Innovations

CCR Expo Announces Surgical Training Dome

September 1, 2014 by Laura Casewell

Britain’s largest conference uniting the reconstructive, aesthetic and non-surgical arenas announced a first-of-its kind ‘Surgical Training Dome’ will be unveiled at its event in London’s Olympia in October this year.

Providing essential, hands-on activities for surgical trainees who will receive continuing medical education (CPD) credits for attending, the Clinical Cosmetic and Reconstructive Expo (www.ccr-expo.com) has partnered with the Plastic Surgery Trainees’ Association (www.plasta.org.uk), offering members priority access to engage in some of the practical skills in their field.

The trade expo; boasting an Advisory Board which includes Chairman Norman Waterhouse who is the former Aesthetics Tutor at the Royal College of Surgeons of England and ex-President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS); takes place on 10-11 October and was attended last year by over 2,300 professionals.

This year, CCR Expo offers a unique opportunity not just for fully qualified surgeons, doctors and nurses to learn about the latest advances and techniques but now also flings open its doors to surgical trainees via its innovative ‘Training Dome’ in partnership with PLASTA.

The interactive exhibition allows for participation in especially-designed ‘pods’ tackling some of the relevant skills required in a plastic surgical career. Members of PLASTA get priority booking but all trainees around the country – at any level – are invited to attend for free.

Handpicked to establish and lead the training content of the Dome is reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon Jeyaram Srinivasan, a former Regional Surgical Advisor for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, part of its Faculty of Surgical Trainers and Tutor in Specialist Surgical Skills courses. He says:

“I’m thrilled to help design an innovative exhibition tailored entirely towards surgical trainees’ needs, providing them with the opportunity to engage in hands-on exercises that are essential to their careers. The Dome gives novice surgeons a chance to practise basic and advanced skin suturing, explore microsurgery techniques and participate in mark-up sessions on live models, taught by some of the most recognised names in the profession. They will also have exposure to the latest technology that assists in treatment planning – the Dome is a fantastic addition to the show, and I am sure will provide a great platform for attendees to learn, network and enjoy themselves.”

Surgical trainee Adrian Murphy, President of PLASTA, commented:

“PLASTA is delighted to be partnering with CCR Expo this year to support its new Surgical Training Dome, running within the event. The introduction of the initiative at CCR Expo in October seems an appropriate addition to its already wide range of features and will offer broad appeal to all surgical trainees, providing them with an exciting opportunity to gain new insights in to a range of techniques and approaches.”

The ‘Surgical Training Dome’ will run practical sessions for circa 50 trainees held twice in the day: morning (10am-12noon) and afternoon (2pm-4pm). The Dome offers five interactive ‘pods’, navigating a variety of skills and scenarios that trainees would encounter throughout their careers. These include:
• Basic to advanced suturing: Skin suturing is the most fundamental skill in plastic surgery; the Dome will have options to master basic techniques but also offers more advanced, practical tips to master suturing under tension and difficult situations.
• Microsurgery techniques: From managing hand trauma to advanced free tissue transfer techniques, microsurgical skills set plastic surgical training apart from other specialties. In the Dome, trainees will have options to practice / improve microsurgical suturing skills, with expert advice available throughout the session to enhance understanding of this crucial skill.
• 3D imaging: The use of this cutting-edge technology is becoming a useful tool for many aesthetic surgical procedures and will be demonstrated by seasoned professionals who use it regularly in patient education.
• Facial Injecting: Practical sessions on facial injecting techniques simulated on realistic silicone facial moulds. Using appropriate filler materials in aesthetically sensitive areas is a popular adjunct to many facial aesthetic procedures.
• Live Mark-up: Trainees will be able to witness leading experts explaining and demonstrating their marking techniques using live models. This allows for access to some of the best kept secrets of top surgeons’ thinking and technique for many aesthetic procedures – such as facelift, abdominoplasty, liposuction and more.

In addition, all attendees to the Surgical Training Dome will have the opportunity to be entered into a prize draw to win a free place worth £2,999 for another exclusive surgery ‘first’: the CCR Facelift Masterclass. This groundbreaking, invitation-only event is limited to 100 spaces and will take place in March 2015 at London’s Dorchester hotel. Its faculty boasts some of the most well-known facial plastic surgeons including three former BAAPS Presidents.

