When should you see a podiatrist? If you have ongoing foot or heel pain, recurring ingrown toenails, bunions, changes to your toenails or changes in the way you walk, it may be time to have your feet assessed by a podiatrist. Foot problems can be easy to ignore, particularly when they develop gradually. However, ongoing discomfort or changes that begin to affect your movement and everyday activities may benefit from professional assessment. A podiatrist is a health professional who assesses, diagnoses and manages conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. Here are 10 signs it may be time to see a podiatrist. 1. You have ongoing heel pain Heel pain is one of the common reasons people visit a podiatrist. Pain may occur underneath the heel, around the back of the heel or through the surrounding area. There are several possible causes, including plantar fasciitis and other conditions affecting the structures of the foot. If your heel pain keeps returning, is getting worse or is affecting your normal activities, a podiatry assessment can help determine what may be causing it and what management options may be appropriate. 2. You have pain in your arch or the bottom of your foot Pain through the arch or sole of the foot can make standing, walking and exercise uncomfortable. There are many possible causes of arch and foot pain. A podiatrist can assess your foot structure, movement and symptoms to help identify what may be contributing to the problem. 3. You have a bunion that is becoming painful A bunion is a change around the joint at the base of the big toe that can become increasingly prominent over time. Some bunions cause little difficulty, while others may lead to pain, irritation from footwear or changes in movement. If a bunion is causing ongoing discomfort or interfering with everyday activities, a podiatrist can assess the condition and discuss the available treatment and management options. 4. You keep getting ingrown toenails An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into or irritates the surrounding skin. It can cause pain, redness and swelling and, in some cases, infection. If you regularly experience ingrown toenails, have significant discomfort or notice signs of infection, it is worth having the area professionally assessed rather than repeatedly trying to manage the problem yourself. 5. You have corns or calluses that keep coming back Corns and calluses commonly develop in response to repeated pressure or friction. While they can seem like a relatively minor concern, recurring corns and calluses may indicate that particular areas of your feet are experiencing increased pressure. A podiatrist can assess the affected area and look at factors that may be contributing to the problem. 6. Your foot pain keeps coming back Recurring foot pain should not necessarily be accepted as something you simply have to live with. Whether the discomfort is in your heel, arch, toes, forefoot or another part of your foot, recurring pain may have an underlying cause. A podiatry assessment can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and what options are available to manage them. 7. You have noticed changes in the way you walk Changes in the way you walk may develop because of pain, injury, changes in foot structure or a range of other factors. You may notice that you are placing more weight on one side, wearing your shoes unevenly or changing the way you move because certain movements are uncomfortable. A podiatrist can assess your feet and lower limbs and examine how they are functioning during movement. 8. Your toenails have changed Changes in the colour, thickness, texture or shape of a toenail can occur for several reasons, including injury and fungal nail infections. If you have noticed significant changes to a toenail, it has become painful or the problem is not improving, a podiatrist can assess the nail and discuss appropriate treatment options. 9. Your child has foot pain or changes in the way they walk Children’s feet and legs change considerably as they grow. If your child regularly complains of foot or leg pain, frequently trips, avoids physical activity because of discomfort or you notice changes in the way they walk, a podiatry assessment may be appropriate. A podiatrist can assess your child’s feet, lower limbs and movement and determine whether any further management may be required. 10. Foot pain is stopping you from doing the things you normally do One of the clearest signs that it may be time to see a podiatrist is when foot pain begins affecting your everyday life. If walking, exercising, working, playing sport or simply wearing your usual shoes has become uncomfortable, consider having the problem assessed to determine what may be contributing to it. What does a podiatrist treat? Podiatrists assess and manage a wide range of conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. These can include heel and arch pain, plantar fasciitis, bunions, ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, nail concerns, children’s foot problems and changes affecting walking and movement. The appropriate treatment or management approach will depend on the underlying condition, your symptoms and your individual circumstances. About Dr Maree Marks Dr Maree Marks is a Specialist Surgical Podiatrist with extensive training and clinical experience in Australia and the United Kingdom. Dr Maree commenced her surgical training in Australia in 2003 before relocating to the United Kingdom in 2007 