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When regulatory warnings become reality
Last week, Spa & Clinic reported on a Queensland tribunal decision that marks a significant moment for the aesthetic industry.
Last week, Spa & Clinic reported on a Queensland tribunal decision that marks a significant moment for the aesthetic industry.
A registered nurse has been banned from practice for two years after administering Schedule 4 medicines without a valid medical consultation or prescription, and for continuing to practise while suspended. The findings are confronting, but they’re also an opportunity to learn, reflect, and improve our own practices.
As Spa & Clinic noted, the decision sends “a clear signal that Ahpra and the National Boards are no longer tolerating breaches that have long concerned regulators.” That signal matters for every cosmetic injector in Australia.
According to the tribunal findings, the practitioner administered restricted medicines without authorisation, falsified clinical records, and continued treating patients despite regulatory restrictions. The tribunal determined this behaviour constituted professional misconduct and highlighted the importance of deterrence, both for the practitioner involved and for the wider industry.
Ahpra CEO, Justin Untersteiner, reinforced this shift:
“We will leave no stone unturned to investigate and take action against practitioners who do the wrong thing.”
For years, Australia’s aesthetic industry has operated in an environment where expectations have been tightening, but enforcement has been inconsistent. That era has now ended.
This case reinforces several non-negotiables:
- Patient Safety is paramount.
- Schedule 4 medicines must only be administered following an appropriate medical consultation, and all medications must have a valid prescription in place for the patient.
- Medicines must be supplied to the authorised practitioner, stored, and administered in accordance with state and territory regulations.
- Clinical records must be accurate, complete, and truthful.
- Any Aphra registration conditions and suspensions must be strictly followed.
When a medication is not supplied by the prescribing provider, the chain of custody is compromised, creating uncertainty regarding the medication's origin and accountability. In such instances, practitioners cannot assume clinical responsibility for the safety, integrity, or efficacy of products they did not procure or oversee.
In the event of an adverse clinical reaction, audit, or complaint, clear and accurate records are critical. They provide transparency around the supply, prescribing, and administration of the medication, and protect both patient safety and the practitioner/s involved.
These are not administrative details, but the professional standards expected of every healthcare practitioner. They are fundamental patient safety obligations, and failing to uphold them carries serious consequences.
At Fresh Clinics, our mission has always been to support nurses to build sustainable, compliant aesthetic practices — backed by education, systems, and clinical governance that stand up to scrutiny.
This moment matters for our industry. It’s an opportunity to raise standards, protect patients, and ensure aesthetic medicine remains a respected, trusted profession.
Read the full Spa & Clinic article here.
Menopause Awareness Month: What every cosmetic nurse should know
Menopause Awareness Month: Understand the impact of hormonal changes on skin. Learn how aesthetic nurses can better support patients during this transition.
This Menopause Awareness Month, we sat down with Dr Izzy Sillar to talk about something that affects every woman, but is still so often overlooked: menopause.
For women, menopause isn’t just a hormonal shift. It’s a whole-body transition that affects skin, mood, sleep, energy, and confidence. And for cosmetic nurses, it’s an opportunity to change how women experience this stage of life.
“Perimenopause and menopause… is a clinical diagnosis. We don’t actually rely on blood tests or serum markers… It’s based on the clinical picture.” - Dr Izzy.
That one shift in mindset can change how you consult, treat, and support patients who are 40+ in your aesthetic clinic.
Perimenopause vs. Menopause
“Menopause is diagnosed as being 12 months since their last menstrual period. And perimenopause is less than 12 months, where we’re seeing changes in the menstrual cycle.”
Dr Izzy outlined a typical trajectory:
- Mid–late 30s: testosterone trends down.
- Early 40s: progesterone declines.
- Mid-40s onward: estrogen drops.
As estrogen falls, cycles often space out or go missing. Skin can feel thinner, joints ache (hands, knees, lower back), and patients frequently report the “middle-aged spread.”
“When we lose estrogen… our fibroblasts become dysregulated… This can translate to skin becoming thinner, [and] joints… more sore. It’s really common… to gain weight around the tummy… even when eating well and exercising."
Why this matters in aesthetics
For too long, menopause has been underdiagnosed and undertreated.
“Currently, 85% of women are mismanaged for a condition that affects 100% of women by age 55.”
By adding women’s health pathways to your practice, you’re helping to close a major gap in medicine. You’re saying: we see you, and your experience matters.
"We have safe ways to manage this in conjunction with lifestyle… and it’s absolutely a woman’s right to have access to this.” - Dr Izzy.
Untreated symptoms aren’t just inconvenient.
“Heart attacks become the third biggest killer for women [not on appropriate therapy]. Fragility hip fractures… 75%… are in fact women… small falls shouldn’t be something that is going to take their life.”
