cosmetic treatment

Fillerina launched in the UK

March 6, 2015 by CarlFrascina

By Rosie Wilson

Fillerina, a Swiss developed at-home, no-needle cosmetic filler, will be available in the UK from this month. Fillerina contains a blend of six hyaluronic acids which plump the facial tissues without puncturing the skin.

The product has been subject to a double-blind, randomised clinical trial and proven to work effectively. Fillerina is available in three graded strengths, and retails in a 14-day intensive treatment as well as everyday maintenance products.

Fillerina grade 1 treats moderate lines and wrinkles, and can improve the signs of sagging around the lips and cheeks. Grade 2 treats visible lines and wrinkles, improves sagging and can improve areas of unevenness, while grade 3 treats deep set wrinkles, very uneven skin tone and severe sagging of the skin.

The 14-day treatment retails from £79, and the everyday range – which contains a day cream, a night cream and an eye and lip cream – retails from £38. It will be stocked by various beauty retailers and clinics in the UK.

For more information, please visit www.fillerina.co.uk or www.twitter.com/FillerinaUK

Allergan Launches New Periorbital Treatment Protocol

October 15, 2014 by Laura Casewell

Allergan have unveiled a new treatment protocol for periorbital revitalisation which incorporates a portfolio combination approach of both BOTOX® and the VYCROSS™ Collection of dermal filler treatments.

Developed in consultation with twelve European expert medical aesthetics practitioners, the latest guidance describes an approach for treating this challenging facial region which is holistic, individualised and stepwise.

As part of Allergan’s ongoing commitment to excellence in medical education, the new treatment protocol will be launched to over 15,000 medical practitioners across Europe as part of an extensive $6 million training programme, which is led by one of the leading global surgeons, Dr Mauricio De Maio.

Market trends and insights continue to underline the high importance of this facial region for patients, as it often represents one of the first areas considered for a cosmetic injectable treatment. Recent market research shows that crow’s feet lines are the most desired area for a facial injectable treatment, with under-eye bags and glabellar lines following closely behind in the top six areas of ageing concern.

Latest results from a new European survey also show that people are least happy with their eye area (versus other facial zones) – this unhappiness is more prevalent among women and peaks around the age of 40.

The top ageing concerns for the eye area were identified as dark circles, wrinkles and under-eye bags.

However, the periorbital region can represent a treatment challenge due to the complex anatomy and the need for advanced injection techniques. With this in mind, and based on feedback from the clinical community, Allergan supported the development of a new treatment protocol which provides expert guidance on periorbital anatomy, patient assessment and a stepwise approach to achieving optimal treatment outcomes using Allergan’s portfolio combination of BOTOX® and the VYCROSS™ Collection.

Mr Kambiz Golchin, a Consultant ENT and Facial Plastic Surgeon, says in his clinical practice, he sees high numbers of patients who want to refresh their eye area and address key ageing concerns like eye bags and crow’s feet lines, but who are concerned about maintaining a natural looking result and keeping their expressions.

“This is where Allergan’s new periorbital treatment protocol can play a role in guiding physicians through the treatment options now available for this complex area, in order to deliver results which reflect patients’ unique characteristics, ethnicity and personal treatment goals,” he explains.

“Expert training is key to ensuring these treatments are used correctly to deliver optimal results for patients.”

Allergan is a multi‐specialty health care company established more than 60 years ago with a commitment to uncover the best of science and develop and deliver innovative treatments and an evolving portfolio of pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices and over‐the‐counter consumer products.

BAPRAS React To Independent Medical Devices Review

October 14, 2014 by Laura Casewell

BAPRAS has responded to recommendations from the independent review led by Professor Terence Stephenson into how medical devices are handled within the MHRA.

Graeme Perks, BAPRAS President and Consultant Plastic Surgeon, said the organisation was strongly supportive of the ‘useful and practical recommendations’ which they believe, if funded and implemented, will be an important step in improving patient safety and driving standards.

“A key recommendation put forward in the report is that patient records should be used to track what medical devices are given to patients,” Mr Perks explained.

