Hands-On: Cosmetics
Innovative. Interactive. Hands On.
Oct. 24-25, 2026, Chicago IL
Palmer House Hilton
Join us this fall for AAD’s Hands-On: Cosmetics course, an immersive, two-day experience designed to build confidence and skill in cosmetic dermatology. Practice foundational injection techniques alongside nationally recognized expert faculty in a supportive, hands-on environment where you can ask questions, refine your approach, and gain practical experience you can apply immediately.
Throughout the course, you’ll work in real time with cutaneous procedural head models, allowing you to follow each step and develop precision in your technique. Plus gain valuable insight through live demonstrations with real patients, bringing each approach into clear focus.
Course information
Hands-On: Cosmetics is an immersive, 2-day course designed to expand upon the popular workshop offered at the Annual Meeting. Nationally recognized expert faculty provide hands-on instruction in foundational injection techniques, and attendees will practice in real time on cutaneous procedural head models. The course emphasizes anatomy as it relates to neuromodulators and dermal fillers, while integrating key principles of patient assessment, facial analysis, and treatment planning.
Attendees will learn practical approaches to product selection, injection methods, and strategies to minimize and manage adverse events. Upon completion, participants will be equipped to evaluate the benefits and risks of commonly performed cosmetic procedures based on individual patient presentations, and to safely and effectively perform botulinum toxin and dermal filler injections.
What to expect
Learning objectives
Following this course, the attendee should be able to:
Identify relevant anatomy and high-risk areas associated with cosmetic injections, and strategies to minimize complications.
Assess the benefits and risks of commonly performed cosmetic procedures based on a patient’s clinical presentation.
Develop individualized treatment plans incorporating patient assessment, anatomy, product selection, and patient-specific characteristics, including differences in ethnicity, skin type, facial structure, and aesthetic goals.
Perform key cosmetic procedures, specifically botulinum toxin and dermal filler injections.
Target audience
This course is for AAD members who are practicing dermatologists and dermatology residents.
Due to the hands-on nature of the programs, the course is limited to 50 participants.
CME accreditation
The American Academy of Dermatology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
AMA credit designation
The American Academy of Dermatology designates this live activity for a maximum of 10 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Disclaimer
The American Academy of Dermatology is not responsible for statements made by the faculty. Statement or opinions expressed in this activity reflect the views of the faculty and do not reflect the official policy of the American Academy of Dermatology. The information provided in this CME activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for independent medical judgment of a health provider relative to the diagnostic, management, and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.
Course Directors
Rohit Kakar, MD, FAAD
Course Director
Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, FAAD
Course Director
Faculty information and agenda coming soon!
Registration is open!
A select number of seats are reserved for residents. Be sure to register early and secure yours! Registration is open to AAD members only – please log in to your AAD account before registering.
Rates
Early-Bird Registration Rate until Aug. 21 at noon CT: $1,750
Resident Early-Bird Registration Rate until Aug. 21 at noon CT: $700
Standard Registration Rate: $1,900
Resident Standard Registration Rate: $760
Housing
The AAD has secured sleeping rooms at Palmer House Hilton for the 2026 Hands-On Cosmetics course.
Room reservations
Please make your room reservation at the Palmer House Hilton using the link below.
17 East Monroe Street
Chicago Illinois 60603 USA
312.726.7500
Standard Room Rate: $259 per night, plus applicable taxes (currently 18.9%). This rate is available until Oct. 1, 2026, or until the AAD room block is sold out, whichever occurs first.
Cancellations made less than 72 hours prior to check-in (3:00 PM CT) will result in a charge equal to one night’s room rate plus tax. Early departures and no-shows will incur the same charge. Please be sure to obtain a cancellation confirmation number for your records.
A one-night deposit will be collected at the time of booking.