According to Norman Waterhouse, Chairman of CCR Expo’s Advisory Board and former Head of the Craniofacial Unit at Chelsea and Westminster:

“It’s no secret that hands-on training opportunities in aesthetic surgery can be hard to find in today’s demanding NHS schedules. Through the Surgical Training Dome we want to offer an interactive space with relevant activities that will be of significant value to trainees, whatever stage they might be at in their careers. Our partnership with PLASTA is a natural extension and we look forward to continuing to offer educational solutions of real relevance to the sector.”

According to Peter Jones, Chief Executive Officer of CCR Expo and owner of events company Nineteen Events:

“Last year was a resounding success and we wanted to widen our scope even further for 2014 – not just by providing a comprehensive, educational event aimed at consultants of today, but reaching out to the consultants of tomorrow. Our show offers this and much more so we’re delighted to join PLASTA in looking after the interests of future plastic surgeons in the UK.”

About the Clinical Cosmetic & Reconstructive (CCR) Expo
The Clinical Cosmetic & Reconstructive Expo (www.ccr-expo.com) is a groundbreaking business-to-business event that brings the international surgical and non-surgical community together under one roof. The first-ever expo ran from 11-12 October 2013 at London, Olympia and showcased over 120 international exhibitors, alongside 14 days of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) content, including workshops, conferences and live demonstration theatres, packed into an exciting two-day event. The next Expo taking place also at London Olympia has been scheduled for 10-11 October 2014 and will offer twice the space and workshop content.

BTL Launches Protégé Intima In The UK

August 27, 2014 by Laura Casewell

A top aesthetics company has launched a unique non-surgical labia rejuvenation device in a handful of select clinics across the UK.

BTL Aesthetics, the company behind popular radio frequency devices such as Exilis Elite and the recently released Vanquish, is proud to announce the addition of Protégé Intima to their ever-expanding list of cosmetic and medical devices.

The new Protégé Intima is a safe and effective device with indications for non-invasive non-surgical labia remodeling. The use of the device leads to the improvement of the appearance of the vulva and to the improvement of sexual satisfaction.

Lee Boulderstone, Director of BTL Aesthetics in the UK, said the launch of Protégé Intima in the UK was an ‘exciting development’ for the device company, adding he was looking forward to showcasing its results at the forthcoming aesthetic shows.

“Launching any new device is exciting, but the Intima is something we’re really proud to be distributing,” Lee explains.

“It’s a first for the UK, and we’re proud to be pioneering this non-invasive treatment in Britain. We’ll be showcasing everything this new addition to our portfolio of products has to offer at exhibitions all over the country in the next 6 months, including the CCR Expo in London this October.”

Calling the new device ‘revolutionary’, Lee says cherry picking the best clinics to initially offer the treatment is the key to its success.

“It’s vitally important that a device like this is operated by experienced aesthetic practitioners. Currently Intima is only offered at a few elite clinics, where we know the users and full training from our team has been undertaken,” he explains.

“Although, we anticipate a substantial demand for this device once it’s revealed nationally. The response so far has been wonderfully positive.”

Most recently, the painless energy-assisted labia remodelling treatment is now available at Pureskin Clinic in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, with resident aesthetic experts dubbing it the ‘best way to rejuvenate intimate areas.’

Elizabeth Daly, Aesthetic Nurse at Pureskin Clinic, exclusively told The Harley Street Journal her team welcomed the new addition to their growing treatment list, and are proud to be one of the first clinics in the UK to offer Protege Intima.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have been selected as one of the elite clinics across the country to offer our patients Protégé Intima,” Miss Daly explained

“At Pureskin we pride ourselves on offering our clientele the most current and effective treatments, and being a forward thinking clinic we know there will be a huge demand for intimate skin tightening using RF.”

Explaining more about how the treatment remodels the labia, Miss Daly also revealed why they wanted to offer the latest device from BTL Aesthetics.

“Intima uniquely uses radio frequency (RF) technology to tighten the labia skin and therefore improves the appearance of the vagina,” explains Elizabeth.

“Having been already delighted by the effects of Exilis Elite from BTL, we knew the Intima would offer the same great results for our patients.”

