APJ Vol 55 2023

Dr Giulia D’Anna
EDITOR’S LETTER
Wasn’t the APAN conference great! The
beautiful location on the Gold Coast was
superb, the exhibitor space was perfect,
the workshops were engaging and the
educational component in the lecture
space was outstanding. It was so well done
and lovely to see so many of you in
real life.
I know that many of you also opted to
watch the conference from your workplace
or home, which is super-convenient and
a lovely way of taking your time to look
through the content.
I loved talking about cosmetic injectables
and the changes in fat in the face. I hope
that I gave you all something to think about,
even if it was just knowing a little more
about what is happening with your own
facial contours over time.
Right now, we are all facing the challenges
of the uncertain economic environment,
and this can shift things within our own
clinical space. I am finding that patients
are still opting for treatments, but the
way that they do this is a little different
to a few months ago. People are showing
some restraint. This means that what I am
offering my patients is a little different,
in ways that also reflects their restraint.
Instead of patients accepting the whole
package at once, I am delivering small
packages over a longer time. This allows
them to undertake meaningful treatments,
but something that they can work into their
level of financial situation that is acceptable
for the current environment. If you find
yourself with some downtime, it might be a great opportunity to look at your offerings
and break them down into smaller bite-sized packages that can cater to your patient’s
mindset.
I am looking forward to the weather warming up soon too. This always delivers a shift
in gears on many levels. I love spending lazy sunny afternoons in my backyard, reading
(usually some kind of anatomy textbook - whatever floats your boat - right?) I know that
I also enjoy the warmer days to reach out to friends that I haven’t seen in a while to catch
up. Workwise, my clinical space catches the afternoon sun, and I am usually so inspired to
work in there. I would love to hear about your space, and how the changing seasons work
for you. Do you work in different areas to capture the best light, or atmosphere? Reach
out and let us know.
Finally let’s look at the changes in Aesthetic regulation in the injecting space. The changes
have now been in place for more than a month, and the dust is settling as we get used to
the new normal. For me I cannot say that there was a major shift in thinking or strategy
as I have always done some of new requirements. I have always screened patients for
psychological suitability to a treatment, and always referred as required. I have never
used influencers in my marketing strategies or used patient testimonials to advertise.
There are many practitioners that will have to review their social media to comply with
the new rules and also change the direction of their advertising. But I guess these kinds of
businesses were always on the skirts of what is considered acceptable. What about you,
have you had to shift gears?
In this issue of APJ, I have done something different and answered some questions from
you all. I would love this to be a regular feature, but I need your help. Please reach out
to me directly or send your questions to info@apanetwork.com and I will try to get your
question featured and answered in each issue. I would love to connect, so please send me
your thoughts.
Until next time,
You can access the new Cosmetic Guidelines and
the ARCTA Checklist here.
They are also available from the APAN website
from this link https://apanetwork.com/resources
editor@apanetwork.com
www.apanetwork.com
APJ 6