The Harley Street Journal

Bi-monthly newspaper for the cosmetic and plastic surgery sector

Features

BioActiveAesthetics hosts VIP micro needling event.

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London event showcased the SkinPen Precision device to press, medical & aesthetic clinicians.

BioActiveAesthetics, the UK distributors of the award winning, medical-grade micro needling device, SkinPen Precision, held a VIP event in London. The event was for leading medical and aesthetic professionals as well as launching SkinPen to the consumer press and national media.

Held on 3rd October at The Allbright Club in Mayfair, London, the successful evening included two events with guest speakers and live demonstrations.

The events were designed to showcase the medical and aesthetic benefits of SkinPen – a handheld micro needling device for use with skin rejuvenation, scar reduction, collagen reproduction, burns and melasma.

The first event of the day was a consumer press launch attended by 30 top names in beauty and lifestyle journalism. 

Press from publications such as Vogue & The Daily Mail online were in attendance, as well as influencers such as TV beauty expert Nadine Baggott and author Alice Hart-Davis.

Hosted by celebrity aesthetics practitioner, Nilam Holmes, founder of DermaSpa and Eyebrow Queen, guests were given a full showcase of the benefits SkinPen can offer patients including case studies from SkinPens KOLs (Key Opinions Leaders) that have benefited from micro-needling. 

Key speakers at the events included Dr Thomas Hitchcock, chief science officer at Crown Laboratories, Dr Maryam Zamani (Plastic Surgeon and Aesthetic Doctor) Dr Andy Williams (Burns Surgeon from Chelsea and Westminster Hospital) and Dr Benji Dhillon, (Founder/Medical Director at DEFINE Clinic). 

The prospect evening, held after the press event, welcomed KOLs with 50 medical field experts, cosmetic doctors, plastic surgeons and aesthetic practitioners. 

There was a live SkinPen demonstration with Jane Williams, from BioActiveAesthetics, and an insight into some fantastic success stories with regards to treating scars, burns and skin rejuvenation with microneedling. 

Burns surgeon, Dr Andy Williams, talked delegates through the benefits of SkinPen when treating burns patients. With four SkinPen’s in NHS hospitals, including Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, he explained how treating burns patients with SkinPen has transformed lives. 

Kathy Taylor-Brewin, managing director of BioActiveAesthetics, distributors of SkinPen in the UK, said following the event:

“We were delighted with the turnout and the high level of interest into the SkinPen Precision micro needling device. It’s great that the press is interested in not only the SkinPen device itself but also the safety elements of the potential cross-contamination within micro needling treatments and how SkinPen protects against that issue. 

“We are looking forward to the future, where SkinPen will continue to be seen as the number one micro needling device in the US and UK while maintaining the gold-standard for product innovation and ISO quality assurance.”

Guests were treated to champagne and canapés as part of the events, leaving with an exclusive SkinPen goody bag. 

Find out more about SkinPen at www.skinpenuk.com

Cardiff clinic helping mums suffering with intimate atrophy

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A clinic in Wales is helping women suffering with intimate health concerns after having children – most commonly urinary incontinence.

The ME Clinic in Cardiff is offering Shelase to women who find their post-partum health is causing them to feel insecure. 

It’s a medical treatment, not a cosmetic treatment. 

Shelase is a 10 minute treatment that can help to ease vaginal atrophy symptoms such as incontinence or painful intercourse. It costs just £300 and the results are long lasting. 

Childbirth is transformative event for any women with the result of the vagina naturally changing. Post child birth physical changes can occur in a women’s body like dryness, discomfort, laxity and more commonly involuntary urine loss. 

Shelase can provide a treatment to women post child birth by strengthening the vaginal tissue, stimulating natural collagen production for the contraction of elastin fibres. It also restores vaginal natural PH balance to improve the vaginal atrophy symptoms.

As well as these issues, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can play a factor in how you feel about your body after having a baby. Shelase is a non invasive treatment to improve the symptoms of this condition. It’s entirely non invasive and helps to prevent embarrassing and unwanted urinary leaks.

Improves symptoms with child birth

Shelase can help to improve the vaginal canal strength for women who have had children.

