In the ever-evolving field of cosmetic injectables, ongoing education is key to mastering advanced techniques, ensuring patient safety, and staying ahead of industry advancements. Continuous professional development not only refines your skills but also builds confidence in delivering natural, balanced results. With 25 years of experience in cosmetic medicine, we have developed in-depth learning materials and structured, hands-on workshops designed to enhance your expertise, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your advanced techniques.
Our training academy offers small, intimate workshops led by experienced and advanced injectors and trainers, who provide one-on-one guidance, ensuring you gain both theoretical knowledge and practical confidence. We believe in fostering a supportive learning environment where doctors, nurses, and dentists can sharpen their skills in a real-world setting.
Upcoming Workshops:
28/29 July 2025 – Foundation Course: Neuromodulators Enrol now to complete your precourse learning ready to attend your face-to-face workshop.
8/9 September 2025 – Foundation Course: Dermal Fillers Enrol now to complete your precourse learning ready to attend your face-to-face workshop.
5 May 2025 – Tension Headaches & Migraine Treatments
26 May 2025 – Hyperhidrosis Course
21 July 2025 – Challenging Cases Masterclass for Cosmetic Injectors
18 August 2025 – Hair Loss, Scar & Skin Rejuvenation
29 August 2025 – Hyalase Workshop
6/7 October 2025 – Vampire Academy (1 or 2-Day Options)
Take the Next Step in Your Career
By enrolling in The Face Place Academy’s workshops, you’re not just gaining knowledge, you’re investing in your professional future. Whether you’re new to injectables or looking to refine advanced techniques, our expert-led courses will ensure you’re equipped to deliver the highest standard of care.
Click here to reserve your spot and take the next step in your career! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of cosmetic medicine.
Melasma is something that is close to my heart, as I have struggled with it personally for many years. For as long as I can remember, I had fairly good skin. Until one day in my early 30s, I began to notice dark patches slowly appearing on my cheeks and forehead. Little did I know, this was the beginning of my journey with Melasma.
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a common skin condition that causes dark patches of pigment to form typically on the forehead, cheeks, nose and upper lip. This condition is triggered by hormonal changes, sun exposure, genetics and stress, and can be very difficult to treat. For me, it seemed to appear out of nowhere. Initially I thought it would go away on its own, but as time passed I noticed the pigment becoming darker and more pronounced.
Before
Before
Before
My attempts to find solutions
Melasma was not something I knew a lot about and I was growing increasingly self conscious about the change in my skin. I quickly discovered that this was a journey of trial and error to find the right solution, as Melasma often does not respond to traditional pigment treatment, with some treatments making it worse.
Learning more about Melasma and understanding what triggers it was key for me. One thing I learnt along the way is that sun protection is crucial in preventing Melasma from getting worse. Seeking advice from medical skin therapists to create a skincare plan specific to my skin needs, and being consistent with using a mild, but active range that does not cause further inflammation was when I began to see real progress.
Treatments that helped me: A course of microneedling and customised peels
One thing I have learnt about my journey with Melasma is the power of consistency, and to trust the process. Melasma does not go away over night, but with patience, self care and consistency I have gained confidence in my skin. Today I feel my skin is healthy and glowy, and while my Melasma is a condition that requires life long management, with the right skincare routine it is something I can manage well. I often get asked what my secret to my skin is and genuinely believe it comes down to being consistent with an active skincare range that is tailored to address my skin needs. If you are struggling with Melasma, know that you are not alone. Focus on your skincare, be diligent with sun protection, and most importantly, be kind to yourself.
Before & AfterJanny Lee Brussow, Cosmedicine Nurse
If you would like to talk to us about pigmentation or any other skin condition that concerns you, call us to book a Medical Skin Consultation. Ph 0800 267 633
I’m currently in Mexico having made the 2 day travel extravaganza to get here… I had one night on the plane and another in Mexico City before I then made my way to Huatulco and then Zipolite where my mum lives. I have been so excited to see my mama, and then to mentally, physically and emotionally conclude this cancer journey with 3 weeks of treatment at Sanoviv, the medical health retreat I’m booked into. I’ve still got twinges of sciatica bugging me as I write, but at least it’s not in full spasm like it was. Hopefully it survives this long trip OK (sitting for long periods aggravates it).
