2015 Non-Surgical Symposium

The non-surgical way to beauty.

The stereotype of beautiful celebrities dissatisfied with their appearance for all the world to see comes to mind when considering non-surgical cosmetic medicine.

The image of the ageing movie star or the young wannabe with ridiculously inflated lips leave me with an opinion of beauty I’d personally like to avoid. Looking back at us across the internet is hard to avoid and yet like a train wreck so hard to look away.

All this has, no doubt left many of us with a false impression of what means to embark on a series of non-surgical treatments to improve our appearance. A perception that it’s either too extreme, we’re just not into it, or the mere thought brings chills. What if it all goes wrong? What if I look terrible or they make a mistake, or I end up looking like a caricature of my former self? 

But then there are the images you rarely see; these are the everyday people who, for whatever reason, who wish to alter their appearance. The aesthetic non-surgical industry is where they go to make subtle changes to improve or correct. Vanity? Well, the world can be a ruthless place and whether we like it or not, favours beauty.

The aesthetic non-surgical industry can change lives in a very positive way. 

The 2015 Non-Surgical Symposium

Being invited to the 2015 non-surgical symposium gives a rare view from the other side. The symposium is a chance for plastic and cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists and cosmetic physicians to come together. Speakers, both international and local present their knowledge, experience, results and know-how.

The symposium was held in Melbourne this year. For someone who watches this industry from the sidelines it was comforting to hear the international guest speakers observations on Australian aesthetics. We are leading the way in the options available for anyone wanting to take the plunge into non-surgical cosmetic enhancement or correction.

There was an overriding theme of this year’s conference. Dr Mark Mangussen, the symposium convener, expressed the need to manage the expectations of the patient to help them reach realistic aesthetic goals and achieve as natural a look as possible. 

 

The landscape is changing and for the better.

It’s exciting to think a combination of modalities can bring you so much more than was previously on offer as little as ten years ago.

Setting realistic goals for the patient, while maintaining the importance of aesthetic synergy in achieving better outcomes for the patient was an important message.

This aesthetic synergy between well-formulated cosmeceutical skincare before, during and after any treatment, along with light laser therapy was encouraged to provide the patient with far better results and healing times.

 

Solutions to aesthetics can be found all in one place.

More and more, the aesthetic practitioner is looking for a more holistic approach in the way they treat their patients. If you thought a trip to a plastic or cosmetic surgeon was just for a nip and tuck, then think again. The non-surgical symposium brings together allied and complementary treatments giving you as the patient so many more options. Much can be done well before you ever need to consider going under the knife. Now more than ever, cosmetic practitioners are looking for aesthetic synergy in how they approach their patients — good news for everyone. 

 

Proof in real life.

It was interesting to hear big pharmaceutical companies like Galderma discuss not only the growth potential of the industry but the need for a balanced and natural approach to cosmetic enhancement. Amen to that! Galderma is leading the way with a campaign to gain the trust of the patient by achieving a natural look as it should be.

Actress Sharon Stone is their newly acquired ambassador and launched Galderma’s international campaign in Berlin last month. Galderma is challenging the idea and perhaps misconception that aesthetic treatments create unnatural results.

 

It’s all about gaining trust.

The very reason why so many of us still hesitate before considering cosmetic enhancing toxins and fillers (myself included) is the fear of an extreme and unrealistic result.

Galderma is keen to gain our trust by providing examples of the subtle results created in real life. I like that! 10 twins have been chosen to undergo various injectable enhancements to show how natural and refreshed an enhanced look can be.

In the right hands, with an experienced cosmetic practitioner, you can achieve natural results. Subtle enough not to be noticed, but not so subtle that you don’t feel like a refreshed version of you, let’s say, from ten years ago. For Gladerma, this is proof in real life.

You can see the Proof in Real Life campaign here

So much more than toxin and dermal fillers.

It was great to see the rise in results-driven treatments offering the practitioner and patient cutting edge technology. Companies like CynoSure, Inova Aesthetics, Syneron-Candela and Device Technologies all had something to offer from the superficial to more in-depth treatments required for conditions like acne scarring.

There was also continued interest in skin needling from companies like Dermastamp and cosmeceutical company Environ and medical-grade peels continue to be a mainstay in most practices. 

 

Aesthetic synergy with cosmeceutical skincare.

Given my background in cosmeceutical skincare, it was pleasing to hear keynote speaker Dr Jeffrey Kenkel, a surgeon from Dallas, Texas discuss the importance of aesthetic synergy between medical-grade skincare.

Associate Professor Greg Goodman, a practising dermatologist and Chief of Surgery at the Skin and Cancer Foundation, reiterated the importance of skincare. Presented an overview of the various active ingredients proven to work.

Dr Hema Sundaram, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder and director of an aesthetic dermatology practice in suburban Washington also presented; of particular note were her publications on the topics of fillers, toxins, lasers and cosmeceuticals.

Cosmeceutical skincare companies Dermaquest, Rationale, Ultraceuticals, Synergie Skin and Environ as well as Dermocosmetica, Elizabeth Arden Pro, Skinceuticals, Medik8, Osmosis, and Obaji were all present at the symposium.

And now you?

Got a question you’d like answered? Why not shoot me an email over here. Or if you found this article interesting, why not share it with your friends.

See you next time,