Venus Viva™ NanoFractional RF Skin Resurfacing — Clinical Policy & Procedure

Published:

October 21, 2025

Applies to: All NCD clinical staff

1. Purpose

Provide a comprehensive, evidence-based protocol for safe, effective and compliant use of the Venus Viva™ NanoFractional RF system for ablative/fractional resurfacing, aligned with Australian regulation, infection control and privacy law, and the manufacturer’s instructions for use. ¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵ ⁶ ⁷ ⁸

2. Scope

Applies to all Venus Viva™ resurfacing treatments by trained NCD clinicians within their scope of practice.
All treatment areas/skin types where indicated; parameters adjusted per skin phenotype and concern.
Excludes non-indicated conditions or off-label use outside manufacturer guidance.

Read this policy with Ahpra cosmetic procedure guidance, advertising rules, NHMRC infection-control guidelines, OAIC privacy guidance, and the current Venus Viva™ manual. ¹ ² ³ ⁵ ⁷

3. Device overview

Venus Viva™ MD is a fractional resurfacing system using NanoFractional RF with SmartScan™ to deliver controlled ablation/coagulation via an array of pins; indicated for resurfacing and textural irregularities in suitable candidates. The device is included on the ARTG under Venus Concept Australia (Class IIb). Confirm the specific console and tips are covered before clinical use. ⁶ ⁷ ⁸

Energy delivery: fractional RF; operator controls density/ablation per manufacturer protocol.
Not a laser; still apply electrical/thermal controls and appropriate eye protection for splash/particulate.

Only genuine, in-date consumables to be used; maintain service/calibration and logs. ⁷ ⁹

4. Roles & training

Responsible medical practitioner: patient selection, consent, parameters/prescription, complication management, delegation/oversight.
Operators: trained/credentialed per manufacturer in-service + NCD competency sign-off; maintain CPD and adherence to Ahpra cosmetic procedure expectations.¹ ⁷

5. Patient selection & contraindications

Absolute contraindications (do not treat):

Active infection at treatment site (bacterial, viral—e.g., HSV—or fungal).
Open wounds, dermatitis flare, or compromised barrier at site.
Implanted electronic devices in proximity (e.g., pacemaker/ICD) unless cleared by manufacturer and cardiology.
Pregnancy (safety not established).
Known keloid tendency in high-risk sites (weigh risk–benefit).
Recent isotretinoin use within deferral window per clinician judgement and current evidence.

Relative contraindications: recent sunburn/tanning, photosensitisers/irritants, Fitzpatrick IV–VI (use conservative parameters and strict photoprotection), history of PIH, autoimmune disease affecting healing, anticoagulation (bruising risk), unrealistic expectations/BDD red flags. ⁷ ¹⁰

6. Pre-treatment (1–2 weeks prior)

Medical history & medicines; screen for psychological risk/BDD; document alternatives and downtime per Ahpra cosmetic guidance.
Photography with explicit consent; store/manage per OAIC Health Privacy; advertising use must comply with Ahpra (no testimonials/limited claims).

Pre-procedure preparation: sun avoidance + SPF 50+, cease irritating topicals (retinoids/AHAs) 3–5 days pre-treatment unless advised; HSV prophylaxis in recurrent facial HSV; avoid fake tan 7 days and waxing/epilation 5–7 days pre-treatment. Confirm service status, electrical safety (RCD), cables, and genuine tips in the equipment log. ¹ ² ⁵ ⁷ ⁹

7. Informed consent (documented)

Indication, mechanism (fractional RF ablation/coagulation), and alternatives (topicals, peels, lasers, needling).
Course: typically 3–4 sessions at 4–6 week intervals; maintenance PRN; variable response.
Common effects: heat/pain, erythema, oedema, micro-crusting/bronzing, dryness for 1–7 days; makeup usually after 24–48 h if epithelium intact.
Risks: PIH (higher in darker skin), persistent erythema, blistering/erosions, infection (incl. HSV), scarring (rare).
Aftercare: photoprotection, gentle care, no picking; urgent review for red flags.
Privacy/photography: storage, use, disclosure; right to withdraw consent.

Cooling-off and independent decision-making per Ahpra cosmetic procedure guidance. Advertising must comply with Ahpra rules (e.g., no testimonials/limited price claims). ¹ ² ⁵ ¹⁰ ⁸

8. Treatment-day protocol

8.1 Pre-procedure

Identity & site check; allergies; pregnancy status where relevant.
Review consent, pre-care adherence, and baseline photos; final sign-off.

Skin prep: cleanse, degrease, antisepsis (alcohol-based chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine) per NHMRC; let dry fully to avoid ignition risk. ³ ⁴ ⁷

8.2 Anaesthesia

Topical anaesthetic (TGA-registered) per PI; apply 20–45 min under occlusion as appropriate; adhere to maximum dose; remove fully before energy delivery.

