The Harley Street Journal

Bi-monthly newspaper for the cosmetic and plastic surgery sector

Industry Expert

Croma Pharma leads revolution to simplify skincare

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Croma Pharma gears up to revolutionise skincare, leading us into a new era of simplified, target-specific skincare with the launch of Croma Farewell.

Croma Farewell is a new line of unique serums, that carefully combine stabilised Hyaluronic Acid and active ingredients with over 50 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and aesthetics field. 

The line currently consists of five serums. Each serum is specially formulated with high concentrations of carefully selected, potent ingredients, such as Niacinamide to target individual concerns effectively, including irritated skin, oily skin, dry skin, puffy eyes, and ageing skin. 

Each product in the Croma Farewell line is heavily based upon a stabilised mixture of high and low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid, which is clinically proven to lock in moisture, hydrate, and improve the overall elasticity of the skin. It is a natural antioxidant and research shows that it can reverse the signs of ageing by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful, plump appearance. 

Mel Gravel-Barnes UK Skincare Lead for Croma Pharma comments: “The Farewell Skin line is a breakthrough when it comes to targeted skincare. For years, consumers have been layering single mass-manufactured actives into their skincare regimes, which can be costly, time-consuming, and ineffective due to their low potency levels. All of the serums in the Farewell range are designed using only the highest quality actives at high concentrations for potency and effectiveness.”

Each serum is lightweight yet highly effective against the area of concern. Just three drops can be integrated into daily skincare routines, both in the morning and in the evening. All serums should be applied after cleansing, but before moisturiser. 

Mel adds: “Following a good skincare routine helps to clean, re-balance and nourish the skin, resulting in a fresh, more radiant complexion. Serums, as a topical product are characterized by a thin viscosity which is easily absorbed by the skin to deliver high levels of specific active ingredients to combat concerns.”

The range currently includes an individual serum for the following indications:

Irritated skin: Specially formulated for irritated, sensitive skin, the farewell irritated skin serum helps to soothe irritations, reduce skin redness, strengthen the natural skin barrier. Active ingredients include Hyaluronic Acid, Madecassoside, Niacinamide, and D-Panthenol; to improve moisture and increase the elasticity and the smoothness of the skin.

Puffy eyes: Puffiness and dark circles around the delicate eye area are often caused by tiredness and/or stress. Farewell puffy eyes is specially formulated to fight the appearance of shadows and swelling around the delicate eye area. The leading ingredients include Hyaluronic Acid, D-Panthenol, Ash tree bark extract, and Vitamin B3 for refreshed, radiant, and glowing skin. 

Dry skin: Dry skin is characterized by skin tightness, fine lines, and scaling and can be caused by a variety of reasons, including environmental factors. Farewell dry skin combines Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, D-Panthenol, and Aloe Vera to moisturise, soothe and strengthen the skin barrier to maintain softness and elasticity.

Ageing skin: Although we cannot stop the ageing process, we can support our skin to maintain its elasticity to reduce the visible signs of aging. Farewell aging skin is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Marine ferment (a plant-derived alternative to Retinol), and Madecassoside to keep the skin hydrated and improve its overall suppleness and firmness. The added Vitamin C offers additional antioxidative properties and effectively improves the appearance of damaged skin and wrinkles.

Oily skin: Oily skin is characterised by increased sebum production and is often prone to acne, blackheads, and pimples. Farewell oily skin contains a Zinc complex and Plankton Extract to reduce blemishes and unclog pores while reducing sebum production and minimizing shine. The added Niacinamide and Wintergreen leaf extract regenerate the skin barrier for smoother, softer skin and a perfect glowing complexion.

For healthcare practitioners across the country, the Croma Farewell range offers the ability to support patient needs with dedicated skincare that has been specially formulated around specific needs. Each product guarantees complete precision, efficacy and innocuity for peace of mind that patients have the best solution to suit individual concerns.

Mel comments: “For HCP’s, Croma Farewell offers a unique opportunity to treat multiple skincare concerns with targeted serums that are formulated with the right concentration of ingredients to combat that concern.”

Developed in Austria by Croma Pharma, the leading producer of hyaluronic acid for non-invasive aesthetic medicine, all serums in the range are 100% cruelty-free and vegan friendly. They contain no animal-derived products and do not contain any harmful chemicals, or ingredients.

