NEWS AND ANALYSIS

Licences for non-invasive procedures: the latest update

Consultation on the proposed licensing system for non-surgical cosmetic procedures is expected to begin at the start of next year, with a further consultation on licensing of premises later in 2023.

The new licensing system prohibiting English practitioners without a license from carrying out more invasive non-surgical cosmetic procedures will be introduced in updates to the Health and Care Act 2022.

Updates under Clause (180) of the Act will also prohibit people from using or permitting the use of premises in England “for carrying out of specified cosmetic procedures” unless they have a premises licence.

The scope and details of the proposed new licensing scheme will be determined by Ministers following a period of engagement and public consultation.

While the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has not published an exact timeline for the licences, the Joint Council for Cosmetic Procedures (JCCP) said in a statement that “the consultation on which procedures are to be covered by the new licensing scheme is likely to begin in the early New Year”.

The JCCP added that “it is anticipated that a further consultation will then follow on the licensing of premises later in 2023”.

The JCCP is working with partner organisations including the Cosmetic Practice Standards Authority (CPSA), the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and the British Beauty Council to support the design and promotion of new fair and equitable licensing schemes.

According to the JCCP’s September update, the new licensing scheme is likely to include high-street cosmetic treatments which can cause serious harm when not carried out correctly or in a safe environment.

“The scheme must at least cover injectable toxins, dermal fillers, vitamin infusions, platelet-rich plasma replacement therapy, cogs and threads, cyrolipolysis, sclerotherapy, invasive chemical peels, a range of laser and light procedures and hair restoration surgery,” the update continued.

The update also referenced a range of “potentially harmful and unlicensed ‘products’ and devices” being administered as part of several cosmetic procedures. The JCCP is reviewing many of these devices, ‘machines’ and products and is advising the MHRA of the need to introduce rigorous controls regarding their importing, manufacture and supply.

Bottoms up! Surgeons say “no to BBL but yes to SGL”

Following an extensive four-year review of clinical data, new technology and techniques, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has published its Gluteal Fat Grafting (GFG) guidelines.

In 2018, BAAPS dissuaded all its members from performing Brazilian Buttock Lift (BBL) surgery, until more data could be collated, due to the high death rate associated with the procedure.

Gluteal fat grafting is currently the procedure with the biggest growth rate in plastic surgery worldwide, with an increase of around 20% year-on-year. It has become the most popular means of buttock volume augmentation, overtaking gluteal augmentation with implants. In 2020, The Aesthetic Society statistics recorded 40,320 buttock augmentation procedures, which included both fat grafting and buttock implants.

In 2015, there were reports of intraoperative mortality related to pulmonary fat emboli associated with BBL surgery and, with growing concern about the high mortality rate associated with this procedure, three years later BAAPS recommended it was not performed by its members.

Stimulated by new evidence based on scientific review and analysis, BAAPS guidelines now recommend that GFG is safe to perform under two key conditions: 1. Injection into the subcutaneous plane only - the evidence shows that the only deaths from the procedure have been when fat has been injected into the deeper muscle layer. 2. Intraoperative ultrasound must be used during the placement of fat in the gluteal area to ensure that the cannula remains in the subcutaneous plane – this is the only way that surgeons can be confident they are not in the muscle layer.

“The new BAAPS guidelines are very robust and comprehensive, and the evidence has been critically analysed,” said BAAPS president Marc Pacifico. “The deaths recorded with BBL have all had breeches of the fascia with fat injected into the muscle. So, it’s no to BBL but yes to Superficial Gluteal Lipofilling (SGL) where the fascia is not compromised. To ensure this we are recommending that Surgeons should only perform this with real-time ultrasound guidance as the only way to ensure the procedure is performed superficially and safely.”

Botulinum toxin could improve mental health

Glabellar botulinum toxin (BTX) injections might influence the central nervous system and could help with the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), according to a recent study by German scientists.

