What is interesting to me, and strikes me during cosmetic clinics, is that most people that I see, are drawn into cosmetic clinics by the (cheap) prices, BUT: – have no idea what they had in the past elsewhere (brand, anti-wrinkle vs filler; amount; injector experience and qualification)– sometimes I see these people because they have had poor experiences elsewhere and want correction, or because the clinic has closed; or because there is a special on- go in, tell them what you want, it is done and they are out the door. But did they get what they paid for, even if it was “only” $200? What is also interesting, to me, is the way consent is done- several people have had filler to their deep frown lines, without being advised, reportedly, that it can cause permanent, irreversible blindness. It is one of the riskiest areas to inject with filler due to the catastrophic consequences though theoretically, the face being a minefield, any part of it could lead These patients, “clients” have signed a consent form without an actual discussion of side effects and expectations. So what do you need to know about cosmetic injectables before you sign up, whether with me, or anyone else? 1. who your injector is.2. how long they have been doing this.3. what their qualifications are – at minimum they need, in Australia, to be a doctor with appropriate training; or a dentist; or a registered nurse working with a doctor who can authorise the medication for him/her, ONLY after a consult with the doctor.4. how do you feel with them? Do they spend time to get to know you or do you feel rushed? Do they understand what your concerns are, even if you think you know what you want/need? Are they willing to advise you if they believe your expectations are unrealistic, or if you may need more product than you have budgeted for? Are they willing to turn you away if what you are expecting for your budget won’t get you the desired result?5. Is there a followup planned with them? Do you have access to them if something does go wrong (and something CAN go wrong, it is a medical procedure, no matter how much it is sold as a beauty procedure.)6. how good is their understanding of facial anatomy, especially if something goes wrong? Can they fix the problem or are they likely to need to call someone else? So, having said all that, what CAN go wrong? None of these are my patients’ photos, but here are some examples from Google. Another more common risk is vascular occlusion or blockage of the vessels supplying parts of the face: This is not to scare you, nor to put you off anti wrinkle treatments or fillers. It is more to highlight the fact that I see too many people who attend for treatments at places where 1. price alone is the determinant of what is done. 2. consent is a token thing, a form for patients to sign, rather than a process whereby it is explained to each person the small but real risk of real complications. As I am fond of saying, “It is your FACE” and, “You get what you pay for.” Want to discuss it further with me? Book here for a consultation to discuss your expectations, budget and cost for you. Hope to see you in a clinic soon! Any questions? email us at contact@skinessentials.com.au

Common, recurring themes that come up when I am discussing treatment with patients is that of expectations, and cost. When I meet people for the first time, or they contact me to chat, if inexperienced, most are unaware of the basics – the difference between anti wrinkle and filler treatment for example. What each does and how it works. How long each may be expected to last. Different types – permanent, semi permanent and temporary Animal vs non animal origin Brands and costs Who the injector is (I often have to ask if they had to have a Skype consult to determine who the injector may have been), some of which is covered in my post last week I spend a fair bit of time, during the initial obligation-free consult discussing: your face, because every face is different- injectables are not a One Size Fits All approach your concerns what you think would help with your concerns your budget what I see, to help with your  concerns the amount of product you are likely to need, and the cost. So. What does appropriate financial consent mean and involve? a guide to how much anti wrinkle or filler a person is likely to need in TOTAL, even if we only use a fraction of that on the day. the amount of time over which that product is likely to be needed- usually 3-6 months initially and then for maintenance, around 3-6 months and then yearly. how much may be expected in terms of maintenance to help you decide if it is worth investing in. how much they need to budget for if they wish to retain the lip volume/ cheek volume/ wrinkle free areas. whether realistically this is something they wish to undertake, or spend on a holiday instead. Sometimes, I get it wrong, and it is not obvious till we have begun and I see product being sucked into someone’s cheeks, or their chin, or their temples. In that case, I think it is important to be honest. Without this information, it is not really informed financial consent. Sometimes people may be tempted to cut corners, to haggle, to ask for discounts, or to budget, and to get “half of what you say I need”. I understand the desire for that, I truly do. My response is still – “My job is to tell you what I think you need, and what the cost of that is likely to be. It is not to fit within a budget that will not give you the results you want, if your budget, or your expectations are unrealistic. Likewise, I don’t haggle because this is not just about the product, but about the service. If someone cannot value that, then we probably are not a good fit and you should keep looking for another injector.” Let me share some