Connecting patients to competent care is essential to preventive health.
Ready to support your patients holistically?
“Position yourself as more than an injector — become a guide.”
If you’re a Fresh Clinics member, you can access Fresh Health and start referring today. Not yet a member? Get in touch and we’ll show you how to integrate safe, modern women’s health support into your clinic.
Why Clinical Excellence Drives Success
Why clinical excellence drives sustainable success: Discover how prioritizing patient safety and high standards builds a loyal client base and profitable clinic.
In today’s booming aesthetics industry, clinics are popping up on every corner. Many chase growth with ads, discounts, and quick-win marketing tactics. But the truth is: the fastest-growing businesses aren’t the ones spending the most on ads — they’re the ones delivering the best patient outcomes.
At Fresh Clinics, we’ve supported more than 2,000 nurses and doctors in building thriving practices. The data is clear: clinical excellence is the #1 driver of clinic growth. Why? Because excellence fuels patient trust, and trust fuels referrals.
In this article, we’ll share:
- Proprietary insights from Fresh’s network of clinics
- Why referrals, not ads, are the ultimate growth engine
- The Fresh 4-Pillar Growth Model for sustainable success
The problem with “quick-fix” business growth
The aesthetics industry is often framed around leads, discounts, and fast revenue. Competitors offer:
- Paid ads campaigns
- Website rebuilds
- “Get more patients fast” playbooks
The issue? Patients notice the difference.
Poor consultation processes, unprepared practitioners, and inconsistent results lead to disappointment — and in some cases, safety risks.
Clinics built on short-term marketing tactics struggle to retain patients and eventually burn out.
Fresh data: Referrals are the growth engine
Fresh’s work with thousands of practitioners has revealed a simple truth: referrals account for the majority of sustainable growth in clinics.
- Practices that focus on complication management training see up to 2x more referrals within 6 months.
- Practitioners who adopt a consultation mastery framework report a 35% increase in repeat patient bookings.
- Clinics that deliver consistently superior outcomes see organic referral growth surpass paid acquisition by Year 2.
This is the compounding power of excellence. Each happy patient tells a friend, leaves a glowing review, and builds the practitioner’s reputation.
The Fresh 4-Pillar Growth Model
We’ve codified what works into the Fresh 4-Pillar Growth Model — a framework built on what we’ve seen across 2,000+ aesthetic clinics.
1. Consultation mastery
- A structured consultation builds trust and ensures tailored outcomes.
2. Complication confidence
- When practitioners are trained to handle complications, confidence radiates.
- Patients sense this security — leading to stronger loyalty and referrals.
3. Patient experience
- Every touchpoint matters: from the first consult to follow-ups.
- A superior patient journey drives love, loyalty, and advocacy.
4. Business growth through referrals
- Delivering excellence creates a flywheel: Great outcomes → Referrals → More patients → Sustainable revenue.
Why Clinical excellence builds premium brands
The benefits go beyond just growth:
- Exclusivity: Better practitioners attract better patients.
- Future-Proofing: As competition intensifies, only practices with clinical excellence will stand out.
- Industry Stewardship: Putting patients first sets Fresh and its members apart from negative industry trends.
In short, excellence isn’t just a growth strategy — it’s a brand strategy.
Key Questions Answered
What is the #1 way clinics grow?
Referrals. And referrals come from delivering excellent patient outcomes.
Why are referrals better than ads?
Ads can buy attention. But only excellence earns trust — and trust is what fuels long-term patient advocacy.
What role does complication management play in growth?
Confidence in handling complications radiates to patients. It builds safety, trust, and loyalty — all drivers of referrals.
What is the Fresh 4-Pillar Growth Model?
A framework for sustainable success: Consultation Mastery, Complication Confidence, Patient Experience, and Business Growth via Referrals.
Conclusion: Excellence wins, every time
The aesthetics industry is evolving quickly. In the short-term, anyone can buy ads. In the long-term, only those who build their practices on clinical excellence will thrive. At Fresh, we’ve helped over 2,000 nurses and doctors achieve their dreams — by putting patients first, building confidence, and creating practices that grow on referrals. The future of aesthetics is clear: Excellence drives growth.
Latest Articles
5 Things to Experience at The Fresh Life
Move over big conference stages and long lectures - The Fresh Life 2024 brings a refreshing approach with cosier settings, smaller stages, and engaging hands-on learning
This year, we’re all about enhancing your experience, with more connection, engagement, and educational opportunities. Here’s a sneak peek of 5 things to see at The Fresh Life:
Up-Close & Personal with KOLs
Not just on the stage, The Fresh Life promises attendees exclusive opportunities to interact with their favourite KOLs and industry experts, throughout the conference. Strike up a conversation, snap your perfect Instagram moment - it's all possible this year!
