Stem Cells The Buzz At Cosmetex

Academics, scientists, cosmetic medical practitioners and beauty professionals converged in Melbourne today for Cosmetex15, where the hot topic was the regenerative power of stem cells.

It’s one of the most highly anticipated events in the professional aesthetics world, and today, as the doors opened on this year’s Cosmetex conferences, visitors were not disappointed.

With a key focus on regenerative medicine, the first day of this year’s event saw keynote speakers address the potential for stem cells to fundamentally change the way cosmetic physicians treat their patients.

Topics covered ranged from beauty concepts across cultures, to advances in facial rejuvenation, cosmeceuticals, face lifting, dermal fillers, tattoo removal, laser skin rejuvenation, body contouring and lifting. How people see themselves, is itself an intriguing concept being explored in depth at this year’s Cosmetex.

Professor Richard Boyd, a key researcher from Monash University who opened the ground-breaking session on stem cells, says research and treatment is beginning to show the potential for changing the way doctors approach treating conditions associated with ageing.

…it is exciting to hold a key to slowing down, and potentially even reversing, damage at a cellular level

“With an ageing population, it is exciting to hold a key to slowing down, and potentially even reversing, damage at a cellular level,” said Boyd.

“Ongoing collaboration between researchers in the labs and practitioners working in the field is vital for the advances and broadening of applications. At Cosmetex15 we will explore the hurdles, hopes and applications in both regenerative and “rejuvenative” medicine.”

College censor-in-chief, Dr John Flynn agrees that there certainly are a lot of ways stem cells can impact cosmetic medicine.

“Putting stem cells in a fat graft means it will last better and be more reliable. Stem cells help in revision of surgical scars and traumatic defects and for the effect of facial volume enhancement. Along with regenerative medicine this holds great promise for the way we treat our patients in the future,” emphasised Flynn.

Stem cells help in revision of surgical scars and traumatic defects and for the effect of facial volume enhancement. They hold great promise for the way we treat our patients in the future

“However, the language surrounding stem cells can be very misleading. The forums at Cosmetex15 will educate and help separate fact from hype. It is interesting to also explore the potential for these developments in stem cell therapies in more cosmetic applications. Beauty enhancement becomes even more personal when examined at a cellular level.”

With all of the many advances in the cosmetic medical arena being showcased at Cosmetex15, Flynn stressed the critical element is education.

“It is essential that every cosmetic medical practitioner receives training specific to the procedure they are performing, and this is why the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery exists.”

Also at Cosmetex15, the ACCS is launching its New Professional Practice Standards & Scope of Practice for aesthetic nurses in Australia, and a laser and IPL safety course – the most in-depth training available in Australia today.

“The College is taking the lead in this area for the advancement of the profession and to raise standards which translates to better patient safety,” said Flynn.

You can download the full Cosmetex15 program at cosmetex.org.

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