Magnetic resonance imaging provided the first evidence showing how BTX injections might modify the behavioural and neurobiological aspects of BPD. These new findings are in line with previous studies on how BTX could be used to treat mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

In a joint study, recently published in the Scientific Reports journal, researchers from the Asklepios Campus Hamburg of Semmelweis University and the Hannover Medical School examined how BTX injected into the forehead muscles might affect the processing of emotional stimuli and impulsive behaviour.

The research involved conducting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) on 45 women suffering from BPD after some of them received BTX injections and others received acupuncture. The participants had to control their reactions to certain cues while seeing pictures of faces with different emotional expressions presented to them on a computer screen while the researchers scanned their brains, and the results were measured both before the treatment and four weeks after.

“BPD is one of the most common personality disorders with symptoms of emotional instability and impulsive behaviour,” said senior author of the study Dr Axel Wollmer, from Semmelweis University’s Asklepios Campus in Hamburg. “Patients suffering from BPD experience an excess of negative emotions like anger and fear. Based on previous studies, our hypothesis was that relaxing the muscles in the forehead with BTX will interrupt a feedback loop between the face and the brain and thereby reduce these negative emotions.”

UCLA scientists developing test to detect breast implant ruptures

Amid growing scrutiny of breast implant safety, a pair of UCLA scientists are developing a lab test aimed at detecting silicone implant ruptures which they think may also help explain why many women who received implants have later reported a plethora of systemic symptoms.

The Food and Drug Administration recently elevated safety warnings over breast implants after collecting reports from hundreds of thousands of women about a novel cancer and other chronic conditions, like brain fog, joint pain and fatigue. While regulators have said more research is needed into what’s possibly causing a range of symptoms that’s been unofficially termed “breast implant illness,” the silicone used in implants is seen as a possible culprit.

UCLA professors have been working on a test that can measure silicone metabolites in patient blood and urine samples – apotential revolution in how breast implants are monitored for safety.

Inquiry launched into value of complementary therapies

A cross-party group of MPs has launched an investigation into the value of complementary therapies in supporting everyone’s physical health, mental health and well-being and taking pressure off the NHS.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Beauty and Wellbeing (APPG BAW), co-chaired by Carolyn Harris MP and Judith Cummins MP, will explore how complementary therapies can support everyone’s health, evaluate the skills gaps facing the industry, consider how to ensure the viability of businesses and jobs, and review potential government interventions to support the sector’s future.

The group has launched a call for written evidence to better understand factors including the value the sector brings to the UK’s economy and society and how complementary treatments can play a preventative role in supporting people’s health and well-being, or support those with existing health conditions.

Phototherapy lamps set the market alight

The global phototherapy lamps market is anticipated to grow by 5.8% year on year and reach £5bn by 2032, according to a new report.

Valued at £2.7 in 2021, the market is expected to reach £2.8bn by the end of 2022, with growth predicted to continue at a steady pace.

Phototherapy lamps are used in the treatment of medical conditions like psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, and various other skin diseases. In recent years, these devices have gained immense popularity in the field of aesthetic medicine because of their simplistic nature and better efficacy in easing different symptoms related to skin disorders.

According to the report by Future Market Insights, advancing demand in dermatology, along with the constant innovations occurring in phototherapy, give manufacturers many opportunities for expansion and growth, as the lamps can treat a variety of skin disorders and neonatal jaundice with high safety and effectiveness. Thus, manufacturers are keen on increasing investment and releasing improved models, so market growth is predicted in the upcoming years.

Cutera announces Great Ormond Street Hospital as CUCF charity partner

Aesthetic technology manufacturer, Cutera, has announced it will host a special black tie charity ball on November 27 at the De Vere Beaumont Estate to help support and raise more funds for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity for children and young people suffering from serious illnesses. The evening will be hosted once again by the multi-award-winning director of Harley Street’s PHI Clinic, Dr Tapan Patel.

The brand will also participate in this year’s Tough Mudder to support and raise funds for the charity. This consists of overcoming about 20 world-class obstacles over the 10K course on 23 November in Manchester.

Leighannah Tickner, Cutera’s country manager, UK and Ireland, commented: “It’s a real privilege to be able to have made the Great Ormond Street Hospital our charity of choice. Being committed to the health and well-being of our customers and communities makes this an excellent fit for us.”