Miss Daly added that BTL’s tried and trusted reputation, along with their portfolio of innovative devices, gave her the confidence to recommend the new treatment to her existing patients.

“At Pureskin we only offer our patients treatments with devices we know provide top results,” she says.

“It’s important that safety and patient satisfaction are a priority, and thanks to BTL’s excellent FDA approved devices we know we’re offering the best in the business.”

Vaginal remodelling is increasingly popular in the UK, and it was recently revealed via a national survey that procedures to reduce the size of the labia were up 109% in the last year alone.

Word has already spread in the industry, with Laura Casewell, Editor of The Cosmetic Surgery Guide, calling the launch of Protégé Intima a ‘unique and forward thinking treatment’ which is destined to become nationally renowned by the end of 2014.

“It’s a breakthrough to have a treatment like Protégé Intima arriving here, and it’s undoubtedly going to be a huge success as the year progresses,” Laura explains.

“The results are scientifically proven and we’ve heard from numerous satisfied women who are delighted with not only the aesthetic results of the treatment, but also how quick and painless it is. It’s going to change the face of vaginal rejuvenation, simple as that.”

Tried and Tested
Lindsey Price, 41, is a Business Development Manager from Manchester. She lives with her husband of five years, Billy, and their three-year-old son.

“I’d had a fairly uneventful pregnancy with Xavier, with the labour itself even being pretty low-key. “It wasn’t until the birth itself that the problems started. My son’s head got stuck and I ended up having to have a ventouse delivery. Unfortunately the suction device didn’t work, and I was given an episiotomy as a last resort, leaving me with over 50 stitches and in a lot of pain.

Due to the cuts administered to get my son out, my inner and outer labia were damaged. I’d expected everything to heal and go back to normal, but I was left with an untidy looking area. My confidence, which prior to pregnancy had been high, vanished.

I took for granted how having children would affect my body. Everything looked and felt different, and not in a good way. I felt as if my body no longer belonged to me, and I couldn’t stand the thought of showing it off.

I couldn’t believe there was a treatment that could help me, and on hearing it was also non-surgical I signed up to try it. It seemed better to be proactive to get my body back on track, and on hearing about Protege Intima I believed this was how to do it.

I booked myself a consultation with Pureskin, an aesthetics clinic in Cheshire, where a course of four weekly treatments was recommended. Libby Daly, my practitioner, explained that over a month the Intima could improve the collagen around the labia and brings blood flow to the surface, making the area look and feel rejuvenated.

I was dubious when she told me it was both painless and fast-acting, so I was honestly gobsmacked when I started to see results after just one treatment. I’ve now had my full course of treatment with the unique device it’s changed my life for the better.”

More information on Protégé Intima can be found by calling 01782 579060 or visiting www.btlaesthetics.com

Introducing Heliocare® 360° from Aestheticare

July 9, 2014 by Laura Casewell

Heliocare® 360° is a new and unique way of protecting our skin against the complete spectrum of sun derived radiation we face every day and preventing the resulting skin-ageing oxidative and DNA damage this can cause. It does this at a greater breadth and a higher level than previously possible. Heliocare® 360° medigrade cosmetic products have a skin-loving feel that encourage everyday use and can be used by everyone concerned about skin-ageing and skin-health as part of their daily skincare regime.

Heliocare® 360° provides essential protection and prevention, as the environmental challenges it protects against; UV, high-energy visible light and Infrared-A, and the oxidative and DNA damage these can cause impact on our skin every day, not just in summer months or during periods of high sun exposure.

Visible light has been shown to be responsible for 33% or more of reactive oxygen species/free radicals produced in the skin and infrared-A radiation has been shown to cause the breakdown of skin collagen.

The Heliocare® 360° revolutionary formulation provides complete 360 degree skin protection, prevention, repair and care:

Protection: Uniquely SPF50+ and broad spectrum UVB|UVA protection is combined with the Heliocare® 360° BioShield System of Fractional Biomimetic Melanin and Pro-Taurine providing additional advanced biological protection against high-energy visible light and Infrared-A radiation. The BioShield System absorbs high-energy visible light at the skin’s surface and helps neutralize the action of Infrared-A within the skin.

