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The British College of Functional Medicine launches to support doctors

A new non-profit organisation, the British College of Functional Medicine (BCFM), has launched, aiming to educate doctors who are interested in integrating functional medicine into their practices.

Functional medicine is a biology-based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease and chronic health conditions. It considers a patient’s genes, medical history, environment, diet, and lifestyle to create personalised treatment plans.

The BCFM, established to empower doctors with the knowledge and tools to support individuals to take control of their health, strives to advance the science of functional medicine, promote its integration into mainstream healthcare, and foster a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to improving health outcomes for all.

As an organisation, the BCFM will be running public awareness campaigns to enhance understanding of functional medicine. There are also plans to approach the government, with the hope of updating healthcare policy.

Consumer confusion around regulation of aesthetics training

The escalating cost of repairing botched cosmetic treatments, estimated at £1.7 million to the National Health Service (NHS) in the last year, has ignited a heated debate on whether the NHS should cover the expenses for such procedures.

The rising popularity of fast-track aesthetic courses, coupled with the lack of regulations in the aesthetics industry and the allure of low-cost surgeries abroad, has led to an increasing number of consumers exposing themselves to higher risks of complications and disappointing results from “botched” treatments. A recent survey conducted by the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) revealed that a staggering 70% of consumers incorrectly believed that there were legislations in place to ensure the standardisation of all aesthetic training. The reality, however, is that anyone can open a practice and present themselves as a professional, regardless of their actual expertise.

In addition to this, campaigners have raised concerns over the surge in complaints related to non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Complaints have surged by 25% since 2020, with dermal fillers, accounting for 69% of all complaints in the past year, emerging as the primary culprit. 

New HIV cases linked to improperly sterilised equipment at VIP spa offering PRP facials

HIV cases in the USA have been linked to a spa offering platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments, often referred to as ‘vampire facials’.

The VIP Spa, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, had been offering both botulinum toxin injections and PRP facials to clients. It is thought that these cases were caused by cross-contamination from improperly sterilised equipment.

The US-based business folded in September 2018 after two clients tested positive for HIV following a PRP facial procedure. The owner also pleaded guilty in June 2022 to five counts of practising medicine without a licence.

Now, the New Mexico Department of Health has reopened an investigation after another former client tested positive for the virus in March 2023.

In total, five HIV infections have been identified among people “with direct or indirect connection with services provided at the VIP Spa,” according to a department spokesperson.

More than 100 former clients were tested in 2018 and 2019 as part of the initial investigation. However, officials are now asking all former clients to get (re)tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, including those who may have previously tested negative. To aid this process, the New Mexico health department is hosting free walk-in testing for former clients.

Free stress management resources are now available for aesthetic doctors working in the NHS

The NHS has announced it will be offering free webinars aimed at supporting the well-being and stress management needs of its staff. Aesthetic practitioners who work in the service can benefit from the resources, including identifying how to manage stress and burnout.

The webinar series is in partnership with The Bravest Path, a leading provider of leadership development and well-being assets. With the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare workers, the company aims to equip NHS workers with practical tools to enhance their mental health.

Specifically tailored to address the unique stressors encountered by NHS professionals, the resources will offer evidencebased strategies and practical advice on how to manage workrelated stress, prevent burnout and build resilience.

The webinars will be conducted by facilitators who specialise in working with healthcare professionals. Each session will provide a safe and interactive environment for participants to gain insights, share experiences, and learn practical strategies to implement immediately. 

Aesthetic doctors working in the NHS who wish to register for the free webinar series can do so at thebravestpath.com/complimentary-webinars/.

Surge in jaw relaxing treatments attributed to cost-of-living stress

Heightened stress due to the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis has caused a surge in people requesting treatment for temporomandibular disorder (TMD),

TMD, also known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder), affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, causing issues including headaches, jaw pain and clicking, limited chewing function, and limited mouth opening. One cause of TMD is bruxism (teeth-grinding) due to stress, which is affecting increasing numbers of people during the cost-of-living crisis and post-pandemic world. Higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol were found in people suffering from TMD.

Botulinum toxin injections can help relax the muscles around the jaw, relieving the debilitating symptoms of TMD, and providing much-needed relief for the sufferer. Authors of The Influence of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on TMJ Disorders, OSAS and BMI found a prevalence of TMD in a cohort of 208 participants from different private dental practices. Another study, The Prevalence and Predicting Factors of Temporomandibular Disorders in COVID-19 Infection: A Cross-Sectional Study, found a 41.9% prevalence of TMD in Covid-19-positive participants.

New research emphasises the worrying gap in skincare research equity

A new meta-analysis of research by 4.5.6. Skin emphasises the true extent of the gap in skincare research equity. People with darker skin tones represent 40% of the world population and require products that specifically target their skin needs.

As many as 60% of dermatologists struggle to diagnose and treat patients with darker skin tones. This is exacerbated by medical textbooks failing to reflect diversity; only 4.5% of images in such texts are diverse. This means doctors are not currently being effectively educated about how skin conditions may exhibit differently on darker skin.

Regulatory testing is integral for ensuring that the skincare products on the market are safe, however, the one used by the industry has not evolved and is based on Fitzpatrick skin tones I, II and III only. This means that crucial patch tests are all based on white skin, despite irritation and inflammation appearing differently in darker skin.