Last week before leaving I saw each of my medical specialists – oncologist, breast surgeon and plastic surgeon, as well as all my supportive therapies (see below). I was saying to Janek (my plastic surgeon) that I’d like to go smaller with my implant to replace the expander implant when I have further surgery at the end of this year, as my breasts were very different in size – the expander which was placed after my mastectomy in October was a lot bigger and felt quite tight. I asked if we could take some fluid out of the expander in the meantime and he agreed it would be a good idea. He located the injection port with a magnet, and stuck the needle in… and we got yellow, plasma coloured fluid out. It wasn’t the saline from the expander – I’d had a sneaky seroma build up of fluid around the implant! Janek took 25ml off then sent me to my breast team to drain the rest off under ultrasound guidance so we didn’t pierce the implant – we removed another 140+ ml (plus quite a bit that leaked out). In total I probably had 180-200ml drained from around my breast. It wasn’t infected and doesn’t affect my travel, but on top of the 350ml of saline already inside the implant, I’d had the equivalent of 500-550cc implants! No wonder it was so big and tight 😳 It feels so much better now, thankfully.
I’ve managed to get through chemo surprisingly well, and have had a lot of people – including my oncologist – commenting that I don’t look like I’ve just come through a chemo journey 😹 I truly believe it’s because I’ve had the opportunity to focus fully on my health since we first found out that we were dealing with invasive cancers rather than precancer. I’m super grateful to all the incredible providers who have supported me through 2 surgeries and 4 cycles of chemo over the last 6 months.
The team at Auckland Hyperbarics became like another TFP family, as I was seeing them 5 days a week throughout my chemo, and completed the recommended 60 sessions. I felt totally at home and fully embraced by them – like our team, they are friendly, caring and go over and above in welcoming and helping their patients.
Cristina at Lagom Clinic was my lymphatic angel 👼. She took me from having a high risk of lymphoedema and very limited range of movement in my shoulder due to cording/axillary web syndrome, to full range of shoulder movement, and now only needing my compression sleeve for travel and exercise to prevent lymphoedema. I still need to be careful of my arm with lymphoedema risks such as mosquito bites, cuts or grazes for the next 5 years, but I have so much more freedom of movement and life!
My acupuncturist Mei was a little ray of sunshine. She has Mei’s Natural Health Clinic and works out of Alpers Dental, where Auckland Hyperbaric is based. While I mainly saw her for acupuncture, she also does lymphatic drainage and traditional Chinese medicine, so was a wealth of knowledge.
Our wonderful Erin O’Hara, the evidence-based naturopath who works out of our Takapuna clinic, had me well supported with supplements and potions, to rebuild my resilience after 2 surgeries in quick succession, reduce the side effects from chemo (and the subsequent menopausal symptoms as the chemo destroyed my ovaries) and also to prevent the cancer from returning. I’m eternally grateful for your incredible suggestions and support Erin. Thank you 🙏
Our team at TFP have been absolutely outstanding. Not only have they been running the business without needing me other than for the occasional clinical support, they provided regular IV Vitamin C and Healite LED treatments for me, which have been a big part of my recovery plan. We had been planning to launch IV Vitamin C infusions for a while, so I got to do a lot of training and provide feedback, and we have now launched our unique IV Vitamin C offering where it is paired with a Healite (I alternated having this healing light on my breast and my face, helping my breast heal, and my face glow) and a deliciously relaxing neck and shoulder massage. Pro Collective interviewed our medical team leader Queza to write an excellent article about the new treatment combo, which you can read here.
It was wonderful to capture this ‘post treatment glow’ with a photoshoot with the extremely talented Kennedy, and Ali Brewer doing my makeup. We needed a photo for an upcoming magazine cover, but it’s also been a great opportunity to capture this stage of my journey. I was even brave and had photos without a wig! My hair is finally starting to grow in the bald patches, although it’s bright white and fluffy, not the dark, curly hair I’d been expecting 😹
I had a small ‘wigs and boobs’ party at home as a fun way to celebrate the end of my chemo journey. It was such a delight seeing everyone else turn up in wigs – I also had some of my least favourite wigs available for those who turned up without one. There’s a few people missing from the photo, but it was a great night seeing everyone who popped in!
