By Julie Samaras
IN recent decades, the development of technologies available to help people refresh their complexions, brighten their teeth, or restore their eyesight has been extraordinary.
And the technologies have continued to improve in leaps and bounds, becoming safer, more effective and more accessible, producing results that previously were not possible.
Today, there is a wide range of treatments from qualified professionals using equipment approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to treat a range of conditions. (Advertisers in this feature advise the equipment they use and/or sell is TGA approved.)
Many of the treatments on offer now require minimal or no down-time, with clients able to book in during lunch and return to work.
Numerous eye conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism can be treated through laser surgery. Although it’s not for everyone, I underwent LASIK surgery in 1998 and have enjoyed years of clear vision, free of spectacles or contact lenses ever since. One afternoon I couldn’t read the top line of the eye chart; the next morning the bottom line was crystal clear. The technologies, techniques and expertise in this field have continued to evolve.
Similarly, technologies to improve the condition of the skin have also evolved. In this field, laser has mostly been replaced by photo-therapies, such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and now Variable Pulsed Light (VPL).
Skin conditions such as acne and acne scarring, rosacea, broken capillaries, sun damage, even wrinkles and excessive hair, can be treated using these new generation light technologies, as can discoloured teeth and spider veins.
It is important that one’s skin be diagnosed professionally prior to any treatment, as there can be a number of different ways to treat the same condition, or what may appear to be the same condition.
Beau Visage diagnostic equipment, for example, uses the technology of siascopy to look 2mm below the surface of the skin to provide a clear picture of the components responsible for the way they look and age – including blood vessels, melanin and sun damage.
Many of the technologies used to treat skin complaints have emerged out of other uses; e.g. “Omnilux Medical” photodynamic therapy, one of the techniques now used to treat acne and other skin complaints, was developed by Manchester University during cancer research.
While undergoing treatment for cancer, patients treated with non-surgical light therapy noticed improvements in their skin. Researchers realised the potential for this technology, which stimulates the skin’s renewal process, could be extended into treating non-life-threatening skin conditions.
For teenagers, and adults, who experience acne or acne-scarring, IPL and VPL have been known to improve the condition and provide favourable results.
To remove excessive hair for women and men, Clear Complexions Clinic, Belconnen, uses the Energist Ultra, a VPL system, which enables the nurses to individualise the treatment for each client by adjusting the energy to suit the individual.
The Energist works by emitting a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by the hair, running down the hair shaft and heating up the follicle, permanently destroying it. The variable pulses allow for a more controlled absorption by the hair.
Another form of skin therapy is medical-grade peels; a course of treatments conducted over a series of sessions tend to be gentle, yet effective, in improving the skin’s appearance.

Treatments can be supplemented with medical-grade skin care and cosmetics prescribed by qualified professionals to suit each individual’s requirements.
Embraced by the French for more than two decades, Endermologie technology available at Contours de Femme, Manuka, is used to treat cellulite on the body. Facial Endermologie is a gentler version that stimulates the skin’s natural collagen and elastin fibres. It is used to firm the skin and diminish wrinkles and lines. Endermologie Lipomassage, used in conjuction with diet and exercise, was used by celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson to help J-Lo regain her shape after the birth of twins.
ReGen Pro, using TriPollar technology, provides dermal heating to smooth and tighten the skin on the face, neck, arms and tummy.
The Formostar far infrared body wrap stimulates the body’s metabolic processes using penetrating heat to reach areas where fat is normally stored. Menopausal women have reportedly found this treatment provides them with relief from some symptoms.
For people wanting to boost their circulation, a high-tech, compact yet affordable piece of equipment called The Circulation Booster (CB) can be used at home to stimulate different muscles in the feet and legs. Body pads are included for use on other areas of the body. Also available is the CB Mobile which comes in the convenient form of gloves and socks, may be useful in reducing swelling or minimising the risk of deep-vein thrombosis on long flights.