The Harley Street Journal

Bi-monthly newspaper for the cosmetic and plastic surgery sector

News

Treatment in Focus: Bleph Banding

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Bleph Banding launches: the 15-minute alternative to eye bag reduction surgery

After the success of the puppet facelift, the latest aesthetic treatment to be offered in selected cosmetic clinics across the UK utilises PDO threads to lift skin under eyes, offering a non-surgical eye bag reduction.

In some cases removing the need for aggressive surgical techniques, Bleph Banding is classed as a non-invasive aesthetic treatment for men and women unhappy with sagging skin, or dark circles, under the eyes.

Rather than removing skin during an operation, Bleph Banding ditches the scalpel in favour of fine PDO threads, which in just a few stitches can rejuvenate the lower eye and tear trough area in 15-minutes.

EyeFirst Lift LFL PDO Threads – unique to Bleph Banding – are placed under the skin using a micro-fine needle, before being tightened to lift the skin without surgery. Ideal for patients between 35-50 for reducing minor skin laxity below the eyes, the results can last up to two years. Several treatments are required for maximum results.

No-knife eye bag reduction

One-stitch facelifts have been popular this year, as patients seek to swap surgery for less invasive cosmetic solutions, and Bleph Banding is set to sweep aesthetic clinics in 2017 as the next step in anti-ageing.

As well as lifting the skin initially, the First Lift PDO Threads used during Bleph Banding actually help to regenerate and rebuild the tissues in the delicate area; stimulating collagen production and ensuring a long-term anti-ageing solution.

During the 15-minute treatment, fine threads are carefully delivered under the skin using a micro-fine needle before being tightened. Topical anaesthetic is provided to ensure a comfortable treatment.

Dr. Martyn King from Cosmedic Clinic offers Bleph Banding amongst other facial rejuvenation treatments using First Lift LFL PDO threads, and believes 2017 is set to be the year the true value of this form of cosmetic treatment comes to the consumer forefront.

“Widely considered one of the most effective forms of anti-ageing treatment within the industry, choosing to undergo a treatment using PDO threads over more traditional forms of facial rejuvenation is becoming more and more popular year-on-year with patients,” he says.

“As the technology behind the threads used within treatments, such as Bleph Banding, continues to improve, the results in turn are proving to be both long-lasting and super-effective.”

With treatment starting from £1,000, Bleph Banding costs just a quarter of what traditional eye bag reduction surgery, and due to its non-surgical nature, the risks and complications are minimal in comparison.

Visit www.pdo-threads.co.uk for more information 

MATA Launches New LEVEL 7 Injectable Therapies

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Leading aesthetic training academy MATA, will be launching a comprehensive Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in the Principles and Practice of Clinical Injectable Therapies (botulinum toxin and dermal fillers) this month, as well as a suite of Level 5 laser and light based therapy qualifications and courses.

The qualifications reflect the latest HEE guidelines, is awarded by EduQual, and endorsed by an Ofqual-recognised organisation.

The new blended-learning qualifications offer theory and practice combining distance and face-to-face teaching, with hands-on treatments on volunteer patients and clinic-based assessments. Qualifications will be available in London and around the country led by experienced clinical practitioners and tutors.

The qualification suite includes Advanced Professional Certificate in Laser and Light Hair Reduction (Level 5) and Advanced Postgraduate Certificate in The Principles and Practice of Clinical Injectable Therapies (Level 7).

Units from the qualifications are also available as stand-alone accredited short courses, offering learners the opportunity to build ‘credits’ whilst gaining valuable training and experience in safe practice of cosmetic therapies, in line with HEE recommendations.

As one of the first training academies to offer a portfolio of bespoke qualifications, MATA founder and director, Mr. Faz Zavahir, wanted to provide rigorous but flexible training and education opportunities in a sector that needs to set high standards of treatment delivery and patient care.

“I’m very pleased we are able to offer an entire suite of qualifications and courses from which learners can choose to meet their own training needs – all within one academy. Ensuring our qualifications reflect the latest HEE guidelines was vital, but we also want to ensure our qualifications and courses are open to those wanting to learn and train to a high standard,” Mr Faz Zavahir said.

“Our Level 5 and Level 7 qualifications are demanding, expecting high standards in clinical knowledge and skills, but they are also immensely rewarding in both personal and professional development. Only by developing qualifications and courses that offer competence based training will this sector see an improvement in standards of care and patient safety.”

For the latest information including dates and fees for this exciting new range of accredited qualifications, visit www.matacourses.com

Registration Open For BAPRAS Winter Scientific Meeting

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Registration is now open for the forthcoming BAPRAS Winter Scientific Meeting, taking place from 23-25 November in London.

