The Harley Street Journal

Bi-monthly newspaper for the cosmetic and plastic surgery sector

Industry Expert

Hear what RegenLab had to say about Aesthetic Medicine Live 2022

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Last week, the RegenLab team headed to Olympia London to exhibit at Aesthetic Medicine Live 2022 – the UK’s leading medical aesthetic show. 

Medical aesthetic specialists gathered for two days of discovery, learning, business, and networking at AML, one of the UK’s medical aesthetics events. Cutera, Hydrafacial, and Cosmeditech were among the companies that exhibited at the event, alongside key speakers such as Antonia Mariconda, Alex Bugg and Dr Anna Hemming who educated attendees on various topics. 

Across the two-days there were countless opportunities to talk with like-minded people about industry challenges, ideas, and solutions. Their CPD-accredited education included engaging seminars that brought practical and clinical teaching to life, as well as Business Workshops that provided professional advice on how to run a successful aesthetic practice.

One of the brands to exhibit at AML was RegenLab. “I’d like to thank everyone who came out to visit and support us throughout the two-day event – you’ll probably agree that the turnout was tremendous,” says Mark Johnson, RegenLab’s UK Director.

It’s exciting to see so many industry leaders re-emerge since the pandemic halted everything, and I’ve seen a number of clinics looking to expand their products and invest in the right technologies.

AML provided us with a terrific opportunity to introduce our breakthrough products to businesses and educate people about PRP technology.”

RegenLab has established itself as the global authority on PRP, having CE certifications and registration with regulatory organisations all around the world. They’ve been conceived, tried, tested, and patented, with over 200 publications, a large number of clinical trials, and over two million treatments conducted. 

RegenLab focused on training and informing clinics and practitioners about the following products during ACE:

  • Cellular Matrix – a revolutionary skincare breakthrough that combines two treatment methods into one medical device (class iii) for a safe, more natural appearance. When HA is combined with PRP, the activity of various molecules in platelet rich plasma is increased, allowing patients to gain better anti-aging outcomes such as enhanced skin tone, laxity, contouring, and rejuvenation.
  • RegenKIT HAIR — aids in the restoration of hair loss and increases hair density in men and women suffering from androgenetic alopecia. Stimulating hair bulb regeneration by increasing blood flow and improving follicular cell proliferation results in stronger, denser, and richer hair.
  • RegenKIT INTIMACY – PRP can be used to treat lichen sclerosus as well as female sexual dysfunction: After RegenPRP injection, PRP greatly enhances individual measurements of desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm.
  • RegenKIT DERMAL – a product that can be used to treat anti-aging, acne scarring, and keloid scarring. In the case of skin rejuvenation, PRP demonstrates the production of new collagen.

Mark adds: “This year’s AML exhibition was a great success for us. Over the course of the two-day event, we met with existing and many potential new customers, and we’re excited to see what prospects arise. The word on Regen PRP & especially Cellular Matrix is out now & everyone wants to work with the specialist pioneers. “ 

Lou Sommeroux shares her ‘restoration not transformation’ approach to injectables

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Leading aesthetic expert and founder of Cosmex Clinic, Lou Sommereux, shares why a versatile Hyaluronic Acid filler complements her ‘restoration not transformation’ approach to injectables.

Aesthetic expert and nurse practitioner Lou Sommereux champions a revived effect for her patients, preferring to enhance their own features. “The demographic of my patients tends to be 40 plus, who would like to look healthy and rejuvenated”, says Lou. “We refer to this as a fresh look, as if our patients have been on holiday. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers, such as Sinclair Pharma’s latest innovation MaiLi, fit beautifully into this vision.”

For 40 plus patients, Lou prefers to offer a restoration, not a transformation. “The mid-face is a good area to start with for these patients, giving support to the underlying tissues and ligaments. HA filler integrates into the tissues in different areas of the face to create a restoring effect. My older patients don’t want to look 20 again; as they say, that isn’t going to suit their body. But they want to restore some volume loss, soften lines and define a slightly blurred jaw line.”

MaiLi’s portfolio supports this aesthetic. MaiLi helps rejuvenate, contour and sculpt the face, while acting like soft, flexible and elastic skin tissue, working with natural movement and expression. This means patients will experience soft and supple skin, compared with more rigid or restrictive fillers.

As an aesthetic expert, Lou enjoys the marriage of science and art. “I can treat all areas of the face with MaiLi due to the wide ranging portfolio”, she explains. “It’s a bit like having an artist’s palette; you have products to suit all indications in all areas of the face. You need to have an artist’s eye when injecting, in addition to understanding anatomy, the rheologyof the products you are using and discussing realistic expectations with your patients. As practitioners we need to have a multifaceted skillset to give the outcome and results your patients are happy with, and you are proud of.”

