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

The art of bringing a change to one’s appearance through non-surgical cosmetic procedures calls for expert precision and knowledge. However, even in the hands of the most skilled professional, complications can arise.

Fresh Members recently had the opportunity to dive into an educational session with our very own Dr John Holbrook, on managing vascular occlusions (VOs) in aesthetic treatments.

Vascular Occlusions: A Fear for Practitioners 

"The vessels in our bodies, particularly in our face, are all connected," Dr Holbrook emphasized during the session. Vascular occlusion, a rare but serious complication, can result from dermal filler treatments, with incidences being roughly 1 in 10,000. While low, the risk is real and can result in serious complications if not managed promptly and appropriately.

To minimise the occurrence of VOs, practitioners often adopt standard procedures. For example, the idea of only injecting in 'safe' points has always been conventional. However, it's not a course that Dr Holbrook advocates,"There's no safe...everywhere can be risky.”

The Treatment Approach

When an occlusion is suspected or occurs, the first course of treatment is to call in an expert immediately.

Another critical part of the immediate response is injecting hyaluronidase into the affected area, an enzyme that can potentially reverse the occlusion by breaking down the filler.

Dr Holbrook shared through his personal experience, how he managed a rare, yet serious VO that affected a patient's chin and tongue due to a midline filler injection in the chin.

"We fixed it in a day… and it didn't require any further interventions," Dr Holbrook recalled about one of the most complex cases he'd managed. Despite immediate action, the patient still experienced extreme pain, challenging the process of treatment. Utilizing hyaluronidase and maintaining an open line of communication with other specialists, the case was successfully navigated.

It is important to emphasize the need for persistence in managing occlusion. Dr Holbrook noted, "Just because it has always been okay before, doesn't mean it will be okay this time."

He reiterated that every treatment comes with its own level of uncertainty and risk.

The need to remain constantly cautious and prepared for any event is one that resonated deeply with our Members. In the face of such potential complications, the importance of patient well-being remains at the forefront.

The session was a wealth of information on managing vascular occlusions, and a testament to Dr Holbrook's persistent, dynamic, and patient-first approach.

Not a Fresh Member? 

Join us for more discussions that motivate and provide insights into navigating risks and complications in aesthetic procedures. 

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) has released updated guidelines for registered health practitioners who perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures. These changes will come into effect in September 2025, and cover two key areas:

1. Advertising guidelines for higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures
2. Clinical guidelines for performing non-surgical cosmetic procedures

The updated advertising standards clarify previously grey areas and bring existing obligations into sharper focus, helping practitioners to better meet their responsibilities. The good news for Fresh Clinics Members is that while the procedural guidelines have been updated, Fresh has long operated in line with these standards.

Whether you're a registered nurse, doctor, or other health professional offering cosmetic services, these updates apply to you. It’s essential to stay informed and ensure your practice remains compliant.

The below is a summary of the Clinical guidelines for performing non-surgical cosmetic procedures:

Purpose and scope

• These guidelines apply to non-medical registered health practitioners (e.g., nurses, dentists, pharmacists) who perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
• They aim to clarify professional responsibilities, ensure safe, ethical practice, and support informed patient decision-making.
• They do not expand the scope of practice or authorise practitioners to perform procedures outside their regulatory limits.
  

What counts as a non-surgical medical procedure 

• Procedures that aim to change appearance (e.g., Botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, PRP, thread lifts, fat-dissolving injections, CO₂ laser resurfacing, and energy-based device treatments).
• They must not be confused with clinically justified treatments (e.g., removing skin cancers, treating severe acne).
  

Requirements and responsibilities

1. Scope of practice
Practitioners must only perform procedures they are qualified, trained, and competent to do and must comply with state/territory regulations, particularly for Schedule 4 medicines.  Fresh Clinics offers state-of-the-art training to practitioners that supports a widening scope of practice for our Members.

2. Patient assessment
A holistic, culturally safe assessment is required, especially for psychological conditions (e.g., body dysmorphic disorder). If there are concerns, referral to an independent health practitioner like a GP or psychologist is required. Fresh Clinics' assessment process is ethical and thorough. Our hybrid model enables both in-person care and doctor support, plus a detailed assessment checklist to vet for BDD.

