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Watch the full session here.

When we asked clinic owners about their biggest growth challenges in the 2025 State of Medical Aesthetics Report, nearly a quarter said one thing stood out: finding and keeping the right staff. And it’s not surprising. Having the right people beside you can make or break your business.

That’s what we recently explored in our SoMA session, 'Building Your Dream Team: Attracting and Keeping Top Talent in Your Clinic.' Hosted by Aniella, Business Development & Key Account Manager, from Fresh Clinics, the discussion featured two inspiring clinic owners, Olivia from A&O Cosmetics and Skin in Shepparton, and Hannah from Self Cosmetic Science in Adelaide. Between them, they’ve grown thriving teams in very different markets, but share one philosophy: get the culture right, and the rest will follow.

Hiring in a regional vs. city market

For Olivia, building a team in regional Victoria brings both challenges and benefits. “The pool that you are employing from is significantly smaller,” she shared. “People just really aren’t floating around here, being cosmetic nurses.” But being in a small town also means connections run deep. “When you do interview people, I’ve always known of them somehow. It has its pros and cons, but it’s worked out well for us so far.”

Hannah agreed that hiring is rarely easy, even in Adelaide. “It has taken time; we haven’t always had our dream team. I always say hire on personality, not on skill, and hire slowly. Our last hire took nine months. Do not rush it.”

Why personality matters

Both speakers agreed that a candidate’s personality, values, and ethics matter far more than their resume. As Hannah explained, “I don’t really care what experience someone has… they just need to be a good person and have really good ethics. I’m more than happy to then train someone up; they just need to be the right fit for the team.”

Olivia added that passion is a major green flag in an interview. “Those that’ll just be like, ‘I’ll do anything to work for you’ - that’s the drive you want to see.”

On the flip side, there are red flags that are just as obvious. Hannah warned against candidates who speak negatively about previous employers: “It puts a question in my mind - am I then going to be the person they talk about at their next interview?”

Rethinking the interview process

Like most business owners, both Olivia and Hannah admitted their approach to interviewing has evolved over time. Olivia laughed, remembering how nervous she was in her first interview: “I felt like I was going to vomit before it. It just came very unnaturally.” Today, her interviews are more conversational, focusing on personality and goals rather than stock standard questions. “I just trust my gut a lot more now,” she said.

Hannah has also moved away from rigid Q&As. “We try and be a lot more conversational now. We peel the onion back, find out their motivations, and we’re much more direct. Before, we wanted our staff to like us, but now it’s about making sure it’s the right fit both ways.”

Retention through culture 

Attracting staff is one thing, but keeping them is where the real work begins. For both Hannah and Olivia, the secret lies in culture.

Flexibility is non-negotiable. “Most of my staff are mums. I’m a mum to two kids, so I get the juggle,” said Olivia. “If they need time off or want to go on holiday, if you give me notice, it’s nearly always a yes.”

Hannah has taken the same approach: “We only work a four-day work week. We don’t work weekends, and we’re not open on Wednesdays. Our staff absolutely love it.”

Recognition also plays a huge role. Olivia is deliberate about making her staff feel valued: “I’m always thanking my staff and celebrating their achievements. Feeling valued and appreciated is something you don’t get in a lot of workplaces, but it’s so important.”

Beyond pay and perks, what keeps staff loyal is the sense of belonging. Hannah’s approach is to find out what motivates each individual. “For some, it’s discounted treatments. For others, it’s flexible working arrangements or more education opportunities. It’s not always the obvious things.”

Both Hannah and Olivia also invest in shared experiences. From team dinners and after-work drinks to attending conferences together, they emphasise the importance of connection. “We’ve all become quite good friends,” said Hannah. “We celebrate our wins together, and that makes a huge difference.”

Setting new hires up for success

The onboarding process can make or break a new hire’s success. For Olivia, that means shadowing from day one, no matter how much prior experience someone has. "Regardless if they have experience, we will be doing things differently. It’s also about introducing them to the team, my family, even my kids - it’s social as well as clinical.”

