Inside Perth’s Australian Aesthetic Symposium

From skin science and threads to menopause and mental health, here’s what you missed.

Aesthetic practitioners from across the country gathered in Perth for the inaugural Australian Aesthetic Symposium, founded and delivered by Jessica Ferris RN and Dr Michael Gendy. The two-day program launched with momentum, uniting leading minds for a series of insightful discussions, hands-on education, and clinical innovation. Covering a diverse range of topics, from scar management and menopause-related skin changes to Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) screening and ultrasound-guided safety, the symposium served as a timely reminder that exceptional aesthetic care goes far beyond surface-level results.

Day One: Skin, Threads & Topical Science

Dr Charles McKibbin opened with a timely refresher on skin cancer recognition and referral pathways, reinforcing the importance of knowing when to refer. His visuals on conditions like actinic keratosis added clarity for clinicians navigating early detection and education.

Dr Sam Aravinth followed with a deep dive into skin laxity and thread lifting. He mapped out when to consider Polydioxanone (PDO), Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA), or Polycaprolactone (PCL) threads, where High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) fits into the spectrum, and when to escalate to surgical options. Live demonstrations of vector placement and direction of pull offered attendees a real-time understanding of achieving subtle, natural-looking lifts, with a clear explanation of longevity and re-treatment timelines.

From structural to topical, Dr Tania Romano of SkinCeuticals delivered a standout session on vitamin C formulation and function. She broke down the science behind pure L-ascorbic acid paired with vitamin E and ferulic acid, showing how this trio delivers 8 x more environmental protection and reduces Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), your collagen-degrading enzymes by 62%. Particularly impactful was her advice on using CE Ferulic post-CO2 laser to reduce downtime and improve healing.

Taking a surgical perspective, Dr Susanna Rea from The Scar Clinic shared how she treats complex cases of burns and trauma scars with a layered approach using lasers, actives, and modulation techniques, reminding everyone of the life-changing potential of regenerative aesthetics.

Overlooked Areas & In-Clinic Safety

In the afternoon, clinicians turned their attention to often-neglected zones in “Hand, Neck and Décolletage – The Forgotten Parts”, with Dr Jing Wang, Dr Django Nathan, and Hazel Brown CNS presenting strategies using PLLA and exosomes to restore skin quality in these areas.

Meanwhile, Dr Emily Alfonsi demonstrated ultrasound-guided aesthetic practice, highlighting how to identify arteries, migrated filler, and nodules, an increasingly essential skill in the age of safety-led injectables. The day wrapped with the HUGEL Glass Facial Workshop, giving attendees a hands-on opportunity to explore emerging protocols in facial rejuvenation.

Day Two: Hormones, Hair & Honest Conversations

The second day opened with Dr Django Nathan’s update on Exomide for hair loss, including a reminder about off-label usage and insurance responsibilities.

Kelly McChord’s NP session on menopause in aesthetics brought much-needed attention to one of the most often overlooked client demographics. She unpacked the ways declining oestrogen during perimenopause and menopause can visibly affect the skin, triggering dryness, thinning, and a noticeable loss of elasticity.

As part of the solution, she highlighted Emepelle Skincare, formulated to support estrogen-deficient skin during this transitional phase. Kelly also shared early insights from her study involving patients not on hormone therapy, all of whom are using Emepelle Skincare to activate estrogen receptors in the skin. The preliminary results are encouraging, with participants reporting visible improvements in hydration, firmness, and overall skin quality.

Before and Afters shared by Kelly – Captured using Clinical Imaging Systems

Adding to the hormone conversation, Dr Amanda Sabel explored the connection between Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide + (NAD+) levels, oestrogen, and skin integrity, outlining how supplementation and lifestyle support can restore internal balance for external results.

From BDD to Burnout

Dr Toni Pikoos’ session on Body Dysmorphic Disorder was a powerful call for deeper psychological awareness in practice. She outlined common red flags, emphasised the importance of pre-consult screening, and encouraged partnerships with mental health professionals.

In one of the most talked-about sessions, Dr Kate Jameson bravely shared her personal experience with a temple vascular occlusion. Her story addressed the persistent “culture of silence” in the industry and the fear many practitioners face when complications occur, whether due to AHPRA, internal team dynamics, or competitive pressure. Through her candour, she advocated for a shift toward greater transparency, stronger peer support, and ongoing education as essential pillars for improving safety and practitioner wellbeing across the profession.

The Future is Collaborative, Clinical & Compassionate

The afternoon rounded out with sessions on body contouring, acne treatment, and inclusive aesthetics, including “Don’t Forget Him and Them”, which explored the rising demand for personalised care across gender identities. Dr Rob Choa’s “Scalpel vs Needle” compared surgical and non-surgical approaches, while the Business Growth Workshop with David Segal and Hayley Anderson gave attendees practical tools to scale smart.

The program achieved a compelling balance of innovation, clinical education, and ethical discussion, setting a new benchmark for industry events. More than a showcase of emerging tools and technologies, the symposium emphasised thoughtful dialogue, evidence-based decision-making, and a renewed commitment to patient-centred care. It marked a significant and timely contribution to the evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine, and anticipation for next year’s event is already building.

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