Brisbaneskin Reviews 2

First appointment for the day, was waiting for an hour only then to be told the doctor won't be in till later. They have NO respect for the clients time as if keeping people waiting extended periods is acceptable. Never go there - I definitely won't be going back for any reason

I’m writing to warn others that Brisbane Skin (BS) is not an integrated team of employees as the website suggests. It is owned by Aura Medical Group, who provide managed office services (including bookings) and marketing for dermatologists and laser techs etc who each operate independently. In other words it is a Brand.

The BS laser technicians work for themselves. The money you pay is to them. Although they wear scrubs, they aren’t doctors or nurses.

Google reviews seem distorted, and there is no way to review the independent laser technicians operating from the BS premises, since they don’t have online profiles.

I went to BS in Feb 24, and paid $2500 for fraxel and a cream, believing the website statements at the time that fraxel treatments were led by what was quoted as the “world famous dermatologist Dr Manoharan” (who has since left BS). I wanted dermatologist led care to ensure the right treatment diagnosis and in case of any issues. Believing this to be the case I had a very painful fraxel treatment from a laser technician “Hilary” which resulted in infection, and I have had increased pigment on my cheeks and acne since the laser.

When I immediately raised the issues BS made up excuses seeking to blame me for them (eg taking antibiotics 3 days late, when they had not given instructions with the e-script I was texted), and refused to allow me to see a medically qualified doctor for 4 weeks. I came to realise this is because they don’t have access to book them, since they are not employees.

e scripts were issued by Dr Manoharan but this was without any consultation or instructions (in person or on line). I did not speak to him until a month after the treatment and only after insistence.

He was the necessary enabler for the laser treatment to be done by Hilary, since scripts are needed, but without giving any genuine input into the diagnosis, treatment or post treatment. Noting this added to my initial false impression that medical supervision and advice was a part of what I was getting.

My concern with this business model is the falseness of the advertising, luring patients on the belief of that there is an integrated medical team underpinning their services. If I had known I was just booking a laser technician operating independently I would have chosen a different provider (there are actual dermatologists who do these treatments and have nurses under them).

Some corrections to website wording (stating all staff are medically qualified) have occurred since I raised this complaint, however the BS site still states “The team of dermatologists, clinical assistants, nurses, therapists and support staff work together to make your experience with Brisbane Skin seamless from the time of booking through to post treatment care”.

I raised with the Health Ombudsman but unfortunately they have not investigated beyond the escripts, the bigger issue of misrepresentation.

BS refused to refund me unless I signed a Deed offered in Nov 24, which I refused to do on principle with final correspondence Feb 25.