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DERMAL
THE UGLY SIDE TO DIY LOCKDOWN HOME TREATMENTS.
Another rise in COVID cases has sent parts of the country back into lockdown with borders closing and governments shutting down communities to try and stop the spread of the virus. “The challenge for everyone is that lockdown not only impacts our day to day lives, it also affects our ability to undertake important self-care rituals such as going to the cosmetic beauty clinic to have laser hair removal treatments, or skin needling to treat scarring or skin peels to assist with the management of acne or other skin conditions,” says Dr Vivek Eranki of multi award winning national Cosmetique Cosmetic Surgery Clinics. According to Dr Eranki when people can’t go and get their treatments which are essential for their overall health and wellbeing, they try and perform them at home and this is not only concerning, it is downright dangerous. “Last year during the first round of lockdowns we saw an alarming number of people experiencing significant issues as a result of trying to undertake cosmetic and beauty treatments themselves at home,” Dr Eranki said. “I heard one story of a patient who purchased a laser hair removal machine online and it arrived to her home within a matter of days. Unfortunately, the machine had come from overseas and was not listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. The machine caused severe burning and permanent scarring. “I received a number of calls from GPs needing advice about DIY at home beauty and cosmetic treatments gone wrong.” Dr Eranki is pleading with people not to be tempted to try and undertake cosmetic and beauty treatments at home. “While I understand how important it is for people to be able to access treatments that are part of an overall health and wellbeing regime, I am urging people to chat to their local Cosmetic Medical Clinic first. Most are still available even during lockdowns to chat over the phone or online,” Dr Eranki said. “We may be able to put in place a plan to assist our clients to access the services they need or to book in for an appointment with priority as soon as lockdowns are wound back.” Dr Eranki has put together a list of issues to make sure your clients are aware of and to share to your client community. 42
Beauty Biz Year 14 Issue 4
Overseas products
Overseas products may not be safe. There is no other way to put it. If you order products or equipment online from overseas, there is no guarantee they are safe, in fact, they could be very unsafe. Often overseas products can be very good copies and come with fake endorsements and instructions that have been plagiarised from reputable brands.
Skin peels
Skin peels delivered in a cosmetic clinical environment are applied under strict protocols by trained professionals. The mixture substance is also of high quality. If you order skin peels online, you have no idea what is in them. It could be acid and very dangerous for your skin.
Skin needling
Skin needling involves the use of engineered and sterilised microneedles on a medical-grade roller or pen that is moved over the top layer of the skin to create tiny punctures on the skin. The treatment requires the skill of an experienced clinician as the micro punctures go through the skin creating a painless injury to the deeper dermal layer. This then triggers wound healing resulting in increased collagen and elastin production in the face. While a highly effective and relatively pain-free treatment, it can be quite dangerous if performed using non-sterile equipment or undertaken by someone that doesn’t know what they are doing. Infection and scarring is the biggest issue if not done properly.”
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal should only be performed by a highly trained clinician. It works by focusing concentrated light on the roots of hair follicles, essentially killing the follicles so they don’t grow back. While completely safe when undertaken in a controlled environment, laser hair removal is not something people should be trying at home. While there are at-home devices on the market, I have seen and heard of far too many incidents where women have been burnt and scarred. Devices purchased online from overseas are especially concerning. Dr Eranki’s advice to all clients is, “Please don’t be tempted to try DIY treatments at home. Be patient, speak to a trained professional and work out a solution. This is a better approach than risking your health.” Cosmetique is Australia’s leading cosmetic clinic. With locations in Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, they are home to some of Australasia’s most skilful nurses and practitioners who are leaders in their respective fields. They are passionate about providing everyday Australians with exceptional cosmetic and medical services to enhance their body confidence and allow them to feel the way they deserve. Above all, they abide by the principles of professionalism and utmost care to ensure their patients feel the way they truly deserve. Their most sought-after treatments include lip fillers, dermal fillers and wrinkle relaxers. www.australiancosmetic.com