Hannah also emphasised shadowing, but with a focus on consulting skills and clinic culture. “It’s not just about teaching them clinical skills. It’s more about how to talk to clients, our policies, and our procedures. That really can’t be taught in a day.”

Building your dream team isn’t about luck. It’s about patience, leadership, and creating a culture where people feel valued. As Olivia summed it up, “This is an us thing, it’s never a me thing. As I grow, I want to bring my team up with me.” When you put people first, you don’t just attract talent, you keep it.

Want more industry insights and business tips you won't find anywhere else? Join Fresh now!

Access this exclusive session with some of Australia's top clinics as they share their insights on how to build a thriving team.

Brought to you by Fresh Clinics exclusive State of Medical Aesthetics Report, 2025

Join our special guests:

• Olivia Feldtmann, ANO Cosmetics and Skin
• Hannah Rivers, Self Cosmetic Science
• Hosted by Aniella Leeks, Business Development and Key Account Manager at Fresh Clinics

What you'll learn:

• Simple but effective recruitment approaches that help you find the right fit, not just the right resume
• Onboarding secrets that set new team members up for success from day one
• How to create a clinic culture that makes staff want to stay for the long-term
• Practical leadership techniques that boost team satisfaction and performance

Last week, Fresh Members had the opportunity to hear from Niva Leones, a passionate aesthetic nurse injector and founder of Bulverde Med Spa.

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Niva brought her signature warmth, depth of knowledge, and practical strategies to a packed session focused on skin assessments, product integration, and patient outcomes.

‘’Aesthetics - I love it with all my heart," Niva shared. "I've been blessed to work alongside great cosmetic surgeons, and I want to pass on what’s helped me build a loyal, thriving patient base."

And if there’s one thing Niva made clear from the very beginning, it’s that: "Cosmetic medicine isn’t just about treatments. It’s about trust. It’s about connection. That’s how you build a long-term career."

Start with the skin

It’s tempting to focus on injectable plans or treatment menus, but as Niva reminded us, real results come from taking the time to understand the canvas you’re working with - the skin.

"They don’t teach skincare in nursing school," she said. "If you want to offer comprehensive care, you need to really understand the skin, and not be afraid to touch the face, assess the tissue, and ask the right questions."

Niva spoke passionately about using tools like the Fitzpatrick Scale* - not in a textbook sense, but with a human-first mindset. She encouraged open, respectful conversations about a patient’s background, skin structure, sensitivity, hormonal balance, heritage, and lifestyle.

"It’s not intrusive to ask about a patient’s background; it’s critical for giving them the right care," she explained. "That’s how you deliver results that patients trust you for."

*The Fitzpatrick Scale is a system used to classify skin types based on their response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. It categorizes skin into six types, with Type I being the most sensitive to the sun and Type VI being the least sensitive.

This scale helps in determining appropriate sun protection measures and understanding a person's risk of skin damage.

Why microneedling and peels matter (more than you think)

Niva encouraged our members to master the fundamentals first. Start with:

• Specialising in microneedling
• Offering chemical peels
• Dermaplaning and skin prep
• Layer in laser hair removal or simple energy devices when you're ready

"You don’t need to invest $300,000 in fancy equipment straight away," Niva said. "You need technique. You need trust. And you need a strong understanding of the skin’s needs."

Build your product range the smart way

Selling skincare products can sometimes feel awkward -  unless you follow Niva’s golden rule: Only recommend what you genuinely believe in and use yourself.

"Patients can tell if you’re pushing something," she said. "Start small. Stock the products you love. Trust builds from there."

She also encouraged practitioners to leverage programs like Alle and Aspire to create loyalty incentives without extra cost, adding value to the patient experience while strengthening retention.

Above all, Niva encouraged nurses and PAs to be confident in recommending treatments and products as part of their professional duty of care.

"As nurses, recommending the right treatments isn’t about sales, it’s about helping your patients feel their best. Stick to what you know. Stick to science. Trust will follow."

