The Harley Street Journal

Bi-monthly newspaper for the cosmetic and plastic surgery sector

Features

Top consumer trends to emerge from CCR Exhibition

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The UK’s leading medical aesthetics event, CCR London, returned with a bang this week; reuniting the industry after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic.  

The team at The Harley Street Journal had the pleasure of attending a trend talk, hosted by Shannon Kilgariff of Aesthetics Journal and Francesca White of Tatler who were joined by two leading aesthetics nurses, and a plastic surgeon. From lip treatments to radiofrequency micro needling, we learnt a great deal about what trends are predicted to emerge over the coming months and years.  

The first topic of discussion was derma fillers. As less social stigma is now being associated with derma fillers, experts have seen a rise in treatment and demand. While derma fillers have evolved over time, people’s expectations are also increasing. The need for having derma fillers that are longer lasting, safe and improve quality of skin has never been more prevalent. 

The experts added that there is a real shift happening with injectables; with individuals opting for more ‘natural’ aesthetics as opposed to obvious changes in appearance. With the improvement of fillers, people can now achieve incredibly natural results.  

Echoing the previous point regarding natural aesthetics, Dr. Swift, Plastic Surgeon, commented on lip treatment trends, saying: “the pendulum is swinging back to ‘normal’ again. People are starting to really understand that there is an ideal proportion for the lip”.  

Another topic of discussion was regarding a robot dispensing injecting machine that offers precision and complete accuracy while delivering injectables to patients. The hosts asked the experts their thoughts on this new device and what it would mean for them. Dr. Natalie, leading aesthetics nurse, commented: “anything that aids the injector has got to be a good thing. The idea that we could have a truly precise method of delivery is fantastic. From an injectors point of view, it has a place in this virgin market.” While there is no doubt of the accuracy amongst injectors, the device would certainly ensure that treatment would be standardised across the board.

The launch of Profhilo Body also raised a few questions across the panel with one being, how the launch will ‘up’ the bar with skin boosters. It was said that people are becoming increasingly aware about other areas of the body, aside from the face, which are affected by UV damage. Having specific filler for the body will aid in hydrating and stimulating collagen production, leaving the body firmer, more plump and rejuvenated. 

Another launch in skincare, GetHarley, brought up the conversation on new, game changing topicals, personalised skincare and virtual consultations. Dr Natalie commented: ”there is a place for virtual, but there is no replacing face to face consultations. I love personal contact and the rapport you can get from face to face meetings – in person care is what I thrive upon.” Dr. Natalie then went on to add: “personalised skincare is really exciting – our skin is a factor of our genetics, gender, DNA and everything.” While it was agreed that technology is not quite there yet regarding personalised skincare, but it is something to appear in the future. 

Moving on, the panel brought up the commonly discussed debate of ‘will cosmeceuticals ever replace injectables?’. Dr. Swift commented that the largest issue with skincare is the penetration aspect. With that being said, very interesting developments such as microneedling are coming up where it can deliver products to the skin at the level needed to make a real difference. 

This then leads us on to radio frequency microneedling and how technology has evolved. Dr. Natalie commented: “With radio frequency microneedling, you can see an individuals’ skin actively behave differently.” While microneedling has been around a while, developments have meant boundaries can be pushed further and safety precautions are maximised. 

One of the last developments to emerge during the talk was regarding the release of the Erchonia Emerald Laser, which revolutionises the way in which we approach the future of body sculpting. Traditional body sculpting involves killing fat cells; however The Emerald Laser works by shrinking fat cells by using specific wavelengths of harmless light energy. By placing energy into the fat cell, liquid is extracted outside of the cell, providing energy for the individual to use and burn off. Dr Natalie commented: “as long as patients are willing to start moving their body and utilising that energy that is now outside of fat cell, they will start losing weight in a really healthy manner.” This is a real game changer with body sculpting as it can fundamentally change a person’s life by implementing good lifestyle habits whilst still achieving the goal of weight loss. 

