How & Why Does the Face Age? And What Interventions Actually Work?

We all hear about ‘ageing’, but what does it really mean?

Although most of us think of wrinkles as the main culprit of ageing, the reality is far more complex. The entire structure of the face, including skin, subcutaneous fat, muscles and bones change over time. Our cells do too, but that’s another story!

Before you read on – this information is not meant to shock or shame. If you want to improve your skin, or “look good for your age” (who doesn’t), it’s important to understand the science behind how we age. Once you (and your clinician), understands this, it allows us to tailor lifestyle advise, clinical interventions to the root cause.

What causes ageing skin?

Collagen Collagen is the mesh-like component that makes up around 75% of the skin. It gives skin structure and support and holds the landmarks of the face in position. With age, the number of collagen fibres decreases, and the ones that remain become less organised, weakening the tissues. This results in stretching of the skin, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and sagging jowls.

For women, collagen loss is accelerated in the years around menopause, when up to 30% of collagen is lost. This is compounded by the a tendency of skin to thin out and become more dry, due to oestrogen deficiency. This is why some women come to us feeling they have “aged overnight”, and why having regular collagen inducing treatment in perimenopause is so important.before menopause hits and throughout perimenopause is so important- bank the collagen while you have the oestrogen, and you’re future skin with thankyou!

Clinical interventions that increase collagen include: wearing sunscreen, using retinol, peels (especially in love with the Bio- Repeel), and collagen induction therapies such as laser and energy based devices.

I am a huge advocate of using heat based therapies (lasers and energy based devices) to stimulate collagen, because they stimulate a particular heat shock protein pathway to improve your skin- this is way more effective than simple needling or peel as i some instances has exactly the same downtime. (In a perfect world, I use them both in one session!)

Low downtime laser facials are a great place to start if you want to stimulate collagen and work on your skin texture and tone. But you need to be consistent- start with one every 2- 4 weeks and then space it out to maintain your skin. Our clinics offer both the Laser Genesis (great for red, sensitive skin , pore size) and Spectra Q switch laser (brightens skin, reduces pore size/congestion and pigmentation). Both these lasers are suitable for any skin type and can beused during pregnancy. High-Frequency Ultrasound using Ultraformer is another low downtime device to improve skin laxity and contour the skin. It’s the most well loved device in out clinic given it has no downtime at all!

If you are looking for more intense collagen stimulation, look at the Ultraclear laser. This is an ablative laser that can do anything from low downtime superficial laser peel (“3D Miracl”, with 1- 3 days of mild swelling and redness), to an intense ablative treatment for more significant concerns like deep lines and wrinkles, scarring pigmentation. It also has an amazing setting for facial laxity called “coring” (new to the laser world and why I love it!), which addresses skin laxity. This improves concerns such as lines and skin laxity around the eye , lip lines or neck sagging without surgery, and gives meaningful results. I usually combine Ultraformer with Laser Coring as part of a personalised plan. I am particularly excited about using this mode for patients after they have lost a lot of weight- it can be done anywhere on the body including the abdomen, arms and knees.

Last on the list are surgical modalities such as a facelift or neck lift. If you have significant skin redundancy, surgery is the gold standard treatment - it is the only modality that can remove excess skin. If you are wanting surgical results, or have severe concerns, please consider surgery, otherwise you might be wasting your money. Also, make sure you see a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon- I can let you know of trustworthy colleagues.

After years in this industry I can truely say that by using a scientific approach to ageing, being consistent and combining evidence based synergetic modalities, our clinic achieves natural-looking results that rival or even surpass surgical outcomes.

Fat All faces have fat compartments, and these areas of volume are vital to help support the skin and keep us looking healthy, particularly in the midsection (cheek and lower eyelid regions) and at the sides of the face (the temple and in front of the ear)

Unfortunately, as we age, or due to factors such as weight change, genes, medical illness, pregnancy and breastfeeding or medications, these fatty areas reduce in volume which leads to deflation, and “sunken” face. This leads to “tired-looking” eyes and contributes to jowl formation. Don’t ask me why we lose fat on the face and put it on in the middle- there is no justice! Catherine Deneuve famously quipped that “at a certain age, you have to choose between your face and your arse” …and to some degree this is true!

