The Harley Street Journal

Bi-monthly newspaper for the cosmetic and plastic surgery sector

Industry Expert

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.

NHS hospitals see a six-fold rise in corrective surgery

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It’s been reported that NHS hospitals have seen a six-fold rise in corrective surgery on Brits, possibly as a result of celebrity culture. 

Jackie Doyle-Price, Mental Health Minister, blames reality shows such as Love Island, The Only Way Is Essex and Absolutely Ascot for fuelling a trend in cosmetic surgery – because they give young viewers unrealistic ideas about body image.

She’s demanded TV firms do more to stamp out ads during the hit show that encourage the cosmetic work.

Ms. Doyle-Price has pleaded with people to think twice before heading abroad to take advantage of cheap cosmetic surgery, warning that “the risk of procedures going wrong can cause devastating long-term damage to their physicaland mental health.”

And for those who do go ahead with surgery she urged them to check their practitioner is properly qualified before getting work done.

One study at the Royal London Hospital found a six-fold increase in demand last year for urgent follow-up care resulting from procedures done abroad since 2013.

The hospital spent more than £63,000 to repair botched surgery done overseas.

Meanwhile the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London had to treat 12 patients with infected fillers in the last year – costing £40,000.

She added: “The truth is we all come in different sizes. If people want to change aspects of their appearance that is fine, but they need to understand that all these procedures come with risk.”

“When it comes to fundamental operations such as boob ops, we are seeing more and more people going abroad because it’s cheap.

“I would say – please don’t do it because we are saying more and more people coming back to this country and the NHS having to put problems right.”

Ms Doyle-Price said people are travelling to places like Turkey, India and eastern Europe to have cosmetic surgery procedures that are banned in the UK.

She warned: “These people are having the Brazilian butt lift, which gives you a bottom like Kim Kardashian’s – even though that is a procedure banned in this country.”

The mental heath minister said a recent episode of TOWIE had shown someone having lip fillers done.

And she pointed to the example of Dawn Knight who couldn’t close her eyes after a botched procedure. The mother of two had to have corrective surgery that cost the NHS thousands of pounds.

Ms Doyle-Price said: “These co-called reality TV series are still promoting lifestyles which are semi-fantasy.

“It’s great to have a bit of escapism but no one should feel they have to aspire to be like these people. It’s still entertainment, it’s not real – and it can lead to real harm and cost to the NHS.”

Is Instagram to blame for the rise in ‘filler fails’?

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Instagram is largely responsible for the rise in botched injectables, according to one UK expert.  

The continuing popularity of the photo-based social platform, combined with celebrities advertising cosmetic treatments, is behind the spike in recent reports of ‘filler fails’. 

The media has been swamped in the last 6 months with horror images of vulnerable patients that have suffered as a result of undergoing dodgy treatments.

Andrew Burr, a pharmacist and manager of Springpharm – an online pharmacy – says the obsession with photo sharing apps is partly to blame for injectable misuse, especially in impressionable young women. 

He is keen to raise awareness for what he calls an epidemic of ‘filler fails’ like those seen on TV shows like Botched and in recent media reports. 

“Whilst cosmetic injectables are increasingly popular, there is a real problem in the UK with industry regulation and how patients are receiving treatments. Arguably, social media platforms like Instagram have a large part to play, in that they offer an idealised version of things like dermal filler treatments.

“We look at pouting celebrities like Kylie Jenner or the Love Island girls and see the positives of undergoing things like lip fillers, but with such little regulation of non surgical treatments (and anyone able to call themselves an expert online) there’s mixed messages for patients. 

“There’s a definite correlation between what we call ‘filler fails’ like reactions to fillers, product over use, unsanitary treatment conditions, insufficient training and so on, but the industry as a whole is failing to react. There’s a crisis occurring because of this and the leaders are failing to step up and speak up.,” he says

Andrew is calling for the aesthetics industry to clamp down on rogue practitioners marketing themselves through channels like Instagram, and cheap, unsafe products being used in the UK.  

“We’re at crisis point. It’s like waiting for the next PIP scandal – only this time it’ll be played out on a social media platform. Does it have to take a young person to die as a result of undergoing botched cosmetic treatments in someone’s kitchen before anyone takes notice? Patients deserve better,” he says.

