Taneesa Williamson We speak with Registered Nurse and TEOXANE trainer, Madeline Firkins, about her career and key takeaways from this year’s Teoxane Academy in Geneva.
When did you decide to become a Cosmetic Nurse?
After finishing my Beauty Diploma, I started working in a cosmetic medical clinic. I realised my love for the cosmetic aesthetic industry, so I studied with the Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science (AACDS) and then went on to manage a clinic and work with a team of doctors that mentored me. I then pursued my dream further and studied for a Bachelor of Nursing. I learned many skills from my colleagues and the doctors I worked alongside during this time.
What training did you receive in aesthetic medicine, and do you have a mentor?
Over my years in the cosmetic industry, I have been fortunate to work within professional clinics where my work colleagues, whether doctors, nurses or dermal therapists, have all been my mentors. We learn so much as all these job roles create the ever-evolving cosmetic medical industry. All my training has been combined with in-house training, studying with AACDS and furthering my knowledge and training through the Teoxane Academy in Sydney. I also attend regular cosmetic conferences both interstate and internationally.
You mentioned you are a part of the Teoxane Faculty, how do you support other Aesthetic Practitioners in their aesthetic medicine journey?
I am engaged with Teoxane as a clinical trainer, therefore I educate and train doctors and nurses who want to learn more about injecting dermal fillers using Teoxane products. I facilitate group training workshops alongside the Teoxane faculty in the Teoxane Academy in Sydney. I also offer in-clinic training to all clinics that prefer using Teoxane products or wanting to use Teoxane products. The training varies in knowledge, skills and complexity, from beginner training all the way through to advanced injecting techniques.
How do you continue to learn and keep up with new trends and innovations?
In this industry, you always need to further your skills. I attend regular workshops, online webinars and conferences. As an educator for Teoxane, they invited a
few select cosmetic doctors and I to the IMCAS world congress in Paris and the Teoxane Laboratory in Geneva. I was fortunate enough to learn all the latest trends and techniques and bring this back to Australia to further train and mentor my students and staff to deliver the best results.
What new trends did you discover whilst on your recent trip to Paris and Geneva?
I learnt so many however the primary new technique and trend is keeping it natural by multi-layering different types of dermal fillers to achieve the best outcome while maintaining a natural aesthetic. This is one of the main advantages of using Teoxane products as they have a wide range of dermal fillers to treat different concerns for each patient. The takeaways from Paris and Geneva will strengthen the foundations I already have well implemented within my clinic.
You have your own successful business SM Aesthetic Lab, what made you decide to open your own business?
I have been working in the cosmetic industry for over 13 years. I decided it was time to open a clinic with my long-time friend and business partner, Selina, a dermal therapist and skin guru. It was an easy decision to open my own clinic as we were the perfect duo to drive the business and offer exceptional service to our patients. Our vision for SM Aesthetic Lab was for customer experience to be first and foremost, offering safety, quality and results-driven treatments.
What was the journey to opening your own aesthetic clinic?
I have worked for over 13 years, from beauty and dermal therapy to cosmetic injectables. I have worked in many excellent clinics that have guided and mentored me. The journey of opening your own business is never easy especially being a mum, however, loads of passion and perseverance keep me going. I first went out on my own working for myself about two years before opening the clinic and loved the freedom it gave me. Opening a Cosmetic Clinic was an easy next-step decision.
Will you implement any of the new trends that you learnt in Paris or Geneva to your own clinic?
Absolutely, I have already been practising everything I learned in Paris and Geneva in my clinic. I continue to train our staff of cosmetic doctors and nurses with these new tips and techniques.
What is the most popular treatment in your clinic and what have you noticed is gaining popularity?
Dermal fillers are our clinic’s most popular treatment, mainly because the Teoxane products are long-lasting and offer a soft natural enhancement. Our Venus Viva skin resurfacing device is another popular treatment. This treatment offers exceptional results with minimal downtime.
How does Teoxane support you and your business?
Teoxane is a very professional company to work with; everyone in their team is exceptionally trained. They have a very high standard of education and in-clinic training with all my staff. Their ongoing and regular support is unmatched by any other company.
This article originally appeared in SPA+CLINIC Volume 90
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