Fat pad loss can be addressed with a range of medical and surgical options, which we talk through at your consultation.

I also recommend that any procedure that addresses volume loss should begin with a laser or energy based device to improve the integrity of the skin FIRST. This will mean you need less volume (less expense) but also the results will much more natural and lifted. The skin holds everything in place- don’t ignore it! I was always taught by my aesthetic mentors to “lift then fill”) to minimise overfilling and bloating the face. And, whatever you may have heard, adding volume doesn’t lift… it fills.

Ligaments Skin is anchored to the facial skeleton via ligaments. As we age, these ligaments slacken and gravity pulls them down, causing the cheeks, and eyelids to descend ( “my face is falling down”), contributing to jowl formation and a sagging neck and jawline.

Currently, the best non surgical intervention to improve ligament laxity is HIFU (High Frequency Focused Ultrasound). This where the Ultraformer 3 is in its element, and the reason why we love it so much. The Ultraformer 3 has revolutionised the HIFU world with the introduction if the 4.5mm cartridge, that heats and tightens the aponeurosis and ligaments that sit above our above our facial muscles,

Although the gold standard treatment for laxity is a surgical facelift, for most people, this is not attainable due to the cost. However, the Ultraformer 3 is a viable alternative for mild to moderate skin laxity, especially when used early and regularly. Most plastics surgeons have a device like Ultraformer, which again is a testament to the validity of the technology, and many surgeons will advocate an annual treatment to maintain surgical results.

Bones Just like the bones in our hips and back, our facial bones shrink and become more porous with age.On the face, this is most notable around the eye socket, the base of the nose, and the chin. This contributes to the look of “tired eyes”, drops the tip of the nose, and pulls the mouth and chin downward.

There are several interventions to manage these issues- firstly start with a High G prime (strong) volumiser , and address structure. Have you have ever heard of the “Liquid FaceLift”?? - this is a technique we can use with injected volumising agents to improve structural support. I do use this technique and recommend a top up every few years. Make sure you see someone who knows what they are doing if they are treating the lower face as these are tricky areas.

Finally, and most importantly, don’t forget your cells.

Metabolic Health

We are organisms composed of cells, and as we age, our cellular function declines. This is the underlying cause of ALL of the issues above, as well as the cause of chronic diseases such as cancer, inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular disease and frailty.

We now know that we CAN improve cellular function through our daily habits, such as prioritising sleep, eating a nutrient dense diet and avoiding processed food, exercising daily and connecting to other humans and yourself. Don’t just be busy all the time!

I am very passionate about addressing metabolic health, hormonal dysfunction and lifestyle choices with all my patients- freezing and filling won’t make you look younger! Metabolic function is the foundation of healthy skin and disease prevention, and should be your first priority if you want to “age well”.

If you want to talk or learn more about your skin and ageing, hormones or skin concerns, please book a consult with my team. We really are all experts in our field and we are extremely passionate about supporting our patients obtain real results, not just have a facial.

Having a consultation with an experienced practitioner is THE most important aspect of any treatment, as it will allow your clinician to formulate a bespoke plan based on your concerns, your clinical issues, and your budget.

Ageing well without injectables: a skin-first approach

Not every woman wants injectables, and that's a completely valid choice. Some of my patients simply don't feel comfortable with them. Others worry about looking "done" or losing the features that make them look like themselves. Whatever your reason, choosing not to have injectables doesn't mean you have to give up on your skin.

Not every woman wants injectables, and that's a completely valid choice. Some of my patients simply don't feel comfortable with them. Others worry about looking "done" or losing the features that make them look like themselves. Whatever your reason, choosing not to have injectables doesn't mean you have to give up on your skin.