“BAPRAS has continually pushed for the creation of a compulsory register for medical devices and as well as being part of the International Collaboration of Breast Registry Activities (ICOBRA), our Association is already working on a UK specific database pilot with Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), a research service jointly funded by the NHS National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and the MHRA,” he said.

As cosmetic dermal fillers are classed as medical devices this is potentially a significant step in the right direction to improving this part of cosmetic practice also.

“The review recommends that the MHRA needs to communicate more effectively with the public and patients; simplifying communication and involving the public more in active reporting of adverse incidents and decision making,” Mr Perks explained.

“We believe this is critical and would mirror our own focus on patient outcome reporting and standard setting,” he said.

Another key recommendation points to the MHRA making information available on the safety and effectiveness of medical devices more widely, in order to support professionals in their choice of the appropriate device for their patient.

“BAPRAS would strongly welcome this move because, as the PIP implant crisis brought to light, practitioners are often influenced by marketing pressures in their decision making and we would like to see this process better informed through reliable information from the MHRA instead,” Mr Perks concluded.

The report also advises that the MHRA plays a leading role in Europe to ensure that regulations are fit for purpose and help meet the needs of patients. BAPRAS and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) continue to be at the centre of the debate on regulation of Aesthetic Services and devices in Europe through the British Standards Institution (BSI).

A further recommendation puts forward that devices should be as important as medicines and that the MHRA should set up a new group of experts to advise it, called the Devices Expert Advisory Committee.

Follow BAPRAS on Twitter at @BAPRASvoice

Rejuvenating The Face Without Surgery

October 10, 2014 by Laura Casewell

Rejuvenating The Face Without Surgery

Cosmetic treatments have come on in leaps and bounds over the past decade. So much so that today you don’t have to undergo cosmetic surgery to truly rejuvenate your face. With advanced non-surgical procedures, you can improve your appearance without a single scalpel in sight.

Not only is it possible to soften lines and wrinkles and refine your skin surface, but also to recreate youthful apple cheeks, gently plump your lips, straighten your nose, slim your face and give your jaw line a more defined look. However, with infinite possibilities these days, it becomes more difficult for the consumer to know which procedures are most suitable for their concern, and most importantly which are safest.

When thinking about non-surgical procedures I always evaluate my patient’s face methodically using the ‘rule of 3’ approach, as all of the three main problem areas of the ageing face need addressing to achieve a harmonious facial rejuvenation.

Lines & Wrinkles

The traditional key areas to look at when trying to turn back the clock are lines and wrinkles. Not all lines and wrinkles are created equally though. In order to decide on an appropriate treatment we have to divide this group into ‘dynamic’ and ‘static’ lines. Dynamic lines are those generated by repeated movement of underlying mimic muscles – think frown lines between the eyebrows, worry lines on the forehead and crow’s feet around the eyes.

To soften dynamic lines it is important to address their underlying cause (i.e. over-movement of mimic muscles). So the first step should be a botulinum toxin, like BOTOX. The newest trend goes towards using this on wider areas of the face, but in lower doses, in order to avoid the undesirable ‘frozen face’ appearance.

For static lines on the other hand, which are independent of mimic movement (e.g. nose-to-mouth lines), a filler is a good choice to gently plump up the grove from underneath. Hyaluronic acid fillers have now become the gold standard in this area.

Facial contour & volume

While ironing out wrinkles seemed to be the main aim of cosmetic treatments up until about five years ago, we have since realised that it’s actually another change that makes us look older, namely loss of facial volume and contour. While a young face displays a heart shape with plump cheeks and a firm, slim jaw line, this cheek volume is one of the first fat pads to go when we get older.

Flat cheeks and heavy jowls will then flip around the ‘inverted triangle of youth’ and leave our face appearing older – more than lines and wrinkles ever could. The good news is that we can correct this without surgery, by injecting a more viscous filler (‘volumiser’) into the cheeks. Hyaluronic acid volumisers offer the best benefit-risk ratio in my opinion.