Cambridge Stratum stepping up to take Picosecond lasers mainstream

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As part of plans to further grow the business into 2022, Cambridge Stratum is leading the charge in revolutionising tattoo removal, as it gears up to take the Picosecond laser mainstream at a fraction of the price. 

When compared to the industry standard Nanosecond machines, Picosecond lasers have always been dubbed a ‘rich clinics toy’ due to its hefty price tag. With prices of Picosecond lasers often soaring way beyond £100,000, justifying the investment over a Nanosecond has always been a challenge for many professionals – until now. 

In a bid to make the Picosecond laser more accessible to practitioners across the country, Cambridge Stratum is introducing the Stratum Pico300 and Pico500 to the market. Starting at just £40,000, the Stratum Pico 300 breaks down the price barrier, finally making Picosecond lasers more accessible to the masses. 

John Culbert, Managing Director at Cambridge Stratum says: “There has always been a great deal of discussion within the industry since the introduction of picosecond lasers. When compared to a good Nanosecond machine, the Picosecond’s value has always come under question due to price difference, which was always hard for most HCPs to justify.

“The Stratum Pico 300 changes the game – not just for tattoo removal, but also for pigmented lesion removal and skin rejuvenation due to its 20x diffraction array lens. It shatters ink particles quicker, and more effectively than the nanosecond machines, which results in less risk of damage to the skin.”

Hailed for effectiveness, Picosecond lasers are the optimum in tattoo removal, and represent the current state of the art technology in the field. 

John continues: “In this industry, the power of a laser device is often overlooked in favour of fluence, when what we should really be focusing on is power. Fluence is simply a measure of how much energy (heat) is being delivered in one pass, which tells us nothing about its overall effectiveness.

“To effectively shatter tattoo particles, the illuminated side needs to be heated at a rapid rate, while the dark side is kept cool. As the pigment is heated, it becomes unstable which eventually causes it to shatter. More power results in deeper pigments and colours being shattered, and our Picosecond lasers offer a better advantage for this due to their wavelength spread. 

“The higher the power level, the stronger the shockwave; therefore any colour within range can be shattered. The faster each particle is broken down also results in less exposure skin exposure and a more effective treatment for patients.”

The Stratum Pico300 and Pico500 machines offer up to 16x more power for the same fluence as a 5ns Q switch laser and produce a stronger, photo acoustic effect, which shatters particles of any colour in a short space of time. In addition, the 20x diffraction array lens turns the Stratum Pico 300 into a multi-function device for skin resurfacing and skin rejuvenation.

John says: “Operationally, the Stratum Pico 300 could not be any easier. Its user-friendly interface features a clear, and simple to understand Android touch screen that displays the status of the machine settings, including the spot size, and wavelength in use.” 

It also accordantly displays energy, fluence and pulse rate detected directly by the machine, reducing the risk of operator errors.

John continues: “This machine really will make waves in the industry, especially with the demand for tattoo laser removal lasers on the rise. Since lockdown has ended, we have the demand for laser tattoo removal devices increase significantly, particularly those looking to invest in state-of-the-art picosecond technology. This is reflected in clinics we service, as well, with an influx of patients enquiring about tattoo removals.”

One such user is Lou Sommeroux, Clinic Director at Cosmex Clinic, who has reported a steep rise in patients seeking treatment to remove unwanted body art post lockdown. 

Lou says: “Tattoo removal is becoming more and more requested at the clinic, particularly male patients. Many are seeking to remove name tattoos or reduce or erase previous artwork that’s no longer wanted. Since lockdown ended, more patients are making enquiries about laser tattoo removal whether it’s because they simply dislike it, or they are seeking a change. 

“For a long time, some patients have thought laser tattoo removal was ineffective against coloured tattoos, but that is simply not the case with the Pico 300. In the past, less powerful devices struggled to breakdown colour pigment, but the Picosecond lasers allow us to effectively breakdown all colours, on all skin types. Faster treatment times and happier patients – it’s a great investment for clinics like ours.”