Clinical trials tend to mainly include people with lighter skin tones, meaning less than 1% of clinical trials are truly inclusive. This concerning statistic is despite the FDA and EU acknowledging that drug trials for topical medications should include a spectrum of skin tones.

Research has shown numerous structural and functional differences in darker skin tones that go beyond colour. That’s why 4.5.6 Skin is advocating for a philosophy and formulation approach that factors in genetics, metabolic, pathological, and psychological implications of skin tone.

BCAM calls for crackdown on illegal treatments on under-18s

The British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) has applauded the City of Wolverhampton Council for its approach to illegal aesthetic treatments and has urged other councils to follow suit.

The Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021 made it a criminal offence to arrange or book an appointment or administer botulinum toxin or fillers to anyone under 18. Following an undercover investigation of businesses illegally offering botulinum toxin and dermal filler procedures to those aged under 18, Wolverhampton’s trading standards department has issued written warnings with the threat of further enforcement action in future.

BCAM is now encouraging other councils and trading standards departments to learn from Wolverhampton’s approach and carry out their own investigations. It has also urged local authorities to look at the resources available to them to help eradicate illegal activity across the country.

British Skin Foundation and ITN Business launch ‘Skin: Below the Surface’

The British Skin Foundation has partnered with media organisation ITN business, to release ‘Skin: Below the Surface’, a new programme exploring the impact of skin conditions on mental health.

Presenter and journalist Louise Minchin from the ITN London studio will be interviewing individuals who have experienced the mental toll of living with a skin condition, intending to help foster a greater understanding and compassion within society.

‘Skin: Below the Surface’ will also feature commentary from dermatologists, and psychologists, to provide viewers with a knowledge of the different skin conditions affecting daily lives. These experts will also be able to discuss the treatment options available, and the complex connection between skin health and psychological wellbeing.

Key organisations will be joining these patients and experts, to explore the campaigns they’re running to help people living with these conditions. Companies that have released treatment options will also be participating, to share their innovations.

Less than one third of cosmetic injections in the UK are performed by doctors

According to a study by experts at University College London (UCL), 32% of practitioners administering treatments like botulinum toxin are medical doctors.

The study, published in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, marks the first comprehensive survey to examine the backgrounds and qualifications of those offering cosmetic injectable services, including botulinum toxin and dermal fillers, in the UK. Until now, there has been limited knowledge regarding the training and experience levels of practitioners.

UCL researchers, supported by a research grant from QUAD A, evaluated 3,000 websites, identifying 1,224 independent clinics and 3,667 practitioners responsible for delivering cosmetic injections. The professions represented among these practitioners were diverse, with 32% being doctors, 13% nurses, 24% dentists, 8% dental nurses, 8% allied health professionals, 2% trainee dental nurses and 1% pharmacists. Among the doctors, 41% were on the specialist register, and 19% were listed on the GP register. Plastic surgery and dermatology were the two largest groups among the 27 specialities represented on the specialist register.

Male chest surgery interest has almost doubled in the past year

New data suggests that demand for male chest surgery is rising rapidly, with interest overtaking surgeries such as breast reduction and fat removal in some cases.

The London-based Karidis clinic, Karidis reviewed its surgery enquiries from April 2022-2023 and found that gynecomastia surgery had the highest rate of interest. Enquiries for the surgery were 352% higher than those for liposuction. The data also revealed that the number of those interested in the procedure, in general, has increased by 45.26% since 2019.

Facelift surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation and blepharoplasty followed gynecomastia as the most in-demand procedures at the clinic over the last year, with an increase in enquiries for all offered procedures, except for mastopexy (breast lift surgery).

It’s also apparent that ‘combination surgery’ – where multiple procedures are performed at once – is set to become a massive trend within aesthetics after the marketing of this approach has improved in recent times. It saw the biggest increase in enquiries since 2019 for Karidis, generating a rise in interest of 262%.

Have your say on menopause

Personal experiences and perspectives are essential in helping gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by women during menopause.

Pause is asking the public to spare a few minutes and answer a quick, anonymous survey on how menopause has impacted, or is currently, impacting key areas of their life - from their sex life, to work and relationships.

The survey aims to capture the diverse experiences and perspectives of women from all walks of life and help us as we strive to shape the future of women’s health, break down the barriers that many women face to getting the right help and create a supportive environment for women to thrive in menopause and beyond.

If you wish to participate, there are five questions, and the survey will only take approximately two minutes of your time. The survey can be found here: https://form.jotform.com/231852352577057

Allergan Aesthetics launches consultation app

Allergan Aesthetics, a global leader in medical aesthetics treatments, has announced the launch of its new patient education and consultation app, ‘AMI Education and Consultation’.

Developed by the Allergan Medical Institute, the app is designed to support healthcare professionals in the delivery of high-calibre patient consultations. It does so by providing a visual aid for the patient via an iPad or tablet, alongside features to enhance the consultation experience, such as details on anatomy and ageing.

The app also allows the practitioner to create a bespoke treatment planner that via email can be reviewed by the patient at-home post-consultation and before treatment. For details, visit allerganmedicalinstitute.com.