to further her qualifications and surgical training at Charing Cross Hospital in London. In 2011, she attained Fellowship of the College of Podiatric Surgeons UK. She continued her clinical and surgical practice in the United Kingdom, where she also contributed to the education and training of surgical trainees, before returning to Australia to continue her practice in Sydney. As a Specialist Surgical Podiatrist, Dr Maree assesses a wide range of foot and ankle conditions and can discuss both non-surgical and surgical treatment options where clinically appropriate. Consulting a surgical podiatrist does not mean surgery will be required. Dr Maree considers the available treatment options based on your condition, circumstances and preferences, helping you make an informed decision about your care. Dr Maree Marks (POD0001275007) consults at GMC Cosmedical in Narellan and Randwick. Looking for a podiatrist in Sydney? If you are experiencing ongoing heel pain, arch pain, bunions, recurring ingrown toenails or another foot or ankle concern, consider having it professionally assessed. At GMC Cosmedical, you can book a podiatry consultation with Dr Maree Marks at our Narellan or Randwick clinics to have your concerns assessed and discuss the treatment or management options that may be appropriate for you. Narellan: (02) 4627 2000 Randwick: (02) 9399 6444 Book your podiatry consultation with GMC Cosmedical today. Important information This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Diagnosis, suitability and treatment options vary depending on individual circumstances. A consultation with a qualified health practitioner is required to assess your concerns and determine appropriate management. All medical and surgical procedures carry potential risks. These, along with expected recovery and other relevant considerations, will be discussed during your consultation. Before After ❮❯ All medical and cosmetic procedures carry risks. Individual suitability, risks, side effects, downtime and results vary. A personalised consultation with a qualified practitioner is essential to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you. For further information, please visit our risks and recovery page.

If you have been researching treatments for skin texture, firmness, acne scarring or visible signs of ageing, you may have come across Morpheus8. But what is Morpheus8, how does it work and what does the treatment actually do? Morpheus8 is an advanced treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy to target the deeper layers of the skin. It is used on the face and body and can address a range of common skin concerns. What is Morpheus8? Morpheus8 is a form of radiofrequency microneedling. The treatment uses very fine microneedles to deliver controlled radiofrequency energy beneath the surface of the skin. This creates controlled heat within the targeted tissue and stimulates the body's natural healing response, including collagen production and tissue remodelling. Unlike traditional microneedling alone, Morpheus8 combines the action of microneedling with RF energy, allowing the treatment to work at selected depths beneath the skin. What does Morpheus8 do? Morpheus8 can be used to address a number of skin concerns, including: Fine lines and wrinkles Uneven skin texture Acne scarring Skin laxity Areas of uneven skin appearance Changes associated with ageing The treatment can be customised to different areas of the face and body, with the depth and treatment settings adjusted by the practitioner. How does Morpheus8 work? Morpheus8 works by combining microneedling and radiofrequency energy in a single treatment. As the microneedles enter the skin, RF energy is delivered into targeted tissue. The combination creates a controlled response that stimulates collagen production and remodelling within the treated area. These changes continue to develop following treatment as the body's natural healing and remodelling processes take place. Where can Morpheus8 be used? Morpheus8 can be used across a number of areas of the face and body. On the face, treatment may focus on areas such as the cheeks, jawline, lower face and neck, depending on the concerns being addressed. It can also be used on selected areas of the body where skin texture or laxity is a concern. How long does Morpheus8 take to work? Morpheus8 is designed to produce progressive changes rather than an immediate final result. The body's response continues after treatment as collagen production and tissue remodelling take place. Changes may therefore continue to develop over the weeks and months following treatment. Your practitioner can discuss the treatment plan and expected timeframe during your consultation. What is the recovery after Morpheus8? There is generally a recovery period following Morpheus8. Redness, swelling, tenderness and temporary changes to the appearance or texture of the skin can occur after treatment. Your practitioner will provide appropriate aftercare instructions and explain what to expect during the recovery period. Considering Morpheus8 in Sydney? If you are interested in Morpheus8, the first step is a consultation. At GMC Cosmedical, our team can assess your skin, discuss the concerns you would like to address and explain whether Morpheus8 or another treatment option may be appropriate for you. Morpheus8 consultations are available at our Randwick and Narellan clinics in Sydney. Book your consultation with GMC Cosmedical today. Simply send us a DM or enquire