Another breast cancer survivor, Ali, invited me to speak on her podcast, The Ali Bond Show. We had a wonderful chat about my history with starting TFP, some of the treatments we offer, being diagnosed with breast cancer, and how cancer changes our life and perspective. The podcast should be available soon, so keep an eye out for it!
Most of all I’m grateful to you for your ongoing support over what’s been a challenging time. Having your continued patronage while things have been a little unsettled for me has kept the business running, our team gainfully employed and me able to focus fully on returning to wellness. Thank you for loving and supporting our team and business,
What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine … Medicine was actually my first childhood dream, and despite changing my mind countless times over the years about my dream job, I always came back to it. I love how my career is a blend of science and art, where I can help people in vulnerable moments, offering them comfort. I also get to bring positive news when things go well, and, above all, I find the work incredibly fun.
What led you to The Face Place? The Face Place appealed to me as it was founded by a medical doctor whose core values align with my own. This is important as I am both a provider and a consumer within cosmetic medicine. It is a privilege to being trained in-house by The Face Place Academy and its founder, Dr. Catherine Stone.
What are you looking forward to about working at TFP? The team dynamic at The Face Place is fantastic. I’m also excited about the ongoing regular training that ensures we stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines and evidence-based products. This helps me share knowledge with my clients, and see the results on a variety of individuals who come to us.
What can clients expect when they come to see you? A collaborative approach – we’ll work together as a team to identify their concerns and explore options to address them. If necessary, I can refer them to other team members with the most suitable skill set. And importantly, there’s absolutely no obligation to proceed with any treatment if they feel it’s not the right fit for them.
What do you think are some of the biggest misconceptions in cosmetic injectables today? People forget cosmetic injectables are a medical treatment. Many would do thorough research before seeing a GP or surgeon, or Google a new medication they’re being prescribed. I encourage my clients to treat their cosmetic experience with the same level of importance as a regular medical appointment. Ask questions, address any knowledge gaps, and ensure you fully understand what you’re receiving and how it works.
What advice would you give to someone considering their first cosmetic treatment?
Beauty is very subjective, and what works for one person might not be the best choice for you. It’s really important to have a formal consultation to discuss your expectations, the benefits, and any risks associated with the treatment. And most importantly, have fun with the process! This is about enhancing how you feel and look, so enjoy the journey.
What is one thing clients might be surprised to learn about you?
Before entering healthcare, I was a party planner in Hong Kong! I’ve planned everything from bar openings and conferences to weddings and birthday parties. It taught me a lot about organisation and creativity, which I think translates well into the work I do now.
Three words to describe yourself?
I’d like to think advocate, personable, level-headed.
How do you spend your spare time? Outside of cosmetic medicine, I’m a doctor working in anaesthesiology, and I spend most of my time in operating theatres. I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends. A nice weekend brunch to a dog friendly café is an ideal type of day.
Rosacea is a long term skin condition that mainly affects the face, causing diffused redness, enlarged blood vessels, and is sometimes accompanied by pimples or bumps. It usually starts with frequent flushing of the skin, which progresses to more frequent and noticeable symptoms. This is a condition that can be treated and significantly reduced, however there is no known cure and symptoms will need to be managed with topical products and avoiding specific triggers.
Symptoms:
-Redness or “flushing” in cheeks, nose or forehead.
-Visible blood vessels
-Bumps or pimples similar to acne
-Burning, stinging or heated sensations in the skin
-Thickened skin (in more advanced cases, can thicken around the nose causing a condition called rhinophyma)
-Ocular irritation or redness associated with some or all of the other symptoms mentioned.
Causes:
-There is no known cause for rosacea. Except there have been links between people with a Celtic heritage (Scottish/Irish) and being more likely to develop conditions like rosacea in their 30s-60s.
-Research shows that people with rosacea have an overpopulation of demodex mites. Demodex mites are part of our skin’s natural microbiome, however people with rosacea have an 3x more per square centimetre of skin. These mites eat our skin’s sebum and burrow into the hair follicle, which causes the symptoms mentioned above.
Triggers:
It’s important to note that avoiding or limiting triggers if possible can help to manage the symptoms of rosacea and make it less noticeable.