All serums are available either in clinic or can be purchased online directly from Croma here

Doctor prescribes a breakthrough in menopause treatment

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A Cheshire-based doctor is leading the fight to bring a new lease of life to the menopause and empowering patients to embrace the change with Bio-Identical Hormones. 

Dr Martin Kinsella, otherwise known as the Hormone Doctor from Re-Enhance Clinic in Cheshire has tailored a new, and unique treatment that mimics natural hormone production to alleviate those uncomfortable menopause symptoms and give patients life changing results, as they enter the ‘golden years.’ 

After a certain age, the human body naturally begins to change for both men and women, and the depletion of hormones in the body paves way for some very uncomfortable side effects, that can last for years. 

In women, as oestrogen levels drop, they begin to experience hot flushes, irritability, low libido, vaginal dryness, and depression to name a few. These symptoms can begin years before the periods stop (known as perimenopause), and last many years after the periods stop, in most patients.

Male menopause, also known as Andropause happens with the decline of testosterone production in the body. Similar to women, symptoms typically include irritability, depression, low sex drive and insomnia. But men can also experience a loss of muscle mass and fat redistribution. These symptoms typically last for around 15 years. 

There are treatment options available to combat the effects of menopause, including the combined HRT pill, and even antidepressants. However, a lot of these treatments are ineffective and have been known to make symptoms worse, by not addressing the problem or even worse, causing a hormonal imbalance.

Bioidentical hormone replacement is a pioneering new field in medicine and advances in the field have shown that the use of bioidentical hormones can help to alleviate the symptoms of menopause and counteract the effects of ageing and disease in both men and women. 

It works by mimicking the production of a patient’s natural hormone production, to replenish deficiencies. Hormones are the most powerful chemical messengers in the body that help regulate daily functions, including mental and physical wellbeing, sleep patterns, and even sex drive.

Prescriptions for Bio ID are bespoke based upon a patient’s individual needs. The needs are identified following a full assessment and a blood test. Following the initial consultation, a follow-up consultation is arranged to discuss results and set out a tailor-made treatment plan based on prescriptions needed. 

Dr Kinsella comments: “Menopause is a fact of life, and it shouldn’t be feared. It is simply just our body changing and adapting to a new chapter. Unfortunately, the depletion of hormones makes these natural changes very challenging for the body. 

Everybody is different, but many patients experience symptoms such as hot flushes, depression, and insomnia simultaneously and this can last for years. Although it happens to everybody, it’s very common for patients to feel isolated and alone as they try to battle through, not knowing what treatments are available to help them. 

Previous treatments of menopause have been ineffective, and often make symptoms of menopause worse. Channel 4 conducted a survey and found that almost 3,000 women had been prescribed antidepressants to treat menopause. This is shocking to me as menopause is a very personal thing, there is no ‘one size fits all treatment and antidepressants only worsen symptoms as patients become dependent on them.

Bio-Identical hormones are a real breakthrough in the treatment of menopause for both men and women. Prescriptions are unique to the patients’ individual needs and are designed to help the body cope with the changes, alleviating many of those uncomfortable and difficult symptoms.

Many patients have commented on the difference the Bio ID treatment has made. Many of them have noticed a lot of relief in symptoms, and even feel empowered, confident, and ready to face their new chapter in life.”

One patient who has undergone Bio ID treatment with Dr Kinsella is Julie Green, who suffered from menopause symptoms for years and didn’t agree with the standard HRT route. 

“I suffered from menopause symptoms for a few years, irritability, hot flushes, joint pain, and memory loss to name a few. I didn’t want to go down the HRT route as I don’t believe one pill fits all. 

I had a consultation with Dr Kinsella, and after a simple blood test, he was able to determine what I was lacking. I have been on a combination of oestrogen gel, progesterone, and vitamin D tablets for a little over three months now and have experienced a remarkable difference in my overall mood and well-being; even the hot flushes are a lot less frequent. 

Dr Kinsella and his team are still on hand and monitor me closely with regular blood tests to check my levels. I feel like my old self again, and I can’t thank the team enough.” Says Julie.

Dr Kinsella adds: “As a practitioner, this is all I can hope for, and I want to make this available to more people. Nobody should fear or suffer through menopause, it’s completely natural, and I want people to know that there are treatment options available.”

For more information, please visit: https://www.bioidhealth.com

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.”

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

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.”