Skin surface & texture

The last key area to look at is the skin surface and texture (‘skin quality’). Loss of elasticity, crepeyness, and irregular pigmentation are all important factors of ageing skin. Studies have even shown that irregular pigmentation not only makes you look older and less attractive to others, but people will also judge you as less healthy. Remedies to improve skin surface factors are, for example, cosmeceuticals, laser treatments, and medical needling.

Getting the best out of non-surgical treatments

Why don’t you take an old photo of yourself and compare this to your face in a mirror, before seeing an aesthetic practitioner. Try accessing your face as objectively as possible using the ‘rule of 3’ approach. This will greatly help you in your subsequent consultation with the cosmetic doctor.

BOX OUT//

For more information on non-surgical treatments with Dr Thevendra at the APSARAS Clinic visit www.apsaras.co.uk

National Body Contouring Surgery Guide Launched

October 8, 2014 by Laura Casewell

A new body contouring commissioning guide, which aims to address variation across England in provision and quality of body contouring surgery for patients who have undergone massive weight loss, has been launched by the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) and the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS).

According to the societies, the guide was developed in response to research which shows inconsistency in the provision of body contouring surgery across the country. A study of 67 primary care trusts in England showed that 23 excluded any reference to body contouring procedures.

Even where guidance is in place, recommendations can vary dramatically. It has been revealed that 38% of patients who were approved in Scotland for body contouring surgery would not have fulfilled the criteria used in Leeds.

The studies reveal that patients who have already received NHS funding for a gastric band or other form of bariatric surgery then find it very difficult to get body contouring surgery after their weight loss. In addition, access to body contouring surgery is even harder for patients who have lost the weight naturally, through diet/exercise alone (10-30%). This is because they do not have the support of bariatric multi-disciplinary teams.

The new guide addresses variation in provision and quality of care – whilst also helping to make most appropriate use of resources – by providing clear criteria for commissioning body contouring surgery and best practice information for healthcare professionals. This includes a quality checklist for multidisciplinary teams to follow through every step of the procedure. The guide concludes with future recommendations, including the development of a compulsory register of operations and complications to enable the best outcomes for patients.

Research has shown that patients who undergo reconstructive body contouring plastic surgery following massive weight loss experience significant improvements in their physical function, emotional wellbeing, body image satisfaction, physical wellbeing and quality of life.

Conversely, patients who aren’t able to access body contouring surgery following massive weight loss can suffer from a range of physical and psychological problems. In a recent study 92% of bariatric surgeons reported that patients experience functional problems relating to excess skin.

Psychological problems include stress, depression and low-self esteem. Patients unable to access body contouring surgery are also significantly more likely to regain weight, which can lead to health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and mobility issues, with a resulting burden to the NHS.

Mark Soldin, BAPRAS specialist in body contouring surgery and consultant plastic surgeon said:

“I’ve seen many patients whose lives have been transformed through receiving body contouring reconstructive plastic surgery. However, there are many other people who, simply due to their postcode, are denied this procedure and are left to deal with the huge physical and psychological problems caused by excess skin.

“To qualify for this surgery patients need to demonstrate incredible weight loss and to show they have kept the weight off for a considerable period. However, the current ‘postcode lottery’ is unfair for the many patients up and down the country who have worked hard to change their lifestyles in order to meet the strict criteria. We are calling on commissioners and GPs to use this carefully researched, NICE accredited guidance to put an end to people living in limbo, and enable them to live healthy, happy lives.”

It is also hoped the guidance will be used to support GP referrals for patients requesting body contouring surgery by outlining clear criteria for patient assessment.

Paul O’ Flynn, Consultant ENT surgeon and Council Lead for commissioning at the Royal College of Surgeons, said:

“Research demonstrates significant improvements in patients’ emotional wellbeing and quality of life once they have undergone body contouring surgery, which is why it is critical that this guide is used by both commissioners and GPs to inform their referral decisions.

“We hope that this guide will help to create equality in provision of body contouring surgery for patients across England and stop unfair postcode lotteries which are denying patients desperately in need of treatment.”

The full guides is available from www.bapras.org.uk and www.rcseng.ac.uk

Mirror Mirror On The Wall, Should I Be Having Surgery At All?