In fact, I'd go further. Healthy skin is the foundation for everything else. No treatment, injectable or otherwise, will perform well on skin that's struggling. So whether or not injectables are ever part of your plan, your skin is the place to start.

Think of it like training for a marathon

You can't turn up on race day without having done the training and expect to perform. Skin is the same. The treatments we do in clinic are the race day, but your daily home care is the training that makes the difference.

That means a routine that's matched to your skin and introduced in the right order: a gentle cleanser, daily SPF, and well-chosen active ingredients that support your skin barrier rather than irritate it. This is why every plan at Thrive starts with a consult, so we can work out what your skin actually needs before recommending anything.

Your skin needs the right building blocks

You can't make collagen without the raw materials. Protein is essential, and vitamin C is an important co-factor in collagen production, so what you eat really does show up in your skin. Sleep, stress, alcohol and smoking all play a part too.

If you're in perimenopause, hormones matter as well. As oestrogen shifts, skin can lose collagen and hydration, the barrier becomes more easily disrupted, and redness and sensitivity often increase. Looking at the whole picture, including hormones and metabolic health, is part of how I care for women in midlife.

Treatments that work with your own collagen

Once your skin is in good shape, there are treatments that work by stimulating your own collagen rather than adding anything to the skin. They sit at different levels, depending on how much change you're looking for and how much downtime suits you.

Low-downtime options

The Thrive Signature Treatment. A customised treatment that combines peels with gentle laser, including Laser Genesis and Spectra, planned around your skin and your life. It's often where women start, and many continue monthly.

Ultraformer. Focused ultrasound that works on the deeper supporting layers beneath the skin, for women noticing laxity around the jawline, neck or under the chin.

Laser resurfacing, for more significant change

These use different levels of ablative laser to remodel the deeper layers of the skin. They involve more downtime than the treatments above, and we'll plan that with you.

3D Miracl. A superficial laser peel that works on the surface layer of the skin, combined with heat to stimulate collagen.

UltraGlow. Targets the dermal layer of the skin to build collagen over time, with a biorevitalising serum delivered through the laser channels. It's a similar idea to microneedling, with the addition of heat, which stimulates collagen through heat shock protein pathways. Mature skin carries more senescent cells. That extra stimulation helps clear them and kick-start fresh collagen production.¹ ²

UltraClear. A laser that can be adjusted to different depths for more significant remodelling of the deeper skin layers.

Every treatment carries some risk, and results vary from person to person. We'll talk you through what's realistic for your skin, the downtime involved and the risks that apply to you at your consult.

Where to start

If you're not sure where to begin, the 12-Week Skin Reset is designed for exactly this. It starts with calming and repairing the skin barrier, builds a consistent home care routine, and includes six Signature Treatments. As your skin becomes healthier, we can add targeted treatments if you want them.

Every plan starts with a consult with me. Choose a 30-minute skin consult, or a 60-minute skin and hormone consult if you'd like us to look at the bigger picture too.

References

1. Spandau DF, Chen R, Wargo JJ, et al. Randomized controlled trial of fractionated laser resurfacing on aged skin as prophylaxis against actinic neoplasia. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 2021. doi:10.1172/JCI150972

2. Blagosklonny MV. Cell cycle arrest is not senescence. Aging (Albany NY). 2011;3(2):94–101. doi:10.18632/aging.100281

EmCyte’s PURE Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) - what is the difference?

EmCyte’s PURE PRP - what is the difference?

Research indicates that for optimal quantitative and qualitative platelet outcomes, double centrifugation is the method of choice., to separate and concentrate regenerative cells from blood. Traditionally reserved for labs, EmCyte’s PURE PRP system now brings this advanced technique straight to the patient with its cutting-edge technology.

