What is a Cosmetic Physician? What is GP Dermatology?
A Cosmetic Physician is a registered medical practitioner who practices in non-surgical cosmetic medicine, often with a background in general practice. Cosmetic Physicians are a growing body of doctors throughout the world. In Australia, Cosmetic Physicians either practice independently, or may be employed by dermatologists or plastic surgeons to perform non-surgical treatments.
GP Dermatology is the special interest field of general practice addressing common skin diseases. Such GPs have skills in general dermatology that extend well beyond just cosmetic procedures. Many have a special interest in skin cancer, for example, or acne. In Australia, GPs with a special interest in Dermatology have formed a Special Interest group within the RACGP, and Dr Teska is a member of that group.
It is important to note that Cosmetic Physicians are not part of a recognised speciality in Australia. There are two professional associations that represent Cosmetic Physicians in Australia, the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australia and the Australasian Society of Cosmetic Medicine. However, membership of these societies is optional for Cosmetic Physicians and does not confer specialist recognition on the medical practitioner.
An experienced Cosmetic Physician has skills and training in a variety of procedural treatments (including injectable products) which usually extends to extensive laser training and expertise in that area. Other procedures often performed include varicose vein treatment, acne management and skin cancer detection. It is the level of experience in non-surgical cosmetic treatments that separates Cosmetic Physicians from General Practitioners.
Patients are urged to select their Cosmetic Physician carefully, as experience levels among medical practitioners in this field vary significantly. The Australasian College of Aesthetic Medicine and the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia both provide specific training in non-surgical cosmetic medicine procedures. Dr Teska is a founding fellow of both of these colleges.
Dr. Alicia Teska – Cosmetic Physician
Dr Alicia Teska
Born and raised in Victoria, Dr Teska graduated with honours from Monash University in Victoria in 1993. Dr Teska then received recognition as a Specialist General Practitioner in 2000. In 2005, Dr Teska completed a postgraduate Certificate in Dermatology from Monash University.
Dr Teska trained in sclerotherapy and injectable procedures in 2000, and then worked with a Cosmetic Dermatologist in Melbourne from 2001. Since that time, Dr Teska has practiced almost exclusively in the field of Cosmetic Medicine and GP Dermatology.
Dr Teska is a founding fellow of the Australasian College of Aesthetic Medicine and the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia. She also represented Victoria on the Board of the Australasian Society of Cosmetic Medicine from 2008-2011and has been a member of the Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australia. Dr Teska regularly attends conferences on Cosmetic Medicine, including the International Master Course on Ageing Skin (IMCAS) in Paris, France, which she attended in 2004, 2005, and 2013 as well as the Anti-Ageing World Congress (AMWC) in Monaco 2015 and FACE London 2016. In addition, Dr Teska has held a role as a national trainer for liquid facelifting procedures. A former consultant to LÓreal, her interest in sunscreen and dermo-cosmetic skincare for sensitive skin was used for media and public speaking events, especially those involving La Roche Posay and Skinceuticals.
Dr Teska is renowned for providing a very high quality and detailed assessment of the skin conditions of all new clients. New clients often come with specific concerns and fears or a history of previous problems. Detailed photographic analysis of your skin using our state of the art Visia or Reveal facial imaging software allow us to get a detailed and accurate record of your skin’s problems. Periodic re-assessment with the Visia system allows us to accurately detail your skin’s progress throughout your visits to Skin Temple. And allows you, the client, to see that it’s Still You…Only Better!™