From June 13-15, 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to attend NSS 2024 (Non Surgical Symposium) held at the stunning Gold Coast. The conference was a remarkable blend of cutting edge presentations, hands-on workshops, and invaluable insights, making it a pivotal event for anyone involved the field of Cosmetic Medicine.
The conference featured enlightening presentation sessions, some of which are Emface and Profhilo– two groundbreaking treatments that are making waves in the industry. These sessions were particularly engaging, offering in-depth analysis and discussions on their efficacy, application, and future potential.
One of the standout experience was engaging in the Teoxane Village workshops. These sessions offered live injecting and in-depth discussions on various products and techniques. It was an excellent opportunity to refine my skills and learn directly from leading experts in the field. Additionally, the sessions were a great setting for networking, allowing me to connect with fellow medical professionals and exchanges ideas and experiences.
Key Takeaways
A significant takeaway from the conference was the critical role of photography in achieving high quality before and after photos. Good before and after photos are essential for documenting progress and showcasing the results of treatments. The talk about photography underscored the importance of consistency and accuracy in capturing these images, highlighting it as a key component of effective practice.
Another major highlight was the trend of skin boosters in cosmetic medicine. These treatments (such as Profhilo) are gaining popularity for their ability to rejuvenate and enhance skin quality, with minimal invasiveness. The insights provided on skin boosters were both informative and inspiring, showcasing their growing importance in cosmetic medicine.
The NSS conference was a thoroughly enriching experience. It was a perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, delivered by some of the leading experts in the field. The event was well organized and truly inspiring, reaffirming TFP’s commitment in staying at the forefront of the cosmetic industry.
We’re so excited to have two experienced injectable nurses joining our team here at The Face Place! Both with years of experiences in the Cosmedicine and Injectables industry, we’re so lucky to have their knowledge and skills shared with our team and with you!
Meet Janny
1. Tell us a bit about yourself!
I was born in South Africa and moved to New Zealand with my family when I was a teenager. I have a daughter and two cats and now call NZ home!
2. Tell us about your career to date as a Cosmetic Injectables Nurse
I began my career as a Cosmetic Nurse while working at the Skin Institute, and have been injecting for almost 2 years.
3. What led you into the world of appearance medicine?
I originally trained to be a beauty therapist 15 years ago and this is where my passion for Cosmetic Nursing grew.
4. What is your favourite treatment you provide and why?
My favourite treatment is dermal filler. Very subtle enhancements can make a huge difference to softening signs of ageing and addressing clients areas of concern. I find every client is a new opportunity to challenge myself and be a little bit creative.
5. What excites you most about working at The Face Place?
I am most excited about working alongside such a well respected, professional and knowledgeable team, and am so grateful for how warm and welcoming everyone has been.
6. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work you will find me spending time with my daughter. In my down time I love to cook and get to the gym. I also enjoy travelling and try to visit a new city at least once a year.
Meet Tina
1. Tell us a bit about yourself!
Originating from an accounting and finance background, I eventually found my calling in the medical field. With 8 years of experience as a registered nurse, I’ve dedicated the past 4 years to the aesthetic industry. Alongside nurturing my career, I’m a proud mother of two girls and a cute member of a small poodle companion in our family.
2. What influenced you to become a Cosmetic Injectables Nurse?
My journey into cosmetic nursing stems from an enduring passion for beauty. This career path seamlessly blends my personal passion with professional fulfilment.
3. Which one treatment do you think makes a big difference and that you love providing the most?
Among the array of treatments, Botox and dermal fillers has always been my favourite treatments. It is fulfilling to sculpt artistic results that enhances a client’s natural beauty.
4. Your career has seen you work in a variety of clinics. What made you want to join The Face Place?
The Face Place stands out for its unwavering commitment to prioritising client care. We have our exceptional team in here, everyone is super nice and supportive.
5. What do you do in your downtime that re-energises you?
My downtime is revitalised by spending time with family. Whether it’s engaging in outdoor activities with the kids or cozying up indoors for some Nintendo Switch fun on rainy days.
6. Is there anything that you have learnt in your first few weeks at The Face Place that has surprised you?
So much! The initial weeks at The Face Place have been a revelation! I’m impressed by the dedication to delivering exceptional care to every client, embodying a holistic and client-centric approach that resonates deeply with me.