Prevents involuntary urine loss

Treatment with Shelase can help to prevent unwanted urine loss as a result of exercise or sneezing.

Improves mental wellbeing

Helps to transform the way you feel about your body, including a restored sense of wellbeing.

While many women report improvements after one session, sometimes a course is required. A consultation is needed to ascertain what level of treatment with Shelase you require. Treatments can take as little as 10 minutes.

Shelase is a non invasive treatment for the symptoms of vaginal atrophy as a result of childbirth or the menopause. Unlike alternative laser treatments, this revolutionary device harnesses the power of mixed technology to rejuvenate the health of the vagina.

For more information visit www.shelase.co.uk

British College of Aesthetic Medicine holds annual conference

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The BCAM (British College of Aesthetic Medicine) held its annual Conference on September 21st 2019 at the Church House Conference Centre, Westminster, London. 

There were two action packed agendas offering something to interest everyone. Top speakers with educational based and current topics featured. 

Speakers included Dr Kate Goldie, Dr Raj Acquilla, Dr Sandeep Cliff, Dr Sabrina Shah Desai, Dr Tapan Patel, Dr Bhojani Lynch, Elizabeth Raymond-Brown, Alice Hart Davis, Dr Lucy Glancey, Dr Beatriz Molina, Dr Simon Zokaie and Dr Rupert Critchley. 

The well-known TV doctor Dr Hilary Jones (pictured) also chaired a forum on Infections and Complications. 

New media ambassador revealed for CCR Expo

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CCR has appointed a press and media ambassador to help manage on-stage interviews and hosting. 

Francesca White, Health and beauty Editor of Tatler Magazine, will be hosting CCR 2019, the only platform in the UK that unites the surgical and non-surgical communities. 

In her role as CCR’s Press Ambassador, Francesca will be interviewing exhibitors and key opinion leaders during the event, as well as reporting on the latest news in the aesthetics industry. 

Francesca opens up the world of aesthetics to consumers, therefore is the unsurpassed journalist to know in the industry, according to organisers. 

Francesca White said:“I am delighted to be this year’s CCR Press Ambassador, and hosting such an important event in the aesthetics industry. 

“I am always on the lookout for the latest news in aesthetic medicine, the new techniques being introduced by the top doctors and surgeons, and the upcoming trends and regulations to be aware of.” 

Aesthetic Medicine ‘overwhelmingly a young and female issue’ reveals new survey

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Latest data from the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) reveals an overwhelming 88% of patients seen by aesthetic doctors and dentists in the last 12 months are female, with 21% of women patients less than 35 years of age. 

Most popular patient treatment choices are Botulinum Toxin, Dermal Fillers and Laser treatments.

This pooled data represents analysis of more than 225,000 individual treatment episodes reported by 270 medically qualified Aesthetic practitioners over the last year.

The survey results support the findings of market research company, Mintel, that 46% of Britons now believe non-surgical procedures are increasingly becoming a part of everyday beauty routines.

Mr Greg White, Chief Executive of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine, said: “The good news is women clearly feel confidence in accessing treatment from BCAM members, all trained medical professionals specialising in Aesthetic Medicine. Especially so since our field is still open to non-medical practitioners as well, with their tangle of professional registers and standards.

“Interestingly we are pleased to hear that many patients are especially seeking the help of our BCAM registered Doctors and Dentists for advice and treatment of complications made by practi-tioners outside BCAM.”

From the survey, 64% of BCAM doctors reported treating other practitioners’ Botox issues, with 77% reported treating other practitioners’ Dermal Filler complications, Of that, 25% of respondents reported treating laser/IPL problems and 25% thread lift problems.

White added: “Patient safety is paramount. Our survey identifies serious issues which need to be addressed, ideally through tighter regulation. But equally important must be what the survey says about the pressures of body image issues on young people, in particular young women.

“I support the Head of the NHS, Simon Stevens, in his recent comments that the NHS should not have to pick up the pieces of a mental illness crisis amongst young people as a result of body image pressure.’”

Dr Uliana Gout, BCAM Board and Director of PR & Media commented: “We are proud to release our annual BCAM Survey – one of the handful of global surveys focusing on our industry – highlighting the latest trends within the UK Aesthetic Medicine arena. 