Prevention: The daily challenges of UV, visible light and Infrared-A cause reactive oxygen species (ROS) / free radicals within the skin, accelerating skin-ageing. In Heliocare® 360°, clinically proven high-level antioxidant prevention effect is provided by a Super Anti-Ox Complex that contains Fernblock®FC, Vitamin C, E & Green tea extract. The unique and patented skin-antioxidant Fernblock® Polypodium leuctomos extract contained in every Heliocare® product is a clinically proven natural complex containing powerful polyphenol anti-oxidants such as ferulic, caffeic and vanillic acid. In Heliocare® 360° this is fortified with additional ferulic and caffeic acid to make Fernblock®FC, with an antioxidant activity up to 4x greater than Fernblock® alone*.

Repair: DNA in skin cells can be damaged by it’s absorption of UV and oxidative stress caused by ROS, this can accelerate skin-ageing and impair skin-health, in the worst case leading to skin cancer. Fernblock®FC can help reduce DNA damage and natural plant-derived DNA repair enzyme ingredients in Heliocare® 360° can help reduce the level of DNA damage.

Care: The Heliocare® 360° silky smooth skin moisturising formulations encourage everyday use. The fluid cream, provides an advanced and intense moisturising complex making it the ideal essential anti-ageing protect and prevent morning-use product without the need to apply an additional moisturiser, and the airgel is a light foaming mousse that provides smooth and even coverage and is ideal for those who don’t require such a high level of morning moisturisation.

Heliocare® 360° fluid cream (50ml) and airgel (60ml) are available from aesthetic clinics throughout the UK with an SRP £31.00 incl. VAT, information is available at heliocare.aestheticare.co.uk

Galderma Initiates U.S. Study of Novel Muscle Relaxant

July 9, 2014 by Laura Casewell

Galderma, a global healthcare company focused on dermatology, has announced that it has initiated a Phase II clinical trial of a novel muscle relaxant in the United States.

The study is investigating the safety and efficacy of Galderma’s internally developed liquid formulation of botulinum toxin in the setting of aesthetic dermatology and cosmetic surgery and will add to the existing Galderma neurotoxin franchise.

“This trial initiation demonstrates Galderma’s commitment to innovation in the aesthetic market and is designed to strengthen and complement our current neurotoxin franchise,” said Humberto C. Antunes, President and CEO of Galderma.

“Our current neurotoxin business, which includes Dysport and Azzalure, continues its strong performance in key markets around the world. The development of a liquid neurotoxin represents a significant advancement over existing commercial products and would allow us to further strengthen our position in the aesthetic category by better meeting physician and patient needs.”

The Phase II clinical trial is a multicenter, dose-ranging study designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Galderma’s internally developed liquid form of botulinum toxin for the treatment of glabellar lines, otherwise known as frown lines, and follows successful completion of Phase I study earlier this year.

Currently, all commercially available botulinum toxins come in powder form and have to be reconstituted with saline before use. The development of a liquid formulation has the potential to present healthcare professionals with a ready-to-use product that may result in a better patient experience and improved outcomes.

In July 2014, Galderma acquired the U.S. and Canadian rights to a portfolio of injectable aesthetic medicine products, completing itsglobal footprint and extending its leadership in aesthetic medicine.

Galderma also announced it had strengthened its collaboration with Ipsen focused on the development and commercialisation of new neurotoxins, increasing the scope of their R&D collaboration to further enhance their capabilities to meet the needs of patients and physicians worldwide.

50 YEARS OF SILICONE GEL BREAST IMPLANTS

August 16, 2013 by Chris

Gel implants, used routinely as part of breast augmentations all over the world, have now been in use for 50 years, but what are the important lessons and questions from half a century of clinical use?

Few medical devices are still in use nearly 50 years after introduction. Silicone gel breast implants – despite the controversies over the years – are one of the exceptions. Half a century after silicone gel breast implants were first introduced clinically, what are some of the lessons that plastic surgeons have learned about these devices, and what have they yet to uncover? These questions are discussed in a new editorial, “Silicone Gel Breast Implants at 50: The State of the Science,” appearing in the November issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

“In this piece, I wanted to point out specific highlights from the history of silicone gel breast implants and the implications for plastic surgeons,” said author Mark Jewell, MD, an Assistant Clinical Professor Plastic Surgery, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, Oregon, and former co-chair of the Joint American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)–American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) Breast Implant Task
Force from 2005 to 2006.

