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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.

Are you searching for the next groundbreaking innovation in skincare to offer to your patients?

Welcome to the world of exosomes, the tiny yet mighty cellular communicators revolutionising skin quality.

During a recent Fresh Clinics webinar, expert trainer Rajdi Gemeri, a registered nurse and owner of Pause Mediclinic explored the science behind exosomes, their clinical applications, and how practitioners can integrate them into their clinics.

What are Exosomes?

Exosomes are tiny extracellular vesicles that play a crucial role in cell communication. They carry proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids as molecular messengers that promote skin regeneration, collagen production, and overall tissue repair.

"I like to explain exosomes to my patients as ‘text messages for your skin,’ sending signals to behave optimally," explained Rajdi.

Unlike traditional growth factors used in skincare, exosomes offer a more advanced, targeted approach by delivering bioactive materials directly to skin cells, resulting in stronger, healthier, and more resilient skin.

Bringing exosomes to your practice

The versatility of exosome therapy allows it to be seamlessly incorporated into existing treatments. Exosomes are most effective when combined with procedures that create microchannels in the skin, allowing deeper penetration:

1. Micro-needling: When combined with micro-needling, exosomes penetrate the skin more effectively, enhancing their regenerative effects. The micro-needling process creates tiny channels that allow exosomes to deliver deeper into the skin layers, resulting in improved texture, reduced pore size, and a reduction in pigmentation. 
2. Energy-Based Devices: Exosomes can be applied post-treatment for those with access to lasers or radiofrequency devices. They accelerate healing, reduce downtime, and act as an anti-inflammatory.

One of the greatest advantages of exosomes is their simplicity of use. Clinicians can add exosome therapy to existing treatments without extending session times.

"If you're already offering micro-needling or laser treatments, adding exosomes is a natural next step. It enhances results, improves patient satisfaction, and increases your service value,” Rajdi shared.

Patients are becoming more educated and are actively seeking non-invasive, regenerative treatments. Clinics that offer exosome therapy set themselves apart in an increasingly competitive market.

Rajdi’s advice is clear: "Don't overthink it. Just go with it and watch the magic happen."

The future of skincare is here. Want to incorporate exosomes into your clinic? Reach out to our team today, call us, or schedule a time to chat below. 

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. 

Over the weekend, reports emerged about three individuals in NSW being hospitalised after receiving botulinum toxin treatments. Notably, the treatments were done at residential premises by a non-healthcare practitioner with an unapproved variant of botulinum toxin.

The cases of botulism have sparked widespread concern and once again placed the aesthetics industry under scrutiny.

As expected, this has caused concern within the industry and among the public. However, while stories like this grab attention, they often fail to distinguish between illegal operators and highly trained, compliant medical professionals who prioritise patient safety.

While these incidents are alarming, they highlight the importance of regulatory compliance, training, and choosing authorised providers for cosmetic treatments.

What is Botulism?

In an aesthetic context, botulism can occur if a sufficiently large dose of botulinum toxin is inadvertently administered. When a patient is injected with TGA-approved products (Dysport, Xeomin, Letybo, Nuceiva, and Botox are all approved for use in Australia by the TGA) by trained healthcare practitioners, developing botulism from cosmetic injectables is exceedingly rare.

The doses of these products used in aesthetics are generally not large enough to cause systemic symptoms and botulism, which can include:

• Progressive weakness, particularly in the area of injections
  
• Difficulty swallowing
• Drooping eyelids
• Blurred or double vision
• Difficulty breathing
  

The unfortunate reality is that incidents like these can occur when unqualified individuals administer treatments without proper training or oversight. These unregistered individuals pose significant risks to those receiving treatments and often, as is the current case in NSW use non-TGA-approved or counterfeit products, improper dosing, and unsanitary conditions - all of which can lead to devastating severe complications including botulism.

