Best Aesthetic Medicine Courses
Aesthetic medicine is booming in India. People want Botox, fillers, chemical peels, skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, and body contouring. Doctors, dermatologists, and even nurses need top-notch training to deliver safe, effective treatments.
This guide lists the best aesthetic medicine courses in India. It explains why each course or institute is worth your time and includes a detailed city-wise table to help you pick the right one. Read on to find the best fit for your career.
Why You Need Aesthetic Medicine
Aesthetic treatments require skill, precision, and medical know-how. Proper training helps you:
- Master safe, evidence-based techniques.
- Avoid complications and manage risks.
- Understand facial anatomy for injectables.
- Build trust and credibility with patients.
- Run an ethical, patient-focused practice.
Short workshops teach basics. But fellowships or diplomas are better for a long-term career.
Top Aesthetic Medicine Courses: Why Choose Them
Here are India’s top courses, with reasons they stand out:
1. Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine (ILAMED)
- Why Choose: A six-month comprehensive program with live interactive sessions and hands-on training. Guided by Dr. Ajay Rana and an international faculty panel, it equips doctors with the skills needed to confidently practice aesthetic medicine.
- What You Learn: Injectables (Botox & fillers), lasers, skin rejuvenation, PRP, trichology, and practice management.
- Duration: 6 months (including on-campus hands-on training of around 10 days)
- Eligibility: MBBS, MD, MS, or MDS-qualified doctors
- Locations: Delhi NCR (HQ), with batches also conducted in Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, and Bangalore
2. Filatox (Ludhiana) – Dr. Nitin Sethi
- Why Choose: Hands-on, advanced training in injectables, lasers, threads, PRP, and complication management, led by renowned aesthetic surgeon Dr. Nitin Sethi.
- What You Learn: Botox, fillers, threads, PRP, laser treatments, and complication management strategies.
- Duration: Intensive short-term modules (week-long or customized).
- Eligibility: Practicing dermatologists and plastic surgeons
- Locations: Ludhiana, India
3. AIAM (Delhi) – Dr. Chiranjiv Chhabra
- Why Choose: Practical, patient-centered training in aesthetic medicine with mentorship from Dr. Chiranjiv Chhabra, a leading aesthetic surgeon.
- What You Learn: Injectables (Botox & fillers), lasers, chemical peels, PRP, and hands-on aesthetic procedures.
- Duration: Short-term intensive modules.
- Eligibility: Dermatologists and plastic surgeons
- Locations: Delhi, India
4. Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine (IADVL-recognized)
- Why Choose: Backed by IADVL, it’s respected and rigorous. 1–2 years of in-depth study. Great for dermatologists wanting academic credibility.
- What You Learn: Injectables, lasers, hair restoration, anti-aging therapies.
- Locations: Multiple institutes in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore.
5. Kosmoderma Academy (Dr. Chytra V Anand)
- Why Choose: Led by a global expert. Hands-on training tailored for Indian skin types. Ideal for practical, real-world skills.
- What You Learn: Injectables, lasers, thread lifts, body contouring.
- Locations: Bangalore
6. Dr. Jamuna Pai’s SkinLab Modules
- Why Choose: Run by a pioneer in aesthetics. Short, focused workshops in Mumbai. Emphasizes safety and ethics. Great for doctors starting out.
- What You Learn: Botox, fillers, chemical peels, skin rejuvenation.
- Locations: Mumbai
7. CPLSS (Dr. Viral Desai)
- Why Choose: Led by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Advanced surgical and non-surgical training. International workshops add value.
- What You Learn: Injectables, hair transplants, cosmetic surgery.
- Locations: Mumbai
8. Indian Institute of Aesthetic Medicine (IIAM)
- Why Choose: Pune-based, 6-month fellowship for MBBS/MD doctors. Hands-on training in dermatology OPDs. Focuses on practical skills and practice setup.
- What You Learn: Injectables, lasers, PRP, chemical peels.
- Locations: Pune
Key Trainers to Know
These trainers make India’s courses world-class:
- Dr. Nitin Sethi: Expert in facial aesthetics and injectables. Leads Filatox (Ludhiana), focusing on precision and patient safety.
- Dr. Chiranjiv Chhabra: Leading aesthetic surgeon in India. Heads AIAM (Delhi), providing practical, patient-centered training.
- Dr. Chytra V Anand: Celebrity dermatologist. Leads Kosmoderma in Bangalore. Known for hands-on training.
- Dr. Sanjeev Nelogi: Runs Nelogi Aesthetic Training Institute. Specializes in advanced injectables.