“We hope this information will guide the evolution of this specialty and provide invaluable information both to the industry and patients alike.”

Rise in Cosmetic Surgery Linked to Age Discrimination

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A new study suggests the boom in cosmetic surgery and anti ageing procedures is fueled by age discrimination.

The study,in the August issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, found that a significant proportion of cosmetic surgery patients reported they were undergoing anti-aging procedures due to age discrimination or fear of ‘age discrimination’.

One of the study authors, Rebecca Pearl, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, said the study is the first to attempt to quantify age discrimination among patients seeking cosmetic procedures.

The researchers surveyed 50 patients at a University of Pennsylvania plastic surgery clinic over a one-year period. The participants, all over age 18 and mostly women, had a mean age of 49.4 years. 

Two-thirds of the patients were there to receive anti-aging treatments, including fillers and neurotoxins.

More than 30 percent of the survey participants said they had experienced age-based discrimination. They reported significantly poorer self-rated health, lower self esteem and greater anticipation of age discrimination in the future.

According to the study, the stress of experiencing and/or anticipating age-based discrimination and rejection increases risk for psychological distress and can cause physical health problems.

About 36 percent of the participants who experienced age discrimination said it occurred in an interpersonal context when they felt excluded by friends, family and coworkers, were teased or mocked, or had negative assumptions made about them due to age.

About 20 percent of participants experienced age discrimination in the workplace; they reported having been fired or denied a job or promotion due to age.

Participants who were not married or living with a partner had significantly greater fear of age-based discrimination.

“Looking younger” and “as young as I feel” were among the main reasons the survey participants sought a cosmetic procedure, which the researchers said suggests a disassociation with one’s “older identity” and a refusal to accept the aging process.

Ironically, cosmetic surgery and procedures may not deliver the desired effect.

The study cites research indicating that older adults who are perceived as attempting to conceal their age are evaluated negatively by younger people, perhaps for violating “prescriptive norms” of acting one’s age.

”Thus, for some adults who receive anti-aging procedures, treatment could be counterproductive to the individual’s motivation of improving social perceptions,” the authors wrote.

The study encourages dermatologists and cosmetic procedure providers to take steps to educate patients “who might worry about future age discrimination about realistic expectations from cosmetic procedure aimed at making them look younger.”

The researchers conclude that perceived age discrimination is “associated” with poorer self-rated health, lower self-esteem and greater anticipation of age discrimination in the future. 

The study, Ageism and Health in Patients Undergoing Cosmetic Procedures, was co-authored by Ivona Percec, a plastic surgeon.

Doctors warn of possible allergic reactions to facial fillers

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Permanent implants used to get rid of wrinkles could cause severe allergic reactions months later, doctors have warned.

They found patients developed problems a year after having implants injected, with some women having recurrent side effects.

A report in the Archives of Dermatology journal throws doubt on the safety of “polyalkylimide implant gels” – otherwise known as “facial fillers”.

These are injected for a long-lasting change to facial lines compared with the more widespread use of temporary fillers in the UK.

Women and doctors need to be alert to the possibility of delayed reactions, said Dr Jaume Alijotas-Reig, of Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain.

They looked at 25 patients who developed adverse reactions more than a year after having implants injected.

Polyalkylide implants consist of a compound of gel and water which are used to improve the appearance of facial features such as lips, cheeks, forehead and lower facial lines between the nose and mouth.

Dr Alijotas-Reig said: “According to the manufacturer’s information, polyalkylimide structures do not change over time and do not move or migrate.

“In the early reports on polyalkylimide implant injections for cosmetic purposes, there were no significant signs of biocompatibility, which means rejection of or reaction to the foreign material.

“However, more recent evidence refutes these statements and so the complete safety of polyalkylimide implant gels can no longer be assured.”

Patients developed side effects such as swelling, hardening of the area, lumps near the injection site, fever, arthritis and dry eyes or mouth.

Eight patients had previously been injected with another implant and laboratory abnormalities were found in 20 cases.

After an average of 21 months of follow-up, 11 patients were free of adverse effects and 10 still had recurrent bouts.

