Do I still need to see my regular GP?

Yes. We work alongside your GP. Functional and integrative medicine is complementary — we don't replace your primary care relationship.

My results keep coming back normal. Can you actually help?

Yes. Standard blood tests typically look for overt disease. We run broader panels — reverse T3, fasting insulin, inflammatory markers, microbiome analysis, provoked urine testing for heavy metals — that pick up patterns standard testing misses.

Will I need a lot of testing?

It depends on your case. Your first appointment includes a thorough history. Testing is ordered based on what we find — never a panel-for-the-sake-of-a-panel approach.

How long until I feel better?

Complex chronic illness takes time to unpack. Most patients notice measurable shifts within 8-12 weeks of starting their individualised plan, with deeper changes over 6-12 months.

Where is Mojo Klinik located?

Suite 11, 40 Yeo Street, Neutral Bay NSW 2089, Sydney, Australia.

What are the clinic hours?

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Bookings are by appointment only.

Is parking available?

Yes. There is 2-hour free parking on Yeo Street and surrounding streets, plus public transport options including the Neutral Bay ferry wharf a 5-minute walk away.

Do you offer telehealth?

Yes. Telehealth follow-ups are available Australia-wide. The first appointment is strongly recommended in-person at our Neutral Bay clinic.

What kinds of conditions do you treat?

Chronic, complex, multi-system, often unexplained conditions — including hormonal, digestive, metabolic, fatigue, immune and toxicity-related presentations. We do not provide acute or emergency care.

Do you treat cancer, Alzheimer's or dementia?

No. We do not advertise treatment for cancer, Alzheimer's, dementia or serious neurodegenerative conditions per TGA prohibited representations.

How do I know which condition page to start with?

Most patients begin with the Mojo New Patient Appointment (one hour) which covers the full clinical picture. From there we identify which condition-specific testing is needed.

Can I see both doctors?

Yes. Many patients see both Dr Mackey and Dr Varipatis — typically Dr Mackey for hormonal, digestive and metabolic presentations and Dr Varipatis for environmental, heavy metal and chronic infection work.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition where bacteria that normally live in the large intestine overgrow in the small intestine, causing bloating, gas, abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.

How is SIBO diagnosed?

We use a lactulose or glucose breath test that measures hydrogen and methane gas over 2-3 hours. This identifies bacterial overgrowth and the dominant gas pattern (hydrogen-dominant, methane-dominant, or hydrogen sulfide).

Is IBS the same as SIBO?

No, but they overlap. IBS is a functional diagnosis of digestive symptoms without identifiable disease. SIBO is one identifiable cause of IBS-like symptoms. Many IBS patients have underlying SIBO, but not all.

How long does treatment take?

Treatment duration depends on the case. A typical SIBO protocol involves 2-4 weeks of antimicrobial therapy followed by gut repair and prevention of recurrence. Underlying motility and digestive function must also be addressed.

Yes, SIBO has a moderate recurrence rate. We focus on identifying and treating the underlying causes (motility, structural issues, MMC function, diet) to reduce recurrence risk.

Do I need to stop my medications before testing?

Some medications (particularly antibiotics and probiotics) need to be stopped before breath testing. Your practitioner will advise specific preparation instructions at booking.

Will Medicare or private health insurance cover this?

The Mojo New Patient Appointment carries a Medicare rebate. Breath testing is privately billed. Private health fund rebates depend on your policy — check with your insurer.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, typically lasting 4-10 years. Hormone levels fluctuate, causing symptoms that often begin years before periods stop.

At what age does perimenopause start?

Most women begin perimenopause in their mid-40s, but it can start earlier. Symptoms before age 40 may indicate primary ovarian insufficiency and warrant investigation.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (formerly HRT) replaces the hormones that decline during perimenopause and menopause. Modern body-identical MHT is far safer than older synthetic versions.

Current evidence shows body-identical MHT is safe for most women when started within 10 years of menopause onset. Individual risk assessment is essential — your family history, personal history and current symptoms all inform the decision.

What is DUTCH testing?

DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) measures hormones and their metabolites over 24 hours, giving a fuller picture than a single blood draw. It's particularly useful for perimenopause where hormone levels fluctuate.

Do I need blood tests or urine tests?

Both. We typically run a full blood panel (thyroid, sex hormones, metabolic markers, vitamins) plus DUTCH for detailed hormone metabolite analysis. The combination gives the clearest clinical picture.