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your med spa, Fresh Clinics is here to support your growth. Reach out to our team today!

In aesthetic medicine, although rare, complications can and do happen. But rather than seeing them as failures, it’s time to shift the narrative.

Although these complications occur infrequently, their potential impact necessitates transparency, preparedness, and ongoing education.

During our recent international webinar, bringing together Members from the USA and Australia, Fresh Clinics co-founder Dr John Holbrook led a candid discussion on complication management, breaking down stigma, and ensuring patient safety remains the top priority in aesthetics.

A New Perspective on Complications

“Bad things happen. They’ll happen to all of us,” Dr Holbrook stated. “What matters more than anything is recognizing, escalating, and managing it appropriately.”

One of the most critical complications discussed was vascular occlusions (VO). Vascular occlusions are a rare but serious complication associated with dermal fillers. They occur in fewer than 0.05% of treatments.

Dr Holbrook reinforced that quick recognition and treatment are key: “Anytime you see vesicles, think necrosis. The answer is simple - open up the vessel with hyaluronidase.”

Vascular occlusion can sometimes be misdiagnosed due to varying symptoms, but practitioners were urged to act swiftly. “Pain is a helpful sign, but just because it’s painless doesn’t mean there’s no occlusion,” Dr Holbrook advised.

The Reality of Infections

While vascular occlusions require immediate dissolving of filler, infections can be more challenging. Immune-mediated inflammatory reactions can present anywhere from days to years after HA filler was initially injected. The swelling and tenderness in the distribution where the fillers were injected are often, but not always, triggered by illness in the patient a couple days prior to the swelling.

NSAIDs and prednisone are typically used to manage these reactions. If an infection is suspected, antibiotics and dissolving the filler are standard therapy.  Dr Holbrook highlighted, “You are obliged to dissolve any filler post-infection, no matter what.”

Practitioners were reminded to take a proactive approach with close patient monitoring to prevent further complications such as abscess formation.
Seeking to maintain adverse events at less than 1% of treatments that occur is a shared mission. The Monthly Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) meetings hosted by Fresh Clinics highlight where and how practice can continuously improve.

No Practitioner is Alone

Breaking the stigma around complication management requires a collective shift in perspective.

Complications are not a reflection of incompetence but are part of cosmetic medicine and an opportunity to learn, improve practice, and enhance patient safety.  Fresh Clinics offers ongoing support through its medical team, software, and training to ensure all practitioners have the knowledge and confidence to navigate complications.

If you want to be part of a network that prioritises safety, education, and professional growth, explore how Fresh Clinics can support you. Reach out to our team today. 

Access this exclusive session with some of Australia's top clinics as they share their insights on how to build a strong business foundation for your clinic.

Brought to you by Fresh Clinics exclusive State of Medical Aesthetics Report, 2025

Join our special guests:

• Meg McNeil and Lori Hogan, Derm Haus
• Lisa Rush, Lisa Rush Skin Clinics
• Bronywyn Roberts, Facestudio by Bronnie
• Hosted by Tealle Anderson, Community Insights & Content Manager at Fresh Clinics

What you'll learn:

• How to set meaningful business goals that drive real clinic growth
• Making sense of your financial statements (without needing an accounting degree!)
• The key performance indicators successful clinics track religiously
• Why having a business mentor dramatically increases your chances of success
• Practical systems to implement in your clinic starting tomorrow

The content of this blog is designed and intended for the education of Healthcare Professionals

In our rapidly evolving industry, the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers for facial enhancement is always on the rise. However, with innovation comes challenges. Fresh Clinics Members recently heard invaluable insights from Dr. Sabrina Shah-Desai, an internationally recognized expert in non-surgical and advanced cosmetic procedures on the prevention and management of complications associated with (HA) filler use.

Understanding the Anatomy

To optimally leverage fillers in aesthetics, an understanding of facial planes and the distribution of facial vasculature is a must. Enlightening us on this, Dr. Shah-Desai reinforced, "Prevention strategies are really important to understanding that depth of injection, injecting slowly, considering a cannula except in the nose, injecting small, and considering directing the needle perpendicular to the vessels."