Tips for Practitioners to Maintain Compliance 

Fresh Clinics works with and advocates for practitioners in the industry to uphold the highest standard of safety and care.  Some of the key actions that cosmetic nurses and doctors should follow to maintain compliance include:

• Using TGA-approved S4 medications, including those approved products mentioned above (these can be sourced through Fresh Clinics)
• Completing quarterly clinic compliance checks
• Holding the correct council permits, and insurance, and maintaining up-to-date training
• Keeping emergency S4 medications on site
• Holding the correct poisons permits
• Maintaining Ahpra registration

Staying Updated on Compliance with Dr John Delaney and Dr John Holbrook

What Patients Should Look Out For

We encourage anyone considering aesthetic treatments to verify the qualifications of their practitioner and avoid risky, cheaper alternatives.

As Dr Jeremy McAnulty from NSW Health stated in the recent reports, botulism, while rare, can have life-threatening consequences. This is why it is vital for patients to:

• Verify that their practitioner is qualified and registered with Ahpra
• Ensure treatments are conducted in a clinical setting
• Avoid unregulated "home jobs" or discounted services that may compromise safety
  

Fresh Clinics’ Dedication to Compliance and Safety

Fresh Clinics works tirelessly to maintain the highest standards of compliance and safety across every practitioner in our network.

We work exclusively with trained, licensed nurses and doctors who adhere to Australian regulatory requirements, including Ahpra,  Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) state Departments of Health, and local council standards and requirements.

Every treatment authorised with Fresh Clinics is overseen by qualified medical doctors, ensuring that patients receive the care they can trust.

Our Members operate under strict compliance protocols, supported by software and systems designed to ensure patient safety and quality care:

• Medical Directorship: Every treatment is supported by medical oversight, ensuring that all procedures are clinically appropriate and safe
• Regulated Products: Our Members exclusively use TGA-approved S4 medications where sourced through Fresh Clinics
• Complication Management: Should a complication arise, our doctors are available 24/7 to provide immediate advice and intervention
  

Fresh Clinics is the trusted partner for safe and compliant aesthetic treatments. We provide end-to-end support, from seamless telehealth consultations and regulatory compliance to complication management and training.

For patients, this means peace of mind knowing their treatments are performed by skilled professionals operating within a regulated framework. For practitioners, it means having the tools, knowledge, and support to thrive in a complex and evolving industry.

If you have questions about compliance or need support, reach out to our team today, call us, or schedule a time to chat below. 

We know the past few weeks have been incredibly challenging for our Fresh Clinics community in Northern NSW and Queensland as you navigate the aftermath of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Many of you have faced business disruptions, clinic closures, and financial strain due to this disaster. As always, Fresh Clinics is committed to keeping you informed, ensuring you have access to the financial resources and support available to help you move forward.

The Australian Government has announced disaster relief for individuals, workers, and businesses impacted by Cyclone Alfred. Below, we've outlined the key support measures you may be eligible for.

Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA)

The Disaster Recovery Allowance provides up to 13 weeks of income support for eligible workers and sole traders who have lost income due to Cyclone Alfred. This is designed to help cover financial shortfalls as you recover and rebuild.

Who is eligible?

To qualify for the DRA, you must:

✔️ Live or work in a declared disaster area

✔️ Have lost some or all of your income due to the cyclone

✔️ Have an income that has fallen below the Australian weekly average as a result of the disaster

Declared Disaster Areas

The DRA is available for individuals and businesses in the following regions:

Queensland – 14 Local Government Areas:

• Brisbane
• Fraser Coast
• Gold Coast
• Gympie
• Ipswich
• Lockyer Valley
• Logan
• Moreton Bay
• Noosa
• Redland
• Scenic Rim
• Somerset
• Southern Downs
• Sunshine Coast

New South Wales – 17 Local Government Areas:

• Armidale
• Ballina
• Bellingen
• Byron
• Clarence Valley
• Coffs Harbour
• Dungog
• Glen Innes Severn
• Kempsey
• Kyogle
• Lismore
• Mid-Coast
• Nambucca
• Port Macquarie-Hastings
• Richmond
• Tenterfield
• Tweed
• Lord Howe Island (including nearby islands within a 3-nautical-mile radius)

How to Apply

📅 Applications open Thursday, 13 March 2025, at 2:00 PM local time

• Check your eligibility: Before applying, visit the Services Australia website to confirm your eligibility. 
• Submit your claim: The easiest way to apply is online through myGov. 
• Need help? Call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line at 180 22 66 for assistance.