The programme will include the Presentation of Honorary Fellowship of Royal College of Surgeons of England and the BAPRAS Annual General Meeting.

Registrations made online before 30 September receive a 10% discount.

For more information visit www.bapras.org.uk

Vida Aesthetics Launches Nithya Collagen Booster in UK

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Product company Vida Aesthetics has launched collagen booster Nithya to aesthetic clinics nationwide. 

A truly unique form of pain-less anti-ageing treatment, Nithya is the first skin rejuvenation injectable made from equine-sourced protein available in the UK.

This revolutionary new skin plumping treatment is designed to holistically improve the production of new collagen, helping to ease fine lines around the eyes, improve facial volume in areas such as the cheeks, and can even improve the appearance of the décolletage.

Before and After Nithya treatment
Before and After Nithya treatment

The revitalising protein, which is derived from the tendons of horses, is a first for UK aesthetic clinics keen to offer a more natural-looking anti-ageing option. Results are long-lasting, and unlike wrinkle reduction treatments like Botox which paralyse the muscles and dermal fillers which can leave the face looking over-filled, Nithya works in harmony with your natural tissue structure.

Plumper, firmer looking skin without potentially harmful chemicals

After reaching the age of 25, we lose up to 1.5% of collagen from our skin each year thereafter. The resulting appearance of wrinkles and hollow-looking cheeks – due to the loss of our natural collagen – can be mitigated by replenishing it.

And this can now be achieved through treatment with Nithya; an injectable product containing protein sourced from horses which is designed for the regeneration and reconstruction of tissues.

Ideal for use as an anti-ageing and volume correction treatment, this is a Class III medical device. During the non-surgical treatment – which costs from £250 – the heterologous Type I collagen powder is mixed with water before being injected into areas of the face such as the cheeks and under eye. A topical gel is applied before hand to ensure patient comfort throughout.

Nithya is clinically proven to stimulate the production of new fibroblasts post-treatment to create native Type III collagen; a process that is fundamental in cosmetic medicine and anti-ageing treatments. It has been found to be specifically effective in post-menopausal women who have seen their collagen production slow down quickly.

Cosmetic nurse and skin specialist Miss. Bianca Estelle from BEA Skin Clinic was one of the first aesthetic professionals to trial the collagen booster and said:

“I have been using Nithya in my clinic for a few months now and the results are already impressive. It’s great we can offer this in combination with anti-wrinkle treatments such as fillers, or as a skin rejuvenation and volume restoring treatment of its own.”

Eddy Emilio, Director of Vida Aesthetics, who is pioneering the unique equine protein treatment in the UK says the launch of Nithya is already proving popular with his clients.

“This exceptional collagen-boosting product is proven to be safe, has had no reported side effects, is hypoallergenic and gives excellent results. We truly believe this could rival the results of established but overused anti-ageing cosmetic treatments,” he said.

“This is the only commercially available Type I collagen intended for aesthetic use in the country, and we’re already getting rave reviews from cosmetic doctors thanks to its excellent results and numerous areas it can improve the appearance of. The idea of using protein sourced from horses may seem quirky, but we’re certain this is the future of anti-ageing!”

Collagen boosting treatments using Nithya will be available for men and women in clinics nationwide from September 1st 2016 and start from £250. Results last 6-12 months.

For further information on Nithya by Vida Aesthetics call 01306 646526 or email eddy@vida-aesthetics.com. The latest product launches from Vida Aesthetics can be found online www.vida-aesthetics.com.

BTL Aesthetics Launch New Training Academy

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BTL Aesthetics UK is proud to announce a brand new initiative in its user education for the UK Aesthetics Body Contouring Market. 

The BTL Academy is a one-day meeting which will incorporate a recap of existing techniques with the BTL Exilis Elite technology as well as including the latest techniques, advanced protocols and a practical demonstration of the treatment.

vanquishSpeakers will include Tomas Boleslavsky Clinical Director of BTL International, UK Training Manager Jaye Bird, and Managing Director Lee Boulderstone. He said:

“This is a very exciting time at BTL Aesthetics. Being number one in the world for non-invasive body contouring – as voted by Aesthetic Everything – comes a responsibility to not only educate the industry in non-surgical body contouring and fat reduction, but to also assist current users with improving their knowledge and techniques with view to improve results and revenues of body contouring in their practice. With quality trainers such as Tomas and Jaye it will be a fantastic day for delegates to learn and develop their skills.”

