Why Honest Before & After Photos Matter – And What the New AHPRA Guidelines Mean for You

As a Health Practitioner passionate about transparency and patient education, I’ll be honest — I was frustrated when AHPRA (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) initially banned before-and-after photos for higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

It felt like we were being forced to communicate in a way that didn’t match what patients were actively looking for: real results, from real people, with real information.

Meanwhile, Instagram and TikTok continued to be flooded with before-and-after images from overseas providers — many of which were obviously altered, heavily filtered, or taken under lighting and angles designed to exaggerate outcomes. That kind of content doesn’t help anyone make informed choices. It creates unrealistic expectations, and in some cases, erodes trust in the whole industry.

So when AHPRA released the updated 2025 Guidelines, I was relieved — and honestly, excited. The changes finally strike a better balance between protecting public safety and allowing honest, educational communication.

Why do wrinkles form?

Wrinkle formation is a hallmark of skin aging. Intrinsically, the skin undergoes structural and functional changes over time, including a reduction in dermal collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans, which contribute to decreased skin elasticity, hydration, and thickness (Farage et al., 2008). These age-related changes impair the skin’s barrier function and mechanical properties, making it susceptible to the development of fine lines and wrinkles.

In addition to intrinsic aging, repetitive facial muscle contractions are a significant contributor to wrinkle. Lines that are visible only during muscle activity are called ‘dynamic’ wrinkles. Over time, these lines will progress into ‘static’ wrinkles, which remain visible at rest (Kligman et al., 1985).

Combat Signs of Aging: Facial Volume Loss & Wrinkle Treatments

As we grow older, the natural aging process leads to a gradual reduction in facial volume, decreased collagen production, and a loss of skin elasticity. These changes can contribute to sagging and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Non-surgical aesthetic treatments provide an effective way to address these concerns by restoring lost volume and enhancing skin firmness.

Advanced cosmetic procedures also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, promoting smoother, rejuvenated skin and a more youthful look.

At Society Cosmetic and Skin Clinic in Tamworth, our fully qualified Cosmetic Registered Nurse will conduct a comprehensive consultation to assess your individual needs to develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your facial goals and desired outcomes.

Why hyaluronic acid is a gamechanger … and how to get it under your skin

This advanced skin remodelling treatment features one of the highest concentrations of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) available in cosmetic aesthetics. It’s specifically designed for individuals experiencing a loss of skin volume, firmness, and elasticity.

This treatment works by gradually releasing Hyaluronic Acid into the skin, which helps to stimulate the natural production of collagen and elastin. As a result, it enhances skin hydration, improves tone and texture, and visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines.

Patients typically notice an overall improvement in skin quality, with results that can last between 6 to 9 months, depending on individual skin conditions and lifestyle factors.