As a nurse trainer, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of our Complications Grand Round Workshop. In our field, while we always strive for the best outcomes; complications are an inevitable part of medical practice. Understanding how to effectively manage and mitigate these complications is critical. This knowledge ensures that we can provide the highest standard of care, maintain patient trust, and uphold our professional integrity. I can personally attest to the profound impact that mastering complication management has had on my career. Early in my practice, I encountered a challenging complication that tested my skills and resilience. By sharing with my peers and application of complication management techniques, I was able to navigate the situation successfully with no long term sequalae for the patient. This experience not only enhanced my technical abilities but also reinforced my confidence and decision-making skills. So, if you’re contemplating whether to join our workshop and why complication management is important in your practice, let me share some compelling reasons why this workshop is an invaluable opportunity for your professional growth and confidence.
1. Boost Your Confidence
When I attended last year’s Grand Round workshop, it significantly boosted my confidence. Handling complications can be daunting, especially in high-pressure situations. Preparing one of my complicated cases that fell into a grey area and exploring the research for updated recommendations, then presenting the case to my peers along with what I might do in future when faced with a similar case was a highly rewarding experience, and valuable in helping me use the research update process in my every day clinical practice. I also gained a lot of new insights and updated knowledge about less common complications while listening to my colleagues present their cases on the day. This preparation is key to building the confidence needed to manage complications effectively in our daily practice.
2. Learn from Others’ Experiences
One of the most enriching aspects of the workshop is the opportunity to learn from others. Our sessions include sharing and analysing real-life experiences from other nurse injectors and doctors. These stories offer invaluable insights and lessons that you won’t find in textbooks. Understanding how others have navigated challenging situations equips you with a broader perspective and a wealth of knowledge to draw upon when faced with similar circumstances.
3. Enhance Your Competence
Competence in dealing with complications is a crucial aspect of cosmetic practice. The workshop focuses on developing the critical thinking abilities necessary for effective complication management. You’ll engage in discussions designed to enhance your technical and decision-making skills. By the end of the workshop, you’ll feel more equipped and capable of handling complications with expertise and precision.
4. Build a Supportive Network
Another significant benefit of attending the workshop is connecting with a supportive group of peers and mentors. Cosmetic medicine can sometimes feel isolating, especially when dealing with tough cases. Our workshop fosters a community where you can share experiences, seek advice, and offer support. This network becomes a valuable resource, providing emotional and professional support during emergencies or challenging situations.
5. Experience Real-Life Scenarios
Engaging with real-life case situations offers a profound learning experience by immersing our attendees in authentic, complex scenarios that mirror challenges they might encounter in their professional lives. This approach enhances problem-solving skills as participants analyse real events, consider multiple perspectives, and devise practical solutions. Furthermore, it improves decision-making abilities by requiring practitioners to weigh the consequences of their actions in a realistic context. Also, real-life case situations promote teamwork and communication, as each must collaborate and articulate their thoughts clearly. Overall, this method fosters a deeper understanding of subject matter, preparing practitioners for real-world complexities more effectively than theoretical learning alone.
So, are you ready to take the next step?
Attending our Complications Grand Round Workshop is more than just a learning opportunity; it’s an investment in your professional development. You’ll walk away with increased confidence, enhanced competence, a wealth of knowledge from shared experiences, and a supportive network to rely on.
Join us and take the next step in becoming a more confident, competent, and connected practitioner. Sign up for our Complications Grand Round Workshop today!
Last month, Lauren and I were invited to speak in front of 120 beautiful women of different ages at the Milford Boat Club. It was a great turn out for the event organized by Natasha Macleod to raise funds for Gumboot Friday and Woven Earth NZ. The talks centered around menopause and how it affects women physically, mentally, emotionally and sexually.
Lauren, our Skin Team Lead, spoke to the ladies about how the skin is affected during perimenopause, and I focused on some of the changes that can happen with our sexual function.
Dryness is often the first noticeable change with menopause or peri menopause. The vaginal tissues atrophy from reduction in the hormone oestrogen and there is less lubrication produced during intercourse. Other than discomfort and pain during intercourse, these changes can also cause itch and predispose patients to recurrent urinary tract infections.
Blood flow to the clitoris and lower vagina also decreases commonly in the perimenopausal period, leading to reduced sensitivity. Majority of women find the clitoris an important part of sexual arousal and satisfaction, this can be a significant contributor to delay or inability to achieve orgasm.
The O-shotTM treatment can increase the number of blood vessels and nerves to the region, as it infuses the area with a high concentration of growth factors and triggers regeneration.
Oestrogen also contributes to elasticity and strength to the vagina, lining of the bladder and urethra. Atrophy of these structures can significantly worsen urinary incontinence, as they are intimately related to one another in the pelvic floor. Through treatment of the anterior vaginal wall with the O shot, regeneration of tissue elasticity and thickness occurs. Radiofrequency stimulation through our Thermi-VaTM treatment can also stimulate tightening of the pelvic ligaments, further improving support to the bladder and urethra.