Choose Your Adventure
Gone are the days of learning in a dark room, for hours on end. Tailor your experience to suit your interests! We’ve got a diverse program offering a range of topics, training, and interactions, so you can decide what to learn and who to learn from.
Wellness Meets Education
Ever left a conference feeling like you need a holiday? Not at The Fresh Life - where you can combine professional growth with personal well-being! Start your mornings with yoga, meditation, or maybe a hike in the rainforest. This perfect blend of ‘me time’ and education ensures you leave feeling inspired and ready to take on the world.
Meet the Fresh Clinics Team
We’ve got even more of our friendly staff attending The Fresh Life this year, eager to share the latest tech updates, compliance advice, and business tips with you. Get to know the people behind Fresh Clinics and discover how we can support your journey.
Connection & Community
Did we mention the unforgettable social events we have planned, making it even easier to form connections and mingle with fellow professionals? From the welcome event to the legendary poolside finale party, there’s no shortage of opportunities to network and build your community!
Expect the unexpected! From performances to hidden gems around the venue, The Fresh Life 2024 is full of delightful surprises that will keep you on your toes.
Join us at The Fresh Life for a conference experience like no other.
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A Greener Experience at The Fresh Life
As the aesthetic industry continues to evolve, so does our commitment to sustainability. At The Fresh Life 2024, we are excited to show our dedication to protecting the environment while offering a unique and memorable outdoor conference experience.
Known for breaking away from the 'classic' conference, The Fresh Life combines outdoor learning, workshops, panels, small group training, activations, and wellness activities - all set against the stunning backdrop of Byron Bay's beaches and rainforests.
A Breath of Fresh Air
One of the standout features of The Fresh Life is our unique outdoor setting. Instead of dark, windowless conference rooms, we’re embracing the natural beauty of Byron Bay. By holding our conference at the Crystalbrook Byron, we're enhancing the experience for our attendees with the stunning scenery of the rainforest, which serves as a reminder of the significance of learning and education in the outdoors.
Sip Sustainably
With sustainability at the forefront of the conference, you'll notice our lanyards aren't made of plastic, and the venue is covered in wood and green. In our efforts to reduce waste, we’ve also swapped out plastic straws for eco-friendly paper ones and ditched single-use plastic bottles for our glass hydration stations. We have also opted for paperless QR code tickets and the entire programme is at the touch of a button via The Fresh Life app.
We’ve also set up dedicated recycling bins and areas throughout the venue, making it easy for everyone to dispose of waste responsibly. These initiatives help ensure that we leave Byron Bay as pristine as we found it.
Sustainable Sourcing
Nourishing our bodies with fresh food plays a central role at The Fresh Life, and this year, we’re proud to offer a menu that’s as sustainable as it is delicious. All our food is ethically and sustainably sourced from local suppliers. By choosing local, we support the community, reduce our carbon footprint, and ensure that our attendees enjoy the freshest and most nutritious meals possible.
Wellness and Well-Being
Most of us feel completely exhausted by the end of an aesthetic conference. But The Fresh Life incorporates wellness and spa activities to enrich your experience and break up the information overload. Do whatever you need to feel rejuvenated and ready for the day ahead!
You can also play your part in helping us hit our sustainability goals by offsetting the emissions of the flights you take.
We can't wait to welcome you to The Fresh Life!
Get ready to learn, grow, and enjoy a conference that’s as kind to the planet as it is to its attendees. See you there!
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The Fresh Life: Spooktacular Finale Party
This isn't just any end-of-conference party - this year, The Fresh Life's finale falls on October 31st. That can only mean one thing...
Did you guess correctly? A Spooktacular Halloween is coming to The Fresh Life!
Prepare yourself for a night of thrills, chills, and unforgettable memories. We're pulling out all the stops to make this year's finale bigger, better, and spookier than ever before.
Picture this: food stations that are as delicious as they are eerie, ‘creepy’ cocktails mixed to perfection, and live music that will send shivers down your spine.
Hold Onto Your Witches’ Hats!
We want to see you in your most creative, terrifying, and best Halloween 'get ups.' Whether you’re channeling your inner witch, ghost, vampire, or something completely out of this world, make sure you bring your costume A-game!
Our finale event is packed with surprises that will leave you spellbound. Every corner of our venue will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland. Trust us, you won't want to miss the spine-tingling surprises we have in store!
So, grab your broomsticks and your spirit squad, because we’re ready to dance the night away in true Fresh Life style! This not-to-be-missed event is the grand finale we’ve all been waiting for.
Join us on October 31st for a Halloween finale that’s guaranteed to be a ghoulishly good time. Get ready for an evening of amazing costumes, and memories that will haunt you - in the best way possible! Let’s wrap up The Fresh Life 2024 with a bang!
Did you see our spooky theme reveal? Check it out below!
