Thirty-five years ago, well before the rise of anti-wrinkle injectables, Dr Irene Kushelew specialised in treating varicose veins.

A common question she was asked by clients while injecting the unsightly twisted veins was whether there was a technology that could be used to lessen fine lines and wrinkles on the face. At the time, there wasn’t, however, when anti-wrinkle injections became available in Australia in 1996, Dr Kushelew was one of the first doctors to train using the emerging, and soon-to-be revolutionary, anti-ageing treatment.

The former President of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery & Medicine (ACCSM) has now conducted more than 500 workshops in both basic and advanced techniques, training doctors and nurses nation-wide.

“I feel that training is key to safe injection techniques,” says Dr Kushelew, who is now one of Adelaide’s most highly skilled practitioners in anti-wrinkle injections, dermal and deeper fillers, and the owner of Goodwood clinic, Beauty & Medicine.

“It’s alarming that there has been a much higher rate of serious complications reported in the last few years. Part of the problem has been the proliferation of practitioners [offering these treatments] with minimal training.”

Still a council member of the ACCSM, Dr Kushelew says the work of the College in attempting to regulate standards in the area of cosmetic medicine and cosmetic surgery is something that is needed to ensure those administering have the appropriate qualifications, experience and training.

At her own Goodwood clinic, Dr Kushelew uses non-surgical dermal fillers to help lift and open the eyes and face, expertly targeting precise points to achieve natural-looking facial rejuvenation.

With careful precision, she follows the eight-point injectable facelift and six-point injectable eyelift techniques; these non-invasive methods help lift the face, reduce fine lines, redefine the face, and turn what she calls ‘sad mouth’ lines into smiles.

But, while precision is important, the care and conversations between doctor and patient is also paramount, and Dr Kushelew says asking the right questions and making an informed choice could have a significant impact on the outcome.

“Make sure the practitioner is registered and has had [adequate] training, and make sure you know what your practitioner is using, and that it is TGA approved. This area of medicine is full of new techniques and treatments – there are more fillers and anti-wrinkle injectables available now on the Australian market [than ever before]. But new doesn’t [necessarily] mean better.”

Beauty & Medicine
40 King William Road, Goodwood
drkushelew.com