LATEST NEWS

BCAM launches sustainability initiative to encourage change in aesthetic clinics

The British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) is encouraging its members to make their clinics more sustainable by sharing tips in newsletters and collaborating with enthusiasts who are driving change in the sector.

Sustainability is one of BCAM’s key issues for 2022, and the college has launched an initiative to help its 400-plus members make simple changes that have a big impact, including recycling waste, employing non-paper-based clinic systems and choosing suppliers who use ethical packaging.

BCAM trustee Dr Bhavjit Kaur, who is responsible for membership and PR, said, “Unfortunately, aesthetic medicine is behind the curve when it comes to sustainability. We see manufacturers packaging single syringes in boxes or using cellophane wrapping, and some clinics still have paper-based systems for consent documents, or give out products in plastic bags.

“BCAM is taking the initiative and providing members with practical solutions to make their clinics more sustainable. We also plan to encourage suppliers to offer greener options with their packaging, and it’s encouraging that there is already a handful of pharma companies that are taking sustainability seriously.”

BCAM is collaborating with Ron Myers, who has completed a course in Business Sustainability Management from the University of Cambridge and launched the “Sustainability in Aesthetics” Facebook group to share best practice and engage with those who are committed to making a change.

Myers said, “Apart from the environmental benefits of starting to address the issues that affect us all, we are at a tipping point where consumers are increasingly looking to spend their money with companies making changes and talking about this in their marketing.

“In an increasingly competitive sector, clinics that successfully incorporate sustainability practices into their business model can benefit by using this as an additional differentiating factor in their marketing.”

Industry mourns passing of eminent plastic surgeon Dr Pierre Nicolau

The industry has been left shocked and saddened by the death of eminent plastic surgeon Dr Pierre Nicolau.

He worked at the Assistance Publique -Hôpitaux de Paris as a plastic surgery consultant, first at Rothschild Hospital, then at Saint Louis University Hospital in the Professor M. Mimoun unit, and for over 10 years in Colombes at the Louis Mourier University Hospital.

He taught for the Inter-University Diploma, which trains surgeons and dermatologists in injectable fillers and botulinum toxin, and was in charge of teaching about the biological effects of injectable fillers.

Dr Nicolau also conducted humanitarian missions in Pakistan, Vietnam and African countries for over 10 years.

He led more than 500 Sinclair Pharma training courses and workshops and delivered over 300 communications and lectures at congresses worldwide as a recognised expert in his field. He also published over 68 articles and chapters in journals and scientific books.

Dr Victoria Manning worked alongside Dr Nicolau as part of their work with Sinclair Pharma. She commented, “I was lucky enough to have met Pierre many times. I called him my guru. He trained me, mentored me and was on the end of a text message when I needed his expertise and guidance. The passion he delivered around aesthetic medicine was inspirational. No words can really sum up how a lot of us are feeling right now. We have lost a friend and a colleague. His shoes will be extremely hard to fill in the Sinclair Pharma team. I wish his family and friends all the best in this tragic time.”

Sinclair Pharma’s managing director Chris Spooner added, “Pierre was both colleague and friend. He was intellectually curious, energetic and independent-minded, as well as being amusing company and a valuable colleague. His untimely death is both tragic and distressing, and I am among very many who will miss him.”

Anna Baker launches new course on an evidence-based approach to skin

Fundamental education on skin has historically centred around skincare product training and been delivered as part of branded content.

All medical professionals are involved in treating the skin using many modalities, which emphasises the need to acquire and continually update essential knowledge in this important area of aesthetic medicine. This has motivated aesthetic nurse, trainer, and qualified educator Anna Baker to launch a new training course entitled Skin – An Evidence-Based Approach.

“The basis for this independent learning is firmly rooted in the continual need for registered medical professionals to be able to access affordable, high-quality evidence and peer-reviewed educational content about skin,” Baker said.

The CPD-accredited online webinar seminars are peer-reviewed by consultant dermatologist Dr Jinah Yoo and led by Baker, and will cover a broad range of topics, as well as conditions.

The key learning objective, consistent across all content, is to share high-quality evidence and best practice for safer and improved treatment outcomes.

Guest presenters (dermatology specialists) will share their expertise in specialised areas of dermatology in future session topics.

Pre-reading will be sent prior to each session to maximise learning opportunities on the day.

The first course on Assessment of Skin will take place from 10am-4pm on April 21 and is open to nurses, doctors and dentists. It costs £80 + VAT. BACN Members are eligible for 10% discount. For further infomration and to book, email: info@skinevidence.co.uk

BAAPS raises concerns over “surgical safaris”

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has raised concerns over so-called “surgical safaris” after a recent promotion in London for surgery in South Africa combined with a stay at a game lodge.

Rajan Uppal, consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS council member, commented, “BAAPS would like to express concerns about fly-in-fly-out surgeons. This current advert for safari cosmetic tourism is an example of inadequate protection for patients, and therefore concerns have been raised. BAAPS recommends that patients see a cosmetic surgeon for at least two consultations before having their surgery. There is also a mandatory two-week cooling-off period that will allow patients to reflect on their decisions and the risks involved with cosmetic surgery.

“Most important of all is the aftercare when considering cosmetic surgery. The quality of the aftercare ensures that patients achieve good healing of their wounds. Patients who travel abroad or take part in a safari may not necessarily get appropriate follow-up care, which could lead to problems in their recovery.”

Dr Tapan Patel completes gruelling charity challenge to raise money for child poverty

Dr Tapan Patel has completed an epic physical challenge to raise money for children suffering from extreme poverty and Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK.