The Academy Meeting will take place at the world renowned Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) London on the 10th Oct 2016.

Additional information can be found at www.btlaesthetics.co.uk

 

Hamilton Fraser Commended In The Leap 100 List

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Hamilton Fraser, a provider of specialist insurance services, has been named in The Leap 100. Hamilton Fraser has been identified as one of the most exciting, ambitious, entrepreneurial and fast-growing companies in the UK.

City A.M and Mishcon de Reya assembled this year’s Leap 100 list of the country’s fastest-growing companies to watch. From Joe and Seph’s award-winning gourmet popcorn to Lost My Name’s best-selling and technologically advanced personalised picture books, the list boasts a wide variety of companies. Each company featured in the Leap 100 excel in the four vital areas of leadership, ambition, team and money. City A.M. will follow the Leap 100’s progress including their challenges and successes throughout the year.

ham fraser2016 marks an important milestone for Hamilton Fraser as the company celebrates its 20th anniversary. Started in 1996 as an insurance broker specialising in property and medical indemnity insurance, these two sectors remain at the heart of everything they do.

Hamilton Fraser offer a number of services in the property sector including Total Landlord Insurance, the government authorised tenancy deposit scheme mydeposits, the government appointed consumer complaints scheme Property Redress Scheme and the Client Money Protect membership scheme.

They are also market leaders in the cosmetic sector, providing specialist insurance products to dentists, doctors and nurses working as aesthetic and cosmetic surgery practitioners. In June this year they will be launching the Cosmetic Redress Scheme, a new consumer redress scheme for the cosmetic, aesthetic and beauty industry, authorised by the Chartered Trading Standards and designed to resolve complaints made by consumers against traders in the cosmetic industry.

The company has gone from strength to strength, currently employing over 160 members of staff. In 2015, Hamilton Fraser moved into new modern, spacious offices in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire allowing for future expansion. Hamilton Fraser is committed to raising standards in its respective industries and is continuously striving for growth and innovation which is why they have been recognised in The Leap 100 Companies List.

“We are extremely proud to be included in The Leap 100 Companies List,” said Eddie Hooker, CEO of Hamilton Fraser, “we have worked tremendously hard over the past 20 years to achieve this level of success and it is very rewarding that our efforts are being acknowledged, especially on our 20th anniversary. We hope to build on our success with a vision of doubling the size of Hamilton Fraser within the next 5 years.”

The Leap 100 can be seen here: www.cityam.com/leap-100

 

 

THSJ meets… Dr. Ravi Jain

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With 10 years in the industry, specialising in aesthetic medicine for the face and body, Dr. Ravi Jain leads an esteemed medical team at Riverbanks Wellness. The Harley Street Journal’s Laura Casewell met with the established cosmetic expert to find out how he built his successful private practice, and why investing in PR as well as advanced devices is the key to growing any aesthetic clinic.

What do you think is the key to a successful private cosmetic clinic?

It’s important to look at things from the client’s perspective. You have to understand what it’s like to be a patient by putting yourself in their shoes and envisioning what elements would deliver the best service you’ve ever experienced in your life! Your offering should be based on exactly the concepts that come to mind. It goes without saying that you should deliver a high level of customer care and service, success really boils down to a positive patient journey. Listen to customer feedback and use it as a tool for fine tuning and continually improving the content of your portfolio and standards of your clinic.

There are so many cosmetic clinics in London; how do you make yours stand apart?

We stick to our core beliefs and I’m fiercely committed to my professional principles which I have trademarked as Invisible Aesthetics®. At the core, this approach recognises the fact that the majority of my patients want ethical care and are seeking results that are subtle, almost invisible, and gradual. There’s no point in solely saying “Botox Dr” anymore, patients want to know more about your standards – and Invisible Aesthetics defines what is unique to us. Some of our treatments are completely exclusive, such as the R-Lift® facial procedure that I developed. And we’ve incorporated a wellness division to provide a holistic approach.  We’ve spent time and care to create strong branding and our core beliefs and approach are amplified through our PR initiatives.

What makes a stand-out cosmetic doctor?

Accessibility – patients don’t want to wait an age to see a practitioner. A great doctor has strong communication skills, patients want to feel understood, and equally should have medical information explained to them in a clear and effective way so there is no confusion or surprises. I am the Global Ambassador for Galderma and have been working with the company to develop and promote the Harmony Programme which sets standards of communication and input between the doctor and their client. Results where this has been implemented show an increase in patient retention and referrals. Additionally, a refined skill-set, an artistic eye and commitment to delivering outstanding results. And of course the status of stand-out doctor would not be possible without a great team to support them.

