*Aesthetic Appointment Journal is a proud media partner of Aesthetic Symposium Cape Town *
As aesthetic practitioners, we are always looking for ways to improve safety, precision, and patient outcomes. One of the most transformative tools entering our space is ultrasound, and it’s time we start integrating it meaningfully into our everyday aesthetic practice.
To support this shift, I’m proud to host an exciting new training opportunity under the Aesthetic Symposium Cape Town (ASCT) banner: a one-day Beginner Ultrasound in Aesthetics workshop, specifically designed for doctors and dentists who are new to ultrasound.
This is not about becoming a sonographer.
It’s about adding a point-of-care skill that gives us real-time visual feedback to map vessels, assess filler placement, manage complications, and most importantly, inject with confidence and care.
A World-Class Faculty, Right Here in Cape Town
We’ve brought together two exceptional experts to guide this training day:
Dr Wade Merchant
Medical Director of Natural Aesthetics Practices’ three locations with over a decade of clinical experience, has been pursuing an MSc in Clinical Anatomy since 2023 and is currently enrolled at the University of Stellenbosch. His research focuses on ultrasound-guided vascular mapping for facial injectable treatments while investigating patient and practitioner perceptions of POCUS.
His work centres on enhancing filler injection protocols through real-time ultrasound visualisation to prevent vascular complications. He is also exploring diagnostic capabilities for filler migration, periorbital oedema, and facial overfilled syndrome.
As a Galderma mentor trainer for over 7 years, Dr Merchant uses ultrasound to transform facial anatomy education from theoretical concepts to live visualisation – allowing practitioners to understand precise anatomical relationships critical for safe injections.
His clinical experience, academic rigour, and technological innovation drive his mission to support the inevitable adoption of ultrasound in aesthetic practice.
His vision: putting the “medicine” back in Aesthetic Medicine.
Prof Hamzah Mustak
Prof. Hamzah Mustak is an ophthalmologist with a special interest in ocular oncology, oculoplastic and orbital surgery. He currently serves as President of both the South African Society of Oculoplastic Surgery (SASOPS) as well as the African Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AFSOPRS).
Prof. Mustak completed his specialist training in ophthalmology at the University of Cape Town and continued with a fellowship in orbital and oculoplastic surgery at the Stein Eye Institute in Los Angeles. During his fellowship, he developed an interest in facial fillers, particularly complications of filler treatment. He has published several papers on vascular complications of fillers as well as established protocols for the treatment of vascular complications.
Prof. Mustak has extensive experience in ophthalmic ultrasonography as well as ultrasound-guided vascular identification and cannulation for vascular complications. He is a lecturer of the HeyEd academy and has run several courses on vascular and non-vascular filler complications with Dr Izolda Heydenrych.
He has published 34 indexed articles and written 4 book chapters.
Prof Mustak will also present the ethics session at this event, helping us use new technologies responsibly and effectively.
What You’ll Learn
This workshop combines foundational knowledge with hands-on practice, so you can walk away with skills you can use immediately.
Topics include:
- Ultrasound physics simplified for aesthetics
- Facial anatomy scanning
- Vascular mapping and pre-injection scanning
- Filler identification and migration assessment
- Ethics and safety in aesthetic ultrasound
You’ll also have the opportunity to trial multiple devices during the practical component, a rare chance to experience different platforms before making an investment.
Event Details
🗓 Date: Wednesday, 22 October 2025
📍 Venue: Protea Hotel, Breakwater Lodge, Waterfront, Cape Town
🎯 For: Aesthetic doctors and dentists (beginner level)
💰 Cost: R7 500 (full day, including device trials and materials)
📜 CPD Points: 6 CPD and 1 Ethics point
Spaces are limited: www.maskhero.co.za
A Note from the Organiser
As the founder of the Aesthetic Symposium Cape Town, I’ve always believed in creating learning spaces that are independent, non-commercial, and focused on real clinical value. This event continues in that spirit, bringing professionals together to share, question, and grow.
Ultrasound is not a trend. It’s a clinical skill that will soon be part of every modern aesthetic practice. Patients are already asking for it, and as clinicians, we owe it to them to be ready.
I look forward to welcoming you in October for a day of learning, networking, and future-focused practice.
Warm regards,
Dr Barlodien Kotze
Founder | Aesthetic Symposium Cape Town
Dr Barlodien Kotzé is a General Practitioner with a dedicated interest in Aesthetic Medicine with over 15 years of experience in the field, and in private practice at Sculptique. Proficient in a wide range of facial contouring techniques utilising Botulinum Toxin, HA fillers, biostimulators, nanofat, and fat grafting, she focuses on enhancing her patients' natural beauty while promoting confidence and a vibrant complexion.
In addition to her expertise in aesthetic procedures, Dr Kotzé is deeply passionate about regenerative medicine and the potential of autologous mesenchymal stem cells for natural healing and repair. She is affiliated with The Cell Surgical Network®, where she collaborates with fellow professionals dedicated to advancing adult stem cell regenerative medicine to address various inflammatory and degenerative conditions.
Recognised for her expertise, Dr Kotzé is a respected trainer in the field of Aesthetic Medicine and serves on the Executive Committee of AAMSSA. Her commitment to ongoing education is evident in her role in organizing the annual Aesthetic Symposium Cape Town, where she facilitates learning and knowledge exchange within the aesthetic community.
- Dr Barlodien Kotzéhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-barlodien-kotze
- Dr Barlodien Kotzéhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-barlodien-kotze