Cambridge Stratum evolved from the founders’ need to source a broad range of aesthetic and medical equipment for their own use that is world class in performance, with uncompromising build quality and safety.

All of the equipment offered through Cambridge Stratum is either CE or Medical CE approved as appropriate, and all products have been verified as suitable for the UK.

John concludes: “With the dramatic rise in multicolour tattoos we are seeing a trend towards higher specification lasers that can remove a wider range of tattoo colours. Our customers also want sophisticated lasers that can do this without causing damage to the skin. 

“The increase in the used of multiple colour tattoos and the need to treat pigmented lesions are two drivers in the trend towards shorter pulse lower fluence fast Q switch and picosecond lasers. We’re delighted to be bringing Pico mainstream and ensuring clinics across the country are offering the very best treatments using technology that’s both effective and fairly priced.”

For more information on Picosecond lasers and the Stratum Pico300, visit www.cambridgestratum.com

Cosmetic doctor reports 100% increase in patients seeking anti ageing eye treatments due to ‘ŒZoom Doom’

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An award-winning Cambridge cosmetic clinic has reported a 100 per cent increase in eye rejuvenation enquiries in the months since Covid restrictions limiting aesthetic treatments lifted. 

According to Cosmex Clinic, the post-pandemic boom in cosmetic treatments has been remarkable, but it’s those designed to improve the appearance of the skin around the eyes that have been requested more than ever.

Seeing the huge rise in enquires for non surgical treatments to tone, tighten and smooth the skin around the eyes, Clinic Director Lou Sommereux says it stems from the  ‘Zoom doom’ effect many patients have complained about post pandemic. 

An expert in aesthetics, Lou says: 

“Over the last 18 months we’ve all spent so much time on Zoom and things like FaceTime, it’s no surprise people have started to notice their own appearance more than ever. We can see this in the enquiries we’ve been getting at the clinic since we reopened to the public in April, most notably regarding facial rejuvenation. 

“Of course the demand for facial rejuvenation injectables – such as dermal fillers – has been high, but we’ve particularly noticed a surge in patients seeking treatments to refresh the skin around the eyes. It makes sense – the eyes are the focal point of the face”

It’s easy to be disappointed as the signs of ageing start to take a hold, particularly on the face. Ageing is, of course, totally natural but for those who want to rejuvenate the eyes there are some options that offer great results.

If lines are starting to become more obvious around the eyes, it might be worth considering a combination of non surgical, minimally invasive treatments to ensure you keep that twinkle in your eye for as long as possible.

Lou says the key to success when reducing signs of ageing around this area is ensuring each patient is given a bespoke treatment plan, with a focus on the patient journey and individualised care plans. 

“We are a medical clinic offering medical treatments; there’s no one size fits all plan. We support patients from the start to the end of their treatment, offering tailored plans that take into account a variety of factors including age and lifestyle.

“In many cases it’s not one treatment but a combination of aesthetic treatments that are used in synergy to provide the best results. This could be injectables such as muscle relaxing injections or fillers, skin tightening using devices such as SkinTyte.”

Lou says her clinic, based in Cambridgeshire, is also seeing more demand for body sculpting treatment, probably as a result of the notorious ‘lockdown stone’ we’ve heard so much about in the media.

She says: “There’s an increased demand for energy-assisted treatments as part of facial rejuvenation, but sculpting the body post-pandemic seems to be very popular too, especially as summer is in full swing. We’ve invested in quality devices such as Stratum Synergy to make sure we can safely help patients look and feel their best – because ultimately all of these treatments are really about well-being.”

On cosmetic trends we’re likely to see during the second half of 2021, Lou believes collagen boosting treatments and skin resurfacing are likely to grab the attention of patients, particularly as weddings and big events will be back up and running properly. 

Cosmetic doctor ranks the best lip fillers

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Dr Dan Dhunna has explained his top dermal fillers available in the UK and how they can effectively augment and beautify facial contours, as well as hydrate and re-condition the skin.