He added: “One important lesson is that plastic surgeons cannot simply be end users of a device. Instead, we need to be clinician-scientists, collecting data on a daily basis.”

PIONEERING DENTAL SURGEON RECEIVES PROFESSORSHIP

August 16, 2013 by Chris

Cosmetic dental surgeon and facial aesthetic supremo, Dr Bob Khanna has been awarded with a professorship at one of Europe’s most distinguished medical universities.

The Berkshire-based aesthetic and reconstructive dental surgeon was officially inaugurated as a Visiting Clinical Professor of Facial aesthetics at Seville University, Spain, on May 18, 2012.

Surgeons and health boss in warning over cut-price treatments.

Those considering cosmetic surgery have been warned that they should not choose a service based on price alone. New guidelines advise that people should “avoid being tempted by the offer of discounted prices” or incentives when making a decision.

Following the recent controversy over PIP breast implants, the Office of the Chief Medical Officer has issued new guidelines which have been prepared in collaboration with the Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons.

The new recommendations state that people should carefully consider the effects they are seeking, and research the procedures prior to a consultation. The guidelines suggest those considering surgery, “seek advice from a GP to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure in question. GPs can give “impartial advice” about choosing a practitioner.”

Those considering travelling abroad for a cosmetic procedure should check with the regulatory authority in the country to which they intend to travel, to confirm the medical practitioner is appropriately registered in that country.

“Consultations should be with the plastic surgeon who will do your procedure and not with a representative from the clinic,” the guidelines state.

“Ensure that you fully understand the expected outcome, which will come from a thorough consultation with your surgeon,” they conclude.

VIORA RECEIVES CE CERTIFICATION FOR V-TOUCH FRACTIONAL RF DEVICE

August 15, 2013 by Chris

Viora, a leading medical aesthetics manufacturer, and AZTEC Services the exclusive UK distributor, are pleased to announce the acquisition of CE Certification for V-touch, an innovative Fractional RF device for skin rejuvenation, skin resurfacing, skin tightening and scar reduction. Utilizing advanced SVC™ technology, developed by Viora, V-touch breaks through existing limitations in fractional RF devices and ensures that physicians in the UK can now provide minimally invasive, safer, less painful, and more effective treatments to their patients.

Gaining CE certification positions Viora to support UK practitioners with the most novel fractional RF device available. With added features for improved efficacy and comfort, V-touch is poised to spark a revolution in the world of fractional RF and allows physicians to address the most requested non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments. Suitable for all skin types and able to treat difficult areas, such as the neck, décolleté and hands, V-touch is the ideal solution for practitioners.

V-touch is a patient-centric innovative fractional RF system delivering superior results for complete and safe skin resurfacing, renewal and skin tightening. For more information, visit www.vioramed.com/vtouch.

FIRST GOVERNMENT RECOMMENDATION FROM COSMETIC SURGERY REVIEW TO BE IMPLEMENTED: INSURANCE FOR PATIENTS

August 15, 2013 by Chris

In the wake of the findings from the Government enquiry into cosmetic surgery published in the last week, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons is first to announce the implementation of one of the report’s major recommendations: for patients to be protected through insurance. The only aesthetic surgical society to conduct a yearly audit of the procedures performed by its members, the BAAPS was able to work with the world’s leading specialist insurance market, Lloyd’s of London, to create a policy that will safeguard all patients of surgeons who are part of the Association.

The ‘Aesthetic Surgery Commitment’ or ‘ASC’ policy (www.asurgerycommitment.com) is ground breaking in that not only does it cover corrective treatment of all the most common complications of surgery (such as infection or bleeding) but also – a world first – capsular contracture, an abnormal reaction of the body to breast implants.

According to consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS President Rajiv Grover:

“In line with Sir Bruce Keogh’s recommendations for more safeguards in the aesthetic surgery sector, we are pleased to launch a truly innovative insurance package that will further protect our patients. No procedure is risk-free and ASC covers all common complications, so people undergoing surgery with BAAPS members can enjoy peace of mind that they will be looked after, in the unlikely event of any problems.”