Dr Patel, who runs the Phi Clinic in London, took part in the gruelling annual 4x4x48challenge, which involves running four miles every four hours for 48 hours. To date, he has raised more than £22,000.

Dr Patel was raising money for The Childhood Trust, London’s child poverty charity, targeting 800,000 children living in poverty in London.

He said, “This event is a real test of physical endurance and mental stamina. Having a cause to support gave me the extra impetus to keep going at times when I was very ready to call it quits!

“I’m delighted to raise needed funds for the Childhood Trust and look forward to helping them again in the future.”

NEO Health launches in London

Harley Street has welcomed a new clinic – NEO Health. Borne out of established and wellrespected clinic 152 Harley Street, which has been a centre of medical excellence and one of the UK’s only day-case surgery facilities for 14 years, NEO Health has adapted the original clinic’s offering to incorporate non-invasive treatments, thus catering for a larger number of its patients’ needs.

The clinic is steered by a carefully curated team of medical professionals selected for their specialties in an array of fields, including ophthalmology, dermatology, maxillo-facial, plastic and reconstructive surgery, ENT, and hair restoration.

Medical director Dr Daniel Ezra said, “We came up with the idea of NEO Health as we wanted to develop a tight-knit network of like-minded, highly qualified medical experts who we would be happy to refer our patients to, should we not have the specific expertise to treat them ourselves.”

AlumierMD partners with Aesthetic Entrepreneurs

AlumierMD has joined forces with Aesthetic Entrepreneurs to create The AlumierMD Growth Factor, a free seven-part strategic business course aimed at helping aesthetic practitioners take their business to the next level.

The course is designed to enhance clinicians’ practice development strategies in order to positively impact their overall business growth. It has been created to help practitioners build on their existing strengths alongside a supportive community of likeminded business owners. Business leaders will also explore potential weaknesses, so they can counter these and build a strategy for future success.

The tailored programme combines online and face-to-face training, mentorship and on-demand videos.

With a sharp focus on strategy, the programme has been designed to help create a solid business foundation, with carefully tailored boosters for the clinic.

EverySkin opens its sixth clinic in less than nine months

Two female entrepreneurs who launched their own chain of aesthetic clinics less than a year ago in Wood Green, London, have celebrated opening their sixth skincare and beauty clinic in the London area.

The new EverySkin clinic in Notting Hill, founded by Alice Sagnier and Bridget Healy, features state-of-the-art laser technology from Candela, with support from Laseraid.

The Notting Hill clinic has already recruited five therapists, with more jobs likely to be added to the group’s 50-plus team in the coming months. It joins the EverySkin clinics in Wood Green, Walthamstow, Chiswick, Islington and Wandsworth.

“As a modern aesthetics brand, our business is founded on the premise that everyone, regardless of skin tone, gender or budget, deserves to feel great about themselves and should have access to the very best technological aesthetic treatments,” explained Sagnier.

“Since opening our initial Wood Green site in May 2021, the UK’s first gender-price-neutral clinic, we have seen huge demand for our services and have very quickly expanded to a chain of six clinics around London.”

First MaiLi Experience takes place in London

The first MaiLi Experience event took place last month at the Royal College of General Practitioners in London.

Presented by Sinclair College, the training provides a new touchpoint for clinicians to learn how to treat with MaiLi, Sinclair Pharma’s latest HA filler product.

The comprehensive training programme, held monthly, combines essential anatomical knowledge and key practical skills, designed to give delegates the requisite skills to offer treatment with confidence.

Attendees had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of treating different areas of the face – the upper face, mid-face, lower face, tear trough and lips – learning from preeminent trainers Dr Sabika Karim, Dr Victoria Manning, Dr Charlotte Woodward, Dr Sheila Nguyen and Dr Leah Totton.

With a 5:1 training ratio, delegates were able to closely observe treatments and share peerto-peer engagement, trading best practice and tips. Meanwhile, Sinclair Pharma’s trainers shared their experience and techniques, aiming to enhance attendees’ treatment offerings.

Dr Sabika Karim said, “The MaiLi Experience has been a brilliant chance to raise industry standards by having intimate groups of people training on the whole face. Whether people are experienced injectors or have only been injecting for a few years, we are able to share ideas and best practice techniques. We can determine what the individual trainee needs are, whether they are doctors, dentists or nurses, to tailor-make each session to the delegates’ requirements. One of the best parts of the day has actually been discussing injection techniques and tips and tricks on getting the best possible results for our patients.”

The next two MaiLi Experience training courses are scheduled for April 4 and May 9, 2022. Visit maili.com/uk/introducing-maili/the-maili-experience-x2

GetHarley showcases new look and launches new consultation categories

The GetHarley platform is getting a new look this spring. The new look includes subtle changes in colours, fonts, and language to solidify GetHarley as the website of choice for expert-led skin consultations and clinically proven skincare products.

“GetHarley v2.0 moves in a way that feels even more premium and elegant while keeping a lot of our existing brand essence, that is true to us, yet refined ever so slightly; think of it as a tweakment, not a facelift”, said Charmaine Chow, founder and chief executive.

To support the new look, the customer will have a new choice of consultation, packaged in a way that helps them communicate their needs: These include Skin Health, Preventative Ageing, Pregnancy, Nursing, Medical Dermatology and Bridal.

“ Our community often come to us to tap into our medical practitioners for a life event or because something has changed in their lives”, added Chow. “We want it to be clear from the moment they land on our website that we can support them with consultations with a skin specialist, whatever their need or concern.”