Choosing only highly-regarded, FDA-Approved brands, they’re known for their unsurpassed safety records and clinically-proven formulations for the most beautiful, natural-looking results.

He says: “Nowadays, dermal fillers for plumping, shaping and correcting ageing or thinning lips are hugely popular, but many people don’t realise that dermal lip fillers are not simply one product and one technique.”

“The art of augmenting the lip area is something that an already highly qualified medical professional needs to master, over many years. Every dermal filler product is different and although the main components are basically, the same – hyaluronic acid (HA) in a fluid to a more viscous gel, each have their own specific quality and behaviour once injected into the lips.”

Dr Dan Dhunna only uses certified products and during his many years of practice, has meticulously chosen some of the world’s leading dermal filler brands. Now, Dr Dhunna has rigorously tested each product and has put together his top 5 lip filler products which include Juvederm Volift, Restylane Kysse and Belotero Lips Shape and Contour.

He said: “Lip fillers have come leaps and bounds over the past 20 years and where once there were only a handful of reputable dermal fillers on the market, the large pharmaceutical companies continue to ‘up their game’, when it comes to this hugely sought-after non-surgical injectable treatment.

“It’s still vital however, that you consult with a medically-qualified practitioner when it comes to dermal fillers and indeed, any injectable procedure, for well-informed advice and beautifully-stunning results.”

John Bannon Pharmacy Launches Universkin Skincare Service

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John Bannon Pharmacy is thrilled to announce it has adopted a new skincare range – Universkin – into the business for 2021. 

Universkin is a globally recognised brand, created by health care professionals, for health care professionals. With a potent serum base, 19 active ingredients that create 1.8 million combinations, this prescriptive skincare range provides a bespoke solution to treat all individual skin types.

Each client’s unique formulation is created via an in-clinic app, which helps the clinician to individually tailor the serums to suit exactly the patient’s individual needs. Universkin provides the clinician with a bespoke skincare range, yet still allows clinicians to help patients in current lockdown restrictions.

If we learned one lesson during lockdown, it was just how much we had neglected our skincare, and we have been reminded all too often, with the expansion of on-line, virtual calling that our faces and skin need care and investment. In 2020 skincare purchases rose substantially, and the “zoom face” was a recognised condition, making now the perfect time to launch Universkin to the UK market.

Andy Pickin at John Bannon Pharmacy says: 

“2021 is a year full of opportunities – no longer can we stand still and wait for change. We must make our own change and expand and seize the new opportunities that present.  We want to work closely in partnership with our customers to support their business growth, and Universkin is a great step forward.

“We all know 2020 was more than challenging, but we have learned how to better help our customers by providing bespoke services and a close partnership that will benefit both customer and patients alike. By offering this service we believe we can help clinics to enter the skincare world with minimal up-front costs and a bespoke delivery service. Life made easy, which is something we all want this year!”

As well as targeting the aesthetics industry and offering competitive prices, the John Bannon team is committed to expanding the exposure of Universkin and so will also be engaging the end users too with a national PR drives. 

Andy says: 

“The goal here is to engage the UK audience in the buying cycle for bespoke skincare treatments while clinics remain hindered in their ability to perform treatments and face to face consultations. Engaging consumers will drive them through to the industry, where our service offers HCPs the ability to support their patients with skincare and a complete ‘closed loop’ revenue opportunity.”

John Bannon Pharmacy will be running online training and hosting workshops in the coming months to engage and educate clinic owners. To register for the latest event please sign up here. 

For more information please visit www.johnbannonpharmacy.co.uk

British Dental Association calls on Gov to act on the latest report from Public Health England

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The British Dental Association has called on ministers to act on the latest report from Public Health England on the shocking oral health gap between rich and poor, warning that without dedicated action from government inequalities will widen as a result of the COVID pandemic.

The report shows relative inequalities in the prevalence of tooth decay in 5-year-old children in England increased from 2008 to 2019. The BDA has expressed deep concern these inequalities will widen given the suspension of public health programmes over the last year, and ongoing difficulties accessing services. 