The result? A densely packed concentration of platelets, cellular mediators, and progenitor stem cells, free from unwanted contaminants – delivering results and a proven platelet yield of 10 billion to 20 billion, tailored to your treatment specifications. Typical tubes used for PRP treatment yield significantly lower platelet counts, needing more treatments over time to get the same results.

The PURE PRP Advantage

EmCyte’s platelet-rich plasma boasts over 1 billion platelets per millilitre, with sophisticated technology to eliminating inflammatory red blood cells and other detrimental contaminants. They also offer peer reviewed evidence of platelet harvest (see below), which to date has been lacking.) This is why I choose to use EmCyte as my chosen PRP system.

Targeted Treatment Zones

• Facial concerns: periorbital, face, neck and décolleté

• Addressing thinning hair concerns and conditions like alopecia, hair thinning and increased shedding.

• Management of surgical scars, non healing ulcers or wounds.

• Post Ablative Laser to improve healing time and clinical results.

Hair Rejuvenation and PRP

We are seeing an increasing number of pateints presenting with hair thinning and shedding to weight loss and perimenopause. Our doctors are able to offer holistic management of hair concerns including metabolic, nutritional and hormonal assessment, medications such as minoxidil and spirinolactone and PRP. A series of 3 teratments 4 weeks apart is recommended.

To make an appointment for a consultation, call us on 02 4272 5070, email info@thriveskinclinic.com.au or call us on 0404123781.

Emcyte Research Papers

• Devereaux, J., Dargahi, N., Fraser, S., Nurgali, K., Kiatos, D., & Apostolopoulos, V. (2020). Leucocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma Enhances Fibroblast and Extracellular Matrix Activity: Implications in Wound Healing. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(18), 6519. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms2118651

• Devereaux, J., Nurgali, K., Kiatos, D., Sakkal, S., & Apostolopoulos, V. (2018). Effects of platelet-rich plasma and platelet-poor plasma on human dermal fibroblasts. Maturitas, 117, 34–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2018.09.00

Treating Rosacea, Redness and Inflammation with the Excel V Vascular Laser

The Excel V is a medical vascular laser that treats redness, rosacea and skin inflammation.

Using both 532 nm and 1064 nm wavelengths, the Excel V targets the haemoglobin within blood vessels. The laser energy is absorbed preferentially by haemoglobin, causing the targeted vessels to collapse and then be cleared away by the body. Over time, this can leave the skin clearer and more even in tone, without surgery.

The Excel V laser treats a wide variety of skin concerns, including sun damage, rosacea, the redness left by acne and acne scarring, surgical and traumatic scars, and congenital vascular conditions.

Some lesions improve with a few vascular laser sessions alone. Other conditions, such as rosacea, are complex and need a multimodal approach. Dr Grant combines the Excel V laser with other medical-grade treatments, such as Healite LED, corrective peels, medical treatment where appropriate and medical-grade home care, to address not just the surface redness but the underlying causes, integrating lifestyle and medical options. This combined approach aims for longer-lasting control of persistent redness and rosacea.

What to expect from Excel V for rosacea and redness

Many patients notice an improvement in redness and visible blood vessels over a course of sessions, although results vary between patients. For rosacea, we usually recommend an intensive course followed by maintenance sessions, as rosacea is a long-term condition.

Medical treatment and vascular laser for rosacea and sun damage. Results are specific to this patient and vary between patients.

Medical treatment and vascular laser for redness and sun damage. Results are specific to this patient and vary between patients.

Combining laser with a holistic approach

Dr Grant tailors each treatment plan to the specific needs of each patient. By treating the skin from the inside out, as well as on the surface, this approach aims to improve long-term control.

What to expect during and after treatment

Before your treatment begins, your skin will be assessed and your concerns discussed, and the laser settings will be tailored to your skin. You will wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser light. Cooling is used before and after the procedure to protect the skin.

The treatment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and number of areas treated. Most people go back to their normal activities shortly afterwards. You may have some redness, slight swelling, bruising or a feeling like mild sunburn, which usually settles within a few hours to a couple of days.