Can I take MHT if I've had breast cancer?

This requires careful specialist input. Non-hormonal options are usually preferred. Decisions are made in consultation with your oncology team.

What is heavy metal toxicity?

Accumulation of toxic metals (mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, aluminium) in body tissues beyond levels the body can safely excrete. Sources include dental amalgams, contaminated fish, occupational exposure, old plumbing and some traditional medicines.

How do you test for heavy metal burden?

We use provoked urine testing — a chelating agent is administered to mobilise stored metals, then urine is collected over 6 hours. This reveals what's actually stored in tissues, not just recent exposure. Blood tests only show recent exposure.

Is chelation therapy safe?

When medically supervised, chelation is safe and well-tolerated. The Heavy Metal Initial Appointment assesses kidney function, mineral status and overall suitability before any chelation is undertaken. Treatment is individualised.

Do I need to see a specific doctor?

Both Dr Mackey and Dr Varipatis offer Heavy Metal Initial Appointments. For chelation therapy specifically, both doctors prescribe — Dr Varipatis has the longer clinical history with chelation, Dr Mackey integrates it with broader hormonal and metabolic work.

Will my insurance cover this?

The Heavy Metal Initial Appointment does not carry a Medicare rebate. Private health fund coverage depends on your policy. Itemised receipts are provided for you to submit.

How long does treatment take?

A typical chelation programme runs 6-12 months depending on the metal burden identified. Repeat provoked urine testing guides treatment duration.

What's the difference between you and a naturopath?

Dr Mackey and Dr Varipatis are AHPRA-registered medical doctors. Provoked urine testing, chelation therapy and pharmaceutical prescribing are medical acts not available to naturopaths. Your treatment is medically supervised throughout.

Clinically termed 'increased intestinal permeability' — the gut lining becomes more porous than it should, allowing partially digested food particles, bacterial fragments and toxins to enter the bloodstream, driving systemic inflammation.

What causes bloating?

Common drivers: SIBO, food intolerances (FODMAP sensitivity, histamine, lactose), microbiome imbalance, low stomach acid, sluggish motility, and increased intestinal permeability.

How do you diagnose it?

We use a combination of detailed symptom analysis, breath testing (SIBO), stool microbiome analysis, intestinal permeability markers (zonulin, lactulose/mannitol test), and food intolerance panels where indicated.

Is bloating always related to food?

Not always. Bloating can also be driven by HPA axis dysfunction, hormonal fluctuations, stress, structural issues, and microbiome imbalance independent of specific foods.

How long does treatment take?

Most patients see significant improvement within 8-12 weeks. Full gut repair typically takes 6-12 months depending on the underlying cause and how long the issue has been present.

Should I do an elimination diet?

Elimination diets can help identify triggers short-term, but they're not a long-term solution. We use targeted testing where possible to identify specific drivers, then individualise dietary advice.

Sometimes, but not always. The wrong probiotic for your specific microbiome imbalance can worsen symptoms. We test first, then prescribe specific strains based on your results.

Can stress cause bloating?

Yes. Chronic stress alters gut motility, microbiome composition, digestive enzyme secretion, and intestinal permeability. We address the stress component alongside the physical drivers.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, gradually reducing its function. It's the most common cause of hypothyroidism in Australia.

Why is my TSH 'normal' but I still have symptoms?

Standard TSH testing misses many thyroid issues. We test the full panel — TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies (TPO and TG). Patterns of suboptimal T3 conversion, elevated reverse T3, or positive antibodies explain persistent symptoms.

Do you prescribe thyroid medication?

Yes. As AHPRA-registered medical doctors, we prescribe all forms of thyroid medication including T4 (Oroxine), T3 (Cytomel/Tertroxin), and combination T4/T3 therapy. Decisions are based on the full panel and your symptoms.

What's reverse T3 and why does it matter?

Reverse T3 is an inactive form of T3 that blocks thyroid receptors. Elevated reverse T3 (from chronic stress, calorie restriction, illness, or low iron) causes hypothyroid symptoms even when TSH and free T4 look 'normal'.

How long until I feel better on thyroid treatment?

Most patients notice meaningful improvement within 4-8 weeks of starting treatment, with full stabilisation over 3-6 months. Repeat testing at 6-8 weeks guides dose adjustment.

Will my GP continue to manage my thyroid?