In a bid to save women from botched Botox and filler fails, Andrew has offered the following advice for those considering non surgical cosmetic procedures. 

  • Firstly, choose a reputable expert that’s regulated by an official body. Ask to see qualifications – don’t rely on Instagram offers or stories. 
  • Don’t choose a doctor based on a celebrity endorsement on social media.
  • Don’t be fooled by a large following. Reputation is far more important than a number that can be fabricated on apps.
  • Make sure your products has your name on the box; ask to see the label before treatment.
  • Check the intended use/licence for the specific product you’re offered; not all injectables can be used all over the face, as example.
  • Ask where the product originated from. One of the main reasons for filler fails is so called experts buying cheap or fake products – remember, if the price seems too good to be true it probably is. 

Fats Your Lot: Plastic surgeon reveals cutting-edge fat transfer technique revolutionising the cosmetic industry

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Fat transfer with body-jet replaces out dated liposuction procedures and can even offer an implant-free boob job

A top UK plastic surgeon is leading the way for patients seeking cosmetic procedures, such as lipo and mummy makeovers, by offering an alternative that’s both safer and more efficient.

Mr Gary Ross, a Manchester surgeon, noticed the trend shifting from fat removal to fat transfer in the latter part of 2017, and believes 2018 will also be the year we see patients ditch implants for volumising areas with fat.

Specialising in body rejuvenation and mummy makeover procedures, Mr Ross uses the body-jet device to take fat from one area of a patient’s body and reintroduce it to another part of the body or face that requires volume; this can include the buttocks, breasts and even cheeks.

Unlike traditional forms of fat removal that are often unreliable and painful, the body-jet technology uses the gentle power of water to contour the body. Fat can be removed in a more gentle way, allowing for less invasive and safer autologous fat transfer.

For those seeking breast enhancement, body-jet can provide a natural boost to volume, in some cases eliminating the need for silicone implants.

BAAPS and BAPRAS member, Mr Ross was one of the first medical professionals in the UK to offer the water-assisted fat transfer procedure, and believes scores of patients will start seeking more natural ways to enhance their bodies.

“In 2017 we saw a greater focus on the ‘less is more’ approach to cosmetic surgery; I am certain this is set to continue this year. With a greater focus on patient safety and faster healing times, body contouring procedures like fat transfer will be big news in clinics across the UK,” Mr. Ross explains.

“The whole Kim Kardashian phase is declining, with most women seeking natural-looking curves over the fake look. This is where body-jet fat transfer is making waves; the treatment is versatile and the results are seriously impressive.”

“One of the benefits of offering body-jet to my patients is how much we can do without implants in terms of volume improvement. Silicone implants have their place, and fat transfer isn’t suitable for everyone, but this is modern way to boost volume to an area without place foreign objects into the body, which can of course cause some patients complications,” he says.

Undergoing body-jet fat transfer is less invasive than traditional lipo techniques, leading to speedier recovery times and patient satisfaction. Using the body-jet, liposuction and fat transfer can be performed in a safe, effective and easy way.

“During treatment, the fat is gently detached from the tissue structure by means of a flat, fan-shaped water-jet and may be aspirated at the same time. The surrounding connective tissue, nerves and blood vessels remain much less traumatised. We are doing remarkable things with body-jet and I know 2018 is going to be the year patients embrace this safer cosmetic procedure to regain or boost volume,” Mr. Ross concludes.

 

UK Cosmetic Surgeon Reveals Top Surgical Trends

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Mummy makeovers, boob jobs and body rejuvenation surgery have led the way in 2017, says Mr Gary Ross, a plastic surgeon from Manchester.

Providing a yearly review, the surgeon also noted that non-surgical anti ageing treatments had also seen a surge on popularity, although it was fat transfer replacing dermal fillers that was set to be the big news for 2018 and beyond.

Mr Ross – who consults and operates at the BMI Alexandra hospital in Cheshire – indicated multi-procedure treatments such as the mummy makeover was the main cosmetic rise of the year, which includes combining breast and body procedures within one surgery session to minimise downtime.