Due to its wide range of products, MaiLi can treat a variety of patients and aesthetic aspirations. “Following an assessment and consultation, we can tailor the range depending on the requirements of the patient. For example, MaiLi can give volume and correction for a younger patient, while an older person may prefer softening lines and wrinkles. The HA concentration in each product is slightly different, so I can adapt to different indications and skin quality. Many of our patients may have two to three appointments to build up to the final result. In doing so, we build trust and confidence, laying the groundwork for their confidence in us. Education about expectations is so important.”

Safe treatment is a priority for all practitioners. Lou shares how she reviews new products to ensure she feels confident about their safety profile. “The safety profile of a product is incredibly important. While patients ask for treatments with longevity and with minimal downtime – both of which MaiLi offers – as experts we know safety plays a key part in the roll out of a new product in clinic.”

“I review the trials and tests a product undergoes, looking at the clinical evidence to ensure a product is safe and effective. That gives me confidence, which exudes to my patients and wider team. In-clinic, I consider what I would want to see as a patient. As a result, we always open the product box in front of our patients and show the expiry date, so patients know it is sterile and unopened. We discuss our cross-infection controls and show our patients the sterile dressing packs.”

The message of safe care has trickled down to a wider patient group, Lou shares. “More recently, younger patients have come to see us, because they have seen the dangerous results that can be achieved from treatment at unregulated clinics. They want to come to a medical clinic where they know treatment will be safe.”

MaiLi is synonymous with safety, and uses lidocaine for a more comfortable experience for patients. The injected gel is in constant contact with the surrounding tissues, and returns to its initial shape due to Smart Spring properties. Harnessing the power of the world’s first OxiFreeTMHA technology, MaiLi uses 24% less filler* for unparalleled volume, suppleness and projection power with supreme longevity. 

There are a multitude of companies offering aesthetic products. Lou shares why she opts to use a particular brand. “I like working with companies who respond to their customers’ requirements. For example, Sinclair Pharma has listened regarding the ergonomics of their syringes; they are comfortable to use. There is no significant extrusion force with the MaiLi syringes, there is no pressure that I’m putting onto the delicate tissues of the skin as I push down the plunger.”

MaiLi follows the lineage established by medical aesthetics company Sinclair Pharma which also boasts Ellansé, a collagen stimulating dermal filler for the face, in its treatment portfolio; as well as the other recently launched Lanluma collagen stimulating dermal filler; and Silhouette Soft, its unique cone threaded sutures for non-surgical skin lifting. 

For more information, please visit:  https://www.sinclairpharma.com. The opinions expressed in this piece are solely those of Lou Sommereux.

The impact of Covid-19 on aesthetic and cosmetic procedures

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A recent study carried out by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) revealed that plastic surgery procedures for aesthetic purposes decreased by 10.9% in 2020, as 77.8% of surgeons worldwide temporarily closed their doors. 

The most common procedures largely remained the same globally during 2020, with breast augmentation making up 16% of all operations. The next most popular procedure at 15.1% was liposuction, followed by eyelid surgery (12.1%), rhinoplasty (8.4%), and abdominoplasty (7.6%). 

Interestingly, in males, eyelid surgery was the top performed procedure with over 256,000 carried out worldwide. Liposuction came in a close second with over 225,000. 

Mr. Hagen Schumacher a consultant plastic surgeon at Adore Life in Cambridge comments: “The statistics do reflect what we have been seeing in surgery. Despite the overall reduction in procedures due to Covid, it is interesting to see the increase in blepharoplasty procedures. I have continued to see a lot more enquiries come through on this procedure. 

Mr. Hagen Schumacher a consultant plastic surgeon at Adore Life

Most ageing concerns stem from the eyelids and face, but I think the continuous wearing of facemasks, combined with remote working and webcams has resulted in a lot more focus being placed on the eye area, so I think people have become more aware of themselves.

Looking forward, I think this increase in eyelid procedures will continue to rise because many of them can be performed under local anaesthetic and provide more dramatic results. Besides eyelid, I have also noticed an increase in lower body procedures, such as thigh lifts and abdominal recontouring so I think this will be interesting to watch.”

Elsewhere, the demand for non-surgical treatments, including dermal fillers and hair removal treatments continued to rise, although they were at lower proportions than seen in previous years (5.7% in 2020, compared to 7.6% in 2019). Overall, this has resulted in a decrease of 1.8% for all procedures. 

