The Harley Street Journal

Bi-monthly newspaper for the cosmetic and plastic surgery sector

News

Channel 4 using virtual reality to ‘explore body image and cosmetic surgery’ in new show

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Channel 4 has commissioned a new TV show that uses virtual reality to explore body image and cosmetic surgery.

Called ‘Send Nudes’, the show will air on Freeview channel E4 and “aims provide people with body hang-ups the opportunity to see what they would look like if they went ahead with their desire for cosmetic surgery” via 3D animated avatars.

A panel of 50 people from across the country will then provide honest feedback, helping the contributors decide whether to proceed with surgery or not.

Clemency Green, commissioning editor at Channel 4, said: “With so many prejudices and preconceptions about plastic surgery, it can be hard for people to talk openly about the prospect of surgery.

“Send Nudes is different. We want to challenge these stereotypes and destigmatise these discussions, providing contributors with a safe space to reveal the emotional, often jaw-dropping and very personal reasons for wanting surgery and giving them the opportunity to hear constructive, supportive and surprising feedback.”

Presented by model and TV star Vogue Williams, the show is due to air some time next year.

Top Cambridge aesthetic clinic expands with two new hires

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A multi award-winning aesthetics clinic based in Cambridge is pleased to announce the appointment of two new staff members – Samantha Llewellyn and Ewelina Wojtala. 

With over 26 years’ experience, Samantha Llewellyn joins the Cosmex Clinic team as an Aesthetic Practitioner. Samantha is extremely passionate, and confident across a range of treatments and energy-based devices. 

Upon joining the team, Samantha commented: “I am thrilled to be joining the team here at Cosmex Clinic. I have worked in the Beauty and Medical Aesthetics industry for over 26 years, and I am extremely passionate in ensuring my clients feel good about how they look, and know they are in expert hands.

“Over the years, I have worked with many different energy-based machines, and I am extremely confident and knowledgeable in a range of skincare treatments, including Hi-Fu that I can’t wait to share with my patients to help them achieve their desired results.” 

Lou Sommereux, Clinical Director at Cosmex Clinic added: “We are absolutely delighted that Samantha is joining the team. Her extensive experience and knowledge will be integral to the continuing development and expansion of the clinic. Together, I look forward to developing our patient treatment plans across energy-based machines, injectables and skin health to ensure the best outcomes for all of our patients.” 

Ewelina Wojtala brings with her a wealth of qualifications, including an MPharm and PGDip in Injectable Therapies. Before moving into the world of Aesthetics, Ewelina was a successful community pharmacist, and is passionate about helping patients be the best version of themselves.”

Ewelina commented: “I have always been passionate about aesthetics and graduated from the Medical and Aesthetic Training Academy at Harley Street London. I am now delivering a variety of anti-ageing injectable therapies to help restore and rejuvenate patient’s skin. I have always strived to support my patients on their own skincare journeys and help them to feel the most youthful and beautiful version of themselves.”

Lou adds: “Ewelina brings with her a wealth of knowledge professional and skills. Her patient-centric mindset and commitment to studying in non-surgical aesthetics will help us further develop our offerings here at Cosmex Clinic, and Ewelina will develop her competencies in a varied learning and mentoring environment whilst she continues to study for her prescribing qualification.”

Cosmex Clinic has been a centre of excellence since 2002 with an enviable reputation that has led to many awards and acknowledgements. Led by Lou Sommereux, the team combine outstanding expertise and knowledge to provide the latest in cosmetic, medical and skincare treatments. 

More information can be found here.

Croma-Pharma expands successful mask range

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Croma-Pharma (Croma) announced today the expansion of its successful mask portfolio. The carefully selected ingredients of each formulation, as well as the sheet material, are tailored to specific application areas and skin needs. The products have a pleasant texture and are suitable for all skin types.

The right mask for every need
The Croma mask portfolio offers two full face masks, as well as masks for specific areas of the face including the eyes, lips, and laugh lines.