September 14, 2014 by Laura Casewell

In the last issue of THSJ, we revealed statistics showing most women have their first cosmetic procedure by 21 years of age. With cases of BDD on the rise, Marie Shoulder from Bevan Brittan explains why it’s important to ensure that patients have realistic expectations on the outcome of their cosmetic surgery.

Around 2% of the population suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). The disorder can range in severity but it is generally characterised by the sufferer being overly obsessive about their appearance, and in particular one aspect of their appearance which to others may seem trivial or non-existent.

A recent study by the Institute of Education at the University of London commissioned by the Department of Health revealed that those who have underlying psychological issues such as depression and BDD are more likely to have cosmetic surgery. The caution lies however in the fact that a psychological condition can actually worsen rather than improve following cosmetic surgery. In a case with a patient who has BDD for example they can undergo several cosmetic surgery procedures whilst becoming increasingly unhappy with their appearance, which can often result in depression, agoraphobia and social isolation.

This impact could add thousands to the potential value of any damages claim, certainly if a loss of earnings claim were to be advanced along with a claim for treatment such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. The current JC Guidelines value general damages for psychiatric and psychological damage up to £82,750 at the top end of the bracket where the impact of the disorder can affect the injured person’s ability to cope with life and work and on the injured person’s relationships with family, friends and those with whom he or she comes into contact and the prospects for recovery are poor.

So, how well do practitioners know their patients? In most cases, patients undergoing cosmetic surgery do so without referral from their GP. It is therefore extremely important that a thorough discussion takes place to identify the reasons why a patient is seeking to undergo surgery. If there is any suspicion that a practitioner is dealing with an at-risk patient, they must question whether the treatment is appropriate at all. A patient with BDD is unlikely to accept they have a mental disorder at all because to them their cosmetic flaws are very real so obtaining informed consent is fraught with difficulty.

The IHAS “Good Medical Practice in Cosmetic Surgery” Guidelines state that the patient must be asked to give consent to inform their GP of any planned surgery. A GP may be able to provide important information about the patient and so if the patient refuses to give consent to contact their GP this should instantly raise suspicion. So, if a practitioner decides to proceed, the patient must be made aware of the implications of not informing his/her GP and should be asked to sign a disclaimer to that effect.

It is an unnecessary risk to provide invasive cosmetic surgery without information about the patient’s medical history and every effort should be made to obtain confirmation from their GP that there is no known medical reason not to operate.

Although not mandatory, there are psychological screening processes available which are designed to provide a more thorough investigation into the patients reasoning for wanting cosmetic surgery. These screening processes can offer a strong indication of whether or not surgery is the appropriate choice for a patient before they go ahead.

The consultation that a patient has with his/her surgeon is a very important part of the cosmetic surgery process and should never be underestimated. Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a significant mental disorder which causes great distress to sufferers.

However, it also creates particular problems for cosmetic surgery practitioners with a higher risk of claims and potentially large awards of damages if an existing condition is exacerbated by the very surgery that was undertaken to make the patient feel better about themselves.

Dr Parmar Pleased To See Vanquish Featured On TV

July 9, 2014 by Laura Casewell

It seems the buzz around fat reduction using radiofrequency is growing as Vanquish – now available at Parmar Aesthetics – was featured on a high profile American TV show last month.

Several experts teamed up on ‘The Doctors’ to talk about Vanquish, the latest radio frequency body contouring device from BTL Aesthetics.

Dr Mitesh Parmar, owner of Parmar Aesthetics on Harley Street, said he believes the worldwide media coverage of Vanquish is all due to its unique technology.

“The results for the Vanquish speak for themselves,” Dr Parmar explained.

“I’m pleased to see the device is proving popular across the world, as in the UK we’ve seen some truly remarkable body contouring results. It’s the combination of quick and painless treatments and unrivalled levels of fat reduction for patients that make it unique.”

Because the Vanquish is responsive to the body, it doesn’t hurt or damage the skin. While it’s not an entirely suitable substitute for diet and exercise, it’s great for people who are working out and trying to change their body shape, but still have stubborn areas of fat – particularly around their tummy.

