Still Standing: What 20 Years of CCM Means to Me - From Helen
Twenty years.
It’s a number that feels impossible and yet, when I look back, it holds an entire lifetime of memories, challenges, growth, and gratitude.
When I opened Concept Cosmetic Medicine two decades ago, cosmetic medicine wasn’t well known, let alone widely understood. It was a small, emerging industry, often misunderstood, and very different from the landscape we see today. What I did know, even then, was my compass: focus on the patient, not the trend. Build trust. Do the right thing. Create a place where people feel safe, supported, and understood.
That simple foundation is what carried us through everything that has happened since — the GFC, rapid industry changes, shifting regulations, global trends, and of course, the unparalleled challenge of COVID. Life twisted and turned in ways none of us could have imagined. My own children grew from running through the clinic halls… to now, proudly, watching my daughter Abbey step into the business.
And through all of it, CCM kept growing — quietly, steadily, strongly.
If I had to put a soundtrack to this journey, the only song that comes to mind is “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John. Not because we merely survived, but because we stood tall. Through every obstacle, every reinvention, every new chapter, CCM kept its footing by returning to the same guiding truth: care deeply and always come back to the patient.
Gratitude That Spans Two Decades
A business is never just a business — it’s people.
I am profoundly grateful to the doctors and staff who have stood beside me for nearly two decades. Some have been with CCM almost as long as the clinic has existed. Their loyalty, professionalism, and belief in what we do mean more than they will ever know.
And to our patients — many of whom I met in my early days and still see today — you are the reason CCM exists. Your trust has shaped who we are. You’ve allowed us into your lives, your milestones, your insecurities, your celebrations. That trust is the greatest honour of my professional life.
Celebrating 20 Years — A Night I’ll Never Forget
On November 26th, we gathered at Aqua Luna in Drummoyne to mark this milestone. More than 150 guests — family, friends, VIP clients, colleagues, and long-time supporters — filled the space with warmth, laughter, and a genuine sense of community.
The night was everything I had hoped for:
Elegant canapés
Beautiful drinks
Live music
A relaxed waterfront atmosphere
And the overwhelming feeling of being surrounded by people who have walked this journey with us
What I’m Most Proud Of
Not the size of the clinic.
Not the industry awards.
Not the treatments or technology or trends.
What I’m most proud of is that in 20 years, CCM never lost its way.
We stayed true to the values we started with:
Patient-first care
Education over hype
Safety above everything
Warmth, integrity, and genuine connection
That is the foundation that built this clinic — and the foundation that will carry us forward.
Looking Ahead
The celebration wasn’t just a moment to look back; it was a moment to look forward with excitement. We have new treatments, new technology, and a refreshed vision for the next decade — but the heart of CCM remains unchanged.
I left the event feeling full — of gratitude, pride, love, and possibility.
It was one of the great honours of my life to stand in that room and celebrate 20 years with the people who made it all possible.
Here’s to the next chapter.
Here’s to standing strong.
And here’s to the people who helped us get here — thank you.
— Helen
Founder, Concept Cosmetic Medicine