How do you build your business and ensure repeat patients?

I’d repeat much of what I’ve already said, plus you should communicate regularly with your patients. Social media has made keeping in contact easy and immediate, so make sure that your clients are aware of the practice’s Twitter and Facebook profiles. We distribute a regular e-newsletter which is an easy, unobtrusive way to keep patients abreast on new treatments that are available or of any events or launches. Build a great team who set a positive tone with clients.

How did you develop your brand?

With blood, sweat and tears! Lots of hard work. In essence my brand is based on my core professional values and I worked with a brand consultant who literally extracted them from my head so we could apply them to every aspect of my business and how the various facets of it manifest.

Is there value in outside marketing and PR?

PR should be a key part of your business and marketing strategy and factored in. It is important to understand the concept of PR from the outset, it’s a marathon, not a sprint that will pay off in time. You do need to allow a few years to build momentum as it’s a long-term strategic process.

Do you think successful cosmetic clinics should offer advanced treatment with devices as well as injectables?

Clinics tend to because patients start to request a variation of solutions, they expect both options to be available. As you grow in Aesthetic Medicine, so does your skill-set and you realise what can be achieved with devices in contrast to injectables. My advice is to grow organically, and don’t buy too many devices at one time, this will haemorrhage a lot of money and shut you down quickly. Don’t be led by the manufacturers, speak to colleagues and peers who can offer advice and experience along with any recommendations.

BTL Exilis
BTL Exilis

You offer several energy-assisted treatments; what value do you believe they bring?

Exilis is an addition to our portfolio because it offers a versatile range of solutions, and outstanding results, which makes it cost effective. Especially in non-surgical facial tightening, where the treatment is more affordable for patients. It’s extremely effective for treating cellulite and for fat reduction – in fact the system works hand in hand with other body contouring treatments we offer, like freezing technologies. An emerging interest we’re seeing from patients is for labia remodelling and Exilis has this capability. Our approach with the device has been to launch treatments gradually, on a monthly basis. That way our patients can really understand the benefits as they build trust and get to know the system’s capabilities.

Are there any aesthetic conferences or events you recommend for doctors looking to grow their practices?

Yes. I recommend going to FACE, the ACE conference, IMCAS in Paris and AMWC in Monaco. I also run courses to advise and discuss building and sustaining a successful practice – please contact me to find out more. Also I shall be hosting a talk about Vanquish at the FACE conference this year.

What advice would you offer struggling practitioners or new cosmetic clinics?

First and foremost, you must pinpoint the exact area of where you are struggling. Be specific and do not generalise your issues! Is it lack of patients, that you’re not getting repeat visits, treatment results aren’t up to scratch, for example? Once you know precisely where the issue lies, you can target that directly and take the effective steps to remedy. There are so many experts who specialise in areas of business and as a doctor it’s important to appreciate that you’re not trained in business, seek out those who are expert in your area of need, and consult help. For instance, if it’s miss-management of your books – get a bookkeeper to handle that. Delegate, do not attempt to do everything yourself.

With thanks to Dr. Ravi Jain of Riverbanks Wellness®. For further information visit www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk

Research Shows 1 in 4 Men Having Dermal Fillers

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According to new research a quarter of men are having dermal fillers to reward themselves.

Survey results showed that 18 per cent of the UK population would consider using hyaluronic acid dermal fillers for a number of reasons such as to stay youthful, remain competitive at work and to compliment weight loss.

Until now, 90 per cent of all aesthetic procedures have been carried out on women, however, Intraline’s research found that UK men are bucking the trend with 1 in 4 of male survey respondents having dermal fillers to reward themselves.

“Over the last 24 months, I have seen a definite increase in the number of men seeking natural, non-invasive treatments using hyaluronic acid fillers,” stated Dr. Olivier Amar, leading London-based Plastic Surgeon.

“The current trend is about maintaining the masculine features of the patient. Utilising products such as Intraline for Men has allowed me to treat a variety of patient concerns without changing their dynamic facial expression. Reducing the appearance of frown lines and nasolabial folds and augmenting the chin and jawline are the main treatments requested by men.”

Overtime, an individual stops naturally producing HA which creates the traditional signs of aging, such as drooping skin and wrinkles. Intraline for Men, a non-permanent treatment that can last on average 12 months, is designed to reduce these visible signs of aging by replacing the diminished HA and filling out the space below wrinkles, fine lines and cheek hollows.

Intraline’s Dermal Fillers have been developed utilising the finest ingredients and specifically formulated at a molecular level to provide the smoothest, most natural results available today.