To get the most from your treatment and minimise side effects, please follow the aftercare instructions you are given, including avoiding sun exposure, using any prescribed topical treatments, and keeping the treated area clean and moisturised. Some vascular lesions improve quickly, while others fade gradually over several weeks. Follow-up appointments let us monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan.

Venous lake treated with one session of vascular laser by Dr Jemima Grant (MED0001185600). Results are specific to this patient and vary between patients.

Nasal telangiectasia due to sun exposure and long-term steroid use, treated with 2 sessions of vascular laser by Dr Jemima Grant (MED0001185600). Results are specific to this patient and vary between patients.

Our Excel V vascular laser is at Thrive Clinic in Unanderra. Please make sure your skin is not tanned (including fake tan) and has not had excessive sun exposure or sunburn in the 2 weeks before your treatment.

How do I start?

Every treatment plan starts with a medical consultation. Choose a 30-minute skin consultation if you're coming for your skin, or a 60-minute integrated consultation if you're in perimenopause and want a comprehensive approach to your hormones, skin and metabolic health. You can read more on our rosacea and redness page and our Excel V page.

Book a 30-minute skin consult with Dr Grant

Book a 60-minute skin & hormone consult with Dr Grant

Addressing Sun-Damaged Skin with UltraClear™ Laser

UltraClear™ is a newer type of ablative laser that can treat a range of skin concerns. It uses "cold" laser technology that delivers precise treatment with less heat damage than older ablative lasers, so it can be used across a wide range of skin types, including darker skin. The laser's versatility allows it to address a wide array of issues, such as sun damage, pigmentation, enlarged pores, lines and wrinkles and skin laxity, with fewer side effects and reduced downtime compared to traditional CO2 and erbium laser treatments.

UltraClear™ targets specific areas of the skin with exceptional precision, promoting collagen regeneration and improving skin texture and tone. For many patients this means a more comfortable treatment and a shorter recovery than older ablative lasers.

​UltraClear™ laser caters to a diverse range of patients, regardless of age, skin tone or gender. Whether you are a teenager grappling with acne scars or in your 80s seeking meaningful skin rejuvenation, this treatment offers tailored solutions to meet your unique needs.

The ability of UltraClear™ to treat both superficial and deep layers of skin at the same time means a variety of skin concerns can often be addressed in one session.

Hormonal changes during menopause or during hormonal treatment for breast cancer can significantly impact the skin, leading to dry, fragile skin and skin laxity. This causes accelerated ageing especially in the under eye area, jowl formation and crepeiness in the neck. The UltraClear™ laser provides an effective solution for all of these concerns, by stimulating collagen regeneration, helping to maintain skin integrity. This can be done with successive low downtime 3D Miracl treatments, addresses the root cause of skin ageing by promoting collagen production, thereby improving skin texture and elasticity.

With a shorter recovery than older ablative lasers, UltraClear™ can be a good option for women wanting to improve the skin changes that come with hormonal ageing.

UltraClear™ laser can be used across a broad spectrum of skin tones, including Asian, Indian, Aboriginal and African - American complexions. Traditional lasers often come with risks like scarring and pigmentation changes, especially in darker skin tones. UltraClear™ is designed to reduce these risks by minimising residual heat damage, which is particularly important when treating skin of colour.

Men's skin often presents unique challenges, such as enlarged pores , thick oily skin and acne scars. UltraClear™ accommodates the robust nature of male skin, providing powerful resurfacing to the face, as well as body areas such as the face, back and trunk.

Another advantage of UltraClear™ for men is its ability to deliver consistent results with fewer sessions. This can suit men who prefer a shorter course of treatment. The laser's advanced technology ensures minimal discomfort during and after treatment, making it a practical choice for busy individuals who wish to minimise downtime.