Patient Assessment 

Sabrina made sure to emphasise the importance of patient assessment and consultation in the following order to minimise risks during treatment:

1. Take a detailed medical history
2. Take a detailed aesthetic history (types of filler used/dates of treatment)
3. Assess for any ongoing skin conditions, dental issues, and ear, nose, or throat issues
4. Establish if there is any severe pain or redness in past treatments
5. Establish duration and onset of “the lump”

One of the main risks associated with HA filler injections is the threat of vascular events. How we handle such events can make a significant difference in the patient's outcome. Complications ranging from infections to nodules and even blindness can occur, hence having a well-trained team in place, armed with the necessary tools and medications, is crucial.

"Anatomy and assessment of patient selection is a prerequisite for minimising the risk of complications. Never inject against resistance and considering the product is really important, particularly to prevent complications," said Dr. Shah-Desai, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive knowledge in filler treatments.

Navigating Complications

The importance of early detection, diagnosis, and management of adverse events cannot be overemphasised. For infections, the use of antibiotics might be considered while Hyaluronidase could be employed for treating nodules. Here, using ultrasound devices on patients would offer compelling advantages.

Aging and Filler Placement

Our skin undergoes transformations with age, leading to structural support and surface alterations. . Sabrina shed light on this, highlighting "When we look at the surface topographical changes of aging we see this on the skin sort of from the ages of late 20s to mid 30s."

The awareness of these changes, especially in the mid-face and bony areas, forms the underpinning for informed decisions on filler placement and selection in patients.

The 4D Approach 

Steering away from static notions, Sabrina introduced the concept of the 4D approach for optimising results with filler. This approach unravels a more holistic outlook in evaluating and enhancing facial features, acknowledging the dynamic fat pads and movements that define our faces.

The 4D approach is based on four key strategies and can have fewer complications, plus more revenue for your practice than filler alone:

1. Protection (eg, sunscreen and antioxidants)
2. Promotion of cell turnover (eg, peels and laser)\
3. Collagen stimulation
4. Volume remodelling (eg, fillers)

Empowering Your Practice

Sabrina's enlightening session contextualises the importance of preparedness at each step of aesthetic treatments.

The core takeaway from Dr. Shah-Desai resonates with Fresh Clinics’ belief that knowledge and awareness are the foundation of excellence in aesthetics. By embracing these insights, we can look forward to an exciting future in advanced technology.

Stay tuned for more inspiring discussions.

Not a Fresh Clinics member yet?  Reach out to our team today, call us, or schedule a time to chat below to discuss how to become a Fresh Clinics member and take advantage of Fresh initiatives today.

Can you imagine using your own cells to repair signs of aging or reverse chronic conditions? With regenerative medicine, this is slowly but surely becoming possible.

Regenerative medicine is an emerging field that helps the body replace, repair, and regenerate damaged cells, tissues, or organs. The goal is to help patients restore normal function. For example, in aesthetic medicine, the desired outcome is to restore the patient’s natural body, not simply hide the signs of aging.

In this article, we’ll break down what regenerative medicine is, the top treatments being used today, how it’s changing the aesthetics industry, and what’s coming next.

Key aspects of regenerative medicine

The practice of regenerative medicine draws on cell biology, genetics, bioengineering, and clinical medicine to promote true repair and, in some cases, reverse damage entirely. It’s built upon the concept that, in the right conditions, the body has all the tools it needs to heal itself from minor injuries.

Supporting the body to heal

Our bodies already know how to heal cuts, mend bones, and fight infection.  Regenerative medicine builds on that by stimulating or enhancing the body’s natural repair mechanisms. This can mean triggering collagen production, increasing blood flow, or signaling the body to produce new cells.