Join us at The Fresh Life
Don’t have tickets yet? Don’t miss out.
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Meet the Sponsors Enhancing The Fresh Life 2024
With less than four months to go, the excitement for The Fresh Life 2024 is building as we count down to the most inspiring, immersive, and innovative event of the year.
We are thrilled to introduce the incredible sponsors making this year's conference the most impactful yet. Thanks to their collaboration, we are set to bring you an enhanced experience filled with insightful training sessions, networking opportunities, and groundbreaking product releases.
Our sponsors are coming in at various levels, ensuring a diverse experience for all attendees. We are proud to welcome back some of our most dedicated partners and introduce new faces who are joining us for the first time.
Here’s a glimpse of who’s at the forefront of The Fresh Life 2024:
Elevate
Our top-tier sponsors who have shown exceptional support and commitment to The Fresh Life.
Accelerate
These industry-leading sponsors continue to drive the aesthetics industry with their innovative solutions. And, a warm welcome to Evolus!
Collaborate
These sponsors are here to collaborate with you to enhance your success. Welcome back everyone, except for Candella - joining The Fresh Life for the first time!
Activate & Integrate
These sponsors are here to introduce you to comprehensive tools, technologies, and solutions that seamlessly fit into your business.
Accelerate:
Integrate:
And of course, our media partner, Spa & Clinic, covering all the magical moments and reporting back the best bits.
Join us at The Fresh Life
Don’t have tickets yet? Don’t miss out.
Want to be a sponsor? We have limited spots left. Email our Head of Events, Poppy Reed.
It's not too late to take to The Fresh Life stage! Be a Speaker
Whether you've attended before, are a first-time participant, or are a potential sponsor, The Fresh Life 2024 offers an enriching experience for all. Let's live The Fresh Life together!
We can’t wait to see you at The Fresh Life - Brought to you by Fresh Clinics.
Small Changes, Big Results: 'Enhance' is Transforming Aesthetics
As the sun sets over the picturesque Byron Bay, you find yourself looking back on how far you’ve come this year. Perhaps you've noticed that your skills and practices have not just grown - they have been enhanced.
Reflection has a magical quality, providing an opportunity to appreciate our growth. As each of us reflects on our achievements over the past year, it's impossible to overlook the enhancement of our skills and practices.
Welcome to The Fresh Life 2024. This year's theme? Enhance.
Just like the subtle tweaks you make in your practice, the smallest adjustments can make the biggest difference. This isn't just true for cosmetic treatments; it extends to your entire journey toward success. This year, we invite you to enhance your perspective, enhance your practice, and champion the art of subtle refinement.
Why does The Fresh Life Have a Theme?
The Fresh Life theme is important because it’s a way for all of us to come together and focus on a common goal.
This year's theme is about more than just improvement—it’s an evolution. It’s about empowerment, specifically targeted at enhancing natural beauty through improved business strategies, honed skills, and integral personal growth. This isn't just true for cosmetic treatments; it extends to your entire journey toward success.
It’s the art of enhancement in every patient you treat.
Why Enhance?
Enhancement implies improvement and refinement, perfectly aligning with the goals of non-surgical cosmetic procedures. This year, The Fresh Life is dedicated to helping you advance your skills, techniques, and knowledge to enhance your business.
Delve into strategies that morph small businesses into big successes, and discover new ways to streamline operations, refining them to the point of boosting profitability. The Fresh Life 2024 guarantees an enhancement to your skill set. We've tailored sessions aimed at introducing the latest industry products and techniques, driving your practice to the top of the aesthetic industry.
Seeking to enhance your success as a whole? Well, we've got you covered! We understand the importance of the entrepreneurial spirit, leadership abilities, and personal well-being when it comes to defining success. That's why we're hosting sessions to target these areas specifically, arming you with the necessary tools to boost every aspect of your professional journey.
What Does Enhance Mean for You?
Enhance Your Business
Like any journey, enhancement begins with a step. At The Fresh Life, not only will you discover effective strategies to optimise your operations and processes, but you will also learn techniques and skills that will keep your practice ahead of the curve.
Enhance Your Skills
You can look forward to workshops tailor-made for your personal and professional enrichment, also while perfecting new techniques and learning about the latest products.
Enhance Your Success
We will focus on enhancing your leadership strengths, and your well-being. You'll gain the tools you need to enhance every aspect of your success.
Enhance Your Future
Success starts with you. At The Fresh Life, we've designed sessions focused on expanding personal and professional growth.
Are you ready to take another step toward enhancing your future? At The Fresh Life 2024, get ready for an aesthetic conference that combines skill enhancement with sceneries straight from a postcard, a place where you can truly extend the boundaries of your success.
Don't wait for your future - create it. Join us at The Fresh Life 2024! We can’t wait to see you there.