Taneesa Williamson Three days of learning, with a lifetime of value.
The Non-Surgical Symposium (NSS), held on the Gold Coast from June 23rd to 25th, was a highly anticipated event for professionals in the field of non-surgical aesthetics. This year’s theme revolved around innovation, education, and patient safety, which set the stage for a comprehensive and enlightening experience.
The symposium kicked off on Friday morning with a warm welcome from the Master of Ceremonies, Andrew Klein, and the Scientific Convener, Naveen Somia. Their opening remarks set the tone for the symposium, emphasising the importance of staying at the forefront of advancements in non-surgical procedures while prioritising patient safety.
Day 1 of the Non-Surgical Symposium (NSS) hosted on the Gold Coast began by addressing the upcoming regulatory changes for surgical and non-surgical practices by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This session emphasised the need for practitioners to stay informed and compliant with the evolving regulations to ensure patient safety and ethical practice. Additionally, attendees learned about setting up referral systems and collaborating with other industry professionals to enhance patient outcomes and create a pleasant experience for both patients and practitioners.
Interactive Education
The Friday morning session proceeded with hands-on injectable workshops, allowing attendees to gain practical knowledge and refine their techniques. These interactive sessions were highly beneficial, providing participants with valuable insights and the opportunity to learn from industry experts.
Throughout the symposium, exhibitors showcased their products and services, presenting attendees with a wide range of innovative aesthetic devices, professional skincare solutions, medical devices and equipment, as well as marketing and finance expertise. This exhibition space provided a unique opportunity for professionals to explore the latest advancements in the field and connect with leading industry suppliers.
In addition to the workshops and exhibitor displays, the symposium featured a series of presentations from renowned speakers. These presentations covered various topics such as emerging trends in non-surgical procedures, new technologies and treatment modalities, and strategies for ensuring patient safety.
The Power of Collaboration
A significant focus of Day 1 was on skincare, with Dermal Clinicians and Therapists highlighting their extended scope of practice in both surgical and non-surgical settings. James Vivian started the day by emphasising the importance of working together and viewing referrals as a means of providing comprehensive care rather than a loss of business. Samantha Allen, a lecturer at Victoria University and ASDC Board Member, co-presented with Plastic Surgeon Dr Frank Lin on the importance of finding your niche and working together. Dermal Therapist Mala McAlpin presented the art of communication and how to best facilitate pre and post treatment follow-up for clients and patients.
The focus on skin followed through to the Friday afternoon, with Davin Lim, Katherine Armour, Jeffrey Fromowitz, and Greg Goodman each presenting with a strong focus on laser-assisted care of the skin. Later on Friday afternoon, Dermocosmetica hosted a bio-remodelling workshop alongside other injecting workshop demonstrations, while presentations proceeded with a business success focus on ‘building your brand’.
The Business of Aesthetics
Day 2 focused on the business elements, adjacent to live injecting demonstrations and additional hands-on workshops. Suzie Hoitink shared her secrets to cosmetic business success and how to always have your end goal of selling in mind when starting a business.
Body contouring and the use of lasers were also discussed within presentations on day 2, with Agnes Warchalowski discussing the metabolic changes during menopause and how practitioners can use their technologies to aid in fat reduction for patients. Virginia French also discussed a similar topic, with a focus on estrogen loss and how it impacts tissue integrity.
Day 2 concluded with a spectacular Gala Dinner extravaganza, sponsored by Merz Aesthetics. Delegates put on their heels, gowns, and suits to be fulfilled with non-stop entertainment, delicious food, and plenty of photo opportunities. International guest speakers were awarded on stage, alongside the scientific planning committee.
One of the highlights of the NSS was the emphasis on education. The symposium offered a diverse range of educational sessions, including panel discussions, case studies, and interactive workshops.
Overall, the NSS allowed attendees to expand their knowledge, gain insights from experienced practitioners, and stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques. The NSS also provided a valuable networking platform for professionals in the non-surgical aesthetics field. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with colleagues, share experiences, and establish new collaborations. These networking sessions facilitated the exchange of ideas and fostered a sense of community among participants, which will continue next year for the 2024 NSS.
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