History & Experience
Second Skin was founded in Perth, Western Australia in 1988 by Jenni Ballantyne, Occupational Therapist. Jenni and a small team of design, production and administrative staff began designing and manufacturing compression garments for burns injuries, with a focus on the need to deliver improved patient outcomes and exemplary service in this field of therapy practice.
Through Jenni's vision and pursuit of excellence, the Second Skin team went on to develop:
- World first innovations in compression garments
- The introduction of hydrophobic fabric to assist with wound healing and scar management of fragile skin
- The introduction of custom made compression garments for the early management of external fixators
- Innovations in design which focus on improved patient comfort, functional performance and scar outcomes
Jenni developed dynamic splints for neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury, stroke and congenital conditions. The Upsuit (Body Splint) was designed in 1991 in response to the need to provide effective postural support and improved functional performance for children with cerebral palsy. This splint became the starting point for the development of a full range of splints designed to meet individual clinical and functional needs in the field of neurological dysfunction.
Over the next three decades, the Second Skin team has continued on to develop Neurological Splints for upper and lower limbs and Postural Splints to assist in the management of children and adults with severe scoliosis and complex clinical needs.
Second Skin splints have become the benchmark for splinting excellence and high quality client care. Second Skin's team has grown to a staff of over 60 and now consists of Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, clinic management, design, production and administration staff. We have offices in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, and London and conduct clinics around Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand.
Our team always strives for excellence in the field of compression garments and dynamic splints. Our products and services are continuing to evolve in response to advances in medical and therapy practices and technology.
In Memory:
Jenni Ballantyne:
Jenni Ballantyne passed away in July 2012 after a battle with cancer. She was an inspirational mentor, colleague and friend to all members of the Second Skin Team. Her work and innovation in the field of compression garments for burns and trauma management, and in the development of dynamic splinting for neurological conditions was unsurpassed and extraordinary. She highly valued her relationships with the countless numbers of clients and their families who came to seek her knowledge and care, and her relationships with therapy and medical colleagues around Australia, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
It was Jenni's express wish that the Second Skin team continue her work into the future. Our senior therapy, design, production, clinic and administrative team have many years of experience working side by side with Jenni. We undertake to continue her legacy with the commitment and dedication our customers have come to know and expect.