Cell-based therapies (stem cells)

Stem cells can turn into many different types of cells, such as bone, blood, muscles, and nerves. In regenerative medicine, they are used to repair damaged tissue. The most common source of stem cells in medical treatments today is taken from adult bone marrow or fat tissue. For example, doctors might inject stem cells from fat tissue into an injured joint to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

Building new tissue from scratch (tissue engineering)

Tissue engineering is the practice of using a structure, like a soft, mesh-like material, along with cells to help the body grow new tissue. 
It’s already being used to create skin grafts, cartilage, and parts of organs. This approach is especially helpful when the body can’t heal on its own, such as after a burn, injury, or surgery.

The tools that support cell growth and repair

As the field grows, the tools used by medical scientists are constantly evolving. Currently, regenerative therapies often involve biomaterials (materials that are safe for inside the body) that support cell growth, or gene therapy that helps restore or enhance a cell’s function at the DNA level.

Examples of regenerative medicine in use today

Healing with your own blood (platelet-rich plasma)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses a patient's own blood to promote healing. After drawing blood, it's spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which are then injected into the targeted area. PRP is commonly used for injury recovery, skin rejuvenation, and hair growth. ​

Relieving joint pain with natural cushioning (viscosupplementation)

This treatment involves injecting hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance, naturally found in healthy joints. In people with osteoarthritis, their natural level of this substance drops, which can cause pain and stiffness. This treatment helps restore lubrication in the joint, usually the knee, making movement feel smoother and reducing discomfort.

Growing organs from your own cells

Researchers are working on growing entire organs in labs using a patient's own cells. This approach aims to provide future alternatives to organ transplants, reducing the risk of rejection. ​ While we're still years away from fully functional lab-grown organs, recent developments in 2024 from scientists at UC San Francisco and Cedars-Sinai have taken promising strides towards bringing this concept to life.

Waking up the body’s repair system

Some therapies aim to stimulate the body's own cells to repair themselves. By engaging these dormant or damaged cells, the treatments encourage natural regeneration, potentially reducing the need for invasive procedures.  A simple example of this is microneedling, which creates small tears in the skin to promote collagen production.

What is regenerative aesthetics?

Regenerative aesthetics is the future of the aesthetics industry, combining the science of healing with modern beauty treatments. It uses the principles of regenerative medicine, like stimulating collagen, restoring tissue, and boosting cellular activity for cosmetic treatments.  The goal is to deliver natural-looking results by encouraging the body to heal and renew itself. That means fewer artificial fillers, less downtime, and longer-lasting results.

Popular regenerative aesthetic treatments include:

• PRP for skin rejuvenation: Sometimes called a “vampire facial,” this uses the patient’s own plasma to boost collagen, improve texture, and reduce signs of aging.
• PRP for hair restoration: Injecting PRP into the scalp can stimulate dormant hair follicles, improving thickness and regrowth over time.
• Exosome therapy: Exosomes are naturally released in the body to promote healing. When extracted and applied to the skin, they can reduce inflammation, support cell turnover, and brighten complexions.
• Polynucleotide injections: Derived from salmon DNA, these injections are designed to hydrate, repair, and improve skin elasticity at a deep level. They're especially popular for under-eye rejuvenation and dull skin.
• Skin boosters: Unlike traditional fillers, skin boosters spread under the skin to hydrate and subtly plump. They also encourage collagen and elastin production over time, which is beneficial for patients looking to reduce the signs of aging.
• Nanofat grafting: This is when fat is gathered from the patient, filtered to isolate the regenerative cells, and then injected into delicate areas like under the eyes or around the mouth. It improves skin quality and volume with long-term effects.

Real-world results

A 2024 study on PRP for skin rejuvenation found that treatment led to significant improvements in facial features after just one to three sessions.
Another study in 2023 found that combining microneedling with exosomes led to faster healing and better results. The patients showed noticeable improvements in wrinkles, elasticity, hydration, and pigmentation.

What does the future hold for regenerative medicine?

