright, Dr Emma Ravichandran, Helena Collier, Freya Carlsen, Anna Gunning, Dr John Tanqueray, Julie Redmond, Dr Julia Sevi, Mr Dalvi Humzah, Emma Chan, Dr Orla Grimes, Aine Larkin.

Day one: BELOTERO ®

Following a welcome and introductions from the Merz Aesthetics team, the trainers planned exciting new updates to upcoming Masterclasses. Attendees also attended a pharmacovigilance training to ensure they adhere to industry compliance best-practices when delivering the Masterclasses. The education on Merz products began with preparation for BELOTERO® Masterclasses, shared by Dr Emma Ravichandran and Dr Simon Ravichandran. The pair used their expert knowledge to upskill MIPs on how to deliver these scientific presentations and ensure that key messages on how to use the hyaluronic acid range of dermal fillers are clear and understood by Masterclass attendees. In the afternoon, special guest Professor Cotofana gave an in-depth presentation on anatomy, showing unique studies, videos and cadaver images to contribute to the MIPs’ understanding of in-depth facial anatomy. In his talk, different injection depths, planes and layers were outlined, before the trainers were divided into three groups and discussions on injection techniques, depths, product choice and quantity for optimal results took place. Day two: Radiesse®+ and Ultherapy ®

The second day of the Merz Innovation Partner Workshop consisted of a Radiesse®+ Masterclass Refresh, led by Mr Humzah. He discussed the technology behind the calcium hydroxylapatatite dermal filler, its safety profile and the scientific studies supporting its efficacy. Live demonstrations of using Radiesse®+ in the lower face were performed, with considerations for facial assessment and injection technique discussed. As a pre-cursor to the Ultherapy® session, Professor Cotofana led an engaging discussion on the anatomical facts of skin laxity. Dr Julia Sevi then took over the education with an introduction to Ultherapy®. She then outlined how the micro-focused ultrasound with visualisation can stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin 1 deep within the skin, gradually lifting and sculpting 2 it from the inside out with minimal downtime. 3

Merz Innovation Partners said… Q&A with Professor Cotofana

“The whole Merz Innovation Partner Workshop had a strong and consistent emphasis on medical practice and the supporting scientific evidence behind our clinical practice and product choices.”

Annie Cartwright, MIP

“I love the fact that I am still learning new and exciting information, which not only benefits my own practice, but ensures that as a Merz Innovation Partner I possess the latest knowledge to pass on to our delegates at our masterclass events.”

Freya Carlsen, MIP

“Delighted to attend the Merz Institute Workshop in Glasgow, the highlight for me was anatomy and physiology with Professor Cotofana. The presentation, slides, and sharing of information far exceeded my expectations. I was literally on the edge of my seat!”

Sarah Holness, MIP What drives your passion for anatomy? I feel that anatomy can provide us with a lot of valuable answers if we ask the right questions. Anatomy is much more than origin and insertion of muscles or the major torture subject for medical students. Anatomy can be very modern and up-to-date.

Do you think anatomy plays a key role in education? Yes, absolutely. Anatomy is one of the most important pillars that carries healthcare-related education. It provides the learner with in depth understanding of the human body and can explain concepts of pathophysiology and treatments. Anatomy should not be seen as an one-time educational component. With increasing knowledge different questions will be asked, to which anatomy can answer them.

This advertorial was written and supplied by Merz.

M-MIAA-UKI-0046 March 2020. Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information for the United Kingdom can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. Reporting forms and information for the Republic of Ireland can be found at https://www.hpra.ie/homepage/about-us/report-an-issue/mdiur. Adverse events should also be reported to Merz Pharma UK Ltd by email to UKdrugsafety@merz.com or on +44 (0) 333 200 4143.

REFERENCES

1. Ulthera System Instructions for Use, 1001393 IFU 2. Fabi SG and Goldman MP. Dermatol Surg. 2014;40;570 3. Brobst RW, et al. Facial Plast Surg Clin N Am. 2014;22:191-202