Hot off the press

Scotland named ‘worst in Europe’ for risky fillers

Healthcare professionals have expressed concern about regulations in Scotland.

Currently, it is not illegal for under-18’s to have injectable treatments in Scotland, unlike the rest of the UK, where the Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Bill was passed in 2021.

The absence of legislation has led to an influx of unqualified practitioners and has contributed to a rise in complications associated with cosmetic procedures, including infections, necrosis, and blindness. Additionally, the prevalence of unlicensed and counterfeit products, such as botulinum toxin, poses further risks to patient safety.

Despite calls for action and promises from the Scottish government to ensure that cosmetic treatments are performed by trained professionals, no concrete steps have been taken. This lack of regulation has prompted concerns about patient safety and the need for stricter oversight in the sector.

“The Scottish Government should be ashamed of themselves, allowing the good people of Scotland to be placed at risk, for failing to regulate the cosmetic injectables medical speciality,” said plastic surgeon Mr Taimur Shoaib in an interview with the BBC. “This is why the situation is no better in the rest of the UK, where unregulated lays can inject without consequences, when they cause complications to the unsuspecting public.”

Industry reacts to MailOnline exposé on cadaver injectables courses

MailOnline has sparked debate with an article about how NHS trusts are giving cadavers away for use by private aesthetics course providers, who charge doctors, nurses, and dentists up to £1,440 to practice cosmetic techniques on the bodies.

The article, which criticises the use of bodies donated to the NHS for medical research to private training courses for cosmetic treatments, has received mixed reactions from key figures in the aesthetics sector.

Dr Patrick Treacy felt that the article raised serious ethical questions regarding the use of donated remains and the boundaries of medical education.

“As shocking as it may sound, the revelation that bodies donated to the NHS are being used for cosmetic training purposes is deeply concerning,” commented Dr Treacy. “While it’s understandable that medical professionals need practical training to administer procedures like toxin and fillers safely, using donated bodies for such purposes, especially for private aesthetics courses charging significant fees, seems ethically dubious.”

Steven Gill, the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s clinical lead for the National Repository Centre, defended the supply of donated bodies for use by the aesthetic course providers. “These bodies are highly valued and respected and are used for ethically approved research and training of registered healthcare practitioners only,” he commented to MailOnline, adding that all bodies were used in accordance with UK regulations, with the Trust making no money from the arrangement.

‘No plans’ to introduce legislation for the Northern Irish aesthetics industry

Northern Ireland’s health minister Robin Swann said there are “no active plans” to introduce legislation around Northern Ireland’s aesthetics industry.

Mark H Durkan, a member of the legislative assembly (MLA) for the Social Democratic and Labour Party, called on Mr Swann to introduce a licensing scheme and standardised qualifications for practitioners carrying out non-surgical cosmetic procedures (NSCPs).

But Mr Swann said his department is “currently operating within a constrained budget and is required to make decisions in relation to the work that can be delivered within current resources”.

He added: “In that context, work on the review of the regulation is currently paused to allow for other priority projects to progress. As such, there are no active plans to bring forward legislation in this area.”

BAAPS launches campaign to address issues surrounding qualifications

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has launched the “Discover the Distinction Safety Campaign” to address the ongoing issues surrounding the qualifications and credentials of practitioners in the field.

According to the campaign, a significant challenge facing patients is the misleading titles used by some practitioners without proper qualifications, such as ‘cosmetic doctor’ or ‘cosmetic surgeon’, exposing unaware patients to potential risks associated with invasive procedures and unfavourable outcomes.There’s also a misconception that practitioners operating from renowned locations like Harley Street automatically possess superior skills and qualifications.

“The geographical location of the practice has no impact on the surgery’s outcome or the skill of the practitioner,” said president of BAAPS, Marc Pacifico. “Always do your due diligence; make sure your surgeon is a member of their appropriate governing body. For a surgeon this should be The Royal College of Surgeons and that they are a member of BAAPS.”

JCCP announces new approved education and training provider

The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) has announced that formal approval has been awarded to the Skin Appeal Training Academy(SATA) Liverpool as a new Approved Education and Training Provider for the delivery of the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Clinical Aesthetic Injectable Therapies, which has now been added to the JCCP’s Register of Approved Qualifications.

SATA is now entitled to display the JCCP charter marks in accordance with the JCCP protocol for the use of the same.