Calming face mask with aloe vera, green tea and rosehip oil
The Croma calming face mask contains ingredients known for their antioxidant and soothing effects, as well as skin-regenerating properties. It replenishes the skin with vitamins and helps to protect against harmful environmental factors. Regular use may help to strengthen the skin barrier and provide optimal care for the skin. The material consists of 80 percent green tea fibers and 20 percent cupro – so the serum works to achieve the desired effect, but also the mask material itself.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, rosehip oil, green tea leaf extract, aloe vera juice

Recommended retail price: £44 (Pack of 8)

Rejuvenating face mask with hyaluronic acid

This hyaluronic acid mask has long been considered to be one of Croma Pharma Skincare’s most popular products. The incorporated ingredients refresh dehydrated skin, alleviate visible dryness and help to improve the skin’s elasticity. In addition to its pleasant cooling effect, the formulation may help to smooth fine lines and ensure a radiant complexion. Regular use can help to fight the signs of skin ageing and maintain a youthful appearance.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, imperata cylindrica root extract, irish moss extract

Recommended retail price: £44, (Pack of 8)

Organic cellulose masks for special facial areas

Energizing eye mask with hyaluronic acid, kiwi and cucumber extract

Croma energizing eye mask provides an instant boost of hydration. The mask is packed with soothing ingredients which help improve the skins barrier function and skin elasticity. The fermented extracts nourish the skin. The eye mask contains powerful antioxidants – including vitamin C – and helps to moisturise and reduce signs of fatigue, while providing an extra energy kick for a fresh and energised appearance.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, kiwi fruit ferment, cucumber extract

Recommended retail price: (Pack of 8)

Regenerating lip mask with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and berry ferment

The regenerating lip mask infused with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and berry ferment that deeply moisturise the delicate lip area while providing a cooling and regenerating effect. The ingredients soften and plump the lips.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, berry ferment

Recommended retail price: £44 (Pack of 8)

Firming laugh line mask with hyaluronic acid and pomegranate extract

Croma firming mask for laugh lines is enriched with hyaluronic acid to intensely hydrate and soothe the skin around the nasolabial folds. The carefully selected ingredients include Palmitoyl hexapeptide, a biomimetic peptide that gives a firming effect and can smooth the appearance of wrinkles. Pomegranate ferment extract, a potent antioxidant, may increase skin collagen.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, pomegranate fermented extract

Recommended retail price: £44 (Pack of 8)

Croma expert tip – the right application

Croma Expert Tip – Dr. Monika Sulovsky, Yuvell® Committed to Beauty: “A moisturising mask is a fresh boost for any skin type and can easily be applied in the morning or evening. 

  • Step 1: A face mask is always applied to a cleansed face and is used before serums or creams. 
  • Step 2: The mask should be left on for 15 minutes. 
  • Step 3: Finally, remove the mask and gently massage the excess serum into the skin.”  

“Our Croma face masks have been very popular for a long time. This was also a welcome occasion for us to expand the portfolio in order to be able to offer our customers a comprehensive beauty treatment at home”, explains Andreas Prinz, the Managing Director of Croma-Pharma.

The Croma masks will be available online (Croma webshop UK coming soon) and selected partners & Aesthetic clinics.  

Cynosure announces partnership with The Katie Piper Foundation

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Energy-based aesthetic device company Cynosure has announced a new partnership initiative with the Katie Piper Foundation, as part of its broader mission to empower patients to discover its beautiful energy, together.

Visiting the UK, Global CEO Todd Tillemans hosted a corporate launch event to announce the partnership at the state-of-the-art Cynosure International Brand Experience Centre in Chiswick.

The first of several cause-based collaborations planned for the next few years, this purpose-led partnership with the Katie Piper Foundation sees Cynosure providing their industry-leading devices to the Katie Piper Rehabilitation Centre. This will support the ongoing treatment and care for those affected by serious scars and burns and allow for increased access to lasers for management of complex issues.