He says: “Overall non surgical procedures have again increased as patients look for cosmetic treatments with less downtime. This has also led to patients looking for surgical procedures with shorter recovery times.

“Surgically the biggest rise has been in the mummy makeover procedure, with patients requesting body and breast rejuvenation as a one-stage procedure. Breast augmentation remains the most requested surgical treatment although patients are currently looking for more subtle enhancements than a year ago,” he explains.

As well as body rejuvenation procedures, Mr Ross says there’s been great interest in fat transfer procedures – extracting fat from one part of the body and replacing in the face or another part of the body) which is set to gain further popularity in 2018 thanks to its ability to offer an alternative to dermal fillers in facial rejuvenation.

“Fat transfer is an increasingly popular form of facial and body rejuvenation and will be big news for the coming year. Transferring fat from one part of the body to another isn’t new, but it will become a much more well known treatment as it’s versatile and offers natural results – the biggest draw for patients by far.”

Contrastingly, there has been a downward trend in patients requesting buttock augmentation (compared to a year ago) as patients consider more the pros and cons of the butt augmentation procedure. Also on the decline is patients requesting the ‘fake look’, which more naturally beautiful celebrities rather than glamour girls being popular with female patients.

“In 2018 there will be an increasing trend towards individualised and personalised beauty with a shift away from the ‘one product/treatment fits all’. The shifting focus in skincare brands towards individualised care will lead to a more holistic approach towards cosmetic beauty and advanced treatments too.”

A member of BAAPS and BAPRAS, Gary says the focus on patient empowerment – and ensuring they understand more about the procedures they are choosing to undergo – means this has been a positive year for the aesthetics industry.

He says: “The increased awareness of the need for patient safety has dominated 2017 and has been a positive year for the industry. We are seeing more of a focus on patient empowerment and ensuring patients are fully informed to proceed or not which is imperative for the industry and most importantly for patients.”

The updated General Medical Council recommendations in relation to consent have highlighted the need for clinicians to ensure patients are fully informed. The adaption of the certification scheme in cosmetic surgery in 2017 through the Royal College of Surgeons has developed the speciality of cosmetic surgery.

“This will allow patients to choose a cosmetic surgeon that is able to fully inform patients regarding the available options so that they are fully empowered to proceed or not,” says Mr Ross.

“Health Education England continues to develop a way forward in the regulation of non surgical treatments and we look forward to further regulatory developments in non surgical treatments in 2018.”

 

Of his hopes for the cosmetic industry as we enter 2018 Gary says: “I hope that the focus on patient empowerment continues into next year with clinicians focusing increasingly on patient’s interests and placing safety above anything else.”

 

6-in-1 Secret Skin Saviour Making Waves Down South

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Perfect Skin Solutions in Southsea is helping to transform the lives of men and women across the South of England thanks to its investment in a cutting-edge laser.

Rather than having to visit different clinics to undergo skin rejuvenation, hair removal and tattoo removal, there is now ONE system offering ALL of those benefits.

The Harmony Pro XL is from the makers of Soprano Ice, and is considered to be one of the most advanced multi-platform laser and light technology systems in the world. It is specifically designed to treat a multitude of skin concerns, making it one of the most versatile laser treatments available.

A therapist designs a bespoke treatment programme using one, or often more, of the different laser or light technologies on the system, to improve the appearance of the skin.

Usually there is more than one issue to address but even if there is only one, for example hyperpigmentation, the therapist may need to use different lasers to give the best result possible. In other clinics this may mean separate treatments or even having to visit numerous clinics – but not at Perfect Skin Solutions.

By having this full spectrum of laser technologies in one complete platform we are able to offer treatments which may not be available in other cosmetic clinics who invest in separate lasers, or standard intense pulsed light machines, which treat fewer cosmetic concerns.

Dr Dev Patel, Medical Director of Perfect Skin Solutions says:

“Being able to provide bespoke cosmetic laser treatments which can address a wide variety of cosmetic and dermatological conditions, using state-of-the-art technology, is a core philosophy at the clinic.

“Using Harmony XL Pro we can offer solutions for permanent hair removal, acne, vascular or pigmented concerns, tattoo removal, and even anti ageing skin rejuvenation treatments aimed at re-modelling and improving skin texture and tone.”

