Let’s face it, we live in a world that is ruled by image, and it’s well documented that your personal presentation can either help or hinder the opportunities that are available to you, writes Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) Board member and Non-Surgical Symposium (NSS) Australia Scientific Convenor, Dr Tim Papadopoulos.
There is less of a stigma about having had work done, and in some circles, it’s applauded as taking charge of your self-worth and investing in a better version of you.
Because of this there has been an explosion in the number of non-surgical procedures available to people and don’t just think it’s the ladies taking advantage. Men are not immune from the desire to look their best. The terms ‘brotox’ and ‘macho-mouth’ have been coined just for this purpose.
What is an anti-wrinkle injectable?
Anti-wrinkle injectables are part of a class of drugs called neuromodulators whose sole purpose is to selectively weaken certain facial muscles to reduce crow’s feet wrinkles, elevate the brows, help turn up the lips and soften your chin pad. When used correctly anti-wrinkle injectables can dramatically reduce early and moderate signs of ageing by minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles or reshaping the eyebrows.
A specifically trained medical professional, such as a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, has an intimate knowledge of the anatomic facial muscle groups and can accurately determine the placement and quantity needed to achieve the desired result. Anti-wrinkle injectables will typically last three to four months.
What are cosmetic fillers?
Cosmetic fillers, on the other hand, are used primarily to plump and fill areas of the face. Examples include fuller lips, fuller cheeks, enhancing sunken eyes and reducing the appearance of more prominent wrinkles. Fillers are an excellent tool for fighting off the ageing process and enhancing your appearance. However, not all fillers are created equally. Thus, if you are interested in fillers, you should seek consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon or a trained medical professional who has both the experience and expertise in the use of all the new and innovative TGA-approved fillers.
De-medicalization of the non-surgical procedures
Australians are said to be spending more than $1 billion a year on non-surgical procedures and with this has been a de-medicalisation of the non-surgical space and an influx of doctors preying on people’s vulnerabilities by offering cut-price procedures and slick marketing with offers that often sound too good to be true. This coupled with the fact that people able to pick up their groceries and also pop next door for a few shots of anti-wrinkle injectables or fillers has caused a fundamental shift away from ensuring patient safety is upheld in every facet of the cosmetic surgery arena.
A higher standard of practice in the non-surgical space
In 2011, to help keep up with the flurry of new trends and technologies, ASAPS sought to bring about a higher standard of practice in the non-surgical space by providing first-hand educational opportunities to those interested in aesthetic medicine through the invention of the NSS.
The Non-Surgical Symposium
Today, the NSS is the largest conference of its kind and is undoubtedly the premier educational event for non-surgical aesthetics in Australasia. Delegates from around the globe gather for three days of learning from world-class experts and hearing about the latest in appearance medicine with topics ranging from anti-wrinkle injectables, through to skin care, including laser/light devices, non-surgical body contouring tools, patient safety and science.
This is why we believe, at a minimum, people working in this space should attend our NSS to ensure they are being steered onto the right path when it comes to performing cosmetic procedures. The primary ingredient to the success of the NSS is ensuring that those who attend are provided with an extraordinary learning experience from world-leading experts, utilising the latest technologies and techniques available.
Attendance is open to plastic surgeons, dermatologists, cosmetic doctors and other doctors performing medical aesthetic treatments, as well as nurse aestheticians, dermal therapists and practice staff.
Each year is fresh, exciting and inspiring. The NSS sold out in 2015, 2016 and also 2017, so make sure you get in early to join us on the Gold Coast from 15-17 June 2018! Visit nonsurgical.org.au for more information.
The annual NSS is held in conjunction with the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia (CPCA) and the Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists (ASCD) and is endorsed by the New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Medicine (NZSCM).