Aging and sun exposure can lead to significant skin damage, including fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. The UltraClear™ laser is designed to address several of these concerns in one session, with healing usually taking 4 to 7 days.

UltraClear™ works by targeting both the superficial and deeper layers of the skin in one session. resurfacing superficial skin, removing sun spots and pigmentation whilst also promoting collagen production and cell turnover. This dual action can improve skin texture and clarity, as well as deeper lines and wrinkles, pore size, radiance and tone. ​

For individuals dealing with loose skin after significant weight loss, UltraClear™ laser can be one option to improve skin texture and quality. The laser has a specific setting that makes UltraClear™ particularly adept at tightening and firming loose skin without the need for surgery. UltraClear™ can be combined with other skin treatments and medical-grade home care as part of a holistic plan. This combination method promotes a natural look, avoiding the overly filled appearance that can result from other treatments. Expect results in 2- 3 sessions over 6 months.

​Sensitive areas like the eyelids, neck, and décolletage often require special consideration due to their delicate nature. Traditional laser treatments can pose risks, such as excessive heat, resulting in scarring. UltraClear™ laser minimises heat damage, which makes it suitable for these more delicate areas.Additionally, the UltraClear™ laser promotes collagen production, which helps to restore the skin's natural elasticity and firmness, helping to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Advanced restructuring: UltraClear with full-face Laser Coring. Six weeks between photos. UltraClear involves some recovery time. Results are specific to this patient and vary between patients.

Skin correction: UltraClear with focal Laser Coring. Twelve weeks between photos. UltraClear involves some recovery time. Results are specific to this patient and vary between patients.

Like all ablative lasers, UltraClear™ involves some recovery time, usually redness, swelling and flaking for several days, and like all procedures it carries risks, which we go through at your consultation.

How do I start?

Every treatment plan starts with a medical consultation with Dr Grant. She will review your concerns, tailor a treatment to you, and discuss the skin preparation and aftercare that are essential parts of treatment. Choose a 30-minute skin consultation if you're coming for your skin, or a 60-minute integrated consultation if you're in perimenopause and want a comprehensive approach to your hormones, skin and metabolic health. You can also call us on 02 4272 5070 or email info@thriveskinclinic.com.au.

Book a 30-minute skin consult with Dr Grant

Book a 60-minute skin & hormone consult with Dr Grant

IPL & Laser Safety - Regulate From The Ground Up!

Would it shock you to know that in NSW, you can buy and use a laser /IPL machine with NO training, NO industry regulation, and NO oversight? I know it’s shocked everyone I’ve ever told!

To date, anyone in NSW is able to purchase an IPL/laser or energy based device with NO TRAINING. These people do not need a degree in health, medicine, dermal science or physics… It’s absolutely dumbfounding and highly dangerous! What I’m really saying is that you can go out and buy yourself a machine, label yourself a laser technician and in NSW it is PERFECTLY LEGAL to do so! Moreover, there is no industry body that oversees training, skill, knowledge, or even that the machine you’re using is in working order!

Okay, now that I’ve scared you… Sorry… What does this all mean for you, the consumer? I’ve put it primarily down to RISK.

• A lack of regulation has led to a crisis in patient care, such that IPL and laser complications are now one of the top reasons for medico-legal claims in NSW.

• Regulation in the laser industry is, at present, in its infancy and still has a long way to go to regulating ALL medical grade devices.

• Safety and regulation is left to the practitioner, it is a voluntary exercise and one that the consumer should look into BEFORE undergoing treatment.

Now for the good news… Thrive Skin Clinic ensures that the only staff in our clinic who are allowed to even touch the IPL machine are our registered nurses, dermal clinicians, and Dr. Jemima Grant, who have ALL had the necessary and ongoing safety training needed to provide our clients with the best in care. We are not shy in saying that we have put a significant amount of money and time into staff training, machine servicing, and ongoing education. This doesn’t take into account the years of study our doctors, nurses and dermal therapists have spent at university or obtaining post graduate studies in physics, chemistry and basic skin science. Our equipment is medical grade (powerful) and TGA approved. While it is much more expensive to invest in this equipment and education, for us it's is a no brainer -  patient safety comes FIRST. Burning clients, blindness and scarring are UNACCEPTABLE outcomes for us.