Reference for device listing and IFU requirements: ⁶ ⁷

8.3 Device setup & parameters (follow IFU)

Power-on checks passed; correct tip; usage counter within limits; disposables tracked.
Parameter selection: start conservatively; adjust per skin type/indication and anatomic site; follow manufacturer protocols for passes, overlap and endpoints.
Passes & coverage: typically 1–3 passes with cross-hatching; avoid excess stacking; monitor for clinical endpoints over numeric targets.
Endpoints: uniform erythema and expected micro-ablation pattern; stop if blistering/whitening. ⁷

8.4 Safety & WHS

No flammables immediately pre-pulse; allow antiseptics to dry.
Cables secured; RCD-protected outlet; electrical risks managed per SafeWork Code of Practice.
PPE: gloves; eye protection for patient/operator for splash/particulate as appropriate; surgical mask per risk assessment. ³ ⁹

9. Post-treatment care

Immediate: cool packs PRN; sterile non-adherent if indicated; bland occlusive (e.g., petrolatum) as directed.
First 72 h: gentle cleanse; avoid actives; no picking/scrubbing; SPF 50+; avoid heat/sauna/gym for 24–48 h.
Bronzing/micro-crusts typically shed in 3–7 days; makeup when epithelium intact (24–48 h for many).
Photoprotection for 4 weeks to minimise PIH; re-introduce actives after day 5–7 if recovered. ³ ⁷

10. Red flags (urgent review)

Worsening pain, blistering, spreading erosions beyond expected micro-crusting.
Fever, purulence, cellulitis signs.
Clustered vesicles (possible HSV).
Progressive hyperpigmentation or early scarring. ⁶ ¹⁰

11. Treatment course & follow-up

Standard course: 3–4 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks, review at 12–16 weeks post-course; maintenance PRN. Acne scarring may require more sessions; tailor by indication and response. ⁷ ⁸

Follow-up cadence: Day 2–3 (tele), Day 7–10 (in-clinic PRN), then 4 weeks (next session). Earlier if red flags.

12. Documentation

Screening/consent/photos; parameter sheet (tip ID, passes, settings, endpoints).
Consumable lot numbers; device serial; room/WHS checks.
Aftercare provided; appointment booked; adverse events documented and reported to TGA if device-related.

13. Cleaning, disinfection & maintenance

Between patients: wipe down console/cables with manufacturer-approved disinfectant; avoid liquid ingress; allow drying before reuse (flammability).
Tips/applicators: follow IFU; dispose single-use; only re-use if expressly permitted.
Electrical safety: maintenance per schedule; RCD testing; isolate and tag-out faults; service logs maintained. ⁷ ⁹

14. Advertising & images

No testimonials/limited claims; include practitioner details where required; comply with Ahpra advertising rules.
Obtain explicit documented consent for identifiable images; manage storage/sharing per OAIC health privacy. ² ⁵

Sources

Medical Board of Australia. New guidelines for cosmetic procedures (2025), viewed 20 Oct 2025, https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/sitecore/content/Home/News/2025-09-02-New-guidelines-for-cosmetic-procedures.aspx ↩︎
Ahpra & National Boards. Advertising a regulated health service – Guidelines (2020, current), viewed 20 Oct 2025, https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Advertising-hub/Advertising-guidelines-and-other-guidance/Advertising-guidelines.aspx ↩︎
NHMRC. Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (2019, current), viewed 20 Oct 2025, https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/australian-guidelines-prevention-and-control-infection-healthcare-2019 ↩︎
ACSQHC. Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (resource library), viewed 20 Oct 2025, https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/australian-guidelines-prevention-and-control-infection-healthcare ↩︎
OAIC. Guide to health privacy for health service providers (2025), viewed 20 Oct 2025, https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-guidance-for-organisations-and-government-agencies/health-service-providers/guide-to-health-privacy ↩︎
TGA ARTG 481610. Venus Concept Australia – Skin contouring system, multifunction (Class IIb), viewed 20 Oct 2025, https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/artg/481610 ↩︎
Venus Viva Operation Manual (clinical use), viewed 20 Oct 2025, https://www.docdroid.net/file/download/tGcQLQ9/venus-viva-operation-manual-for-clinical-use-only-061113-pdf.pdf ↩︎
Venus Viva™ MD – AU product overview, viewed 20 Oct 2025, https://www.venus.ai/en-au/venus-viva ↩︎
SafeWork NSW. Managing electrical risks in the workplace – Code of Practice (2019), viewed 20 Oct 2025, https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/50230/Managing-electrical-risks-in-the-workplace-COP.pdf ↩︎
JAAD. Adverse effects with fractional RF procedures, viewed 20 Oct 2025, https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(17)31290-2/fulltext ↩︎