examples with you, especially around the area of fillers. Most people understand the principle of wrinkle relaxants- it’s a lot of money, but it’s relatively straightforward, with few things that can go wrong, and it gives you the most bang for your buck. Effects kick in as early as 2-3 days, peak at around 14 days and last around 3-4 months when a topup is needed. It gives you a refreshed, rejuvenated look that people notice and it’s immediate gratification. Fillers are a bit different. Work with filler, done well, takes time, good knowledge of facial anatomy and the effect though immediate, grows over time and serial treatments to avoid an odd looking face; the hallmark of fillers, if done well, is so subtle, only you and your injector knows that you’ve had anything done. People mainly notice you look fresh, less tired. That is the desired outcome BUT it may not be worth it to many, to spend thousands, to simply look “fresh”. It is more a delayed gratification. By the time most people notice enough that bothers them, they’ve left it too late and need decent volumes of fillers- around 2-3mls in someone in their late 20s and 30s. Upto 8mls or more over 6+ months in someone in her 60s. So financial consent at the beginning is essential- there is no point charging someone for 2mls and $1200 if you know they’re unlikely to follow through with further treatment they need in 3 months. Fillers build on each other and each layer and can last for a year or more. By the time most people notice enough that bothers them, they’ve left it too late and need decent volumes of fillers- around 2-3mls in someone in their late 20s and 30s. Upto 8mls or more over 6+ months in someone in her 60s. So financial consent at the beginning is essential- there is no point charging someone for 2mls and $1200 if you know they’re unlikely to follow through with further treatment they need in 3 months. Fillers build on each other and each layer and can last for a year or more. Some examples: These are just some examples of people I see regularly. Most of these patients don’t want to look fake- they are professionals, with careers- they want to look subtly refreshed and rejuvenated and to feel better about the quality of their skin. Filler is a great way to achieve that as the product stays under the skin for 6-12+ months per treatment session and reduces need for more potions and lotions. Additionally, the process of injecting these products acts in a similar fashion to microneedling and other techniques, stimulating more natural collagen production- win/win! Want to discuss it further with me? Book here for a consultation to discuss your expectations, budget and cost for you. Hope to see you in a clinic soon! Any questions? email us at contact@skinessentials.com.auBook Now

Giving You More Options with Medical Grade Skincare As I’ve branched into skincare and injectables, I field many enquiries regularly about skin regimens, if I know any that are worth spending on, evidence-based and what I would recommend.   As women, we feel a real pressure in a society that judges us first, by our looks. Sometimes our looks are seen as the only worthy thing about us.  While I don’t believe this is the only thing that defines us, I know most of us want to look our best, at any age! Additionally, I’m regularly approached by women with skin concerns that haven’t been addressed- rosacea, thin skin, adult acne, hyperpigmentation, prominent surface vessels and more. 1. Aspect Dr skincare products and chemical peels range which I’ve decided to stock. I shall cover these in more detail in another post, but in summary: chemical peels for skin maintenance, pigmentation, problem skin, including rosacea and ageing. 2. Rodan and Fields, from the USA. It is formulated by the two dermatologists who created Proactiv for teenage acne, and this brand targets sun damaged skin. I have some sample packs of these to those looking for a skincare regime for their sensitive skin, to combat general ageing and who are fighting hyperpigmentation and sun damage. The best part? All R+F regimens and products are backed by a 60 day empty bottle guarantee so you’ve literally nothing to lose. This is also a great option for those who are hesitant to try injectables, or simply don’t have the time for in-clinic appointments.  If you’d like to know more, here’s my website:  It contains a Skin Solutions Tool that’ll give you an idea of your skin needs which may help you (and me) determine which of the two will suit you better! Want to discuss it further with me? Book here for a consultation to discuss your expectations, budget and cost for you. Hope to see you in a clinic soon! Any questions? email us at contact@skinessentials.com.au

Two years ago, I wrote about SkinBoosters, and how they add hydration to the skin and improve general skin quality over time.  During that time, I have been using the skin boosters on my patients for multiple reasons:  Help improve the effects of sun damage in summer Help add hydration to the skin to combat the dryness, itchiness and even flares of acne and worse in winter Improve skin quality over time Help improve pigmentation issues over time Generally improve skin quality including fine lines We even used this to improve scarring from acne by breaking down tethering under the skin during treatments, called subcision The main issue with doing the skin boosters manually, was the amount of time it took, and the likelihood of significant bruising, especially in patients with poor quality skin. Bruising was sometimes significant enough to last a week or so, which was a deterrent for work and day to day life.  So when I heard about the V2 injector, a far easier and faster way to deliver 3mls of skin booster at a time, I jumped at the opportunity to be a model myself, and had my assistant, Erin as the other.  