Our clinical model is such that our medical director, Dr. Jemima Grant, ensures oversight to ALL clients. In practical terms, this means that Dr. Grant is available to advise, research current evidence, and can reach out to her aesthetic peers to provide safe protocols for clients. As an example, it is occasionally difficult to know the cause of pigmentation, the optimal laser setting, or to know what medications and medical issues are going to effect a treatment. In these instances, it is better to delay treatment, seek help and try a few test patches before proceeding. Or sometimes, it is safer to not treat at all.

Increasingly,  we are referred clients presenting with issues from other salons and clinics with laser and IPL related complications. The main issue we see is post-inflammatory pigmentation, where the face or body responds to a heat treatment with unsightly, dark pigmentation. Another issue we all too often hear about is blindness (YES! Blindness!) from NdYag laser. Lasers and IPL machines are not toys! As a community, we all need to speak up about this to try and improve patient safety. Regulation is under review, but it has taken years to achieve mere discussions… Unacceptable, really.

We believe that the best way to increase patient safety is to educate our client population: a grassroots kind of regulation! So, this is our #TopFiveTips that you can take with you if you choose to have an IPL or laser treatment in NSW.

1. Ask questions about the machine

   • “Is this machine approved for use in Australia?”

   • “How often is this machine serviced?”

   • “What kind of a machine is this, is it a medical grade machine?”

   • “Do these eye protectors comply with current industry standards?”

   If your technician can’t answer these simple questions without hesitation, it’s time to get out! It’s not worth playing with fire (literally) when it comes to your skin.

2. Ask questions about the technician

   • “What kind of training have you had in this field?”

   • “Do you have your laser and IPL safety certificate?”

   • “Can you show me evidence of your ongoing education and training?”

   If your technician can not show sufficient evidence that they are fully qualified for the job, you know what to do!

   Get out of there… It’s just not worth it!

3. As a patient, have you been thoroughly assessed?

   • Has the technician assessed your skin using the Fitzpatrick Scale?

   • Has your technician assessed your current medications, allergies, and medical issues?

   • Has your technician told you the risks or contraindications of your treatment?

   If your technician does not ask you a few simple questions to assess your suitability for treatment, you should reconsider! It’s important that your technician knows what is going on with your skin and health! This can effect the treatment outcome and it may not be in a positive way… These treatments aren’t cookie-cutter treatments! They rely on unique settings and patient care when it comes to an ongoing treatment plan.

4. Spot test?

   A spot test is when we check a small area of the skin to ensure laser or IPL settings are safe and optimised for your skin. For those of you with lighter skin, this is less important but still optimal if you’d like to do so. For those of you with darker skin tones or of Asian, Indian, Aboriginal or Mediterranean backgrounds THIS IS ESSENTIAL. These are the clients we are seeing weekly who present with dark scarring on their face and body from inappropriate settings… Not ideal!

5. Consider the cost

   You should always consider the cost of your safety. The cost of treatment should be the last point of order on your checklist! Yes, treatment might be $5 but have you weighed up how viable this price is? Will your cheap treatment cause you more financial pain in the long run? Please make sure you weigh up all your options before proceeding with treatment!

Let’s be clear - This post is not a rant stating that all laser technicians must be doctors and nurses. This is not the case at all! In fact at Thrive Skin Clinic, our medical team therapists work and collaborate all the time and our dermal therapists who are all extremely proficient at laser and IPL. Laser safety is not about operator’s background, but about training, experience, and the clinic culture of support and ongoing education to keep us clinician’s accountable and patients safe!

IMAGE: © THRIVE SKIN CLINIC