3. Under 18s
Fresh Clinics does not allow or support treatment for under-18s with S4 medications. According to Ahpra, procedures on minors are restricted and must have:

• A cooling-off period (7 days)
• Parental input & consent
• No upfront payment

4. Prescribing
Prescribing S4 medications must involve real-time (in-person or video) consultations — asynchronous prescribing is banned. No batch prescriptions are allowed; each person must have an individual prescription. Fresh Clinics handles and documents this safely within the Fresh App.

5. Informed Consent
Must include verbal and written plain-language consent from the patient. The practitioner must disclose:

• Procedure details, risks, alternatives
• Recovery expectations
• Provider credentials and fees
• Medicare does not cover cosmetic treatments

Separate, documented consent is required for any image use. These images must not be stored on personal devices. Patients can withdraw consent at any time, and practitioners must stop using images where possible. Fresh Clinics captures consent both physically in the Fresh App and verbally via telehealth.

6. Clinical care and aftercare
Practitioners must ensure continuity of care and have protocols for emergencies and complications, and must provide clear post-procedure instructions and contact details to patients. Fresh Clinics has strict and compliant aftercare, processes, and documentation. Learn more here. 

7.  Education and experience
Practitioners must complete:

• Relevant theoretical and hands-on training
• Ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development) in cosmetic procedures
• Must be competent in managing risks and complications, not just performing the procedure.

Fresh Clinics' training and education are CPD certified. We also regularly host free resources and webinars that offer CPD points to Members. Our complication management and training for complication management is the gold standard and the best in Australia.

8. Advertising and finance 
Practitioners must follow:

• Ahpra advertising guidelines
• TGA codes
  

Practitioners must not:

• Glamourise procedures
• Offer financial incentives, discounts, or influencer deals
• Promote finance schemes (e.g., loans, afterpay)

9. Facilities and infection control
Facilities must match the procedure risk level and be compliant with all legal and safety standards. Procedures involving injections or piercing skin should ideally occur in an accredited facility. Fresh Clinics supports Members through strict compliance checks and protocols. 

10. Complaints handling
Patients must be informed of how to lodge complaints (e.g., Ahpra, health complaints bodies), and NDAs must not prevent complaints to regulators.

Specific Guidance for Nurses and Midwives (Appendix A)

• Midwives cannot perform cosmetic procedures.
• RNs: Must have 1 year of full-time postgraduate experience in General or specialist nursing practice (excluding non-surgical cosmetic injectables) before entering cosmetics; endorsement as NP not possible solely in cosmetics. Fresh Clinics has always had this requirement in place for our Members. 
• ENs:
  
  • Must work under RN supervision
  • Need experience in a related area (e.g., dermatology)
  • Cannot inject in high-risk facial areas unless under strict conditions

The below is a summary of the Advertising guidelines for higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures:

Purpose and scope

• Developed by National Boards to ensure safe, honest, and responsible advertising of higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
• Applies to registered health practitioners, non-registered individuals, and businesses that advertise these procedures.
• Focuses on protecting vulnerable consumers, given the serious and potentially irreversible risks involved in these procedures.
  

What counts as a higher-risk non-surgical medical procedure 
Botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, PRP, thread lifts, fat-dissolving injections, and Sclerotherapy.

Advertising requirements

1. Practitioner responsibility
Advertising must not exploit insecurities or target psychologically vulnerable individuals (e.g., with body dysmorphic disorder). Practitioners must prioritise the duty of care over financial gain. Cost info must be clear and comply with TGA regulations.

2. Claims & titles
Advertising must not exaggerate qualifications or imply specialist status without appropriate registration, and registration details must be clearly displayed.

3. Testimonials
Strictly prohibited. This includes:

• Patient stories or outcomes
• Likes, reposts, or links to patient reviews
• Social media ‘stories’ with testimonials
• Practitioners must not interact with third-party testimonials

4. Influencers & ambassadors
Advertisers are responsible for content shared by influencers on their behalf, and influencers must not use testimonials or misleading claims.