The Harmony XL Pro offers six ways to treat patients:

  • Fractional non-ablative Q-Switched 1064nm laser– this is used for skin re-modelling, targeting skin imperfections such as wrinkles, fine lines, sun-damage, uneven skin tone and improving mild skin laxity. Using the ClearLift 4D tip means that there are four different levels of penetration for treatments so the therapists can target and treat or combine treatments for superficial problems, all the way to deeper skin concerns.
  • Long pulsed Nd:YAG laser 1064nm – this targets vascular lesions such as thread veins. Therapists can use it on its own or in combination with the Dye-VL technology, also available with the Harmony XL Pro.
  • Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser 1064nm – this hand piece is used on pigmented lesions, which includes areas of darker skin caused by sun damage, such as those markings referred to as age spots, sun spots or liver spots. This technology is also suitable for tattoo removal, especially treating darker ink colours such as black, blue and green.
  • Fractional iPixel Er:YAG laser 2940nm – this near infrared technology is for skin rejuvenation treatments specifically targeting uneven skin tone, coarse or uneven skin texture and superficial pigmentation concerns which don’t require more aggressive treatment.
  • AFT (Advanced Florescence Technology) – this is an advanced form of intense pulsed light (IPL) and provides virtually painless hair removal for all skin types. This hand piece has a large spot size meaning it’s much quicker to treat large areas such as legs or backs.
  • ClearSkin – this combines a non-ablative laser with simultaneous contact cooling and vacuum technology, used to treat all types of acne.

Dr Patel concludes:

“Our therapists are delighted to be helping patients with this top of the range aesthetic laser platform, and the multiple light-based treatments are impressive to say the least. Our patients are delighted with the results of this 6-in-1 laser platform.”

 

Industry Insider: Gary Ross

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The Harley Street Journal meets Manchester-based plastic surgeon Mr Gary Ross to discover how the cosmetic surgery industry has evolved this year.

THSJ: As the leader of a successful private clinic, would you say this year has been a positive one for the industry?

GARY: The increased awareness of the need for patient safety has dominated 2017 and has been a positive year for the industry. We are seeing more of a focus on patient empowerment and ensuring patients are fully informed to proceed or not which is imperative for the industry and most importantly for patients.

THSJ: What trends have you seen come to the forefront, and which procedures are on the downturn?

GARY: Overall non surgical procedures have again increased as patients look for cosmetic treatments with less downtime. This has also led to patients looking for surgical procedures with shorter recovery times. Surgically the largest rise / trend has been in the mummy makeover procedure with patients requesting body and breast rejuvenation as a one stage procedure. There has been a downward trend in patients requesting buttock augmentation as compared to a year ago as patients consider more the pros and cons of the procedure. Breast augmentation remains the most requested surgical treatment although patients are currently looking for more subtle enhancements than a year ago.

THSJ: Have you seen any changes within the industry this year that you feel have been a step forward?

GARY: The updated General Medical Council recommendations in relation to consent have highlighted the need for clinicians to ensure patients are fully informed. The adaption of the certification scheme in cosmetic surgery in 2017 through the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) has developed the speciality of cosmetic surgery. This will allow patients to choose a cosmetic surgeon that is able to fully inform patients regarding the available options so that they are fully empowered to proceed or not.

THSJ: Are we any further forward with regards to regulation within the cosmetic surgery and non-surgical treatment landscapes?

GARY: The Nuffield Council on Bioethics, an independent body that examines and reports on ethical issues in medicine has highlighted in 2017 the need for better regulation of the cosmetic industry and the affect of a negative body image on society in general. Health Education England continues to develop a way forward in the regulation of non surgical treatments and we look forward to further regulatory developments in non surgical treatments in 2018. The certification scheme in cosmetic surgery through the RCS in 2017 has been a major development for patients looking for surgical treatments and we hope that patients will take time to find those clinicians that have opted to be part of this regulatory framework.

THSJ: What has been your professional highlight of 2017?

GARY: Becoming the first cosmetic surgeon to be have completed the Royal College of Surgeons Cosmetic Surgery Certification Scheme was a great honour for me.

THSJ: Do you have any hopes with regards to how the cosmetic landscape may change next year?