Decay remains the number one reason for hospital admissions among young children, with official surveys indicating a tenfold difference in severity of tooth decay between the richest and most deprived communities.

The BDA strongly endorses PHE’s policy recommendations on supervised brushing in early years settings and water fluoridation, both of which are clinically proven and cost-saving according to government own modelling, based on the corresponding reduction in treatment need.

Dentist leaders have welcomed recent signs of support for both policies from the Department of Health, but stressed progress will only be possible if government is prepared to offer dedicated funding to support set-up and operating costs. The government’s promise to consult on a national supervised brushing scheme for England by the end of 2020 has yet to materialise.

BDA Chair Eddie Chair said:

“The oral health gap between rich and poor is not inevitable. Sadly, the pandemic means shameful levels of inequality are set to widen.

“We need deeds not words from government, with real support for practices and action on prevention. These programmes can pay for themselves, but until Ministers offer tangible commitments we will not see progress.”

BAAPS Current Statement on Cosmetic Surgery and Covid-19

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BAAPS president Mary O’Brien has released the following statement:

We are in a global pandemic at a point where the numbers of infections and deaths are rising in the U.K. A National Lockdown has now been introduced by the UK Government.

The Government has produced extensive advice, with some differences between England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

In England with regard to medical care, the Government rules state people can leave their homes for a COVID test, medical appointment or emergency. Medical services are permitted to remain open and there is provision for medical services to carry out non-urgent services safely.

At the same time, “non -essential” businesses have been asked to close, to limit interactions between people and the potential spread of the virus.

Plastic Surgery covers a broad range of surgery and procedures. Some of these procedures include providing emergency care, cancer care and trauma services. Many members of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons will be engaged in supporting the National effort within the NHS in this way and some are also contributing to the vaccination roll out programme. Others may be providing care for a variety of patients, including postoperative patients who have undergone surgery in the past and also from abroad, that need intervention following complications. 

Where a need exists and surgery can safely be provided without impacting on the National effort or NHS resources, is within the latest Government rules and is in the patient’s best interests at this point in time, we would support continuity of provision of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

More information: https://baaps.org.uk

British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons appoints its first female president

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Mary O’Brien has been named the first ever female president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), marking a new chapter for the respected, but previously male dominated, organisation.

 Despite the fact that 90-92% of people having cosmetic surgery in the last 15 years have been women, BAAPS – the UK’s only organisation solely dedicated to advancing safety, education, innovation and excellence in cosmetic surgery – has always been led by men, a trend reflected across all surgical specialties.

According to UCAS in 2016, 58% of people accepted into medicine and dentistry training are women, but in that year only 11.1% made up consultant surgeons in England.  This means that, while plenty of women are training in medicine, the number going on to become consultant surgeons is still low.

 Figures from the Royal College of Surgeons2 show that, between 1991 and 2020 the number of consultants who are female has risen from 3% to 13.2%. Women are now represented in all 10 surgical specialties and at all levels within a surgical career. Plastic surgery has the second highest female representation of approximately 21% (the first being paediatrics).

 BAAPS is always exploring ways to promote plastic surgery as a specialty and make the training pathway supportive of all trainees regardless of gender and the appointment of Miss O’Brien solidifies this.

 Commenting on her new role and what it will entail Miss O’Brien says, “I remain in full-time NHS reconstructive plastic and hand surgery practice, while spending some of my time working with a fantastically motivated group of plastic surgeons elected by the association membership who form the Council. My role is to chair the council meetings and coordinate the association’s activities.”

She goes on to comment, “I am very grateful to many mentors both male and female who helped me to pursue a career that I love. Plastic Surgeons are not defined by their gender but rather their training and skill set. I hope to be able to continue to contribute to training future generations of plastic surgeons in this fulfilling career. With regard to the BAAPS, it is an association that primarily treats female patients. I hope that a professional female perspective will provide a healthy balance and contribution to its leadership.”