5. Use of Images
No misleading, retouched, or filtered images. Before and after images must be:

• Genuine, unedited, and comparable in conditions
• Accompanied by disclaimers on the variability of results
• Not used on individuals under 18
• No sexualised, entertainment-focused, or lifestyle imagery

6. Risk & recovery
Risks must be clearly stated, not downplayed (e.g., avoid terms like “simple” or “painless”). Recovery timelines and possible lifestyle impacts must be disclosed. Procedures must not be trivialised (e.g., competitions or giveaways).

7. Body image & mental health
Advertising must not:

• Imply normal ageing or variations need fixing
• Promise improved mental health or self-esteem
• Promote unrealistic or idealised beauty standards

8. Expectations of outcomes
Claims must be objective and evidence-based. Practitioners must be clear about:

• When results will appear
• How long they will last
• Need for ongoing treatments

9. Protecting at-risk audiences
No advertising to under-18s or on youth-oriented platforms. Avoid targeting vulnerable groups through metadata, hashtags, or excessive posting.

Actionable steps you can take now:

1. Set aside dedicated time
This is not a document to skim. Block out time in your calendar to read the full guidelines without interruption. You may need to revisit it multiple times.

2. Go analogue
Print the documents or have a notebook ready. Highlight important sections and jot down notes or questions as you go. This helps you retain the content and identify what specifically applies to your clinic.

3. Audit your own platforms
Set time aside to review your social media, website, and marketing materials. We recommend doing this yourself. While some AI-driven tools or services are available, we’ve found they often miss important context or aren’t fully aligned with Australian regulations and complexities between TGA and Ahpra.

4. Budget for updates
You may need a refreshed brand photoshoot (avoiding needles or identifiable patient info), new graphic assets, or website changes. Factor this into your business plan now, and make sure any agencies or freelancers you work with are across the new rules.

5. Adjust your IG settings
Update your Instagram business profile to restrict your content to 18+ only. This is a simple step toward compliance that many overlook.

6. Focus on the law, not the norm
Don’t rely on what others in the industry are doing. Knowing and applying the actual regulations, not what appears to be common practice, is key to protecting your reputation and remaining compliant.

8. When in doubt, seek legal advice
If you’re engaging external marketers or influencers, or if you have questions around compliance for your unique business model, a qualified legal advisor can help clarify your responsibilities.

About Ahpra
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) is the national body responsible for regulating health professionals across Australia. Ahpra sets the standards that ensure public safety and maintain professional conduct across 16 health professions. 

Not a Fresh Clinics Member? Chat with our team today.

When Sharna faced one of the most challenging moments in her career, Fresh Clinics helped her navigate it smoothly.

Introducing Sharna

Sharna is a registered nurse with over 30 years of experience across various fields. In 2021, she founded Canvas Cosmetic Clinic in South Perth. 
One of the first things Sharna did when opening her practice was to join Fresh Clinics. Over the years, she’s valued our support, medical oversight, and professional guidance – but never more so than in August 2024.

Recognising the emergency

It began as an ordinary day. Sharna was performing a cheek filler, and everything seemed normal.

“We were doing cheek filler, and so we had an entry point at the zygoma. We had just started when I saw a big white flash. I knew straight away it was a vascular occlusion,” Sharna recalls. “I waited a few seconds, checked the capillary refill, and confirmed it. ‘Yep, we actually do have one.’”

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Sharna didn’t panic. Instead, she stopped everything, took a breath, and reassured her patient.

“The most important thing in that moment is to stay calm,” she explains. “There’s nothing you can do to change it – only move forward positively and ensure the patient remains calm.”

Immediate response with Fresh Clinics’ guidance

With no time to waste, Sharna immediately reached out to Fresh Clinics’ medical team for expert support. “We got on to Fresh, and they guided us through reconstituting the Hyalase and starting the dissolving process.”

Over the next 4-5 days, Sharna used 17 vials of Hyalase to dissolve the filler, far more than many practitioners might anticipate needing. No adverse event is ever the same as the last, so it’s important to remember that the same rule applies to the treatment and resolution; the response and requirements are always on a case by case basis.