via our website, and our team will be in touch. Important information This information is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for personalised medical advice. Morpheus8 is not suitable for everyone. Individual outcomes vary due to factors including baseline characteristics, medical history and other individual factors. A consultation with a qualified health practitioner is required to determine whether treatment is appropriate for you. All medical and cosmetic procedures carry potential risks and side effects. These may include redness, swelling, discomfort, changes in pigmentation, infection, scarring and other adverse events. Suitability, potential risks, recovery, expected outcomes and alternative treatment options should be discussed with your practitioner before proceeding. More information about risks and recovery is available at: www.gmccosmedical.com/risksandrecovery   Before After ❮❯ All medical and cosmetic procedures carry risks. Individual suitability, risks, side effects, downtime and results vary. A personalised consultation with a qualified practitioner is essential to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you. For further information, please visit our risks and recovery page. Follow GMC Cosmedical ❯ ❮ Follow on Instagram

If you are considering treatment for prominent ears, you may have come across the terms suture otoplasty, also known as incisionless otoplasty. At GMC Cosmedical, suture otoplasty uses carefully placed sutures to reshape and reposition prominent ears without the traditional surgical incision used in conventional otoplasty. What Is Suture Otoplasty? Suture otoplasty, also known as incisionless otoplasty, is a procedure used to reshape and reposition prominent ears using carefully placed sutures rather than a traditional surgical incision. The sutures are positioned to alter and support the shape of the ear cartilage, with the aim of creating a more balanced ear position. Every person’s ears are different, so suitability depends on factors including ear anatomy, cartilage characteristics, medical history and treatment goals. How Does Incisionless Otoplasty Work? Incisionless otoplasty uses carefully positioned sutures to reshape and reposition the ear. The placement of the sutures depends on the patient’s individual ear anatomy and the changes being considered. A consultation and clinical assessment are required to determine whether suture otoplasty may be suitable for an individual patient. Suture Otoplasty vs Traditional Otoplasty The key difference between suture otoplasty and traditional otoplasty is the approach used. Traditional otoplasty typically involves an incision behind the ear to access and modify the cartilage. Suture otoplasty uses carefully positioned sutures without the traditional surgical incision. Neither approach is appropriate for every patient. Your practitioner will assess your individual anatomy and discuss the options that may be suitable for you. What Are the Risks and Recovery? Although suture otoplasty is described as incisionless, it is still a medical procedure and carries potential risks. These may include pain or discomfort, swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, asymmetry, contour changes, visible or palpable sutures, suture related complications, recurrence of prominence and the possibility of further treatment or revision. Recovery varies between individuals. Your practitioner will discuss potential risks, expected recovery, aftercare and activity restrictions during your consultation. Suture Otoplasty Sydney at GMC Cosmedical If you are considering treatment for prominent ears, a consultation is the first step in determining whether suture otoplasty or incisionless otoplasty may be suitable for you. GMC Cosmedical provides consultations at our Randwick and Narellan clinics in Sydney, with patients also travelling from other parts of Australia for assessment and treatment. Book a consultation at GMC Cosmedical in Randwick or Narellan to learn more about suture otoplasty for prominent ears. Procedure performed by Dr George Calfas MED0000942626. Suture Otoplasty FAQs Is suture otoplasty the same as incisionless otoplasty? Yes. At GMC Cosmedical, suture otoplasty and incisionless otoplasty refer to the same procedure. Can suture otoplasty be used for prominent ears? For suitable patients, suture otoplasty may be considered to alter the shape and position of prominent ears. An individual clinical assessment is required. Does incisionless otoplasty leave a scar? Incisionless otoplasty avoids the traditional longer surgical incision behind the ear. Small entry points are required to position the sutures, and your practitioner can discuss potential marks or scarring during your consultation. Important Information This information is general and educational only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. A consultation with a qualified health practitioner is required to determine suitability. All medical procedures carry risks, and recovery and outcomes vary between individuals. No particular outcome can be guaranteed.   Before After ❮❯ Before After ❮❯ All medical and cosmetic procedures carry risks. Individual suitability, risks, side effects, downtime and results vary. A personalised consultation with a qualified practitioner is essential to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you. For further information, please visit our risks and recovery page. Follow GMC Cosmedical ❯ ❮ Follow on Instagram