Cosmetex 2012 (3-5 May) kicked off yesterday in Cairns. Over 1100 cosmetic medical practitioners and exhibitors have descended on the city for a four-day conference organised by the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (ACCS).
Cosmetex 2012 is held in Cairns from 3rd to 5th May 2012
The annual Cosmetex conference, which brings together cosmetic and plastic surgeons, dermatologists, cosmetic physicians and nurses, is one of the world's most important meetings in the specialty area of cosmetic medical practice and the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
Dr John Flynn chaired the opening ceremony on Thursday morning, and said of the conference later that day, “It is going really well every year gets bigger and better our conference is maturing and we are receiving a great number of overseas visitors. We also have some top class international speakers this year.”
Dr. John Flynn speaking at Cosmetex 2012
Russell Knudson, president of the ACCS said that Cairns had been chosen as the location as the very first Cosmetex had been held there and been very successful. The Convention Centre is also a fantastic venue with plenty of lecture halls and seminar rooms. Knudson said he had thought last year's conference in Hobart was going to be the best ever but this year had already topped it in terms of international speakers, exhibitors and attendees.
The ACCS is launching its Code of Practice Seal at Cosmetex 2012. Use of the Seal is available to approved members and affiliate members of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery. “Prospective patients will be able to see at a glance that the doctor with whom they are considering undergoing a procedure practices under a set of strong professional and ethical standards,” college president, Dr Colin Moore said.
Noting the significant and increasing media interest each year at Cosmetex, Moore said the conference provided an excellent opportunity to highlight the importance of consumer empowerment and education. “Consumer information must keep pace with the growth of cosmetic medicine and surgery… It is estimated that Australians now spend as much as $1bn annually on appearance medicine, and spending continues to grow, even in a less confident economy.”
Cosmetex is showcasing more than 69 companies and organisations featuring cosmetic medical and surgery products, devices and treatments including the latest breast implants, injectable wrinkle reducers, lasers, body contouring systems, cosmeceuticals and skin care. Some familiar brands exhibiting include Advanced Cosmeceuticals, Clinic Care Margifox Distributors, Merz Aesthetics, Synergie Minerals, True Solutions International, Medigroup Australia and Youngblood.
Youngblood are exhibiting at Cosmetex for the first time, Jo Peacock, international sales manager, said, “We know that there is a great need for our makeup for women who have undergone cosmetic procedures as it is so gentle on the skin. Women are now having quick treatments in their lunch break and need makeup they can put on straight away. Cosmetex is a great opportunity for us to network and talk to the doctors and other exhibitors.”
Bradford Crees from Advanced Cosmeceuticals said, “We support Cosmetex every year as we do a lot of work with cosmetic surgeons and physicians who stock our brands Skinceuticals, from the USA, and Medik8, from the UK. We are here to introduce our brands to their target market and catch up with our valued customers.”
Dr. Ava Shamban speaking at Cosmetex 2012
One of Thursday's highlights was celebrity dermatologist Dr Ava Shamban's talk about how those in the industry can develop their aesthetic sense, titled Beauty: The Universal and the Individual. Shamban said,”the brain is hardwired to recognise and appreciate beauty…. [yet] beauty is non-negotiable and unfair.She went on to discuss how symmetry and proportion define beauty and that everyone has some natural beauty and a signature feature which those in the industry should recognise. She warned that we should not exaggerate but enhance a clients' natural beauty and stay within the boundaries of culture and race.
Meanwhile, the International Interactive Forum on Face chaired by John Flynn was a great opportunity for visitors to listen to a panel of four international speakers (Dr Daniel Elliott Rousso [USA], Dr Corey Maas [USA], Dr Ava Shamban [USA], Dr Nowell Solish [Canada]) discuss case studies and problem solve. ”These sorts of forums give us an opportunity to look at adverse problems and complications, look at some of the factors that will lead to them and help us with treatment and preventative protocols for junior doctors,” said Flynn.
Visit www.cosmetex.org/cairns2012 to view a full list of the program and find out more.