“A lot of people assume that if you have a vascular occlusion, you inject Hyalase, it dissolves, and that’s the end of the story. But that’s not the case,” she explains. “You have no control over where the filler embolises. Little chunks break off into other vessels, so you have to keep treating until it’s all gone.”

The importance of preparation and support

Reflecting on the experience, Sharna notes the importance of having the right support and stock on hand, especially for practitioners working in remote areas.

"Imagine how stressful that would be if you were on your own, felt unsupported, and didn’t have the product you needed to dissolve the filler. That’s why stock management is so important,” she says.

Despite the high-pressure situation, Sharna never doubted her ability to handle it. “I felt quite calm in the moment. I never once thought, ‘Oh my God, what am I going to do?’ I knew I had used the right technique and mitigated risk as much as possible, but this just proves that complications can happen to anyone.”

Why Fresh Clinics is essential for every cosmetic practitioner

Sharna believes every cosmetic nurse should have a trusted medical oversight partner like Fresh Clinics.

“You don’t know what you don’t know. You can be as confident as you like, but when something happens, you realise there are things you hadn’t even considered,” she says. “Having Fresh means you’re supported from every angle, whether it’s business, medical guidance or dealing with adverse events.”

For Sharna, the experience reinforced the need to avoid isolation. “We’ve all been in that position where we didn’t know what to do – whether it was 20 years ago, 5 years ago, or last year. Being part of a cohort that truly supports and helps you is invaluable.”

Fresh Clinics made all the difference in Sharna’s case, providing immediate access to expert medical advice, clear protocols for adverse event management, and ongoing reassurance.

If you want to practice with confidence, knowing you have the right support in place should an adverse event occur, it’s time to partner with Fresh.

Not a Fresh Clinics Member? Chat with our team today.

For Sue, owner of Bella Complexion, running a compliant and streamlined clinic is just as important as delivering high-quality treatments.

With years of experience in cosmetic medicine, she knows that staying on top of industry regulations can be overwhelming, especially as a solo operator.  That’s why Sue has been a Fresh Clinics member since 2017, relying on our platform to ensure compliance, efficiency, and access to medical support when it matters most.

A seamless, compliant system

With Fresh Clinics, Sue doesn’t worry about compliance slipping through the cracks. Everything is organised and accessible, from monthly compliance checks in the Fresh platform to streamlined digital consent forms, the digital Drugbook, real-time patient documentation, and aftercare.

“You just feel that you're compliant with all of the changes that are happening. If AHPRA knocked on my door, I know that everything is covered,” she explains.  For Sue, the Fresh Clinics system is not just a convenience – it’s peace of mind.
 
“As a single operator, it’s nice to have an app that makes my life so easy. I monitor the fridge, I have all my emergency drugs in place, and the patient speaks to the doctor as well. There’s no nook or cranny for them to pick on.”

But, even with the best practices in place, complications can happen…

A subtle sign with significant implications

Last year, Sue experienced her first vascular occlusion in 12 years.

“I took extra special care – aspirated the syringe, counted to ten, injected slowly, kept moving the needle. Everything looked great, and the patient was happy.”  Twelve hours later, though, Sue noticed a subtle change.

“She had a little bruise, nothing major, but when I saw the photo, my heart sank. Over the next little while, I could see it developing. It followed a reticular pattern up to her temple and down to her jawline.”

Calling Fresh Clinics for help

Immediately, Sue called Fresh Clinics’ medical team.

“I explained the situation, and we got on a call with the doctor. We dissolved it with Hyalase, and she ended up needing 10 rounds. Without quick action, she could have had necrosis or even, in a worst-case scenario, blindness.”

Having Dr John Holbrook, one of Australia’s most experienced aesthetic doctors, on the case made all the difference, says Sue.

“There was no panic on his side. He’s so experienced that he remained calm, focused, and conscientious. When you work with doctors who aren’t comfortable with emergencies, they can get stressed and react poorly – but with Fresh, you’re in safe hands.”

Managing complaints with confidence

If adverse events are an unavoidable part of healthcare, so too are complaints.  When a patient complains about the treatment you’ve provided, it can be upsetting and unnerving. It makes you question yourself.