“As the global leader in aesthetics, we are committed to promoting safe and efficacious treatments for all our patients, for all skin tones” says CEO Todd Tillemans. “As part of our ongoing commitment to enabling treatment access for all, we are delighted to be partnering with the Katie Piper Foundation to deliver these treatments for patient rehabilitation and support.”

Sarah Green, CEO of the Katie Piper Foundation says: “We are thrilled to be able to partner with Cynosure; their generous donation of unique technologies will allow us to increase patient access to laser treatments. We’re excited to embark on a long-term meaningful relationship.”

Under 18s banned from getting Botox for cosmetic reasons in England

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People under 18 years of age will no longer be able to get Botox and dermal lip fillers for cosmetic reasons under a new law in England.

The law applies to those visiting from outside England or who have the permission of someone aged over 18.

Treatments can, however, still be approved by a medical practitioner to be carried out by a doctor, nurse, dentist or pharmacist on those under 18 with a clinical need.

The change comes after MPs said a “complete absence” of regulation of beauty treatments such as Botox and fillers is putting the public at risk – and “maintaining the status quo is not an option”.

There was a complete lack of a legal framework of standards around non-surgical aesthetic treatments, which has left consumers at risk and undermined the industry’s ability to develop, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing found.

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

Cosmex Clinic is now CQC registered

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Award-winning Cosmex Clinic in Cambridge is now CQC registered.

Part of the clinic’s on-going pursuit to offer patients the very best standards of care, their application and subsequent registration with the Care Quality Commission is a vital step forward for Cosmex Clinic.

The CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care in England – they inspect, monitor and regulate services like ours to ensure they meet the fundamental standards of quality and safety.

This allows patients to make an informed choice when it comes to undergoing cosmetic and aesthetic treatments, as well as health treatments pertaining to weight loss and more.

As part of this registration, potential patients will be able to search the CQC database to find inspection reports, contact details and services.

As a result of their new CQC registration they will be able to offer weight loss treatments, and will be inviting other third party medical practitioners to add to the range of treatments available from Cosmex Clinic.

Clinical Director Lou Sommereux, who launched Cosmex Clinic back in 2002, says the registration success a momentous milestone for everyone who works at the clinic, as well as what it will bring moving forward.

“We are proud to be leading the way in Cambridge for safe and regulated aesthetic and medical treatments. Gaining CQC registration helps us to offer an even more diverse selection of treatments to our patients, while also ensuring they understand they’re receiving the best in medical care.

“As a leading clinic in the region, we know our patients expect a high-quality service, and we hope this added accreditation provides confidence and reassurance that we are proudly operating to the highest of medical standards.

“It’s a very exciting period of change and growth for our clinic and we look forward to welcoming more patients, old and new, through the doors in coming months.”

www.cosmexclinic.co.uk

UK seeing a rise in laser tattoo removal treatments

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As we leave the pandemic behind, there’s no doubt the aesthetics industry is thriving. As well as the perhaps unsurprising boom in treatments for facial rejuvenation, clinics are reporting a rise in laser tattoo removal treatments. 

A recent report noted 89 per cent of the beauty and aesthetics industry have experienced more demand for treatments with tattoo removal being high on the list, particularly for millennials. It’s now thought 1 in 9 people here in the UK have chosen to remove an unwanted tattoo and the motivations for patients seeking out laser tattoo removal treatments vary. 

The top reasons why patients are heading to clinics and salons to erase artwork on the skin include having body art and regretting it, worrying tattoos will prevent them from getting a job, and ‘fading’ a current design in order to cover the area with a new tattoo. 

John Culbert at Cambridge Stratum says the demand for laser tattoo removal devices post-pandemic shows there’s a real drive for clinics to provide effective treatments that can breakdown stubborn ink in record time. 

He says: “With the increased demand from patients seeking tattoo removal treatments, in turn we’re seeing that reflected in clinics and salons choosing to invest in quality tattoo removal lasers.” 

