You may have seen Dr. Brodie Thorpe introduce herself through our emails and social media, sharing a little about her career and specialty treatments.
Today, she would like to expand on this further with the Q&A below, offering more insight into her background, expertise, and approach to cosmetic and skin health treatments.
Why did you become a GP with a special interest in women’s health and dermatology? What led you to help patients at a medical cosmetic and laser clinic?
I’ve always enjoyed women’s health and dermatology, even as a medical student! I chose to train as a GP for various reasons — it’s a highly rewarding field that allows for a holistic approach to patient care rather than focusing on just one body system. Additionally, it offers flexibility and opportunities for further training in areas of particular interest.
I’ve undertaken additional education in both women’s health and primary care dermatology. In fact, it was my upskilling in skin cancer management and common skin conditions that led me into the medical cosmetic field. Many of my patients had questions about how to minimise signs of sun damage and improve their skin’s appearance. Initially, I began educating myself to provide guidance on available treatments, but I quickly realised how much I enjoyed the field and wanted to offer these treatments myself.
What are some of the most common skin concerns you treat at Laser Skin Care?
Pigmentation and skin changes due to UV exposure are among the most common concerns I see. Other frequent issues include redness from conditions such as rosacea, excessive hair growth related to polycystic ovarian syndrome, hormonal pigmentation, acne scarring and general ageing concerns.
Are there any treatments you particularly enjoy performing?
I really enjoy performing Fraxel laser treatments — it addresses a wide range of skin concerns, and most patients notice a significant improvement in skin tone and texture after treatment. Sclerotherapy (injections to treat leg veins) is also a satisfying procedure to perform, as the results can be quite transformative.
Ultimately, what I enjoy most is achieving the best results for each individual. This often requires a combination of treatments, as no single procedure is a “holy grail” solution for every skin concern. Each patient responds differently, so a tailored approach is essential.
Are you currently training in any new procedures? If so, why?
I recently completed training in Rejuran — an injectable treatment using polynucleotides (DNA fragments) derived from salmon. It helps improve skin tone, texture and the appearance of wrinkles. This treatment is particularly promising for the under-eye area, which is notoriously difficult to treat safely and effectively.
What are the biggest factors that accelerate skin ageing, and do you have any top tips to slow the process?
UV exposure is the number one factor in skin ageing. I always emphasise to my patients that without proper sun protection, they risk undoing the benefits of any skin treatments while also increasing their chances of developing skin cancer.
Sun protection is essential whenever the UV index is 3 or above. This includes avoiding direct sun exposure, wearing protective clothing (such as long sleeves, broad-brimmed hats and sunglasses), and regularly applying and reapplying a broad-spectrum SPF 50+.
Beyond sun protection, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key — eating well, staying hydrated, getting enough exercise and avoiding smoking all contribute to overall skin health and slowing the ageing process.
How do you tailor skin health and anti-ageing treatments for patients at different stages of life?
Different skin concerns tend to be more common at certain ages.
For example:
Teen years: Acne is the predominant concern, though it can persist into adulthood.
Childbearing years: Women may struggle with hormonal pigmentation and increased skin sensitivity.
Middle age: Conditions such as rosacea may become more noticeable, and early signs of ageing, such as volume loss and fine lines, start to appear.
Later years: Cumulative sun damage manifests as uneven skin tone, textural concerns and sunspots.
While the fundamentals of skin health, such as protecting the skin barrier and ensuring excellent sun protection remain the same at every stage, recommended treatments and skincare routines vary based on individual concerns. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.
Additionally, we must consider factors such as medical history, current medications, and whether a patient is pregnant or breastfeeding to determine the most suitable treatments for them.
To accommodate growing demand, Dr. Thorpe has extended her Monday clinic hours to a full day from March 10th — plus, she’ll also be available on select Saturdays from April!
Limited-Time Offer:
25% OFF All Treatments with Dr. Thorpe!
Book now for treatments between March 10th – March 17th.
T&C’s Only available with Dr Thorpe.
Not in conjunction with any other offer. Offer ends 17/03/2025