One of the many good things about the Fresh platform is that it can help to keep you compliant, ensuring you’ve followed the appropriate treatment protocols, gained consent, documented everything, and provided proper aftercare.

That meant a great deal to Sue when she received a complaint from a patient. Under other circumstances, Sue would have panicked, but thanks to Fresh, she was confident she'd followed all the appropriate procedures at the time. She calmly contacted Fresh, and they located the documentation she needed to show that she had done her job properly and followed all necessary steps for appropriate treatment and thorough aftercare.

Why Fresh Clinics is a must-have for solo practitioners

Sue believes that no cosmetic nurse should try to navigate compliance or manage complications alone.

“You don’t know what you don’t know. You can be as confident as you like, but when something happens, you realise how important it is to have support,” she says.

With Fresh Clinics, Sue has a structured, compliant, and stress-free system that helps her focus on what she loves most – helping her clients age well on their own terms.  Summing up her view of Fresh Clinics, Sue says, “It’s a very polished service, and I love being part of it.”

If you want to feel confident, compliant, and fully supported in your cosmetic practice, join Fresh Clinics today.

It’s no secret that artificial intelligence is becoming a part of everyday business. From writing captions to planning your content calendar, AI can help make marketing easier, faster, and more efficient.

But let’s be clear: AI isn’t here to replace you or your clinic’s unique brand voice. What it can do is help you save time and stay consistent, so you can focus more on patient care and outcomes.

AI = Your new marketing assistant

The most successful clinics are using AI to write better emails, shape messaging for patients’ needs, and automate repetitive admin tasks. It’s not about losing the human touch, it’s about using tools that give you more time to be present for your patients.

You’re still the expert. AI just helps with the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

Your 90-day AI refresh plan for your business

Treat your marketing like you treat skin—it needs regular TLC to stay glowing. Here’s your every-90-days marketing check-in. Every quarter, take a moment to reflect on:

• Your mission: What change are you helping your patients make?
• Your ideal patient: Who are they, and what are they looking for?
• Your point of difference: Why would someone choose you over another clinic?
• Your strengths: Where can AI support you, and where is your personal touch essential?

Think of it like a quarterly skin check-up, but for your marketing.

No matter how good AI gets, patients will always want a real human connection. They want to feel safe, heard, and understood, and that’s something that can’t be automated. Use AI to draft your email, but you add the warmth. Use it to auto-send birthday messages, but follow up with a personal message or check-in. 

And remember: behind every open rate, every click, and every conversion... is a human being who trusts you with their face. Marketing isn’t optional - it’s a core part of growing a successful business. And learning how to do it well is one of the most valuable skills you can build.

Fresh Clinics Members get exclusive access to The Clever Bunch, a 12-week marketing mentoring program run by international marketing experts at Basic Bananas.

Not a Fresh Clinics Member? Chat with our team today.

In a rapidly shifting industry where new competitors, products, and regulatory changes are rewriting the rules, growth alone isn’t enough. You can’t control change. But you can build a business that’s ready for it.

As we approach The Fresh Life 2025, the theme 'Thrive' invites us to explore the depths of resilience, smart growth, differentiation, and longevity. It’s about strategic, intentional success that stands the test of time, even when the rules keep changing.

This year, we're done with just surviving. It’s time to think bigger. To build stronger. To thrive.

What it means to Thrive

Thriving is growth with purpose. It's about creating businesses that are not only successful today, but are also designed to lead the future of aesthetics tomorrow.

At The Fresh Life 2025, we’ll be diving into what it takes to thrive:

• Resilience by design
  True resilience is about strong foundations, smart decision-making, and having a clear direction so your business can adapt and evolve without losing its way.
• Strategic growth
  At The Fresh Life, you’ll learn how to grow intentionally, making the right moves at the right time, with a clear vision for where you want your business to go.
• Differentiation that matters
  Positioning is not just about being different; it's about being relevant. You also need to communicate that difference in a way that your patients can feel.
• Retention that works
  Real success isn’t just about attracting new patients - it’s also about keeping them. We’ll be exploring loyalty strategies that turn first visits into lifelong relationships and satisfaction for your patients, without relying on endless promotions or discounting your value.
• Real local impact
  Forget big ad budgets. Thriving businesses are those that understand their communities, tap into local insights, and build strong reputations that no amount of advertising can buy.