The stomach is known for being a tricky area to tone, with fat pockets hiding the muscles from the surface of the tummy, and the Vanquish can help reduce the fatty deposits and even tighten the skin. The result is a contoured, flatter stomach – but Dr Parmar is keen to point out this treatment also work on the thighs and flanks.

“While the Vanquish is unquestionably effect for giving patient’s a flatter, less fatty belly area, the device is also used to reduce the fat and contour the thighs. It’s also producing some extremely good results on love handles, a problem for many men and women, regardless of how much exercise they do.”

According to Dr Parmar, patients call the treatment ‘painless and pleasantly warm’ and see visible results after 4 sessions.

If you’d like more information on contouring the body using energy-assisted treatments like Vanquish, book a consultation at Parmar Aesthetics. Treatment times and sessions required depend on the area to be treated, and you will have your experience with Vanquish tailored specifically to your needs.

Welcome to BTL Aesthetics

May 14, 2014 by Laura Casewell

Established in 1993, BTL Aesthetics has become one of the major world manufacturers of medical devices. Representing the best in body contouring, fat reduction, skin tightening, and anti-wrinkle devices in the UK, BTL’s range of products are both innovative and highly-sought after.

Under their impressive portfolio of groundbreaking products, they’re proud to be showcasing two of the top radiofrequency devices in the UK: the Vanquish and Exilis Elite.

The newest addition to the superior portfolio, Vanquish is an advanced non-invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency waves to kill fat cells without damaging skin or muscle, it has been labelled a ‘breakthrough’ by cosmetic experts as it’s the ONLY contactless device on the market.

Vanquish is a truly revolutionary treatment in non-scalpel body sculpting, and offers the closest treatment to surgical results. Vanquish’s unique design allows treatment of vast areas at one time, making it the largest treatment area in the industry.

It is the first no contact, hands free body contouring device, not only making it consistent but also ensuring little room for human error. This larger treatment area helps to speed up treatment time and make it easier to take care of multiple areas at once.

Vanquish shows the fastest results in permanent fat reduction, and patients may see results as quickly as after their first treatment. Taking an average of 30 minutes per session, patients usually require up to 4 Vanquish treatments, each spaced a minimum of a week apart.

Vanquish has proved to be a safe and reliable method for fat reduction and this exciting new treatment has been featured in several publications such as Harper’s Bazaar and the Daily Mail.

Lee Boulderstone, UK Manager of BTL Aesthetics said:

“Vanquish has been scientifically proven to destroy fat cells, leading to fat reduction in the targeted area. The device offers a remarkable difference when it comes to non-invasive fat reduction techniques.”

“It’s a really exciting time at BTL and we’re proud to add Vanquish to our already sterling portfolio of products,” he concludes.

BTL Aesthetics is also proud to distribute the Exilis Elite system which has been making waves in the UK in recent years. Widely regarded as one of the best high-performance aesthetic devices, the Exilis Elite has redefined radiofrequency (RF) technology to reduce wrinkles, treat laxity and reshape both the face and body – from head to toe – on patients of all ages.

Exilis Elite advances the non-invasive treatment of face and body wrinkles, collagen loss and stubborn flab with its delivery of precise heating and cooling, plus real-time monitoring of skin temperature. This constant detection and control of RF flow allows the physician to reach therapeutic temperatures in the shortest amount of time, providing a predictable and beneficial response while ensuring patient safety and comfort.

While the RF energy is heating the dermis, patients remain relaxed and pain-free as the system’s digital thermometer provides constant feedback as to the skin’s temperature, thus ensuring a comfortable, even treatment. The energy causes the collagen support tissues in the skin to remodel and tighten, thereby stimulating and strengthening the collagen network which improves skin laxity and texture.

The Exilis Elite is the only RF system able to transmit RF and Ultrasound at the same time, and has been awarded the title ‘Best Skin Tightening Device’ at The Aesthetic Show as well as ‘Best Body Shaping Device’ at The Woman’s Choice Awards.

With such a glowing reputation you can see why the Elite has become top of the class. Whether choosing to eliminate the signs of ageing, or recontouring the body, with no downtime and maximum comfort, patient’s choosing Exilis Elite can be sure their aesthetic goals can be met painlessly and precisely.