- Dr. Jamuna Pai: Pioneer in aesthetics. Her SkinLab modules in Mumbai prioritize ethics.
- Dr. Viral Desai: Plastic surgeon. Offers advanced training at CPLSS in Mumbai.
- Dr. Ajay Rana: President of ISAM. Leads ILAMED with international standards.
- Dr. Monica Kapoor: Founder of ILACAD in Mumbai. Expert in facial aesthetics.
- Dr. L K Desai: Runs IIAM in Pune. 20+ years in cosmetology and lasers.
These trainers blend global expertise with Indian patient needs.
City-Wise Guide to Aesthetic Medicine Courses
India’s cities offer top courses for doctors, nurses, and therapists. This table details formats, duration, procedures, trainers, and why to join:
| City | Institute/Course | Key Trainers | Course Format & Duration | Procedures Covered | Why Join | Contact/Website |
| Ludhiana | Filatox | Dr. Nitin Sethi | Intensive short-term modules (week-long/customized) | Botox, fillers, threads, PRP, laser treatments, complication management | Hands-on, advanced training in injectables, lasers, threads, PRP, and complication management; led by expert Dr. Nitin Sethi | https://www.drnitinsethi.com/filatox-institute/ |
| Delhi | AIAM | Dr. Chiranjiv Chhabra | Short-term intensive modules | Injectables (Botox & fillers), lasers, chemical peels, PRP, hands-on aesthetic procedures | Practical, patient-focused training in aesthetic medicine with direct mentorship from leading surgeon | https://aliveinstitute.in/ |
| ILACAD | Dr. Monica Kapoor | Workshops/Fellowship (2 days–6 months) | Facial aesthetics, lasers, anti-aging | Hands-on, celebrity focus. Suits doctors and therapists. | www.ilacad.org | |
| Lakmé Academy | Various trainers | Certificate (1–3 months) | Skincare, peels, laser basics, makeup | Therapist-focused, affordable. Practical training. | www.lakme-academy.com | |
| Delhi NCR | ILAMED HQ Fellowship/Certificate | Dr. Ajay Rana, Dr. Nitin Sethi | Fellowship (6–12 months), Workshops (2–7 days) | Injectables, lasers, PRP, trichology, peels | Global standards, live patients. Doctors and therapists. | www.ilamed.org |
| INCOAM | Various trainers | Fellowship (6 months) | Cosmetology, injectables, lasers, skin treatments | Practical training. Good for doctors; some therapist modules. | www.incoam.org | |
| RIAMS (Recon Institute) | Various trainers | Workshops (1–7 days) | Injectables, rhinoplasty, advanced aesthetics | Short courses with OT exposure. Suits doctors and assistants. | www.riams.co.in | |
| VLCC Institute | Various trainers | Certificate (1–3 months) | Skincare, peels, laser treatments, spa therapies | Therapist-focused, widely available. Affordable. | www.vlccinstitute.com | |
| Bangalore | Kosmoderma Academy | Dr. Chytra V Anand | Fellowship/Workshops (1 month–1 year) | Injectables, lasers, thread lifts, body contouring | Tailored for Indian patients. Ideal for doctors. | www.kosmoderma.academy |
| Cutis Academy of Cutaneous Sciences | Various trainers | Fellowship (6 months) | Injectables, lasers, dermatology, rejuvenation | Dermatology focus. Great for doctors. | www.cutisacademy.com | |
| IATAM | Dr. Nitin Sethi, others | Fellowship/Certificate (1–6 months) | Facial aesthetics, lasers, trichology, makeup | Comprehensive, UGC-affiliated. Suits doctors and therapists. | www.iatam.org | |
| VLCC Institute | Various trainers | Certificate (1–3 months) | Skincare, peels, laser treatments, spa therapies | Therapist-focused, practical. Affordable. | www.vlccinstitute.com | |
| Hyderabad | ILAMED Regional Center | Dr. Nitin Sethi, others | Fellowship/Workshops (2 days–12 months) | Injectables, lasers, PRP, trichology, peels | Hands-on fellowship for doctors; workshops for therapists. | www.ilamed.org |
| Reflexions Aesthetic Research & Training | Various trainers | Fellowship/Workshops (1 month–1 year) | Botox, fillers, peels, PRP, lasers | CBAM-affiliated. Good for doctors and nurses. | www.cbamedicine.com | |
| Chennai | Chennai Plastic Surgery (Dr. Karthik R) | Dr. Karthik R | Workshops/Fellowship (2 days–6 months) | Surgical/non-surgical aesthetics, injectables | Advanced training for doctors. Strong practical focus. | www.chennaiplasticsurgery.com |