“The work they do to support families is invaluable, and we are proud to be a part of this and support them through our fundraising activities, being Cutera University Clinical Forum (CUCF) and Tough Mudder” Tickner added.

You can find out more and book your place at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cutera-uk

All CUCF 2022 proceeds go to charity. Book Now via this link: https://cucf.co.uk/

Allergan Aesthetics presents research at 2022 American Society for Dermatologic Surgery meeting

Allergan Aesthetics presented eight scientific abstracts from its leading portfolio of aesthetic products and treatments at the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) meeting in Denver last month.

Researchers from the AbbVie company spotlighted global post-marketing surveillance data on the reported rates of delayed-onset nodules presenting four or more weeks after injection of hyaluronic acid fillers based on the Vycross technology platform. Analysis of 15 years of data demonstrated the global reported rate of delayed-onset nodules associated with dermal fillers on the Vycross technology platform is low (<0.016%). Inflammatory nodules, which typically require intervention/ treatment, were reported less frequently than non-inflammatory nodules.

Dr DiAnne Davis, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist from Texas also discussed the new Forces of Beauty report from Allergan Aesthetics’ DREAM (Driving Racial Equity in Aesthetic Medicine) Initiative.

Results were also presented from three clinical studies showcasing a customisable platform with a patent-pending LTN Complex, addressing the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation in a wide range of demographic populations.

Lynton to open new London training academy

With the growing demand for qualifications in aesthetic treatments, Lynton has announced the opening of its new training academy in London, alongside its existing training centre in Cheshire.

Partnering with the Royal Wharf Aesthetic Clinic in London’s Docklands area, the new training centre will be equipped with a variety of Lynton’s aesthetic devices, allowing access to comprehensive specialist training.

Lynton’s London training facility will offer OFQUAL-regulated qualifications in energy-based devices, including VCTC level 4 qualifications in laser and light-based hair removal and skin rejuvenation, level 5 laser tattoo removal and level 4 in skin needling. Dr Samantha Hills, clinical director at Lynton says: “With further regulation of the aesthetic industry expected in the coming years, there is a pressing requirement for quality and regulatory-compliant training in energy-based devices. Lynton is delighted to be able to extend its training offering with OFQUAL-regulated VTCT training qualifications in the South-East. Our qualifications are delivered by our team of experienced clinical trainers and assessors, using an array of high-quality aesthetic equipment, ensuring that our students can go out into the industry being able to offer their clients the best results.”

Merz Aesthetics gets a new look

Merz Aesthetics has announced the launch of the organisation’s new corporate visual identity. The refreshed look underscores the business’ commitment to putting the definition of beauty back into the hands of the individual through a vibrant and distinct colour palette along with strong and joyful photography.

“It was important to create a cohesive and clear visual identity for Merz Aesthetics that reflects who we are and our purpose to fuel confidence,” said Bob Rhatigan, chief executive of Merz Aesthetics. “Confidence is the higherorder benefit of medical aesthetics. It drives everything we do to support our customers and patients. Launching this new visual identity reaffirms to our customers, employees and patients that we stand behind the shared vision of a more confident world.”

The brightness of the new visual identity – shades of orange, yellow, green, red and blue – is contrasted by minimalist black-and-white typography and enhanced by photography representing diverse ages and cultural backgrounds, designed to highlight personal authenticity.

The launch follows Merz Aesthetics’ August 2020 announcement of Confidence to Be – the organisation’s purpose-driven platform designed to fuel confidence by helping people look better, feel better and live better.

Templar Skin Systems releases skin analysis device

Templar Skin Systems have released multi-telemetry skin and hair analysis device, Skin Lab FX.

With an extensive menu of diagnostic and analytical features - including rapid probes and micro camera videography – the device has been specifically designed so providers can offer rapid skin and hair analysis. Programmed ‘consultation protocols’ mean providers can recommend treatments and products based on data rather than intuition, increasing consumer confidence and compliance.