 Leading BAAPS is an exciting new challenge for O’Brien, who as the figurehead of the association will continue to spearhead its mission to promote safety and tighter regulation within the sector. One of her main concerns is the “trivialisation” and “glamorisation” of both surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. She says, “Cosmetic tourism, unscrupulous advertising and marketing, irresponsible agencies that sell surgery targeting vulnerable groups, and the promotion of unrealistic expectations all concern me.  We live in a society that increasingly connects via a virtual world, and Instagram posts don’t always represent reality!”

“Aesthetic surgery in itself aims to address a specific issue and with it promote psychological and physical wellbeing, so that patients can move on with their lives from focusing on a physical aspect of their body that psychologically distresses them. This can only be achieved with appropriate patient selection and a clear understanding of realistic expectations of surgery and postoperative rehabilitation.”

Easyfairs postpones CCR to 2021

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Easyfairs has announced that its CCR 2020 event, which was due to take place on 1 & 2 October at ExCeL London, is being postponed to 14 & 15 October 2021 and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the industry has this valuable opportunity to gather and reignite business opportunities as the world emerges from the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Alison Willis, Divisional Director of Easyfairs’ Aesthetics portfolio, explains regarding the postponement:

“The international outbreak and spread of COVID-19 has had a huge impact on everyone’s lives and specifically in the exhibitions industry on the ability to bring people together and run live events. A large number of events due to run this year have been cancelled or postponed to later dates. At Easyfairs, we have been closely following and monitoring the evolution of the situation, specifically taking into account all advice and recommendations from the World Health Organisation as well as from local governments and were very much expecting that the world would be open for business in order that the Autumn 2020 edition of CCR would be able to go ahead especially after the green light had been given by the UK Government to run events back in July”.

“However, as the situation continues to evolve, we have been in close consultation with the aesthetics community and all stakeholders in the event regarding their concerns around bringing the entire community together face to face at this time. Taking into account the global situation, the social distancing restrictions currently being imposed on live events and the requirements of our exhibitors, we are led to the extremely difficult decision to have to postpone this year’s edition to 2021”.  

“During this difficult and unprecedented time, I have been overwhelmed by the support that we have from the community for the event and its critical role in bringing the industry together. We know that CCR and its sister event ACE (that takes place in March 2021), will both play a vital part in the economic recovery and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the aesthetics community to steer the industry out of the crisis and to a strong future. I would like to wholeheartedly thank everyone for their unwavering support and understanding and express our ongoing commitment to the incredible businesses in this sector.”

The reinvention of micro needling

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Cosmetic doctors swear by it as an alternative to unreliable dermal fillers; patients rave about the results; it’s proven to deliver incredible medical and cosmetic results. 

What are we talking about? Microneedling. This is the story of how a 90s favourite beauty treatment got a fancy facelift for 2020.

As we think of it today, microneedling became a cosmetic phenomenon in the mid 90s in America, when a skin rejuvenation expert used a needle stamp to treat scars and then lines and wrinkles. This was initially known as collagen induction. 

The needles were administered using manual dermarollers that, while still used today, don’t offer the same precise application of the mechanical microneedling pens that arrived later down the line. 

The advent of at-home dermarollers seemed positive but brought about cases of women damaging their skin, by using low-quality devices or incorrect needle settings causing infections. 

So whether you choose to use at-home devices or seek the specialist treatments available in clinics only, how does microneedling actually work?

Microneedling devices differ but all involve small needles being pushed or rolled over the face and neck area to create controlled punctures, which force your skin into repair mode. 

When your skin starts repairing itself it turbocharges your body’s natural ability to produce collagen and elastin, which provides that firm plumpness. It also helps improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks and creates a more youthful skin tone. 

Those with a fear of needles shouldn’t discard this technique straight away as, depending on the device used, the microneedle length can vary from 0.5 to 3.0 mm, which is incredibly tiny compared to a traditional needle.  

The number of treatments depends on the skin condition, but typically you’re looking at a minimum of 3 treatments with 4-6 week intervals with maintenance treatments every 4-6 months at a clinic.