For more information on treatment using Vanquish and practitioners who offer it visit www.btlvanquish.com

Reducing Needlestick Injuries In The Clinical Environment

May 14, 2014 by Laura Casewell

A small but still troubling number of healthcare workers develop a potentially life-threatening disease as a result of sharps injury. In the UK approximately 10,000 needle-stick injuries occur each year.

When you then consider the risk of infection following a needle-stick injury is estimated to be 1 in 3 for HBV, 1 in 30 for HCV and 1 in 300 for HIV, it is vital that safety procedures are put in place in all aesthetic clinics.

Following the introduction of The Health & Safety (Sharps Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013 in May last year, all healthcare facilities need to assess the risk of exposure to blood-borne infections from sharps injuries, identify how to eliminate this and where exposure cannot be eliminated, put into place extensive prevention methods.

The new legislation also requires a framework for the occurrence of a sharps injury and the need for employers to revise their reporting procedures with health and safety representatives.

The health and safety law has always placed general responsibilities on the employer to provide their staff with a healthy working environment. However, this new legislation is putting further emphasis on prevention.

In reality it would be difficult, if not impossible to remove all sharps from a healthcare practice, so the next best thing is to assess the risk correctly, use devices which limit the risk of injury and dispose of all sharps in a safe manner.

Key tips all clinical staff should do to help reduce needle-stick injuries are:

Cease recapping of needles
Ensure the correct type & size of sharps disposal unit is in place
Make sure your sharps disposal units are assembled & closed correctly
Place all sharps disposal units in a safe, secure location
Dispose of your sharps at point of use
Report all sharps injuries immediately
In the case of a needle-stick injury follow your H&S protocol immediately

It’s important to remember that when it comes to hazardous and infectious waste, such as syringes and other sharps at a clinical practice the cradle-to-grave rule applies. The producer of waste will always be held responsible for the safe and legal disposal of it, even after it has been passed onto the waste carrier collecting it.

This is why it’s important to work with comprehensively trained sharps waste disposal experts who will safely and securely dispose of it and advise on the correct products which comply with both the UK and EU legislation. Health and safety law is criminal law and healthcare organisations can be subject to enforcement action if they fail to comply with the legal requirements. There is also always a threat of civil law action if an employee is injured due to insufficient practices and technologies being in place.

Everyone has a role to play in the prevention of sharps injuries. From those working in patient-facing roles through to managers and owners who will hold legal overall responsibility for the well-being of their staff.

About Initial Medical

Initial Medical is an expert in healthcare waste management, providing a complete collection, disposal and recycling service for hazardous and non-hazardous waste and offensive waste produced by businesses and organisations within the UK. The safe management of healthcare waste is vital to ensure your activities are not a risk to human health. Initial Medical’s healthcare waste services ensure that all of your waste is stringently handled in compliance with legislation and in accordance with Safe Management of Healthcare Waste V2 best practice guidelines, providing you with the peace of mind that you are adhering to current legislation.

By Rebecca Allen of Initial Medical. For further information please visit www.initalmedical.co.uk or call 0870 850 4045

SURGEON SLAMS BRAS AS ‘NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE’

May 14, 2014 by Laura Casewell

New Research Uncovers Obesity Surgery Patients Wearing Wrong Bra

The result of a first-of-its-kind study on bra-related health problems faced by women undergoing obesity surgery was presented by a leading consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at the British Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society (BOMSS) annual meeting.

Mr. Atul Khanna revealed that; whilst it’s known that four out of five (80%) women in general wear the wrong sized bra; all bariatric and post-bariatric patients (100%) in this study wore ill-fitting ones – with two-thirds (66%) suffering health problems such as debilitating back and neck aches and over half (54%) painful and persistent skin rashes.

The research also concludes that even with professional measuring in a clinical environment, traditional high-street bras still cannot fit breasts appropriately.

Titled “Should the Breast Fit the Bra, or the Bra Fit the Breast?” the study focuses on thirty-two women from bariatric support groups. Data was collected about age, bra size, bariatric and breast surgery, symptoms, and patients’ experiences with regards to bra-fitting.

