The experts in evidence-led skin
Dr Zhao has treated patients every day while completing a second PhD in laser-skin interaction. Treatment parameters here are chosen by someone who researches them.
- Doctorates
- 2 Doctorates Public health, and laser-skin interaction in progress
- Published papers
- 40+ Published papers Peer-reviewed, published internationally
- Research funding
- $1M+ Research funding Secured in competitive grants
- Researching since
- 2006 Researching since University academic and researcher
Treatments for skin, body and hair
Dr Isabella Zhao, founder
Why this clinic exists
Your Skin Doctor began with a question I kept returning to: why does so much of what happens in a treatment room stop at technique, when there is a whole body of science explaining how it could work better?
I have built my career on both sides of that question, treating patients every day while completing my second PhD in laser-skin interaction. I study how laser energy interacts with skin, why certain parameters rejuvenate and heal, and what the evidence genuinely supports. That research comes back into how I assess your skin and plan your care, as it develops, not years later.
My commitment is simple: every treatment is grounded in evidence. When the science is still emerging, I will tell you that too. I would rather be honest about what we know than overpromise on what we do not.
When you sit in my chair, you are not receiving a one-size-fits-all package. You are receiving a plan shaped by an understanding of how your skin will respond.
Be Young At Any Age
How treatment works here
No treatment without an assessment
- 01
Consult
A thorough consultation and skin assessment. I review your concerns, your medical and skin history, and whether a treatment is suitable for you at all.
- 02
Assess
Your skin type, your goals, and what the current evidence supports. For some treatments a patch test is recommended before we go further.
- 03
Plan
A plan tailored to your skin rather than a fixed package, with a realistic outline of what to expect and how to care for your skin afterwards.
- 04
Review
We review your progress as we go and adjust where needed. Outcomes vary between people, so the plan is not fixed at the first appointment.
Before you book
Questions people actually ask
Do I need a consultation before treatment?
Yes. Every treatment begins with a thorough consultation and skin assessment. This lets me understand your concerns, review your medical and skin history, and determine whether a treatment is suitable for you. From there, I'll design a plan tailored to your skin, not a fixed package. For some treatments, a patch test may also be recommended before we begin.
How do you decide which treatment is right for me?
Your plan is based on your individual skin assessment, your goals, and what the current evidence supports. Because I work at the intersection of clinical practice and laser-skin research, treatment parameters are chosen with a detailed understanding of how different skin types respond. There's no one-size-fits-all approach here. What I recommend for you is specific to you.
Will the treatment hurt, and is there downtime?
This varies depending on the treatment and the area being treated. Some treatments involve only mild discomfort with little to no downtime, while others may cause temporary redness, swelling or sensitivity as the skin recovers. I'll explain exactly what to expect for your specific treatment during your consultation, along with how to care for your skin afterwards.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on your skin, your concern, and your goals, and it differs from person to person. Rather than promising a set number upfront, I'll give you a realistic outline at your consultation and review your progress as we go, adjusting the plan where needed.
What results can I expect?
Because every individual's skin responds differently, outcomes vary from person to person and can't be guaranteed. What I can promise is a treatment plan grounded in evidence and careful assessment. Where the science behind a treatment is still emerging, I'll be transparent about that. I'd rather set honest expectations than overpromise.
How do I prepare for my appointment?
Preparation depends on the treatment, so I'll give you specific guidance at your consultation. As a general rule, it helps to avoid sun exposure and fake tan to the treatment area beforehand, and to let me know about any medications, skincare actives, or relevant medical history, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, or a history of cold sores, so I can plan your treatment safely.
Visit the clinic
We are on Ipswich Road in Annerley, a few minutes south of the Gabba, with parking nearby.
- Opening hours
Monday Closed Tuesday 9:30am to 6pm Wednesday 9:30am to 6pm Thursday 9:30am to 6pm Friday 9:30am to 6pm Saturday 9:30am to 6pm Sunday Closed