Suppelle Celebrates 15 Years of Youth
NQ AMBITION
Born in Innisfail, I spent my childhood in El Arish, attended Tully State High School, and completed my Bachelor of Nursing at QUT in Brisbane in 1995. I have been a Registered Nurse for 24 years! I moved to Townsville in 1996. I climbed the nursing ranks quickly from Registered Nurse to Clinical Nurse to Hospital Coordinator in specialties of Surgical, Plastic Surgery, Intensive Care, TAFE Enrolled Nurse Assessor, Hospital Education, Clinical Pathway Coordination and Hospital Management. Being meticulous has contributed to the advancement of my 18 year career in cosmetic injections.
BUSINESS GROWTH
I created the word “suppelle” meaning supple skin and opened Suppelle Cosmetic Injections in December 2004, in association with medical centres. At the time there were only three other businesses in Townsville that offered cosmetic injections, and I was the first Nurse Proprietor. Over the years I have worked with Medical Practitioners in Ingham, Bluewater, Bushland Beach and Townsville. I specialise in anti-ageing medical treatments of muscle relaxants, dermal fillers and collagen stimulators such as platelet rich plasma and medical needling. I also offer second opinions, professional advice and corrective work where it is warranted.
LEARNING FROM THE BEST
I take great pride in my work. Anatomical knowledge is essential along with the mastery of precision techniques and accurate product selection. I attend conferences and workshops frequently to be informed of the latest advancements and best practice. I’ve been privileged to meet product scientists, and I’ve had one-on-one training from leading Australian and International Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists and Cosmetic Physicians.
EVOLUTIONARY PRACTICE
Over 18 years I have witnessed the evolution of cosmetic injection products from sterile bovine collagen and rooster comb derivatives, to non-animal based polysaccharide chains; the science of growth factors; crosslinking technologies; molecular structure changes; purified products; expanding product ranges; removal of product lines; local anaesthetic additions; and advancements in syringes, cannulas and needletips. I have also seen injection “trends” come and go in cycles. And there are exciting new products being released in 2020.
ETHICAL AND HONEST
I strictly adhere to industry regulations and health legislation, and practice within medical centres for the legal prescription of Schedule 4 substances by Medical Practitioners. I am honest and ethical, so my clients receive the best possible results, the most effective staging of treatment, and value for money. This may include unbiased referrals to medical specialists or surgeons if I believe that surgical intervention will better match a client’s expectations and for longer lasting results. I have been told this year by a well reputed Plastic Surgeon (interstate) that they dissolve fillers prior to a facelift. This is important for clients to know before spending big on products that may only last 1-2 years. Cosmetic injections have their limits. It is with utmost respect and professional education that I explain what will and what will not suit your facial features, practicing in accordance with aesthetic theories of beauty related to balance and proportions. As a minimalist injector, I believe in subtle but significant improvements.
RESULTS DRIVEN
Cosmetic injections are not just for people who do not wish to age, they can also be for reconstructive reasons such as scarring and cleft lips. I am constantly rewarded by the visual results, improved self esteem and happiness conveyed in the big smiles of my clients. It takes expertise to achieve significant results that my clients and I can see, yet still look natural and normal to other people. Success to me is about excellent results and happy clients.
RISKY BUSINESS
This is the most important issue to address for public awareness. There is no doubt that cosmetic injections have become increasingly popular, but the procedures should not be considered as simple as retail therapy. Very serious side effects have been reported globally that may be life endangering such as anaphylaxis and stroke, or significantly life changing such as necrosis, scarring and blindness (irreversible blindness has occurred in Australia, 2018). Some areas of the face are safer to inject than others and some injection techniques are safer to use than others, but every injection has a risk. The only thing that can reduce the risk (the risk cannot be completely eliminated) is the injector – their experience, their ability to recognise a complication early, their processes for immediate medical intervention with medical support, and their diligence in monitoring such clients. Complications can happen to the experts – so please look for a controlled, medical environment to have the best possible outcome in the event of a complication.
“I am constantly rewarded by the visual results, improved self esteem and happiness conveyed in the big smiles of my clients.”
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CHOOSING THE RIGHT INJECTOR FOR YOU
• Are they professionally trained and registered with The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)?
• Do they have medical expertise in facial anatomy?
• How many years of experience do they have injecting?
• How often are they injecting? Casual, part-time or full-time?
• Do they record your medical history? (including allergies, medical conditions, medications, vitamins / supplements, previous treatments)
• Who is the prescribing Medical Practitioner / Dental Practitioner? Will you meet them face-to-face? Are they present (onsite or in the same suburb) if you have a complication?
• What are the side effects? What should you do if you have a concern or problem after hours? Do they have a treatment plan if a complication occurs?
• Do they follow-up your treatment/s?
• Do they adhere to Australian laws?
• Do they have before and after pictures of their own work? Do you want your photos on social media or kept confidential?
• Are they results driven or retail driven?
CHEERS TO YOU
Reflecting on the past 15 years of my small business, I have enormous gratitude to the medical colleagues who support me on a daily basis. Thank you for being so kind, especially to my clients. It is a pleasure to collaborate with you all. A heartfelt thank you goes to every single client of Suppelle – your loyalty and positive word of mouth referrals have been the key to my business growth. Cheers to 15 years!