The future of regenerative medicine is moving fast due to patient demand and major scientific progress. Researchers are already testing 3D-printed organs made from a person’s own cells, which could one day replace the need for the more risky practice of donor transplants. Gene editing tools like CRISPR are also showing real promise and could help fix the root cause of certain diseases.

It might sound futuristic, but these breakthroughs are already happening in labs and early trials. If things keep heading in the right direction, we’ll start seeing more of these treatments helping real patients in the next few years.

Regenerative medicine is all about helping the body naturally fix itself. From joint pain to skin and hair, these treatments are already making a difference, and they are only getting started.

At Fresh Clinics, we support medical professionals with the tools, knowledge, and oversight to offer safe, effective regenerative treatments

Ready to take the first step? Contact Fresh today!

FAQs

What therapies are currently provided in regenerative medicine?
Some of the most common regenerative medicine treatments include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cell therapies, and microneedling with growth factors like Exosomes. These therapies are used to repair damaged cells, tissues, or organs, especially for joints, skin, and hair.
What kind of conditions can regenerative medicine help with?
Currently, regenerative medicine is being used for joint pain, soft tissue injuries, hair loss, and skin aging. As the field of regenerative medicine grows, it’s also being studied for organ repair and more complex medical conditions.
Is stem cell therapy safe?
Stem cell therapies are already being used in both medical and aesthetic clinics, especially for joint issues and skin rejuvenation. Most use stem cells from bone marrow or fat, and while research is still ongoing, they’re generally considered safe when done by qualified professionals.
How is regenerative medicine different from traditional treatments?
Unlike treatments that only manage symptoms, regenerative medicine focuses on fully healing. It supports the body’s ability to repair damaged tissue and restore normal function using cell therapy, growth factors, or tissue engineering.
What are iPS cells, and why do they matter?
Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are adult cells reprogrammed to act like pluripotent stem cells. That means they can turn into nearly any cell type. Researchers see them as a safer, more ethical alternative to human embryonic stem cells in regenerative medicine research.
How is 3D bioprinting being used in regenerative medicine?
3D bioprinting is an emerging technology that uses living cells to print engineered tissue. The goal is to eventually build complex organ and tissue structures that are structurally and functionally similar to natural ones.
Can regenerative medicine help with heart failure?
Yes. One type of regenerative medicine being studied for heart failure involves growing or transplanting healthy muscle cells into damaged skeletal muscle to restore heart function. While it’s still in early development, it’s one of the most promising therapies and future directions in the field.

As the end of the financial year approaches, many cosmetic nurses, clinic owners, and aesthetic professionals are deep in spreadsheets, reconciling expenses, and preparing to close the books.

But EOFY isn’t just a deadline; it’s the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and invest in the future of your business.

Here’s why EOFY is the smartest time to secure your spot at The Fresh Life 2025:

EOFY is designed for strategic investment

June 30 is when many business owners look at their numbers and ask, “What did I build this year, and where am I heading next?”

EOFY serves as a natural checkpoint to review your business's financial health. Reinvesting in professional development now can set you up for a more profitable, confident, and focused second half of the year. Whether you’re a sole trader or running a growing clinic, EOFY is your chance to:

• Realign with your long-term goals
• Prioritise development
• Take advantage of potential tax deductions*
  

Invest in YOU and your clinic's holistic growth at The Fresh Life 2025

Investing in professional development, training, or business-related resources before EOFY can offer significant tax advantages. According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), expenses directly related to earning assessable income, such as attending conferences, workshops, or purchasing educational materials, may be tax-deductible. By making these investments before June 30, you can potentially reduce your taxable income for the current financial year.*

The Fresh Life 2025 is built for cosmetic professionals who want to do more than survive change - they want to thrive through it, and stay at the forefront of product, technology, and compliance standards. 

This year’s theme is all about building a business that’s not just growing - but flourishing. Attendees will gain practical strategies to:

• Scale without burning out
• Differentiate in an increasingly saturated market
• Retain patients through value-driven, localised care
• Leverage insights and tools for long-term, strategic success
• Learn new innovative techniques
• Build your team or hear insight into how to work inside a high-performing team
• Get up close and personal with industry experts, pharmaceutical brands, and key opinion leaders in our industry

Invest now, and reap the rewards all year

Making space for professional development during EOFY signals that you’re prioritising progress, putting strategy ahead of stress, and choosing to lead your business with intention.