So how has this type of skin rejuvenation treatment evolved? UK aesthetic experts agree that at-home dermarollers, made popular in the 2000’s are not as effective or safe as in clinic microneedling treatments. 

While dermarollers can pull and tear the skin, microneedling pens offer more precise and controlled rejuvenation. 

SkinPen, as example, is an advanced medical microneedling pen and an anti-ageing procedure designed to create a healthy, even looking complexion, while softening lines and wrinkles.

Coined ‘perfection by pinprick’ by leading UK skin experts, the micro needling device offers superior skin rejuvenation for patients with less downtime – and it’s far more effective than any at-home dermarollers. 

Aesthetic Doctor Maryam Zamani says: “SkinPen can be used all over the body, but the areas I see the best results are in facial rejuvenation – softening lines and wrinkles and improving skin texture and skin firming

“I would always recommend treating only one area at a time. This is because SkinPen encourages the body to instigate its own wound healing response, so ideally you want it to apply all its energy in one place, rather than diluting its efforts across multiple areas.

“One area at a time would be treated in a series rather than simultaneously (eg face followed by neck and décolleté). It’s got FDA Clearance and the design protects patients from cross contamination which gives me peace of mind. This is due to the cartridge being self- sealed, and the body of the pen is also 100% sealed preventing fluid entry. This makes the procedure easier and creates great safety for all my patients.”

SkinPen is the ideal treatment for someone who has looked in the mirror and would like to improve skin texture and tone. As it can help to stimulate growth factors in the skin toproduce new baby collagen which matures over several months, it supports the epidermis and sofilling out lines, wrinkles and scars. 

A medical grade treatment, there is some down time associated with this kind of treatment, like with all other medical grade treatments. However, people choose to have the SkinPen microneedling for a real result rather just for an experience, like a facial. 

Dr Qian Xu says: “Skinpen is my most popular anti-ageing treatment because it stimulates the skin to produce more collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, which are the 3 main components in the skin that depletes with the ageing process. This is what leads to the formation of lines and wrinkles. 

“Any form of supplementation, whether it is oral, applied to the skin or injected, will not be as effective as the skin producing more collagen for itself. Therefore, Skinpen is an effective, long-term solution to reduce lines and wrinkles.”

The device uses 14 state of the art smooth Japanese needles in the cartridge tip to boost collagen production and therefore reduce fine lines. The needles offer super precision sharpness to prevent tearing, often caused by blunt or hooked needles and at-home derma rollers 

“This pen can be used on any part of the body to help improve skin quality, reduce scarring, stretch marks and hyperpigmentation – it’s so much more than an anti ageing treatment. It is most commonly used on the face, but I’ve also used it on the back, chest and tummy with great results.“ Dr Qian Xu concludes.

For most people, the downtime is less than 24 hours. There may be some mild skin peeling a couple of days after the treatment as the superficial dead skin cells are shed.

The downtime may be slightly longer for those who have more sensitive skin; however, it is generally a very well-tolerated treatment. 

Cosmetic doctor Dr Benji Dhillon offers microneedling and says: “It always astounds me that people are happy to spend hundreds of pounds on temporary hair treatments or manicures, yet they baulk at the idea of investing in their skin. 

“Perhaps it’s because the results aren’t always immediate, but your face is what the world sees each day, everyday. Keeping it healthy and a mirror of how feel inside is vital for your overall wellbeing. 

“To me, excellent home skincare together with Professional Advanced treatments and procedures should be as essential as eating well and doing exercise.”

SkinPen is the ideal treatment for someone who has looked in the mirror and would like to turn the clock back – a realisation that it might take more than an expensive moisturiser to bring back the youthful plumpness and luminosity their skin once had.

For someone simply looking to plump and add luminosity to their skin it could be used as a one-off treatment; SkinPen could most definitely be an advanced specialist treatment. But for those skins that have more serious anti-ageing concerns a course of three would be recommended.