Appendix A. Informed Consent Checklist — Venus Viva™

Indication and area(s) agreed; alternatives discussed (topicals/peels/laser/needling).
Mechanism explained (fractional RF micro‑ablation/coagulation).
Expected course: 3–4 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart; maintenance likely.
Downtime discussed (erythema, oedema, dryness, bronzing/micro‑crusts).
Risks covered: PIH (esp. IV–VI), blistering/erosions, infection (incl. HSV), rare scarring.
Photos taken with consent; storage, access, and any external use explained.
Cooling‑off/independent decision‑making opportunity provided per Ahpra 2025 guidance.
Medication/supplement review; HSV history; pregnancy status.
Pre‑care adhered to (no recent sunburn/fake tan; actives paused).
Anaesthetic discussed (topical; max dose; removal before treatment).
Parameter strategy agreed (conservative start; escalate by endpoints).
Aftercare explained and printed handout provided; urgent contact details given.

Appendix B. Parameter Presets by Indication & Fitzpatrick (Conservative Starting Points)

Use these as conservative starting points based on manufacturer IFU concepts; always individualise to skin type, anatomic site, and tolerance. Increase gradually only after assessing clinical endpoints (uniform erythema, expected micro‑ablation pattern). Document any deviations and rationale.

Texture / Fine Rhytids (Face)

Fitzpatrick	Energy (rel.)	Density / Passes	Notes
I–III	Low–Medium	1–2 passes, cross‑hatch	Endpoint: even erythema; avoid stacking on bony ridges.
IV–V	Low	1 pass, no stacking	Strict photoprotection x4 weeks; consider test patch.
VI	Very low	Single conservative pass	Test patch mandatory; monitor closely for PIH.

Acne Scarring (Cheeks/Temples)

Fitzpatrick	Energy (rel.)	Density / Passes	Notes
I–III	Low–Medium	2–3 passes (light overlap)	Space sessions 4–6 weeks; manage expectations (often more sessions).
IV–V	Low	1–2 passes	Consider prophylactic lightening regimen post‑epithelium recovery.
VI	Very low	1 pass	Consider alternative modalities if PIH risk unacceptable.

Pores / Texture (Nose/Perinasal)

Fitzpatrick	Energy (rel.)	Density / Passes	Notes
I–III	Low	1–2 passes	Sebaceous areas may feel hotter; watch for whitening.
IV–VI	Very low	1 pass	Defer if recent sun exposure.

Always verify parameters against the most current Venus Viva™ Operation Manual and Australian device listing status before use. [Venus Viva AU] [TGA ARTG]

Appendix C. Patient Aftercare — Venus Viva™ NanoFractional RF (Give to Patient)

Thank you for choosing Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor. Please follow these instructions carefully. If you have any concerns, contact us immediately.

First 24–48 hours

Cooling with clean cool packs as needed (short intervals).
Keep skin clean and dry; use only the product provided/recommended by your clinician (usually a bland occlusive like petrolatum).
No makeup until the skin surface has re‑epithelialised (often 24–48 h).
Avoid heat (sauna, hot yoga, strenuous gym) and swimming.
Sleep slightly elevated; avoid touching/picking.

Days 2–7

Gentle cleanse; avoid scrubs/actives (retinoids/AHAs/BHAs).
Expect bronzing or tiny micro‑crusts that shed over 3–7 days—do not pick.
Broad‑spectrum SPF 50+ every morning; re‑apply when outdoors.
Mineral makeup is usually fine once the surface is intact.

Weeks 2–4

Gradually re‑introduce actives if comfortable (start with niacinamide/hyaluronic acid; retinoids later).
Strict sun protection for 4 weeks to reduce PIH risk.

Red flags — contact us urgently

Increasing pain, blistering, spreading erosions or pus.
Fever or feeling unwell.
Clustered blisters (possible cold sore).
Rapidly worsening dark patches or signs of scarring.

Privacy & photographs: We store your clinical photos securely in line with Australian privacy law. For any advertising use of images, extra written consent is needed, and you can withdraw at any time. [OAIC Health Privacy]

Disclaimer for Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor Policies & Procedures

The policies and procedures contained within this document are the exclusive property of Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor and are provided for internal clinical governance and educational purposes only. These materials represent the internal operational framework, safety standards, and evidence-based protocols developed and implemented by Dr. Bart John Scanlon and the Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor team. They are designed specifically for use within Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor and reflect our clinic’s own professional standards, risk assessments, and compliance obligations under Australian law and regulatory authorities. External individuals, practitioners, or organisations must not copy, reproduce, distribute, or rely upon these materials, in whole or in part, for their own clinical, commercial, or educational use without prior written consent from Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor. These materials do not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice and are not intended to be adopted as official protocols or procedures by any other entity. Any external use or adaptation must be independently reviewed and modified to meet the relevant laws, guidelines, and standards applicable to the user’s own jurisdiction, scope of practice, and facility operations. Newcastle Cosmetic Doctor and Dr. Bart Scanlon accept no liability for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the unauthorised use, reliance upon, or misinterpretation of this material.