We work alongside your GP. Once stable, we can transition thyroid monitoring back to your GP with a clear management plan. Many GPs prefer this collaborative approach for complex thyroid cases.

How do you test hormones?

We use a combination of blood tests (for thyroid, sex hormones, metabolic markers) and DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) for detailed hormone metabolite analysis. The combination reveals patterns a single blood draw misses.

Do I need to test on a specific day of my cycle?

Yes for blood tests — typically day 21 for progesterone, day 2-3 for baseline hormones. DUTCH can be done any day and is more forgiving.

Can hormones cause weight gain?

Hormonal drivers of weight gain include thyroid dysfunction, cortisol dysregulation, insulin resistance, oestrogen dominance, and perimenopausal changes. We test for these before any weight management advice.

What about testosterone in women?

Testosterone in women is essential for energy, libido, muscle mass and motivation. We test and address both deficiency and excess (PCOS-related).

Regenerative Cosmetic Medicine

Mojo Klinik / Services / Regenerative cosmetic medicine

DR MARIA MACKEY · MOJO KLINIK · NEUTRAL BAY SYDNEY

Regenerative Cosmetic Medicine.

Doctor-led. Skin biology first.

Most patients say the same thing at their first consultation.

They do not want to look done.

They want to look like themselves, but better.

THE MOJO COSMETIC CLINIC PHILOSOPHY

Dr Mackey’s approach starts with skin health, not a treatment menu. She considers your skin’s biology, your hormonal and metabolic context, and what your face actually needs before any
procedure is recommended.

Skin from within is the principle that runs through this practice: skin appearance is influenced by what is happening inside your body. Anti-ageing starts with addressing the biology, not just the surface.

A doctor-led cosmetic clinic Sydney that treats skin as a downstream signal of internal health, with regenerative procedures used selectively rather than as defaults.

"The most common thing patients say at their first cosmetic consultation is that they do not want to look done. They want to look like the version of themselves they recognise. The best cosmetic work starts with skin biology. The face follows from there."

Dr Maria Mackey, MBChB FRACGP Dip Hom FAARM

THE MOJO COSMETIC CLINIC PHILOSOPHY

An integrative approach where appropriate.

Because Dr Mackey practices integrative and functional medicine as her primary discipline, she can offer a combined approach where appropriate.

Hormonal change

Perimenopause and menopause accelerate collagen loss and skin thinning.

Insulin resistance

Affects skin texture, pore size, and inflammatory acne patterns. Hormonal acne and the gut-skin connection are areas Dr Mackey works in regularly.

Nutritional status

Nutritional status influences skin repair. We assess and address where indicated.

Gut dysbiosis

Can drive inflammatory skin conditions including rosacea, acne, and eczema.

CITATION

A 2024 review in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology confirmed that hormonal status, nutritional state, gut microbiome composition, and systemic inflammation are measurable contributors to skin biology and appearance, supporting integrative approaches that address internal contributors alongside topical and procedural care.

COSMETIC CARE : STAND ALONE OR COMBINED

Two ways to access cosmetic care. You decide.

Neither requires the other.

Stand alone

A cosmetic consultation focused entirely on skin treatments. No integrative discussion required.

Combined

A cosmetic plan delivered alongside an integrative consultation that
addresses the hormonal, nutritional, gut, or metabolic factors influencing
your skin.

THERAPIST – LED TREATMENTS OFFERED AT MOJO KLINIK

Skin treatments performed by Mojo Klinik’s therapists.

Microneedling

Controlled micro-injuries using fine sterile needles. Stimulates collagen and elastin over a series of treatments. Best for skin texture, pore size, fine lines, sun damage, and uneven tone. Course: typically 3 sessions, 4 to 6 weeks apart, then maintenance.

SQT bio-microneedling

Biological micro-needles from freshwater sponge spicules. No devices, no electricity, no metal needles. Best for sensitive skin types, rapid recovery, and refining results.

Onda body and facial contouring

Coolwaves microwave-based technology. Non-invasive, no downtime. Best for localised body contouring (abdomen, thighs, flanks), cellulite improvement, facial skin tightening, and lower-face contouring.

Medical-grade skin peels

Controlled acid formulations to remove damaged outer layers and stimulate dermal renewal. Depth and formulation calibrated to your skin. Best for sun damage, pigmentation, acne-prone skin, and dull or thickened texture.