Additional Support for Queensland and NSW Residents

Beyond federal assistance, both Queensland and NSW governments have announced additional support measures for affected individuals, businesses, and communities.

Queensland: Financial aid is available for those directly impacted by Cyclone Alfred. 

👉 Learn more: Queensland Government Support

New South Wales: A Natural Disaster Declaration has been made, allowing residents, businesses, and primary producers to access financial relief. 

👉 Learn more: NSW Government Support

Fresh Clinics is Here for You

At Fresh Clinics, we know the resilience of our community is unmatched, but we also understand the emotional and financial toll a disaster like this can take. If you've been affected, we encourage you to explore these financial relief options and reach out if you need support.

If you or someone you know has been impacted, please share this information to ensure our community gets the assistance it needs. Fresh Clinics is here to support you so please reach out to your Account Manager should you need it

 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 emphasised 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. Utilising hyaluronidase and maintaining an open line of communication with other specialists, the case was successfully navigated.

It is important to emphasise 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. 

At Fresh Clinics, we understand the importance of staying compliant with the latest TGA advertising guidelines while effectively marketing your cosmetic services. The TGA's recent updates prohibit indirect references to prescription medicines, including terms like "anti-wrinkle injections" and "dermal fillers." 

Let's explore how you can attract new patients while adhering to these guidelines.

1. Service Descriptions

Instead of mentioning specific treatments, emphasise the benefits of your services. For example: “Our clinic provides treatments designed for wrinkle and facial volume concerns.” This approach highlights the outcomes patients can expect without referencing S4 medications.

2. Leverage Educational Content

Educating your patients can establish your business as a trusted partner in the industry. Create blog posts, videos, or social media content that explains what your patients can expect, like creating a blog post around “what to expect during your first consultation.”

3. It’s All in the Consult

Encourage potential patients to book a consultation to discuss their treatments with you. This allows you to provide personalised advice and discuss treatment options in a compliant manner. 

4. Engage on Social Media

While certain terms and before and after images are prohibited on social media, you can still engage with potential patients by sharing things like tips for healthy skin, seasonal updates, clinic events, and training, without the mention of S4 medications.

5. The Power of Word-of-Mouth

Word-of-mouth remains one of the most effective marketing strategies, especially in the cosmetic industry. You can leverage it by encouraging referrals to current patients, creating a loyalty program, and building connections with the local community.

6. Additional Services 

To increase revenue and attract a broader patient base, consider offering other skin treatments that are compliant with TGA regulations and can be advertised openly, like Skin Needling, Chemical Peels, and Laser Treatments.

Navigating the TGA guidelines can be complicated, but with the right strategies, you can effectively market your services while staying compliant. Focus on the benefits of your consultations, educate your patients, and consider expanding your service offering. By doing so, you'll attract new patients and grow your business within the regulatory framework.

For more detailed guidance on compliance, refer to our article here.

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

In today's world, the search for ageless beauty and youthful skin is at the forefront of many minds. Highly sought-after non-surgical cosmetic procedures like dermal fillers, have become the go-to solution for individuals seeking to restore and maintain facial volume and overall appearance.

This surge in demand calls for a deeper examination of the increasing popularity of longer-lasting HA fillers. In the past, a significant challenge with dermal fillers was the length of time the product lasted - on average 6-12 months. However, with the introduction of longer-lasting HA fillers, this concern is set to become a thing of the past. 

Unveiling e.p.t.q.®: Australia's first hyaluronic acid filler from Korea

Originating from Korea, e.p.t.q.® is a high-concentration (24mg HA/mL) HA filler, setting new standards in patient satisfaction, safety, and efficacy. The product's excellence is achieved through a strictly controlled 9-step manufacturing process, resulting in a low degree of modification (MoD), maximising cross-linking efficiency, and fine homogeneous particles.

e.p.t.q.® has already earned a loyal following in more than 58 countries, with over 5 million syringes utilised globally. Now, practitioners in Australia have the exciting opportunity to incorporate this extraordinary range into their clinics. It has also gained a name for being one of the longest-lasting dermal fillers available - lasting for 12-24 months.