Why ‘Thrive?’

Think of a palm tree. It doesn’t just survive in harsh conditions; it thrives in them. Flexible under pressure. Rooted deep for strength. Designed to grow exactly where others struggle.

At The Fresh Life 2025, we’re building businesses that embody that same philosophy: Strong, strategic, adaptable, and flourishing.

This year’s Fresh Life will be filled with masterclasses, expert panels, and real-world strategies that will help you build a business that’s not just bigger — it’s better, smarter, and stronger than ever before.

Don't miss your chance to THRIVE. Tickets to The Fresh Life 2025 are now on sale -  secure your spot here!

In a rapidly shifting industry where new competitors, products, and regulatory changes are rewriting the rules, growth alone isn’t enough. You can’t control change. But you can build a business that’s ready for it.

As we approach The Fresh Life 2025, the theme 'Thrive' invites us to explore the depths of resilience, smart growth, differentiation, and longevity. It’s about strategic, intentional success that stands the test of time, even when the rules keep changing.

This year, we're done with just surviving. It’s time to think bigger. To build stronger. To thrive.

Now in its fourth year, The Fresh Life has become known for three things that make all the difference:

What it means to Thrive

Thriving is growth with purpose. It's about creating businesses that are not only successful today, but are also designed to lead the future of aesthetics tomorrow.

At The Fresh Life 2025, we’ll be diving into what it takes to thrive:

• Resilience by design
  True resilience is about strong foundations, smart decision-making, and having a clear direction so your business can adapt and evolve without losing its way.
• Strategic growth
  At The Fresh Life, you’ll learn how to grow intentionally, making the right moves at the right time, with a clear vision for where you want your business to go.
• Differentiation that matters
  Positioning is not just about being different; it's about being relevant. You also need to communicate that difference in a way that your patients can feel.
• Retention that works
  Real success isn’t just about attracting new patients - it’s also about keeping them. We’ll be exploring loyalty strategies that turn first visits into lifelong relationships and satisfaction for your patients, without relying on endless promotions or discounting your value.
• Real local impact
  Forget big ad budgets. Thriving businesses are those that understand their communities, tap into local insights, and build strong reputations that no amount of advertising can buy.
  

Why ‘Thrive?’

Think of a palm tree. It doesn’t just survive in harsh conditions; it thrives in them. Flexible under pressure. Rooted deep for strength. Designed to grow exactly where others struggle.

At The Fresh Life 2025, we’re building businesses that embody that same philosophy: Strong, strategic, adaptable, and flourishing.

This year’s Fresh Life will be filled with masterclasses, expert panels, and real-world strategies that will help you build a business that’s not just bigger — it’s better, smarter, and stronger than ever before.

Don't miss your chance to THRIVE. Tickets to The Fresh Life 2025 are now on sale -  secure your spot here!

Australia’s most-loved aesthetics conference is back - bigger, bolder, and better than ever.

The Fresh Life returns to Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves from September 2-4, this year built around the evolving needs of cosmetic nurses, clinic owners, and aesthetic professionals.

Whether you're new to the industry or looking to refine your skills, The Fresh Life is the one event on your calendar where you’ll walk away recharged, reconnected, and ready to grow.

Now in its fourth year, The Fresh Life has become known for three things that make all the difference:

1.  Clinical confidence through hands-on learning

You’ll leave with real, practical skills. Learn from expert-led demonstrations and structured protocols designed to build your confidence, improve patient outcomes, and expand your capabilities - all in a supportive environment where it’s safe to ask questions and try new things.

2.  Business growth strategies that work

From patient journey design to team building, you’ll hear from those who’ve done it - and are ready to share how. You’ll walk away with tips you can implement the same day.

3. Real talk and meaningful connections

We don’t shy away from the big conversations: regulatory changes, professional autonomy, and ethical patient care. Join panel discussions that are honest, practical, and empowering.