The report says some patients may be sensitive to the use of more than one type of cosmetic skin filler which would lead to delayed side effects.

Consultant plastic surgeon Nigel Mercer, president elect of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, said plastic surgeons are already aware of the problems of using permanent implants as fillers for facial lines.

He said: “They have a poor history of causing problems in facial tissue including red lumps that can only be removed surgically which leaves scarring.

“They may be used in some circumstances, but need to be injected deep beneath the skin’s surface.

“Much more common are hyaluronic acid dermal fillers which are used just below the skin surface, give a temporary effect and have a low incidence of side effects or allergy.”

BAPRAS Members Survey Results Revealed

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BAPRAS Members Survey Results Revealed

Back in June, BAPRAS members were given the opportunity to take part in a survey to ascertain what led them to choose a career in plastic surgery and what they like and dislike about working within this specialty.

The survey was shared initially at this year’s BAPRAS Summer Scientific Meeting in Bournemouth, and subsequently included on the website, in the Secretariat bulletin, on social media and was distributed to members as a standalone email. 

The total number of respondents included in this analysis is 132, 95 of whom were male and 35 of whom were female. 

While this provided a large enough sample for analysis by gender, there was unfortunately not enough variety across different professional levels to allow robust analysis between those categories. 

The results can be found in more detail below.

Variety of Work

The most commonly listed reason to go into plastic surgery was variety of work (83%), which was also the most common response (39%) when respondents were asked for their single biggest motivation. In fact, more than four in five (87%) surveyed engaged in more than one sub-specialism, with almost two in five (37%) engaged in more than five types of work. At least 92% of those surveyed engaged in some form of non-aesthetic/cosmetic work.

Perceptions of gender dynamics within aesthetic & reconstructive plastic surgery

‘Female role models in a range of senior positions’ was more associated with plastic surgery than other specialisms (33% to 14%), as was ‘parity of pay opportunities regardless of gender’ (23% to 11%), and ‘being valued and respected in the workplace’ (28% to 17%). Furthermore, 46% of women said that role models working in the specialism had motivated them to choose plastic surgery.  

More than a quarter of female members surveyed (27%) felt that there was a more supportive working environment in plastic surgery, compared to 24% who felt it was better in other specialisms. However, allowing the flexibility to balance one’s work and personal life came out much higher for other specialisms than plastic surgery (15% to 41%).

Motivations to go into plastic surgery

The top reasons for pursuing a career in plastic surgery were variety of work (83%), followed by the opportunity to improve lives (61%), and the opportunity to work with different specialisms (52%). When asked to pick their single biggest motivation, the same two came out highest, followed by role models in the specialism (10%).

Male members appeared more motivated by the opportunity to develop innovative techniques than women (53% vs. 38%) and the level of pay (15% of men, 0% of women), whereas female members were more motivated by the opportunity to work with different specialisms (62%) and the opportunity to improve lives (76%).

Level of pay (11%), supportive working environment (10%), the opportunity to save lives (8%), and flexible working (3%), were selected as motivation by the smallest number.

Stages at which members chose this specialism

 Over a third (34%) of those surveyed said that they had made the decision to go into plastic surgery while at medical school. Around 16% said that they had made their decision after starting their career in a different specialism, and 11% had already decided prior to their medical degree. 

Female members tended to make the decision to go into plastic surgery earlier than their male counterparts – with 62% of women saying they had chosen the specialism before they had left medical school, compared to only 38% of men.

Treating menopause symptoms and improving intimate health.

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What can shelase offer women when treating menopause symptoms

Your intimate health is important. At bodyvie in London, the team of experts understand that going thorough the menopause can be distressing – but help is at hand. 

Treating menopause symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, intimate itching and uncomfortable sexual intercourse has never been easier, thanks to the unique shelase treatment. 

As one of the very first clinics in the UK to offer shelase, bodyvie has helped women rejuvenate their intimate health and bring a sense of wellbeing. The key is restoring balance from within. 