The standards and competencies set down by the JCCP and the Cosmetic Practice Standards Authority (CPSA) may be accessed via the JCCP website and are presented as the JCCP Competence Framework (2018).

BAAPS announces honourary council representative for Scotland

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has announced the appointment of Mr Alastair Graeme Lowrie, consultant plastic surgeon, as honorary BAAPS council representative for Scotland.

Originally hailing from Ayr, Mr Lowrie embarked on his medical journey at the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated with Honours in 1999, earning accolades in Surgery and Anatomy. He further advanced his training in plastic surgery in Manchester and Canniesburn and has served in esteemed medical institutions in Newcastle, Durham, and Middlesbrough. “Mr Lowrie’s career is underlined by his unwavering commitment to patient safety and ethical practice,” the statement said. “He firmly advocates for the regulation and proper training of surgeons performing cosmetic surgeries, believing it to be paramount in safeguarding patients’ well-being.”

Tribunal finds Dr Tijion Esho exchanged toxin treatments for sex

A medical tribunal has found that Dr Tijon Esho exchanged treatment for sex with an OnlyFans model.

The 42-year-old, who has been featured on E4’s Body Fixers and ITV’s This Morning, admitted to an “inappropriate” emotional relationship with the woman, referred to as Patient A, but told the Medical Tribunal Practitioners Service (MTPS) hearing that he never had any physical sexual contact with her.

However, the panel, sitting in Manchester, ruled that Dr Esho administered toxin treatments free of charge and had sexual intercourse with the woman at his clinic in Newcastle Upon Type in 2021.

In a social media post, Dr Esho said, “Throughout the hearing and investigation, I stressed that I deeply regretted the mistakes I made in engaging in communications with Patient A. I am truly sorry for those actions, and I apologise to everyone I let down as a result. However, I have always been clear that whilst my conduct in communicating with Patient A was wrong, I repeat categorically that it never crossed over into any physical sexual contact. Whilst I respect the MPTS and the process, I do not agree with its decision.”

His fitness to practise will be determined at a later date.

Over 10% of aesthetic products go to waste

A new survey by sustainable online retailer Boop has found that over 10% of products go to waste in brands’ supply chains, which equates to a staggering $4.8 billion (£3.8 million) worth of products destroyed annually, according to new statistics. The new report also found that overproduction accounts for 6.2% of this waste and 4% comes from products disposed of due to damage or reaching their expiry date. The three main causes of the industry’s waste problem are overproduction, packaging, and imperfect stock. In fact, packaging makes up 70% of the aesthetic industry’s waste and 95% of cosmetic packaging is thrown away. Inaccurate record of stock by brands mean they can’t manage their items, resulting in products spending their shelf life deteriorating in a warehouse, according to the report.

Intradermology skincare partners with GetHarley

Intradermology, a skincare line designed and developed by the founder and chief executive of Circa Skin Ltd, Claire Williams, has partnered with GetHarley to make it easy and efficient for practitioners to sell the exciting new skincare line without investing in clinic stock.

The skincare line, which is only available to healthcare professionals, can now be delivered straight to patients’ homes following the creation of a skincare regime on the GetHarley platform.

GetHarley is currently partnered with over 1,000 practitioners, enabling them to deliver skincare regimens and advice to their patients anytime, anywhere. The team also ensures patients are never out of products so they can keep a consistent routine.

Evolus announces results from European head-to-head filler trial

Evolus provided its data presented at IMCAS during its earnings conference call on March 7. Evolus remains on track for the global commercial launch of the first-generation Cold HA Technology in 2025. The filler line will be branded Evolysse in the US and Estyme in the UK and Europe. The Estyme Lift filler will be positioned as the most versatile and highest volume filler in the product line. Lift is CE marked in Europe and will be filed with the FDA in the summer of 2024, with approval expected in 2025.

Lynton expands training offerings with new satellite facility in London

Lynton has announced the opening of its new satellite training facility in London. This expansion underscores Lynton’s commitment to providing high-quality, accredited training programmes recognised across the aesthetic industry. The new training facility is based at London’s Edition Clinic, strategically located just a two-minute walk from Wimbledon station. This offers participants easy access to comprehensive training in the latest aesthetic techniques and technologies. With multiple treatment rooms and spacious training areas, the facility provides an ideal environment for hands-on learning and skill development.