GARY: I hope that the focus on patient empowerment continues in 2018 with clinicians focusing increasingly on patient’s interests.

THSJ: What cosmetic beauty trends do you think we’ll see in 2018, and are there any procedures you expect to become more popular?

GARY: In 2018 there will be an increasing trend towards individualised and personalised beauty with a shift away from the “one product/treatment fits all”. The shifting focus in skincare, make-up and fragrance brands towards individualised care will lead to a more holistic approach towards cosmetic beauty.

Profile: Mr Gary Ross

Mr Gary Ross is a plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon in the North West of England and offers an individualised range of plastic and cosmetic surgery treatments to enhance appearance. He consults and operates at the BMI Alexandra hospital in Cheshire, Manchester. A member of BAAPS and BAPRAS, he is a fully accredited plastic surgeon on the General Medical Council’s specialist register for plastic surgery. Mr Ross is also an Honorary Senior Lecturer University of Manchester and is dedicated to teaching, training and mentorship.

He has published extensively both nationally and internationally comprising over 100 peer reviewed articles and several book chapters (including face lifts, brow lifts, blepharoplasty plus more).

Mr Ross is actively involved in teaching both undergraduate Medical Students and postgraduate Plastic Surgical Trainees through his role as honorary senior clinical lecturer. He has also helped to develop the MSc in Skin Ageing through the University of Manchester and regularly teaches and trains in aesthetic medicine and surgery.

Industry Insider: Making Hair Removal Profitable Again

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The Harley Street Journal meets Douglas Sykes – Managing Director at Advanced Esthetics Solutions in Cardiff – to find out how private aesthetic clinics can make permanent hair removal profitable again, and why the BIOS Square Epil is the only technology you need to invest in.

Advanced Esthetics Solutions recently added the Bios Square Epil to its growing portfolio of energy-assisted devices. With many permanent hair removal devices available in the UK, what makes this technology superior?

The BIOS Square Epil is quite simply the world’s fastest, most powerful, hair-removal laser on the market today. Incorporating multiple patented technologies to further stand out from the crowd, this state-of-the-art Square Epil laser combines two wavelengths: Alexandrite – the gold standard for melanin absorption – and Nd:YAG which the gold standard for dark colour skins and treatment of vascular lesions.

copy-of-squareepilmachineThe Square Epil also uses a ‘blended-emission’ mode to fire both wavelengths simultaneously, resulting in unsurpassed clinical results on all skin types; meaning this is not only the fastest laser on the market but also delivers the best results. As well as this, the BIOS Square Epil also has the largest spot size available, making treatments both effective and incredibly fast, we can now treat a full body in 30 minutes.

Permanent hair removal remains popular with clients but is often considered non-profitable by practitioners and clinicians; how can BIOS Square Epil change this perception?

Over the last ten years discounting companies, such as Groupon, have played a significant role in suppressing hair removal prices. Compared to what we were achieving in 2007, we are seeing a price difference of nearly 50%, and to compound this further costs have increased. The only way to address this is either significantly increase prices, which is very difficult, or to change the consumers mind set and dramatically reduce the time to complete the treatment.

The Square Epil addresses this because it offers the world’s first square shape spot for Alexandrite and Nd:YAG, meaning clinics can offer permanent hair removal in very little time, compared to other lasers available. With no overlapping of pulses needed, smooth hand-piece movement, and no areas missed thanks to the unique square head, treatments are quicker and client satisfaction is higher.

What makes the BIOS Square Epil the fastest laser on the market, and how does this set it apart from other devices for hair removal?

The dual Alexandrite / Nd:YAG  Square Epil laser system delivers a massive 270 watts of power, which means it can run the world’s largest spot size of 30mm at a speed of 3 Hz. To put this into a patient context, a full body treatment can be performed in 30 minutes.

Many manufacturers offer a  spot-size of 24mm, but their systems do not have the power to operate it effectively. So when you are looking for a laser system take note of the power output as well as the delivery spot size. For example, a 90 watt laser delivering 20j/cm2 fluence can only utilise a spot size of 16mm compared to 26mm with the BIOS Square Epil.

Does the BIOS Square Epil have additional features which make it user friendly in a busy clinic?