At The Fresh Life, you’re more than just an attendee. We’ve crafted this conference to feel like an extension of your support network, where traditional industry boundaries fade, and your voice is always heard. This is your space to grow, connect, and feel empowered. You’ll leave with new skills and the confidence and community to support you long after the event ends.

Real results from The Fresh Life 2024

Meet Rachel and Ashlea, the founders of Santé Skin Boutique in Western Australia. Their clinic is known for celebrating real people, real skin, and real results.

Attending The Fresh Life 2024 was a defining moment for the duo. As first-time attendees, they arrived eager to expand their knowledge and bring fresh insights back to their clinic. What they didn’t expect was just how transformative the experience would be.

“

The Fresh Life was a huge milestone for us - our very first aesthetics conference - and it did not disappoint! We went in looking to learn new skills and techniques, but we walked away with so much more.

The real highlight was the connections we made. Being a small business owner can sometimes feel isolating, so stepping into such a welcoming and inspiring community was everything. The Fresh family made us feel right at home, and being surrounded by industry leaders, expert speakers, and incredibly talented nurses left us beyond inspired.”

One of the most impactful takeaways for Rachel and Ashlea was the power of the consultation process. Inspired by Mike Clague’s session on enhancing patient satisfaction, they saw an opportunity to take their customer journey to the next level.

From this, they created the ‘Santé Skin Edition’ - a personalised consultation tool designed to guide patients on their skin journey. This includes a customised ‘Skin Regime’ with at-home skincare recommendations and a ‘Skin Schedule’ outlining in-clinic treatments tailored to their skin goals.

“The response has been amazing! Patients love having a clear, personalised plan they can take home and reference, and for us, it’s been a game-changer in improving patient retention and encouraging pre-booked treatments. Simple, effective, and transformative - just how we like it.”

For those considering attending The Fresh Life 2025, they have one piece of advice: “Go in with an open mind and be ready to be inspired - it’s an experience that will change the way you work, think, and connect in this industry.”

Tickets to The Fresh Life 2025 are now on sale. Don’t miss your moment -  secure your spot here.

Retail isn't just reserved for department stores or beauty boutiques. In fact, integrating retail products in your aesthetic clinic can significantly enhance patient outcomes, add to your revenue, and offer a competitive advantage.

A tailored approach to treatments not only enhances patient outcomes but also creates opportunities to introduce complementary products and services. By personalising recommendations based on individual needs, clinics can build trust and improve patient satisfaction, making them more likely to explore additional offerings. Patients are already investing in their skin; guiding them toward the right products ensures they achieve the best possible results.

Patient Outcomes

Patients come to your clinic seeking solutions for their skin concerns, and the products they use at home play an important role in maintaining results. 80% of a patient's outcomes come from their at-home routine. By offering retail products tailored to skin concerns, you empower patients to extend the benefits of your treatments, and encourage them to come back.

Overcoming the Hesitation to Sell

Many practitioners feel uncomfortable selling retail products, fearing it will seem pushy or take time away from treatments. However, retailing should be seen as an extension of patient care rather than a sales pitch.

Strategies to make retail feel natural:

• Position retail as part of treatment plan: Frame product recommendations as essential for post-treatment care and long-term results
• Use the right language: Features are the factual aspects of a product - ingredients, clinical data, etc. Benefits, on the other hand, answer the question, "What's in it for me?" For instance, instead of just stating that a serum contains Vitamin C, highlight that it will brighten their skin, reduce pigmentation, and give them a radiant glow
• Integrate retail into the consultation: Introduce products early in the conversation rather than at checkout, making them feel like a natural part of the process
• Leverage trust: Unlike a walk-in at a department store, your patients have invested time and trust in your expertise. Recommending products that align with their treatments will reinforce this trust

Retail as a Revenue Stream

Retail offers a profitable revenue stream with minimal effort. Unlike aesthetic treatments, retail sales generate income even when you’re not in the clinic. Successful clinics integrate e-commerce, allowing patients to repurchase products online, which in return creates a passive income.

Start thinking beyond treatments and embrace retail as a powerful tool for growth.

At Fresh Clinics, we support our members in building successful businesses, including strategies for seamless retail integration. If you're ready to take your clinic to the next level, reach out to our team today, call us, or schedule a time to chat below.