The top five non-surgical treatments remained largely the same as previous years, with botulinum toxin making up 43.2% of all non-surgical procedures, closely followed by hyaluronic acid treatments at 28.1% and hair removal at 12.8%. Non-surgical fat reduction sits at 3.9% and photo rejuvenation at 3.6%. 

Botulinum toxin remains the top performed procedure across both men and women with over 6 million injections being carried out around the world with the most common age bracket between 19-34.

Full survey results can be found here.

1 in 4 menopausal workers consider quitting, so why is menopause still taboo?

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Some women sail through menopause with nothing more than night sweats. For others, menopause is no easy feat. 

From hot flushes to cognitive complaints and irritability, menopause can be severely debilitating for many women. Symptoms can impact daily life, and unfortunately have serious repercussions in the workplace. 

Here, Dr. Martin Kinsella, a leading hormone expert from BioID Health, and Kat Derbyshire, Director of Barnsley-based HR Consultancy, Black Kat HR explore why the subject of menopause in the workplace, to this day, remains taboo.

According to the Office of National Statistics, in 2020, menopausal women represented the fastest-growing workforce demographic in the UK. Yet in the workplace menopause remains stigmatised. On top of this, a UK charity recently found up to 1 in 4 women actually consider leaving their jobs because of the menopause.

Dr. Martin Kinsella, leading hormone doctor and Founder of BioID Health worries that these statistics paint a worrying picture.

He says: “To me, this indicates that the potential for senior women taking up leadership roles may be shrinking because of poor, and inadequate support in place for menopausal employees.

“Each person will naturally experience menopause differently, and symptoms can widely range from mild to severe. The most common side effects include insomnia, hot flashes, irritability, memory loss, depression, and anxiety – all of which may interfere with a person’s ability to work. 

“Employees may begin to feel less competent in their careers, and whilst menopause plays a huge part in feelings of anxiety and depression, the feeling of underperforming in the workplace will undoubtedly heighten those feelings.”

In January of this year, Lisa Taggart a Regional Manager from Manchester was really struggling with menopausal symptoms and explains that every day became a real challenge.  

She says: “At first, I started to feel very lethargic, then in January it got so bad that I just didn’t want to be here anymore. I used to love going to work, socialising, and meeting new people, but every day became a real challenge. I felt depressed, anxious, and irritable – I just didn’t want to be here anymore.”

Unfortunately, there have been documented cases of women who have had their employment terminated for poor performance, despite having medical notes outlining menopause as a certified reason. Of course, those who feel wronged, or discriminated against could proceed to an employment tribunal, but for the company in question, these can be costly to defend and cause reputational damage.  

Kat Derbyshire, Director of Barnsley based HR Consultancy, Black Kat HR Ltd adds: “Naturally, menopause symptoms may pose significant challenges for women, and it is important that employers understand these challenges, and recognise how it can impact one’s ability to carry out, or even attend work.

“As part of their duty of care, employers have a responsibility to support their staff through any ailments that impact abilities, including mental health and physical conditions. I think more open conversations need to be had, so employers can implement the right level of help and support for employees.”

Whilst every workplace comes with its own stress factor, some industries may be more difficult than others for women to talk about their struggles. 

Dr. Kinsella explains: “Whilst this is not an equality issue, some women do work in more male-dominant industries, making it harder to garner these open, and honest conversations. While males may suffer from Andropause (better known as male menopause), it is very rarely discussed, so a lot of men have little to no understanding of the full spectrum of symptoms and therefore may find it hard to sympathise. 

“When you think of menopause, a lot of people just think of hot flashes. Whilst this is a very common and unpleasant side effect, there are so many more symptoms that people just don’t realise, like irritability, anxiety, and brain fog which can be severely rehabilitating.”

Unfortunately, some of the symptoms of menopause, including cognitive issues can closely resemble signs of depression.

Dr. Kinsella adds: “Menopause is often misdiagnosed and therefore mistreated as depression, which only makes the problem worse, and more time-consuming. Many practitioners prescribe antidepressants, which only interact with the chemicals in the brain; this will not help symptoms of menopause which are caused by hormone level changes.”

During menopause, the production of both estrogen and progesterone slows down. Both hormones play a vital role within the body and control your reproductive system. It is the depletion of these hormones that causes both the physical and emotional symptoms of menopause.  

In the workplace, unfortunately, these symptoms can be disruptive, but it shouldn’t be that way. Menopause is natural, and I believe women should feel empowered throughout it, and supported in the workplace.”

