Ashleigh Gleeson

National Health Editor

Cosmetic services are a booming industry.

However, our latest investigations reveal numerous health and ethical concerns within the sector.

Our talented young reporter, Taylor Penny, went undercover to determine if cosmetic injectors would recommend Botox for her.

Despite her smooth 20-year-old complexion, they did. You can read her firsthand account here.

Deputy National Health Editor Tamara McDonald spoke with women who experienced health issues following breast implants and have since joined the growing number opting for removal. Discover their health battles here.

I examined why more Australians are choosing to dissolve their lip filler and investigated the "pillow face" phenomenon affecting some who have used injectables.

On a different note, Taylor has interviewed young tradies who are ditching alcohol in favour of feeling refreshed.

Learn why Gen Zs are turning away from drinking, and share your experiences with sobriety at health@news.com.au.

Have a great week.

Three stories to read today

I’m only 20 — I was shocked 4 injectors wanted to give me Botox

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Journalist Taylor Penny investigates what happens behind closed doors when young people book in to get anti-wrinkle injections.

Meet the women who say breast implants destroyed their health

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Breast implant illness is not officially recognised. But Australian women who’ve battled painful symptoms and forked out thousands to have theirs removed want action.

I’m a cosmetic physician – this is how often I’m fixing ‘pillow face’

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Cosmetic injectors and plastic surgeons say they are regularly seeing patients who want filler dissolved or who have developed an issue that’s becoming known as “pillow face”.

In focus

When I stopped drinking, I felt more productive and had more interest in my hobbies.

Zander Te Brugge is among the young tradies ditching booze

Handy health info

I’m a dietitian — these are 8 recipes to boost your Omega-3

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Dietitian and recipe developer Amanda Maiorano – known as Made By Mandy – shares some of her favourite recipes packed with Omega-3 fatty acids.

I’m a psychologist — why some people ‘blow up’ over minor issues

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Psychologist Carly Dober says one of the most common patterns she sees in clients is emotional dysregulation. Do you have one of these 18 triggers?

10 brews rated: Are non-alcoholic beers actually good?

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Kirk O’Dwyer tests out 10 non-alcoholic beers to see if they really stack up to the real thing.

Protect your health

#1 - How to protect yourself from Hendra virus The re-emergence of the bat-borne Hendra virus in Queensland has raised alarm. Here is what you need to know and how to guard against infection.

#2 - How I overcame killer conditionSepsis kills more people than road accidents or breast or prostate cancer. This is how it took a young Australian woman two years to return to good health.

#3 - New Covid 'Frankenstein' strain: What Aussies must knowA new, highly contagious Covid-19 strain has emerged globally as thousands of Australians prepare to travel overseas. This is what we know.

Lyndi Cohen explains what to eat to balance your hormones

When your hormones are out of whack, it’s like a party that’s gone off the rails, writes nutritionist Lyndi Cohen. She shares what to eat to help keep them in check.

Train your Brain

To which Australian state is the Gymea lily native?

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The Chase Australia’s official Shark, Brydon Coverdale, has created a new daily quiz challenge. Test yourself.

What we're cooking

Sea bass, lentils, spinach and salsa verde

This flavourful dish is a great weeknight dinner.

Here are the ingredients and instructions to make it yourself.