A ticket to The Fresh Life 2025 is an investment in clarity, confidence, and community. And when you invest before June 30, you’re giving yourself the strongest possible start to the next financial year.

Grow together - grab your ticket before June 30 and immediately go in the running to win a free ticket!

This year, growth doesn’t have to be a solo journey. When you purchase your ticket before June 30, you’ll automatically enter our giveaway, where one lucky attendee will receive a second ticket for free.

This is your chance to bring along someone who makes your business stronger. Whether it’s a business partner, a team member, or a peer you’ve grown alongside in the industry, shared learning increases impact.

All ticket holders are entered automatically. But to be eligible, tickets must be purchased before EOFY. Winners will be announced on July 7, 2025!

Don't miss your chance to THRIVE. Secure your spot here!

*Always consult with a financial advisor or tax professional to understand the specific benefits and implications for your business.

Last weekend, the Fresh Clinics Team attended another NSS (Non-Surgical Symposium) on the Gold Coast - an annual highlight on the medical aesthetics calendar.

As always, it was a valuable opportunity to connect with peers, hear from leading voices in the industry, and reflect on the direction our profession is heading.

Here are some of the key insights and takeaways our team brought home from NSS 2025:

Ahpra & TGA regulatory guidelines

Significant updates were shared around compliance, particularly from AHPRA and TGA representatives. A few key takeaways:

• All clinical information and patient education should be delivered in person.
• Providing information via email or text (e.g., brands, pricing) remains a grey area.
• Messaging should aim to educate, not promote. If flagged, practitioners will typically have an opportunity to explain their intent and adjust.
• Booking systems should align more closely with general practice (e.g., "short" vs. "long" consults), reinforcing that we are operating in a healthcare model, not a retail one.

Diversity & inclusivity 

Several sessions explored how clinicians can strengthen greater inclusivity, particularly around gender identity and neurodivergence. A standout statistic shared was that 60% of nurses avoid certain patient questions out of fear of saying the wrong thing.

From adding non-binary options on intake forms to asking open-ended questions like “What’s your idea of beauty?” and “How do you view yourself?”, speakers highlighted the importance of creating safe, respectful spaces for all patients.

Marketing & community engagement 

Dr Kristy Kostalas and Fresh Trainer, Agnes Dube, shared practical ways clinics can embed community engagement into their business model. With marketing restrictions continuing to limit traditional promotion, many clinicians are finding value in being seen to give back, whether by sponsoring local sports teams, partnering with charities, or supporting local events.

As traditional marketing becomes more restricted, the consultation process has become the most powerful point of connection with patients. Speakers emphasised the importance of creating a calm, personalised, and informative experience, not just for treatment planning, but for building long-term trust.

Hybrid clinics

There was discussion around the emergence of hybrid clinics, where services such as skin cancer checks, general medicine, preventive medicine, and aesthetics sit under one roof. It’s a patient-centric model that speaks to the evolving expectations of health, wellness, and convenience.

NSS 2025 reinforced that the aesthetics industry is evolving quickly, and that success now hinges not just on clinical skill, but on the ability to navigate compliance, communicate with purpose, and connect with patients and communities in more meaningful ways.

It was incredibly rewarding to hear from many attendees, including nurses, clinic owners, and pharmaceutical partners, who shared their appreciation for the support Fresh Clinics is providing, particularly in Queensland. There was strong engagement with our data-led presentation on the State of Medical Aesthetics Report, and it was clear the insights resonated across the room.

We’re proud to be part of these important conversations and to continue supporting our network to stay informed, compliant, and empowered.

Ready to join Fresh?

Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your clinic, Fresh Clinics is here to support your growth. Reach out to our team, call us, or fill in the form to get started.