-UV exposure
-Exercise
-Alcohol
-Spicy foods
-Caffeine
-Stress
-Medications (Beta blockers, photosensitising drugs, vitamin b3 and some blood pressure medications can exacerbate symptoms)
-Certain ingredients in skin and hair products, e.g shea butter, highly fragranced products or heavy/occlusive creams.
-Extreme changes in temperature
-Air pollution
Skincare:
Biojuve
Introducing “Xycrobe” technology, this skincare system can help support and balance the skin’s natural microbiome by releasing good bacteria onto the skin’s surface. These good bacteria release propionic acid, which has a highly anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. Important to note the products within Biojuve are also shea-butter free and non occlusive, further aiding in symptom reduction.
Vitamin A
Otherwise commonly known as “retinol” but comes in many other forms. Vitamin A helps with DNA repair which can help reverse some symptoms of rosacea. It’s also very strengthening for the skin, which helps with the skin’s resilience against environmental factors.
SPF
UV protection is very important for preventing “flare ups” or exacerbating the symptoms of rosacea. UV exposure triggers inflammation and disrupts the skin’s lipid barrier, which further “feeds” rosacea. Using a good quality broad spectrum SPF and re-applying every two hours in direct sunlight is a non negotiable, not just for rosacea but for general skin health and age prevention.
Antioxidants
Topical antioxidants like Vitamin C and/or vitamin B can help neutralize environmental factors that trigger rosacea, such as air pollution and radiation. Vitamin C in particular acts as a photo protectant and can aid more with protecting the skin against UV, and can also help strengthen visible blood vessels making them less noticeable. It’s important to note not all forms of rosacea can tolerate vitamin C, and inflammation may need to be reduced significantly first before introducing one.
Treatments:
LED light therapy: Using different wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin, greatly reducing inflammation as well as promoting healing. Sessions are typically short and non invasive. Better results are achieved through LED light therapy courses and may be recommended before advancing to other treatments.
Peels: Depending on which type used, can help sterilize the skin as well as reducing the population of demodex mites present- typically through lactic or glycolic acid. They can also strengthen and promote DNA repair through vitamin A peels specifically.
IPL: Using intense pulsed light, the IPL is attracted to the chromophore in the skin (a.k.a redness) and helps to shrink and break down blood vessels giving a noticeably more even skin tone. IPL works best on prepped skin using appropriate medical grade skincare, and potentially some other treatments like LED light therapy or peels beforehand for best results.
Conclusion
If you’re unsure what treatments and products are best for you, book in for a Medical Skin Consultation with one of our skin team!
Toka Puia AT Carpark is the closest under-cover option at 15 Northcroft Street. Pay by Plate at the pay machine or via the AT Parking app ($2.50 per hour on weekdays / free weekend parking for a limited time only).
Other options…
Northcroft Street Parking (pay by meter) – One hour – $1.50 – Two hours – $3 – Hours thereafter – $3 per hour
Wilson Parking – 11 Northcorft Street (pay by plate machine or Parkmate app) – Casual – from $3 per hour – Earlybird (Mon-Fri) – from $14 valid for 12 hours – Night (Mon-Fri from 4 pm) – $4 flat rate valid until 8 am – Weekend (Sat-Sun) – $4 flat rate, valid for 12 hours from time of purchase
Anzac Street Carpark (pay by plate machine or via the AT app) – First 2 hours – $1.50 per hour – Hours thereafter – $3 per hour – Monday – Saturday (6 pm – 8 am) – No Charge – Sunday and Public Holidays – No Charge – Motorcycle and Mobility parking P180 – No Charge
Britomart Carparking
Currently, Britomart Carpark is offering 2 hours free parking* with a receipt of $50 or more from a Britomart store (such as The Face Place).
Britomart Carpark Valet Parking $20* for two hours (includes parking charges) $5 each additional half-hour to a daily maximum of $45 (to midnight). Available from 10am-8pm.
The Central Valet drop-off point is located on the corner of Gore and Tyler Streets, opposite Takutai Square. Drive in via the entrance on Gore Street, where you’ll be greeted by a friendly valet concierge. Leave your engine running, take your ticket and your car will be parked for you. Retrieve your car by taking your valet ticket to Britomart Car Park Reception on the corner of Britomart Place and Scene Lane.
Train An excellent alternative with Britomart Train Station being a short walk to us, plus, public transport is 50% off until 30th June 2023.