But it doesn't stop at its technical prowess. As a highly cohesive and viscoelastic gel, e.p.t.q effortlessly offers both high lifting capacity and flexibility while remaining gentle on the tissue.

It’s also easy to inject, setting the stage for a smooth, natural-looking enhancement.

This is an exciting time for cosmetic nurses as they now have the opportunity to experience Korea’s finest contribution to the world of HA fillers, right here in Australia.

The launch of e.p.t.q.® represents a transformative shift in the evolving landscape of longer-lasting dermal fillers.

With such impressive attributes, e.p.t.q.® ensures superior results, safety, and patient satisfaction, providing nurses with the tools they need for the best outcomes.

At Fresh Clinics, our continuous commitment to remain ahead of the curve of the aesthetics industry drives us to discover and deliver the latest innovations to our members. Our main focus is on providing our members with access to the most cutting-edge treatments available, with early access to products like e.p.t.q.®, arming you with the tools essential for success.

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.

Fresh Clinics’ much-anticipated Freshly Plated event returned in 2025 with a powerful theme: Celebrating Beauty, Empowerment, and Success. 

Held across four states in Australia simultaneously, this exclusive evening, hosted in partnership with Hugel, brought together learning, dining, and a sense of community among Fresh Members.

Aligning with International Women’s Day, this year’s Freshly Plated embraced the global IWD campaign, Accelerate Action. With data showing that at the current rate of progress, full gender parity won’t be reached until 2158, the call to action is clear: Women in business must be supported in their growth and success. This event reflected that mission, celebrating the incredible contributions of women in the aesthetics industry. 

Connection Across Australia

A key part of Freshly Plated’s magic is its unique blend of education and community. Each event featured a keynote speaker, a carefully curated family-style feast prepared by private chefs, and the opportunity to network with fellow practitioners:

• Perth: Inneke Box – With a strong anatomical and scientific approach, Inneke focuses on patient education to empower individuals in their aesthetic journeys
• Sydney: Dr Sadaf Salehi – The founder of Drcosmetist, Dr Salehi combines her passion for aesthetics with a commitment to patient confidence and well-being
• Adelaide: Theresa Lawrence – A former medical-surgical and anaesthetic nurse turned cosmetic injector, Theresa blends creativity with clinically proven procedures
• Melbourne: Olivia Feldtmann – With a background in anaesthetics and experience alongside Australian plastic surgeons, Olivia specialises in enhancing natural beauty

Queensland Event Cancellation

Unfortunately, due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the Freshly Plated event in Queensland had to be canceled. With the safety of attendees as a top priority, Fresh Clinics and Hugel made the difficult decision to reschedule a special online event rather than put guests at risk.

Empowering Women in Aesthetic Medicine

Beyond the discussions and networking opportunities, this year’s presentation took a moment to recognise the larger impact of women in aesthetics. The industry is predominantly driven by women, with over 60% of beauty-related businesses globally owned by female entrepreneurs.

In Australia, the injectables market is projected to grow from AU$4.2 billion in 2023 to AU$5.7 billion by 2025, fueled by increasing demand and an aging population.

The session also encouraged attendees to reflect on their career paths with prompts like:

• What does success look like to you?
• What are you willing (or not willing) to sacrifice for your goals?
• How do you want to feel throughout your journey?

A Shift in Beauty

Another key theme of the session was the evolving perception of beauty. Today’s clients are shifting away from societal pressure and instead seeking self-care, authenticity, and confidence-building treatments. Cosmetic injectors play a crucial role in guiding patients toward natural, ethical, and holistic treatment plans that align with their individual goals rather than rigid beauty standards.

We also acknowledge the men who joined us at Freshly Plated. Their support and allyship play a vital role in a more inclusive and empowered industry for all. Thank you for standing with us in celebrating education, success, and community.

Freshly Plated continues to be a powerful celebration of education, community, and empowerment in the cosmetic industry. As the event grows each year, Fresh Clinics remains committed to providing spaces where Members can connect, learn, and advance the future of aesthetics together.

Want to attend the next Freshly Plated event? Reach out to our team today, call us, or schedule a time to chat below.