Welcome to Issue 13 of Aesthetic Medical Practitioner. With an ever-evolving and expanding aesthetics marketplace comes new challenges for the industry to ensure the requisite standards of quality and care are met. It is vital practitioners have the relevant training and that procedures are performed in appropriate facilities.

The heat is most definitely on at the moment as media scrutiny intensifies and the HCCC calls for submissions regarding recommendations for regulation. This has become even more apparent with the closing of a clinic in Victoria for 12 weeks while investigations regarding patient safety issues are conducted.

In addition, the rise of ‘back-alley clinics’ has hit the headlines. The ABC recently obtained footage of several raids conducted by the NSW Health Department, showing officials seizing hundreds of contraband drugs and treatments from illegal operations. These illegal and potentially deadly substances found on the black market include dermal fillers, topical anaesthetics, human placenta extracts and medical-strength peels made in China and Japan.

This is an extremely concerning public safety issue, with health authorities issuing warnings to the Australian public about cheap cosmetic procedures from back-alley clinics and acknowledging that tackling illegal clinics requires a national approach. There has already been one death in Sydney, as well as reported cases of tissue necrosis and scarring – the importance of seeing a registered medical professional has never been more important. Read our report on page 22.

All the while, behind the scenes a new industry disruption is taking place: mergers and acquisitions, planned IPOs and takeovers of clinics. We have an in-depth report on all the players on page 92 and if you have any other information to add, we would love to hear from you.

Our inaugural COSMEDICON conference at the InterContinental Double Bay in March exceeded expectations and the quality of the speakers and the depth of the scientific program was lauded. On page 32 we have a pictorial round-up and we look forward to welcoming you back next year.

It’s that time again! Get in the spirit of the Commonwealth Games with our article on what and who to watch on page 104, as well as a comprehensive guide for a seven day diy-drive holiday showcasing the best of Tasmania.

We trust you will enjoy this issue and look forward to your feedback.