“We’ve noticed the demand for laser tattoo removal devices increase significantly in recent months, particularly those looking to invest in state of the art picosecond technology. Currently our most popular device, the Stratum Pico 300, is making waves within the industry because it offers both value and outstanding results.”

While there has been much discussion about the cost effectiveness of choosing a picosecond tattoo removal laser over the widely used nanosecond devices, with the Pico 300 and Pico 500 devices practitioners and HCPs can affordably offer tattoo removal, pigmented lesion removal and even skin rejuvenation all with one device. 

John says: “Making picosecond laser mainstream by being more affordable, Cambridge Stratum is leading the charge when it comes to revolutionising the way we remove tattoos. In what is a mostly unregulated aesthetics market, providing quality high performance technology that’s way more effective than a typical nanosecond laser but built for safety is what sets the Pico 300 apart from the competition.”

Offering up to 16x more power for the same fluence as a 5ns Q switch laser is as close to the optimum for a tattoo removal laser and represents the current laser in state of the art technology in this field. 

Key benefits of the Pico 300 include:

  • produces a power output 1,600% higher than any 5ns laser at the same fluence
  • the breaking down of smaller particles meaning better clearance of the tattoo
  • stronger photo acoustic and photothermal effects that can shatter particles of any colour
  • build quality of this high performance machine is second to none and is fully backed by the Cambridge Stratum 3 year warranty.

Operating the Stratum Pico 300 could not be easier with a clear and uncluttered Android touch screen that displays the current status of the machine settings including the spot size in use, wavelength is use, energy, fluence and pulse rate. All of these parameters are detected directly by the machine and reduce the risk of operator errors from occurring.

The additional 20x diffraction array lens also turns the Stratum Pico 300 into a multi-function platform for skin resurfacing and skin rejuvenation.

Lou Sommeroux, Clinic Director at Cosmetic Clinic in Cambridge, has reported a rise in patients seeking out treatments to remove unwanted body art, with many seeking to remove name tattoos. She uses the Pico 300 and says:

“Patients have a variety of reasons for choosing to undergo treatment to remove unwanted body art; from poor design to fading the tattoo down for a different design to go over the top”

“For a long time some patients have thought that they were ineligible for laser tattoo removal because they has coloured body art which less powerful devices couldn’t breakdown, but with the Pico 300 we can breakdown all colours on any skin type.”

More information about Cambridge Stratum and Pico 300 can be found 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

Aesthetic Medicine North brands revealed

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The line up for Aesthetic Medicine North has been released.

Alongside a full day of expert led education, the exhibition floor has some of the biggest brands all under one roof. From clinic staples to innovative newcomers, Aesthetic Medicine North promises a host of brands that are leading the way in the industry right now. 

Organisers said: “We are pleased to introduce our headline sponsor HA-Derma (stand D14) and our gold sponsor Mesoestetic (stand B12) for Aesthetic Medicine North. 

“Alongside our sponsors, we are also joined by Roseway Labs (D20), InMode (B13) , Cosmeditech (C18), Medira (D19), Inspire to Outstand (C26), Skinade (C3), Clinical PhotoPro (A23) and many more. Brands will be available to give you live demos of their products and machinery in person, and be on hand to answer any questions you may have. 

“We have some exciting launches and show offers too; Cambridge Stratum is debuting its stratum 1500 and Skintyte II package exclusively at Aesthetic Medicine North. Additionally, Mesoestetic will be launching its new moisturising solutions skincare line at the show. 

“The show floor offers the perfect place to try and test out the products that will revolutionise your clinic offering, as well as to explore, network and connect with fellow medical professionals. On top of this, entry tickets are completely free. 

“Be sure to download our Aesthetic Medicine app for your very own digital show guide and to stay up to date on all the latest show news. Type in Aesthetic Medicine to the app store to download for free.”

To view the full exhibitor list, click here