One of the speakers that evening was the super fit and alluring Kylie Gates from Les Mills, and she spoke about the importance of strength training – looking after your core and pelvic muscles specially in menopause.
The Pelvic Floor muscle is an amazing, hard-working muscle that deserves a special kind of attention it often misses out on! Maintenance of a strong pelvic floor is essential to continence and sexual function. Neglecting the pelvic floor muscles has consequences that are not very nice and can affect one’s quality of life as it can be quite embarrassing. Moreover, it can be socially debilitating, as well as financially straining (incontinence products are not cheap!)
Strong pelvic floor muscles gives you control over your bladder and bowel. Weakened pelvic floor muscles mean your internal organs are not fully supported, and you may have difficulty controlling the release of urine. That “got to go” feeling. IYKYK.
We have recently acquired a unique technology that can help you strengthen your pelvic muscles, improve sexual wellness, and it is completely non-invasive!
NEW TREATMENT Emsella is available in clinic now!
Our EMSELLA chair utilizes high intensity focused electromagnetic energy to deliver thousands of supramaximal pelvic floor muscle contractions in a single session. You just sit on our EMSELLA throne like a queen (or king) for a little over 20 minutes a couple of times a week. Its unique technology strengthens your pelvic floor muscles, much akin to the high intensity exercise version of kegels, without any discomfort, sweat, and no need to remove your clothes during treatment!
Book in for a chat with our Medical Team if you would like to learn more about what we can do for you in this space.
During winter, cold temperatures and low humidity levels can zap the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and discomfort. Additionally, indoor heating systems further contribute to dehydration by drying out the air surrounding our skin. This is why it’s essential to incorporate more hydrating products into our existing skincare regime, to prevent further moisture loss and maintain a happy, healthy, resilient skin despite challenging weather conditions.
Skin Treatments/Masks
Environ Focus Care Moisture + Hydrating oil capsules
A vitamin enriched treatment which contains a blend of antioxidants and retinol, to help protect against free radicals and enrich the skin with natural surface oils, aiding in trans epidermal water loss and inflammation. Breaking open one capsule once daily and applying it before your moisturiser will give your skin a visible glow.
Aspect Hydrating Mask
Designed to replenish and revitalise thirsty skin, infused with a concentrated blend of Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, and Glycerin, this mask deeply moisturises and soothes dry, dehydrated skin. Leave it on the skin for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off with warm, tepid water, or leave on overnight for more of an intensive hydrating boost.
Aspect Hydrating Sheet Masks
A luxurious skincare treatment designed to deliver an intense hydrating, rejuvenating boost to the skin. Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, antioxidants, vitamins, and botanical extracts, these masks provide deep hydrating relief. Each mask is made with a soft, biodegradable material that adheres comfortably to the skin, ensuring maximum absorption of the potent ingredients.
Lip Treatments
Aspect Lip Treatment
A nourishing blend of vitamins and botanical extracts, specifically designed to hydrate, soothe, and protect chapped, inflamed and dry lips. Containing shea butter, cocoa butter, pomegranate, glycerin and vitamin E, its antioxidants help to protect the lips from inflammation causing free radicals as well.
Aspect Hydrating Lip Balm
A lighter option compared to the Aspect hydrating lip mask, designed for men or those wanting less of a ‘glossy’ appearance to their lips. This product is designed for long-lasting protection and hydration for dry and flaky lips. Infused with shea butter, cocoa butter and avocado oil.
Serums
PCA Hydrating Serum
A great addition to your existing skincare routine, designed to replenish and soothe dehydrated, sensitised skin. Formulated with sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, and sodium PCA, it aims to deeply moisturise whilst supporting the skin’s moisture barrier – resulting in a plumper, calmer and refreshed appearance.
Aspect Hyaluronic Serum
A high quality hydrating serum enriched with a blend of high molecular and low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and Vitamin C – infusing the skin with moisture boosting molecules. This will aid in the plumping of fine lines/wrinkles and calm any inflammation from breakouts or sensitivity.
Bio Juve
Using ‘xycrobe’ technology, this enhances our skins natural microbiome by introducing ‘good’ bacteria onto your skin’s surface. This aids in inflammatory conditions like eczema, rosacea, and sensitivity; perfect for those with reactive and impaired skins. This is also incredible for hydration, fine lines, texture and sun damage, or if you’re wanting more of a plump/hydrated appearance.
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.
