What factors contributed to your interest in practicing cosmetic medicine?

I have always been involved in hands-on medicine and have been assisting in surgery for 35 years. Working in Plastics and Ophthalmology and Vascular Surgery honed my skills in fine surgical skills, and to this I added post graduate study in Dermatology, then Phlebology, and ongoing study and work in Cosmetic Medicine as this new specialty has emerged. I like being able to help people feel better about themselves, the skin they are draped in, and the body they inhabit.

What can you tell us about your clinic and the demographic?

I established the first female led cosmetic medicine practice in Canberra, Australia in 1998. I am the Medical Director and directly treat all the patients whilst my excellent receptionist keeps the office running smoothly. Services offered include vascular, pigment and tissue laser, sclerotherapy, radiofrequency surgery for excisions and for skin tightening, CIT skin needling, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, muscle relaxation treatment, scar reduction treatments, dermal fillers, facial rejuvenation topical treatments, skin cancer checks and minor surgical procedures.

Most of my patients range in age from 5 years to 95 years old, both men, women and children.

My clinic is located within the campus of the Calvary John James Hospital, 173 Strickland Crescent, Deakin, ACT, Australia. There are over 8,500 patients whom I have treated and continue to do so on an ongoing basis.

How do you hire staff?

My best staff come by word of mouth recommendations. They are paid fortnightly and receive bonuses for incentive and fidelity.

Which devices and technologies are you accustomed to using in your practice?

Having used IPL from its earliest days, I’m much more satisfied with the reliability and effectivity of my current lasers. I use laser for vascular, pigment and tissue disorders, and purchase new machines every five years or so.

What strategies do you employ in your marketing?

Marketing is first and foremost on the lips of satisfied patients who recommend my services to their work colleagues, friends, relatives and associates. I also have paid advertising through the Yellow Pages, website, local medical newspapers, local community newspapers, and regional medical associations. National medical registration allows wider recognition of my qualifications and services.

How do you expound your current knowledge of lasers to your practice?

Chronic conditions that require repeat treatments like vascular laser ablation for rosacea ensure patients return for more treatment. Any procedure that I can do which a patient enjoys whilst having it, and appreciates the effect afterwards, engenders satisfied and happy recipients who request more non-invasive procedures. I participate in annual national and international conferences and many workshops, and like to add a new procedure to my repertoire each year.

Any anecdote in your experiences in practicing cosmetic medicine?

Recently I was asked to do bilateral nipple biopsies by a breast surgeon to exclude Paget’s Disease of the Nipple. Apparently the procedure was done so comfortably for the patient that she decided to come back to me for some “real cosmetic medicine” services to celebrate the fact that she was clear of disease. She is one of my many grateful patients who was able to laugh through the hard times and enjoy the good times.

What advice can you impart to fellow physicians in the field?

Always try and see the problem that needs addressing through the eyes of the person who suffers it, then consider how you would like to be treated if you were in that situation, and be kind. Learn when to say “no” and don’t be pressured into doing something for a patient that you know won’t satisfy their desire or mend the problem. Listen, look, consider, and do all in your power to gently bring about good for the person who has sought your help.

About Dr. Dunlop

I was educated in Newcastle and Sydney, Australia, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Sydney in 1982. My post-graduate qualifications include a Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Medicine of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (ACCS), a Foundation Fellowship of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia (CPCA), a Diploma in Practical Dermatology from the University of Wales College of Medicine, UK, a Certificate of Sclerotherapy from the Australasian College of Phlebology and a Diploma of Laser Medicine - Cosmetic & Dermatological from the ACCS. I am a member of the Australian Medical Association, The Medical Women’s Society of the ACT, the Australian Women of the Year Association, and the Sovereign Military and Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta. I am committed to ongoing medical education and regularly participate in medical seminars, national and international conferences and workshops. As well as being an alumna of the University of Sydney, Australia, the University of Wales, UK , and the National Skin Centre, Singapore. I have also undertaken overseas medical study in Dublin, London, Paris, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Bangkok. I have appointments in Surgical Assisting in Calvary John James Hospital, Deakin, Calvary Private Hospital, Bruce, and the National Capital Private Hospital, Garran , ACT. I have a further appointment, by invitation, as the Consumer Representative for Cancer Australia’s Gynaecological Cancer Advisory Group