And the best thing about shelase? It’s non invasive, non surgical, and requires no medication. Here’s what you need to know about this innovative and successful treatment.

shelase is designed specifically to help menopausal women

Unlike other treatments that claim to help ease the symptoms of menopause, shelase is entirely designed with menopausal women in mind. A completely revolutionary treatment, it is a versatile and multifaceted device for intimate health rejuvenation. 

There are multiple benefits to this treatment

Far from being single benefit treatment, shelase offers multiple physical improvements within one session. Not only is this ideal for treating menopause symptoms such as vaginal atrophy, it is perfect for women who are hoping to improve vaginal strength.  

shelase is entirely non surgical and safe

This type of treatment is completely non invasive and non surgical. This means that no anaesthetic is required and you will not be required to stay over in hospital. On top of that, no incisions are made, making this one of the most safe an effective ways of reducing menopause symptoms available.

shelase is controlled by an expert

At bodyvie, our doctors have been trained extensively in using this device to complete all of our intimate health treatments. Patients can be sure that once this device is inserted they’ll be comfortable and the medical professional will be by their side throughout, talking them through the treatment.

It is not painful

One of the many reasons women are choosing to undergo treatment with shelase is the fast and comfortable treatment sessions. Rather than having to spend hours in the doctor’s office, the treatment can be undertaken in a matter of minutes with most women reporting it to be very comfortable. 

Offered by Bodyvie in London and led by long-establish doctor Dr Weber, the clinic is seeing the life-changing results first hand, with many patients reporting improvements to intimate issues after just one session.

Dr Weber says: “Unlike other treatments that claim to help ease the symptoms of menopause, Shelase is entirely designed with menopausal women in mind. A completely revolutionary treatment, it is a versatile and multifaceted device for intimate health rejuvenation. 

“Far from being single benefit treatment, Shelase offers multiple physical improvements within one session. Not only is this ideal for treating menopause symptoms such as vaginal dryness and discomfort, it is perfect for women who are hoping to improve vaginal strength and enjoy their sexual relationship again.  

“This type of treatment is completely non invasive and non surgical. This means that no anaesthetic is required and you will not be required to stay over in hospital. On top of that, no incisions are made, making this one of the most safe an effective ways of boosting sexual satisfaction and reducing menopause symptoms available.

“At Bodyvie, our doctors have been trained extensively in using this device to complete all of our intimate health treatments. Patients can be sure that once this device is inserted they’ll be comfortable and the medical professional will be by their side throughout, talking them through the treatment.”

You can find more information here: www.shelase.co.uk

Instagram clamps down on cosmetic surgery posts

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Body positivity campaigners are celebrating after Instagram announced new rules for posts about weight loss products and cosmetic surgery.

Some posts will be hidden from under-18s while others promoting “miraculous” weight loss products will be removed. 

There have been increasing concerns over the impact promoting diet products can have on young people.

Actor and campaigner Jameela Jamil said the move was a “huge win” in the fight against the diet and detox industry.

How do the new changes work?

Unrealistic “get thin quick” promotions will be taken down and young people will be restricted from viewing some posts related to dieting and cosmetic surgery if they have an incentive to buy. 

Users will be able to report posts they think violate the policy, and Instagram will review them to decide whether they need to be restricted or taken down.

The changes will also apply to Facebook, which owns Instagram.

But the restrictions will only apply to users that Instagram knows are younger than 18 – and the app does not ask users for their date of birth when they sign up.

Instead, users signing up are simply asked to tick a box declaring themselves over 18 or not. If they sign up using a Facebook account, their age information is pulled from their Facebook profile – which is also not usually verified.

Why is Instagram changing?

There has been increasing concern over the effect the cosmetic and diet industry is having on people through the promotion of unrealistic goals.

In February, the medical director of National Health Service England, Stephen Powis, called for a ban on celebrity-endorsed social media ads promoting weight loss aids, stating that products were having a damaging effect on the physical and mental health of young people.

A BBC investigation found children swapping graphic images of weight loss and advice on how to make their illnesses more extreme were commonon the platform.

Emma Collins, Instagram’s public policy manager said: “We want Instagram to be a positive place for everyone that uses it and this policy is part of our ongoing work to reduce the pressure that people can sometimes feel as a result of social media.”

Advice had been sought from experts in the field of social media policy, she added.