In his presentation Mr Khanna has also coined the phrase ‘bra slide’, introducing to the scientific community relating to the migration of the inferior part of the bra on the chest wall due to the mismatch of cup diameter to breast base.

Mr Khanna discovered that even with professional bra measurements, traditional bras are still not fitting correctly, causing a variety of serious and long-term health problems.

Additionally, his findings show that over a third of the participants considering breast surgery would change their mind if they could simply find a supportive bra that alleviated their symptoms.

Accrding to Mr Khanna, a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), it is well-known that the majority of women are wearing the wrong size bra.

“I have seen patients in my clinic for years with problems resulting from this. I was however shocked at the magnitude of the problem in bariatric patients: all of them were wearing the wrong size garment, four out of five (80%) wore bands that were too tight and nearly nine out of ten wore cups two sizes too small,” he explains.

“Ill-fitting bras cause a range of problems such as back and shoulder pain, even sores or welts resulting from uncomfortable straps and underwires digging into their skin – many seek breast reduction surgery as a last resort because there is nothing out there that can alleviate their suffering,” Mr Khanna says.

“Studies such as this prove categorically that the traditional bras – even in large cup sizes – simply do not conform anatomically to women’s bodies,” the surgeon concludes.

BOX OUT//

Highlights of the study:

When measured, all participants were found to wear wrong fitting bras. Four out of five (80%) wore bands that were too tight with an average of 2 sizes too small. Nearly nine out of ten (84%) wore cups that were on average 2 sizes smaller than their calculated.
Two thirds (66%) reported one or more symptoms related to breast volume or ill-fitted bra ranging from skin rash (54%), shoulder pain (42%) and neck pain (29%).
70% of participants had at least one professional bra fitting in the past. Inconsistency in sizes for the same brands and shops were experienced by 67%, and between different brands or shops by nearly nine out of ten (88%) of them. Four out of five (79%) reported that they often or always need to try different sizes to find a suitable one.
Participants reported common patterns of problems with bra designs such as too narrow straps and sliding of the lower edge of bra (‘bra slide’)
Physical symptoms were the most likely reason for wanting breast reduction surgery
Well over a third (36%) of the patients considering breast surgery would change their minds if offered well supporting bra to solve their symptoms. However, none of the participants were offered professional bra fitting as part of their obesity surgery care.

(Note: A total of 32 participants answered the survey and 29 were measured)

FLOATING QUOTE//

“This study cements the research which I have been working on for the last ten years, on the back of which I have recently co-created a new system called Optifit which is based on three measurements to define frame, depth and volume..” Mr Atul Khanna, Plastic Surgeon

Focusing on the astonishing finding that 100% of participants were wearing the wrong-sized bra, Mr Khanna honed his research.

“After conducting further analysis it was discovered that even after selecting bras according to appropriate measurement, the garments were still 18% shorter than the cup-to-breast wall ratios should be. So even after exhaustive calculations by in a clinical environment, we concluded that no traditional bra can fit the breast shape in this group appropriately,” Mr Khanna explains

“What is out there in the shops for the female public is simply not fit for purpose. In fact I question whether any woman has ever existed, whose measurements conform to many of the large bras currently available,” he concludes.

Mr Khanna, a substantive NHS Consultant at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, admitted the breast is actually one of the hardest organs to assess objectively.

“It varies in volume, width, height, projection, tissue density, composition, shape and position on the chest. As a plastic surgeon, I have to take a wide range of measurements to ensure satisfactory outcomes, whether for reduction surgery, reconstruction or aesthetic enlargement,” the expert says.

“Surgery and medicine has come far in this period, it’s time for the fashion industry to move with the times,” he finishes.

For more information please visit www.atulkhanna.co.uk

BOX OUT//

About Optifit

Optifit was launched by experienced bra fitter Sue McDonald, who regularly advises pregnant, breastfeeding, physiotherapy and post-mastectomy patients on breast health, in conjunction with top consultant plastic surgeon Atul Khanna who works both on the NHS and privately.

Optifit bras can be ordered via the website (www.optifitbracompany.com) or by calling 01457 810628.