Recently, cereal manufacturer Kellogg’s announced that they would be introducing ‘menopause leave’ to help safeguard staff, encourage open conversations, and create a culture in which people feel psychologically safe. 

Kat says: “What Kellogg’s have done is a step in the right direction and could be extremely beneficial for the employees who need it. There are so many things’ businesses can and should do to take great strides towards handling menopause effectively in the workplace.”

So, should other businesses be following in Kellogg’s footsteps and introducing measures to support staff through challenging times, and if so, what can be done?

Kat comments: “The first step I believe needs to be around education. Many employers would say they do not currently have adequate knowledge around menopause and the challenges it presents, so I believe raising awareness on the subject is key. There should be specific training in place for both employees and line managers around menopause to ensure those going through it are being treated fairly, with dignity, and respect. Simple and often zero cost adjustments could make all the difference for an employee. 

“By putting a menopause policy in place, shows commitment from the business to support employees, signposts towards support available, and provides a framework for managers to apply consistently. 

In addition to looking at adjustments that can be made at work, employers will also need to consider how periods of absence due to negative effects of menopause will be handled in absence management procedures so as not to treat those employees unfairly. 

“Menopause isn’t specifically a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 however businesses need to be equipped to handle this in the right way. If an employee is treated less favourably because of their menopause symptoms it may lead to claims of discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, or sex further highlighting the need to handle these situations sensitively. 

“When putting processes and procedures in place around menopause, businesses must acknowledge that it may not be easy or comfortable for employees to come forward and talk about challenges. Therefore, there should be a focus on creating a culture where employees feel they have somebody to talk to in confidence, such as a HR or an external support service paid for by the company, so employees have access to support without any potential, negative repercussions.”

Dr. Kinsella adds: “For women to feel confident to speak openly about menopause-related issues, businesses need to create a more open culture that encourages honest discussions.

“I also believe that there needs to be more education around the treatment options available, to help women manage their symptoms. Studies have shown that 3 in 4 women who seek help for symptoms, do not receive it.”

Dr. Kinsella explains that previous treatments of menopause have been ineffective, and even made the symptoms of menopause worse.

He comments: “For years, HRT has been hailed as the best treatment plan, but it has also been linked to some health complications including cancer, blood clots, stroke, and an increased risk of depression. The other problem is that they are not tailored around the individual’s specific needs. Every patient is different and therefore will have different hormone levels and deficiencies, and this is what I explain to my patients seeking treatment.

“It is the hormonal imbalance that causes the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, so I recommend a tailored treatment path like Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT) that identifies your individual deficiencies and restores those exact hormones and nutrients. Through a simple blood test, we can analyse a patient’s individual hormone levels, and prescribe a bespoke treatment path based on the individual deficiency. 

“BHRT is a relatively new field, but advancements have shown that it is highly effective in rebalancing hormones and restoring the body to optimum performance. It works in tandem with your body, replacing the exact hormones that you are deficient in, at the levels you need. 

“Throughout treatment, your doctor will continually monitor your hormone levels, and make any necessary adjustments to your prescription, so you can rest assured your body is getting exactly what it needs at that time.”

When Lisa’s symptoms became unbearable, she decided to learn more about Bioidentical Hormone Therapy and calls it life-changing.

She says: “After a few weeks on BHRT, I started to feel like myself again. My joints weren’t hurting, I was able to laugh again, and I felt a lot more confident. Even my family noticed the difference. I now look forward to going out again, exercising and I feel like the Lisa I was 20 years ago. BioID Health transformed my life, and I think there needs to be more education about the options, so nobody is left feeling as lost as I did before treatment.”

Dr. Kinsella adds: “The symptoms that Lisa felt before starting on BHRT are not uncommon, they can begin around ten years before you officially reach menopause (known as perimenopause) because that is when your hormone levels really begin to change.

“Including perimenopause, symptoms may last for up to 12 years, though the severity will vary. They can impact daily life, and I think more people need to understand that, particularly in the workplace. 

“Menopause is a healthy and completely normal chapter in life, but it can be challenging. I believe women should always have an open forum to discuss their individual situations and have a dedicated support system to help them, should they want it.”

Kat concludes: “The menopause is reported to have a negative impact on around a quarter of those going through it and this is an issue which needs to be understood and supported by employers. If as a business you don’t currently have anything in place, I would recommend seeking specialist HR input to implement the appropriate training, policies, and procedures to enable you to best support your employees and minimise the potential of discrimination claims for your business.”

BioID Health provides bespoke doctor-led treatment plans that uses bioidentical hormones designed to mimic your natural hormones to achieve remarkable life-changing results.

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.”

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.