Of course. The Square Epil also comes with a range of additional features, many of which are unique to BIOS, and will have a significant positive effect on the efficiency and effectiveness of treatment. The world’s first self-replacements lamps are a prime example. Unlike all other laser manufacturers, with the Square Epil you can replace the lamps yourself without the need for an engineer visit, and in just 60 seconds.

squareepil_handpiece-diagramThis device also offers the world’s first hand-piece with an integrated smoke evacuator, meaning any unpleasant plumes are removed straight away from the air, creating a better environment for both the practitioner and the client.

For some practitioners, a lack of treatment flexibility can often be a reason to avoid offering permanent hair removal with laser devices. How is Square Epil from BIOS different?

Whilst the Square Epil is one of only a few lasers that emits both Alexandrite and Nd: YAG simultaneously, both lasers can also be operated independently therefore offering more versatility when treating other problematic issues such as vascular lesions (both face and legs), pigmentation, non-ablative rejuvenation, anti-ageing, warts, onychomycosis and, of course, hair removal for all skin types.

What advice would you give any private clinic or practitioner considering whether offering laser hair removal is both a profitable and worth the initial investment?

Traditionally, permanent hair removal treatments were suitable for limited clients, could be time consuming, and yielded little reward for the time and investment made. However, with the arrival of modern devices such as the BIOS Square Epil clinics can offer fast and effective treatments – for example, a whole back can be treated in just 15 minutes –  and treat men and women of all skin colours and types.

The technology is designed to be user-friendly, and can be maintained easily in clinic. Our customers are delighted with the speed and efficiency with which the BIO Square Epil can treat clients, and are reaping the rewards of offering permanent hair removal again. When considering investing in any laser, the Square Epil truly offers the highest return on investment – no contest.

For more information about offering permanent hair removal with BIO Square Epil please visit www.advancedestheticssolutions.co.uk or call 02920 231228.

Rise in Women Seeking Bum Lifts

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More women are seeking non-surgical alternatives to so called ‘bum lifts’ than ever, according to a Portsmouth cosmetic doctor.

Dr Dev PatelDr. Dev Patel, medical director of Perfect Skin Solutions says the trend for lifting and reshaping the buttocks has been growing, especially in the last year with more and more women seeking a non-invasive solution to stubborn fat and sagging skin.

The cosmetic doctor believes the rise in celebrities choosing to showcase the non-surgical bum left on social media, as well as a growing interest in safer energy-assisted body contouring treatments, could be behind this trend.

Dr Patel (pictured, left) said: “We are seeing more and more clients visiting the clinic seeking out a non-invasive solution which can improve both their self-esteem and the appearance of a previously hard to treat area of the body.”

“Non-surgical body contouring treatments are certainly one of the growing areas of my private practice, and with the recent investment we have made into upgrading to Lipofirm Pro, we can offer body reshaping and skin firming treatments to clients which are both effective and quick.”

“There is no denying that surgical body contouring procedures in the UK are on the decline, as the recent figures show, and I believe this is in large part down to the technological advances we’re seeing in the non-surgical aesthetics market,” Dr Patel concludes.

Lipofirm Pro technology uniquely combines two technologies – TriLipo Radiofrequency (RF) and TriLipo Dynamic Muscle Activation (DMA). Working simultaneously using a single applicator, they create a synergistic effect that delivers non-invasive fat removal and lymphatic drainage, as well as skin lifting and tightening.

shutterstock_25442695The triple action of TriLipo technology consists of RF deep volumetric heating combined with internal muscle contraction and external mechanical force which together yield maximum fat removal and lymphatic drainage as well as skin tightening. The TriLipo triple action effect is visible from the first treatment. Long term body shaping – including the ‘bum lift’ is achieved in a minimal number of treatments.

The RF energy generates heat through tissue resistance in both the dermal and subcutaneous layers. Selective and focused electro-heating of the skin stimulates and increases fat metabolism in the subcutaneous fat layer and collagen remodelling in the dermal layer.

In the subcutaneous fat layer, the thermal effect accelerates the natural fat metabolism process and the release of liquid fat from the fat cells into the extra-cellular matrix.

Lipofirm Pro is available from Advanced Esthetics Solutions