DOCTOR – LED COSMETIC PROCEDURES

Procedures performed personally by Dr Mackey.

Emcyte PRP for face

A small sample of your own blood is processed using the Emcyte PurePRP system, an FDA-cleared closed-system device that produces a high-concentration, leucocyte managed platelet preparation. The resulting plasma is rich in growth factors and is delivered to the skin. Most commonly used for skin quality and texture, under-eye and hollow areas, and as a complement to other skin treatments. A clinical consultation is required prior to treatment. Side effects, risks, alternatives, and aftercare are discussed in detail.

Emcyte PRP for hair

Emcyte PRP scalp injections may be considered for patients with hair thinning, including androgenetic alopecia and diffuse thinning. Series of sessions over several months, using the same Emcyte PurePRP system as facial PRP. Same regulatory and consent requirements as facial PRP apply.

WHY EMCYTE PRP, AND HOW IT COMPARES TO STANDARD PRP AND PRF

The differences sit in the device, the processing, and the final preparation.

Patients researching PRP often come across three different terms: standard PRP (typically prepared in a glass test tube), Emcyte PRP (prepared in an FDA-cleared closed-system device), and PRF (platelet rich fibrin). These describe genuinely different preparations. We use the Emcyte PurePRP system at Mojo Klinik. The table below outlines what each preparation is, in factual terms.

FEATURE

EMCYTE PUREPRP

STANDARD TEST-TUBE PRP

PRF

Device / system

FDA-cleared closed-system device with proprietary processing kits

Generic glass or plastic centrifuge tubes

Specific glass tubes, no anticoagulant

Processing method

Double-spin centrifugation in a sealed kit

Single-spin in an open tube, often in a benchtop centrifuge

Slow single-spin, no anticoagulant added

Anticoagulant

Yes, citrate-based, allowing controlled processing

Yes, typically citrate or similar

No anticoagulant; the preparation is allowed to clot

Platelet concentration

High concentration relative to whole blood baseline

Lower concentration; varies considerably by tube and operator

Lower concentration than spun PRP, but cells held in a fibrin matrix

Leucocyte handling

Leucocyte composition can be selected based on indication

Limited control over leucocyte content

Leucocytes retained within the fibrin matrix

Final form

Liquid platelet concentrate, ready for injection or topical use

Liquid platelet concentrate, ready for injection

Solid or semi-solid fibrin clot or membrane that releases growth factors gradually

Standardisation

Closed-system kit produces a more consistent preparation between sessions

More variability in concentration and composition between samples

Variability between samples; depends on tube and timing

Australian regulatory status

Device cleared by US FDA. The procedure remains classified by AHPRA as a higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedure

Higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedure under AHPRA

The choice of preparation is a clinical decision based on the indication, the area being treated, and your individual circumstances. Suitability, alternatives, side effects, and clinical evidence are discussed in detail at the consultation prior to any treatment.

APTOS THREAD PROCEDURES : EXCELLENT VISAGE AND NAMICA

Aptos absorbable suture threads are placed in the deeper layers of the skin to provide a mechanical lifting effect and to stimulate the body’s own collagen and elastin response. Dr Mackey trained in Aptos at advanced level in Tbilisi, Georgia, and uses two specific product lines at Mojo Klinik: Aptos Excellent Visage and Aptos NAMICA.

Excellent Visage. Barbed absorbable threads made from a caprolactone-lactide copolymer. The barbs anchor in tissue and provide gentle structural support, while the thread material gradually releases over many months. Most relevant for patients with early to moderate facial tissue laxity who want a redraping and lifting effect alongside collagen stimulation.

NAMICA. Fine bio-revitalising threads. Smooth, non-barbed, designed for biostimulation rather than structural lift. Placed in a grid pattern through the skin to support collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid response. Most relevant for patients seeking skin quality improvement, particularly in the lower face, neck and decolletage, or as a complement to other regenerative work.

How they differ from PDO threads. PDO (polydioxanone) threads are absorbed by the body over approximately 6 to 8 months. Aptos threads use a different polymer system that absorbs more slowly, and the geometry of the barbs is engineered for sustained tissue engagement. In clinical practice this typically translates to a longer duration of mechanical effect, a more even biostimulation response, and the option of selecting a barbed (Excellent Visage) or non-barbed biorevitalising (NAMICA) thread based on what the individual face needs.