Using the injector allows us to inject close to under the eyes, helpful for those pesky smiles lines that are hard to fix with just anti wrinkle treatment or anything else! It also allowed us to inject tight and sensitive areas such as the forehead skin, without much discomfort. See image below. The best part of it? There was no bruising for either of us. Here is a picture of Erin the very next day, barefaced.  The solution hasn’t changed, still tried and true. ‘Redensity’ is a mix of non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid, amino acids, Vitamin B6 and antioxidants. In addition to hydration, it activates fibroblasts within the dermis making them lay down new collagen and elastin. The effect? Thicker, tighter, yet more elastic skin on the face, lower eyelid, forehead, neck, décolletage and hands. You’ll see results in the very first session. The skin achieves a better colour with less creasing plus improved hydration and suppleness. From one treatment to the next, you’ll notice your complexion looking increasingly radiant and your skin firmer. Thereafter I tend to recommend 3 ml treatment every 6-12 months for maximum ongoing benefit.  So, if, like me, you are too busy to do the necessary on a nightly basis, this may well be worth your time and effort.  Skinboosters are normally 3mls for $1200. As a promotional offer, given summer is just around the corner, we are offering it as a package:  3 sessions of skinboosters, 3mls at a time (enough for full face or neck and hands or neck and décolletage) 2-3 weeks apart for $2000 paid upfront, or $700/session.  Thereafter, you lock in the ongoing price of 3mls every 6-9 months for $900/3mls instead of $1200.  If you want to lock this in, for great skin, please make a note when booking in.  Want to discuss it further with me? Book here for a consultation to discuss your expectations, budget and cost for you. Hope to see you in a clinic soon! Any questions? email us at contact@skinessentials.com.au

There’s no denying we live in a time when there is enormous pressure to look good. Synonymous with the word “good” is the word “attractive” and “young”. Or young-er. To that end, from a young age, we feel pressure to look a certain way, dress a certain way and sometimes, to have attributes that nature hasn’t given us- luscious lips, cheekbones, for example. Some injectors have a niche market on this- the “doll makers” with their high end, boutique patients, some of whom want to look like a Kardashian, a Jenner or a Jolie. That’s not my goal, nor my aim. Have you seen me? The way I look and dress? So what do I stand for? How am I different? Not better, just different? When I see you, I want to look for natural assets and attribute I can enhance, or maximise. And if you are beginning to show signs of ageing, I want to help you minimise those but in a healthy “still you” way. And here, for many patients, lies the problem. How are we to know what that is, when we are bombarded by what it isn’t? I get patients coming to see me, wanting to be “completely frozen” by anti wrinkle treatments. They want frozen foreheads, frozen crows feet, frozen frowns. The result? A frozen face. Worse still, with age and continued freezing what happens is that the muscles that are frozen, are compensated for by other muscles that still move and create furrows- the bunny lines and other wrinkles. At best, it looks strange. At worst? Not such a good treatment. If it’s underdone, it can be topped up; if overdone, there’s nothing to do but wait till it wears off in 3-4 months. So let me ask you this: what ages you- Wrinkles? Lines? Volume? Who looks older? Why? To a degree, subtle use of anti wrinkle treatment for lines and wrinkles work well- they give the face a refreshed look, a brightness and an openness. So what ages us? I get patients asking for “filler” or “wrinkle treatment”. Sometimes they dislike an aspect of their face that bugs them that they want fixed. As with my other clinical work, I try and find out what is truly bothering them: What these patients are describing, is Volume loss by the time you reach this point, a significant volume of fillers is needed to replace the loss. To minimise or reverse the eye bags; the tired face; the wrinkles due to loss of Volume amd the sagging jowls. Not 1ml, or 2mls. But 4-8mls. It’s expensive, and it requires maintenance every 6-12 months. BUT the longer you leave it, the more you’ll need. So with my patients, a consultation is about assessing how realistic their expectations and costs are. How motivated they are to have ongoing maintenance. And if they are willing, we break it down- 2 mls in one go, 3-4 mls if they can afford it. Then we review in 6-8 weeks. Some of my patients deposit money into my account weekly as credit towards their treatment to avoid credit, interest etc. It has to begin with suitable knowledge, and a plan. So, when you look in the mirror? What ages you? When you’re younger, likely the lines. In your 30s and up, almost certainly volume loss +/- lines. My advice? Seek an opinion from a qualified injector, who understands anatomy, and the natural ageing process. Someone who isn’t afraid to tell you what you need, and scare you away with the cost, but who’ll explain to you what you’ll need to budget for, for good results and for maintenance. Understand that you are investing in your skin, the largest organ in your body, your lifelong companion and that it’s never too late to start, as long as you plan to keep going. Want to discuss it further with me? Book here for a consultation to discuss your expectations, budget and cost for you. Hope to see you in a clinic soon! Any questions? email us at contact@skinessentials.com.au