The aesthetics industry is booming, and with it comes a rise in short training programs. Most courses, lasting only two days to two weeks and costing tens of thousands of dirhams, promise to equip doctors with the skills to perform popular cosmetic procedures.
But here’s the question: Does completing such a course make someone an “aesthetic specialist”?
What Does “Specialist” Really Mean?
In healthcare, the word specialist isn’t just a marketing term — it’s a formal title.
• To be recognized as a specialist in the UAE, a doctor must complete 4 years of structured postgraduate training (such as residency) in a specific field.
• They must then obtain a specialist license from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or equivalent medical regulator.
Without this pathway, no matter how many short courses are taken, one cannot legally or ethically call themselves a “specialist.”
What These Short Aesthetic Diploma Provide
• Basic introduction to injectables, fillers, or cosmetic treatments.
• Practical exposure to some procedures.
• A certificate of attendance or completion.
This training can be valuable — especially for general practitioners who want to expand into aesthetic medicine — but it is not equivalent to specialist-level expertise.
The Risks of Misusing the Title
Calling yourself an “aesthetic specialist” after a short diploma can:
• Mislead patients into believing you have specialist training.
• Create legal risks if regulators find misrepresentation.
• Erode trust between practitioners and the public.
The Correct Way to Present Qualifications
After a short aesthetic course, a GP or practitioner can describe themselves as:
• A general practitioner trained in aesthetic procedures
• Or licensed to perform specific aesthetic treatments (within DHA-approved scope)
But not an “aesthetic specialist.” Or Dermatologist
Why Patients Should Be Aware?
For patients, it’s important to understand the difference:
• A specialist title means Minimum 4 years of focused training and regulatory recognition.
• A short course means introductory knowledge, limited scope, and less experience in handling complex cases or complications.
Final Word
A two day or two week aesthetic diploma may open doors to practicing certain cosmetic treatments, but it does not make someone an aesthetic specialist. True specialists undergo years of postgraduate training, examinations, and licensing before earning that title.