Thread procedures are higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures under AHPRA. Clinical consultation, individual prescription, written consent, and detailed discussion of suitability, alternatives, risks and aftercare are required prior to treatment. All thread procedures at Mojo Klinik are performed personally by Dr Mackey.

DOCTOR - ADMINISTERED COSMETIC INJECTION SERVICES

Dr Mackey is available for consultation regarding doctor-administered cosmetic injection services. Per current TGA and AHPRA requirements, specific products, indications, and treatment options are not described in promotional content. They are discussed in detail during your individual consultation, where Dr Mackey will assess your suitability and explain the relevant clinical options.

A face-to-face consultation and discussion of risks and further considerations is required before any injectable treatment can be prescribed. Asynchronous prescribing (text, email, online form) is not acceptable practice and is not offered at Mojo Klinik.

VISIT OUR DEDICATED COSMETIC SITE

Our complete cosmetic treatment menu, full pricing, and the broader cosmetic clinic experience all live on the dedicated site.

WHY EMCYTE PRP, AND HOW IT COMPARES TO STANDARD
PRPAND PRF

The differences sit in the device, the processing, and the final preparation.

Patients researching PRP often come across three different terms: standard PRP (typically prepared in a glass test tube), Emcyte PRP (prepared in an FDA-cleared closed-system device), and PRF (plateletrich fibrin). These describe genuinely different preparations. We use the Emcyte PurePRP system at Mojo Klinik. The table below outlines what each preparation is, in factual terms.

Cosmetic Consultation with Dr Maria Mackey

In-person at Neutral Bay · Pricing on the dedicated cosmetic site · Initial consultations are face-to-face

A focused cosmetic consultation. Dr Mackey reviews your skin and relevant health history, takes baseline clinical photographs, and explains what she observes and recommends. For higher-risk procedures, separate consent processes apply.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions.

How much does a cosmetic consultation cost at Mojo Klinik?

Cosmetic Consultation pricing is published on our dedicated cosmetic site, mojocosmeticclinic.com.au, alongside the full treatment menu. The Consultation Fees page on this site covers the integrative medicine appointment fees that apply if you choose Option B (combined cosmetic and integrative care).

Do I need an integrative consultation before booking a cosmetic appointment?

No. Cosmetic consultations stand on their own. If you want to combine
cosmetic care with a broader integrative plan, that is available, but it is
not required.

"A cosmetic consultation can be exactly that. A focused conversation about skin and the procedures we offer here. Some patients want to bring the integrative work into it because they know hormones or insulin resistance are part of their skin picture. Others do not. Both are valid."

Dr Maria Mackey, MBChB FRACGP Dip Hom FAARM

What is Emcyte PRP and how is it different from standard PRP and PRF?

Emcyte PurePRP is an FDA-cleared closed-system device used to prepare
platelet-rich plasma. It uses a double-spin centrifugation process in a sealed
kit, which produces a high-concentration platelet preparation with
controlled leucocyte composition. Standard test-tube PRP is prepared in a
generic centrifuge tube with a single spin, which produces a lower and more
variable platelet concentration. PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) is a different
preparation again: no anticoagulant is added, and the slow spin produces a
fibrin matrix that releases growth factors gradually rather than a liquid
concentrate. All three are classified by AHPRA as higher-risk non-surgical
cosmetic procedures. The choice of preparation is a clinical decision
discussed at consultation. See the Emcyte PRP comparison table above for
the full breakdown.

Why are some procedures described in less detail than others?

The procedures classified by AHPRA as higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic
procedures (PRP, thread procedures, and procedures involving prescription
medicines) have specific advertising restrictions under the Sept 2025 AHPRA
Guidelines and the TGA Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code. We comply.
The full clinical detail is discussed during your individual consultation.

Do you publish before-and-after photos?

No, in accordance with current advertising guidelines for higher-risk
cosmetic procedures.

What is the relationship between Mojo Klinik and Mojo Cosmetic Clinic?

mojocosmeticclinic.com.au is our dedicated cosmetic site, with our
complete cosmetic treatment menu. Both are led by Dr Maria Mackey.

AN INVITATION

Ready to Start?

Book a Heavy Metal Initial Appointment with either doctor online, or call reception on
(02) 9133 8500.

WHERE
Suite 11, 40 Yeo Street
Neutral Bay NSW 2089

HOURS
Mon – Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm
Selected Saturdays by arrangement