| Skin Institute & School of Dermatology | Various trainers | Fellowship (6 months) | Injectables, lasers, rejuvenation, dermatology | Dermatology focus. Suits doctors. | www.skininstitute.in | |
| IATAM | Dr. Nitin Sethi, others | Fellowship/Certificate (1–6 months) | Facial aesthetics, lasers, trichology, makeup | Hands-on, comprehensive. Good for doctors and therapists. | www.iatam.org | |
| Lakmé Academy | Various trainers | Certificate (1–3 months) | Skincare, peels, laser basics, makeup | Therapist-focused, practical training. Affordable. | www.lakme-academy.com | |
| Pune | Indian Institute of Aesthetic Medicine (IIAM) | Dr. L K Desai | Fellowship (6 months) | Injectables, lasers, PRP, peels, practice setup | Hands-on, OPD exposure. Ideal for doctors. | www.cosmetologycourses.in |
| ICAM (Institute of Cosmetology & Aesthetic Medicine) | Dr. Ashok Pandey | Fellowship/Workshops (2 days–6 months) | Injectables, lasers, hair transplants, skin treatments | Comprehensive. Suits doctors and some therapists. | www.icammumbai.com | |
| VLCC Institute | Various trainers | Certificate (1–3 months) | Skincare, peels, laser treatments, spa therapies | Therapist-focused, affordable. Practical training. | www.vlccinstitute.com | |
| Kolkata | ILAMED Regional Center | Dr. Nitin Sethi, others | Fellowship/Workshops (2 days–12 months) | Injectables, lasers, PRP, trichology, peels | Global standards, hands-on. Doctors and therapists. | www.ilamed.org |
| IICSAM (International Institute of Cosmetology) | Various trainers | Fellowship/Workshops (1 month–6 months) | Lasers, hair transplants, injectables, surgery | Latest tech, hands-on. Good for doctors. | www.iicsam.com | |
| VLCC Institute | Various trainers | Certificate (1–3 months) | Skincare, peels, laser treatments, spa therapies | Therapist-focused, affordable. Practical training. | www.vlccinstitute.com | |
| Ahmedabad | ILAMED Regional Center | Dr. Nitin Sethi, others | Fellowship/Workshops (2 days–12 months) | Injectables, lasers, PRP, trichology, peels | Growing hub, global certifications. Doctors and therapists. | www.ilamed.org |
| VLCC Institute | Various trainers | Certificate (1–3 months) | Skincare, peels, laser treatments, spa therapies | Therapist-focused, affordable. Practical training. | www.vlccinstitute.com |
Types of Courses Available
- Why Choose: Fellowships (6–12 months): In-depth, hands-on. Best for doctors building a full-time practice.
- What You Learn: Diplomas (1–2 years): Comprehensive, globally recognized. Ideal for career-focused doctors.
- Locations: Workshops (2 days–4 weeks): Focus on specific skills like Botox or lasers. Good for beginners or nurses/therapists.
What you can learn:
- Injectables (Botox, fillers, facial contouring)
- Lasers (hair reduction, skin rejuvenation, scars)
- PRP therapy (hair, skin)
- Trichology (hair transplants, FUE/FUT)
- Anti-aging (threads, skin tightening)
- Body contouring (fat reduction, radiofrequency)
- Practice management (patient communication, ethics)
How to Pick the Right Course
Consider these factors:
- Accreditation: Look for IADVL or international recognition (e.g., UIME).
- Hands-On Training: Choose courses with live patients or cadaver practice.
- Trainers: Pick institutes with experts like Dr. Nitin Sethi or Dr. Chytra V Anand.
- Mentorship: Seek post-training support and alumni networks.
- Indian Relevance: Ensure training suits Indian skin types and patient expectations.
Choose a course according to your profession
Training for Doctors (MBBS, MD, Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons)
Aesthetic medicine courses for doctors focus on medical-grade procedures. Think injectables (Botox, fillers), lasers, PRP therapy, hair transplants, and surgical techniques. Fellowships (6–12 months) or diplomas (1–2 years) offer in-depth training, hands-on practice, and global certifications. These are ideal for building a full-time aesthetics practice. Look for programs with live patient exposure and mentorship, like ILAMED or Kosmoderma.
