What we learnt at the 3-day ASCD Symposium about adding value, keeping safety first and the surprising rise in certain trends.

The Australasian Society of Cosmetic Dermatologists (ASCD) Symposium took place over the weekend in Melbourne, with an astonishing turnout of over 450 delegates and an impressive exhibition display. Experts in the field from Dermatologists, Surgeons, Nurses and Clinicians came together to discuss key topics related to the aesthetics industry, such as Professor Greg Goodman, Dr Natasha Cook, Dr Desmond Gan and Dr Shobhan Manoharan, along with international speakers such as Dr Julia Carroll and Dr Thomas Beachkofsky.

Here are five key takeaways from the conference:

Adding value over discounting

One key topic of discussion was how to adapt to difficult financial times in the industry. Rather than offering discounts on cosmetic treatments, experts suggested adding value to treatments to increase their appeal to patients.

Adaptable devices

Speakers also discussed the importance of looking for devices that can adapt to different patient needs and skin types, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Safety first

Safety is a top priority when it comes to laser and energy-based devices, and it was emphasized that proper training and use of these devices is crucial to avoiding adverse events.

The rise of male aesthetics

In the past three years, male aesthetics and male body dissatisfaction have tripled, with more men seeking cosmetic treatments to improve their appearance. This trend highlights the growing interest in the aesthetics industry among male patients, and suggests a need for professionals to cater to this demographic.

Emotional intelligence

A concerning trend was discussed at the conference, with experts noting that emotional intelligence tends to decline during medical training. It was suggested that medical professionals should receive training to help them maintain emotional intelligence and empathy with their patients.

During the conference, perception was also strongly highlighted. Woodrow Wilson from Clinical Imaging Systems discussed the benefits of professional photography in practice, and how it can be a valuable tool for documenting a patient’s progress, enhancing communication with patients, and promoting services on social media platforms in comparison to taking photos with handheld devices. This topic was also touched upon by Dr. Toni Pikoos, who highlighted the importance of clear communication and setting realistic expectations with patients. By utilising professional photography and emphasising effective communication strategies, professionals in the aesthetics industry can enhance patient satisfaction and improve overall outcomes.

Overall, the conference highlighted the continued growth of the skincare industry, which is now valued at $532 billion. Experts also stressed the importance of combining different modalities to maximise outcomes, and the impact of makeup on the illusion of facial shape was also explored by makeup artist Rae Morris, who intrigued delegates with providing insight at how patients may be perceiving their face and ‘flaws’ from how they do their makeup.

By keeping these key takeaways in mind, professionals in the dermatology and aesthetics industry can stay up-to-date and provide the best possible care for their patients.

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