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Overview of non-invasive treatments for submental fat reduction

Submental fat (SMF) is a growing aesthetic problem that is colloquially known as a ‘double chin’. It is a concern for both younger and older male and female patients. The 2017 American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Consumer Survey on Cosmetic...

Thread veins and varicose veins: medical or aesthetic?

I was recently attending a national aesthetics conference when I got talking to a very well-known opinion leader in the aesthetics world. During the conversation, I was astounded to be asked: “What do you think now that NICE has agreed...

The challenge of reinterpreting past data through the lens of advances in skin biome research

Advances in technology have allowed scientists to expand their understanding of the complex interactions that occur between humans and the microbes that reside on and inside their bodies. However, these same advances present a challenge to scientists and clinicians to...

Stem cells in reconstructive surgery: a bright but cautious future

Regenerative medicine using stem cell technology is slowly becoming a reality in routine clinical practice especially in the field of tissue regeneration [1]. It is therefore not surprising that stem cell technology is starting to be of interest in reconstructive...

In conversation with Professor David Sines

In January 2016 a new voluntary regulatory register was established – the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP), chaired by Professor David Sines. Since that time the JCCP has met with challenges from many within the aesthetics industry. We spoke...

Off-label cosmetic use of botulinum toxin in the lower face

Botulinum toxin A (BoNTA) is commonly used as an off-label cosmetic modality to improve the ageing lower face and neck, and may be used as a single line treatment or in combination with other procedures, such as dermal fillers [1]....

Cellulite: does wearing compression hosiery work?

Cellulite affects a large proportion of women. Recently several companies have produced compression hosiery claiming to reduce the appearance of cellulite. One of the latest products are ‘Silver Wave’ stockings, made by Solidea, which claim to reduce cellulite using ‘patented...

Facial veins – diagnosis and treatment options

Facial veins can be treated with a wide range of aesthetic and surgical procedures. Victoria Smith and Professor Mark Whiteley, both experts in the area, provide a comprehensive overview of diagnosis and the different treatment options available. Patients with unwanted...

Botulinum toxin and dermal filler treatment for facial deformity: an analysis of patient satisfaction

Dermal fillers and botulinum toxin are being increasingly used to treat facial deformities but are patients satisfied with the results? Facial deformity can result in low confidence and self-esteem amongst patients due to cosmetic and functional difficulties [1]. There is...

Living confidently with a distinctive face or body

The visual impact of having a face which has scars from an accident or burns like mine or a birthmark, a cleft lip and palate, a Bell’s palsy or a skin condition is arguably not taken seriously enough by clinical...

From PIP to DC-CIK to the Sorcerer’s Apprentice: a medico-political minefield

Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) was a French company that manufactured silicone breast implants that were surgically implanted mainly for cosmetic breast augmentation. Of note, ‘cosmetic’ is used in the strict sense of the word meaning false and artificial and does...

Photoshopping the face: simulated outcomes of orthofacial surgery

Corrective facial surgeries are highly elective procedures. Outcomes depend largely on the nature of the surgery performed (requiring an in-depth knowledge of surgical techniques and anticipated soft tissue changes) and should be predictable in terms of risk and outcomes, in...