Top Aesthetic Medicine Courses for Doctors
Here are India’s top courses for doctors and why they’re recommended:
- Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine (ILAMED)
- Filatox (Ludhiana) – Dr. Nitin Sethi
- AIAM (Delhi) – Dr. Chiranjiv Chhabra
- Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine (IADVL-recognized)
- Kosmoderma Academy (Dr. Chytra V Anand)
- Dr. Jamuna Pai’s SkinLab Modules
- CPLSS (Dr. Viral Desai)
- Indian Institute of Aesthetic Medicine (IIAM)
Training for Therapists
Therapists play a growing role in aesthetic clinics, assisting doctors or performing non-invasive treatments like laser therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or skincare consultations. Unlike doctors, therapists don’t perform injectables or surgical procedures due to regulatory restrictions in India. Training for therapists focuses on:
- Non-Invasive Skills: Laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, peels, microneedling.
- Client Interaction: Consultations, post-treatment care, patient education.
- Safety and Compliance: Understanding skin types, hygiene, and legal scope of practice.
Therapist-Specific Courses
- Short Workshops (2–15 days): Ideal for therapists. Cover specific skills like lasers or peels. Often open to non-medical professionals with prior qualifications (e.g., cosmetology diploma).
- Certificate Programs (1–3 months): Blend theory and hands-on practice. Focus on non-invasive aesthetics and clinic support roles.
- Key Considerations: Verify if the course allows therapists (some are doctor-only). Check state regulations, as therapists may need doctor supervision for certain treatments.
Recommended Programs for Therapists
1. ILAMED Certificate Courses
- Why Choose: Offers short-term workshops (2–7 days) for non-invasive treatments. Accessible to therapists with basic qualifications. Led by experts
- What You Learn: Laser treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, skin analysis.
- Locations: Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Ahmedabad.
- Contact: www.ilamed.org.
2. Dr. Jamuna Pai’s SkinLab Workshops
- Why Choose: Short, practical modules in Mumbai. Focus on non-invasive skills. Open to therapists with prior training.
- What You Learn: Peels, skin rejuvenation, client consultations.
- Locations: Mumbai
- Contact: www.theskinlab.in
3. IATAM Certificate in Aesthetic Medicine
- Why Choose: Includes therapist-friendly modules like permanent makeup and laser treatments. 1–3-month programs with hands-on practice.
- What You Learn: Lasers, microneedling, permanent makeup, client care.
- Locations: Bangalore, Chennai
- Contact: www.iatam.org
4. VLCC Institute Certificate Courses
- Why Choose: Well-known for cosmetology and aesthetics. Offers therapist-focused programs with practical training. Affordable and widely available.
- What You Learn: Skincare, laser treatments, chemical peels, spa therapies.
- Locations: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad
- Contact: www.vlccinstitute.com
5. Lakmé Academy Powered by Aptech
- Why Choose: Focuses on beauty and aesthetics. Short courses for therapists. Emphasizes non-invasive treatments and client handling.
- What You Learn: Skincare, peels, laser basics, makeup artistry.
- Locations: Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune
- Contact: www.lakme-academy.com
Tips for Therapists
- Eligibility: Most therapist courses require a basic qualification (e.g., 12th grade, cosmetology diploma). Check institute requirements.
- Supervision: In India, therapists often work under doctors for treatments like lasers. Ensure courses clarify scope of practice.
- Career Boost: Pair aesthetic training with spa or beauty certifications for broader job opportunities in clinics or salons.
For Clinics: Why Train Your Staff?
Investing in staff training transforms your clinic. Here’s why and what to watch for:
Benefits of Training
- Builds Patient Trust: Skilled staff deliver confident, safe treatments. Patients notice the difference.
- Expands Services: Trained doctors and nurses can offer more procedures, like fillers or lasers, safely.
- Improves Retention: Consistent, high-quality treatments keep patients coming back.
- Boosts Efficiency: Tools like Cliniceo.app streamline scheduling, records, and follow-ups, freeing staff to focus on care.
Challenges to Address
- Cost: Training can be expensive. Look for scholarships or group discounts.
- Keeping Skills Fresh: Aesthetic trends evolve fast. Budget for regular workshops to stay current.
- Clinic Operations: Skills alone don’t cut it. Use systems like Cliniceo.app to manage patient data and workflows.
Conclusion
India’s aesthetic medicine courses are world-class. Experts like Dr. Nitin Sethi, Dr. Chytra V Anand, and Dr. Ajay Rana lead top programs in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad. Pick a course based on your role, doctors should aim for fellowships or diplomas, while therapists/nurses can start with workshops. ILAMED, Kosmoderma, and IIAM shine for their hands-on training and Indian relevance.