Produced through a proprietary bacterial fermentation process and never animal-derived, Intraline’s Hyaluronic Acid is both effective and environmentally responsible. Following years of Swedish research, Intraline’s Dermal Fillers use innovative spherification technology, which smoothes HA’s traditionally angular rhomboid molecular structure.

This formulation technique provides Intraline’s fillers with some of the highest molecular densities of any product on the market today, leading to smoother, more natural results than ever before.

Intraline for Men is focused on treatment for deep-set wrinkles, facial contouring, mandible, frown lines, forehead lines, and much more. Injections are administered at the mid-dermis to deep-dermis level as the product consists of large molecular spheres.

It is non-animal derived and created through bacterial fermentation. It integrates naturally into the injected tissue, allowing oxygen and hormones to continue to easily pass through the tissue.

Intraline for Men uses a proprietary spherification technology to smooth HA’s traditionally rhomboid molecular structure providing Intraline’s fillers with some of the highest molecular density of any products on the market today.

“We want to dissolve the stereotypes and continue to support the idea that aesthetic treatments are not just for women,” Reece Tomlinson, CEO of Intraline Lifestyle Aesthetics commented.

“We pride ourselves on bringing a fresh perspective and continual innovation to aesthetic treatments through our commitment to provide safe and quality products with fantastic results. This is why we have created one of the first dermal fillers, if not the first, marketed to men.”

Statistics indicate that nearly a third of UK adults have received an aesthetic treatment for a change in job or career, underlining that youthfulness still equates to success in the workplace for many people.

Intraline for Men launched in the UK, February 2016. For more information visit www.intraline.com

Rise in women seeking feminisation treatments reported

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A top London clinic has reported increase in female feminsation procedures on the back of improved transgender techniques.

It’s no secret that many women go to great lengths to maintain their appearance, but one London clinic says looking more feminine is now just as important as looking youthful.

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(pictured) The Face Surgeons

The Face Surgeons, an all-female led group of surgeons specialising in facial procedures, conducted a survey of UK women to find out which cosmetic surgery procedures are making waves. While anti-ageing procedures like facelifts remain popular, The Face Surgeons have discovered the women of the United Kingdom are keen to enhance their femininity, as well as reduce lines and wrinkles.

Almost 1 in 5 women polled admitted to undergoing forehead augmentation, whilst a quarter of respondents said they had turned to surgery to alter the appearance of their lower face.

Of those surveyed, 75 per cent said they underwent facial surgery to improve their confidence as women. Worryingly, 1 in 5 of the women polled revealed they had opted for facial surgery due to peer pressure.

Half said they would consider having another procedure, with cheek augmentation – the procedure used to improve the structure and placement of cheek bones – topping the most-wanted list of feminising treatments.

Asked which female celebrity they would most like to emulate, the survey revealed X Factor star and pop icon, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini came out on top, while singer Taylor Swift’s features were considered the least favourable.

It was also revealed that lip and cheek augmentations were the treatments of choice for women aged 18-24, whereas forehead and chin procedures were more popular with women aged 35-44.

Miss. Caroline Mills – a founder member of The Face Surgeons based in London – believes the rise in feminisation procedures is not only a result of improved facial surgery techniques, but also the UK’s obsession with celebrity culture; most recently within the celebrity transgender community.

Helping patients with cosmetic concerns, as well as deformities – from birth or due to trauma or cancer – improvement in a facial appearance can have a profound effect on a person’s life. The Face Surgeons are able to improve facial aesthetics and patient confidence by offering an all-encompassing facial surgery service.

Global Facial Rejuvenation Market To Increase

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According to the latest market report published by Persistence Market Research, titled ‘Global Market Study on Facial Rejuvenation: Early onset of Ageing and Rising Adoption of minimally Invasive Procedures to Drive the Market, the global facial rejuvenation market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period 2015-2021.

The market is segmented based on product type, end-user type, and region. On the basis of product type, the overall market has been segmented into topical products (sunscreens, moisturisers, keratolytic, retinoids, and hair removal creams), botulinum, dermal fillers, chemical peels, microabrasion equipment, and equipment-based treatments such as laser resurfacing and ultrasounds.

On the basis of end-user, the market has been segmented into hospitals and dermatology clinics, which include private offices held by leading dermatologists.

By product type, the botulinum products are expected to remain the largest segment, registering highest CAGR of 7% in terms of value, over the forecast period. The longer effectiveness of the treatment and easier availability is expected to contribute to its growing popularity.