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The BAAPS releases statement about fillers’ impact on immune system

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has released a caution in response to new research that was shared at its annual scientific conference, which brought together surgeons from around the world.

The study stated that hyaluronic acid has been found to block lymphatic channels, which help the body drain fluid and are a key part of the immune system that helps to fight disease. Research is now being planned to see if the treatment affects the risk of diseases including cancer. Fillers have also been linked to cysts, lumps, swelling and facial pain.

Dr Spero Theodorou, one of the conference speakers and director of bodySCULPT plastic surgery practice in New York, spoke out about the study that will be published later this year in the international plastic surgery literature.

“Under-eye filler is one of the biggest problems. You see women everywhere with swollen eyes,” said Dr Theodorou. “It’s taken us 20 years, but we’ve proved it. You have young women having fillers in their faces. It’s never going to go away. It’s very hard to remove and it blocks lymphatics in your face. This is a very important system. Not all patients will have swelling, but evidence suggests all will have some degree of lymphatic blockage.”

The BAAPS president Mr Marc Pacifico added: “People don’t need to panic and have fillers dissolved as an emergency. This is preliminary research, but it gives us a scientific explanation for the side effects we are seeing with fillers. Whether it has more medical ramifications is unknown at this stage. However, this does highlight the importance of using a medically trained clinician for injectable fillers.”

A walkthrough of the Government consultation

On September 2, the Government announced the first consultation for the licensing of non-surgical aesthetic procedures in England.

The consultation is for aesthetic practitioners and members of the public to have their say on how aesthetic procedures should be regulated. But what is being proposed, and what questions are they asking? The three main aims of the consultation are to establish:

1. The types of treatment and procedures that should be classified as non-surgical cosmetic treatments and included in the licensing scheme

2. Whether any procedures should only be carried out by regulated healthcare professionals orunder their clinical oversight

3. The views of the public on imposing age restrictions for aesthetic procedures.

This licensing will not cover surgical or dental procedures, as surgeons and dentists should already be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and the General Dental Council (GDC) respectively, which oversee these procedures and can offer sanctions for improper treatment.

The current plan for licensing is to use a traffic light system. Green procedures would include treatments like microneedling and mesotherapy, which present the lowest risk of complications, and could therefore be performed by all practitioners who meet the agreed standards.

Amber procedures would include those with amedium risk of complications, such as botulinum toxin injections and semi-permanent dermal fillers.These could be carried out by medical professional who hold the qualifications to prescribe, administer, and supervise aesthetic procedures.

Red procedures would include those that present the highest risk of complications, like thread-lifting procedures and hair restoration surgery. These could only be carried out by regulated healthcare professionals working out of CQCregistered premises.

The Department of Health and Social Care is also proposing that any procedures included within the licensing scheme should not be carried out on people under the age of 18.

The consultation closes October 28.

Ivanmed collaborates with Map My Mole

Medical aesthetics equipment brand, Ivanmed, has announced a collaboration with Map My Mole, a technology company specialising in skin health. The partnership represents a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to providing comprehensive and innovative solutions for skin care and health.

Map My Mole’s app allows users to monitor and track changes in their moles and skin conditions conveniently. It is the first app to include a certified class one medical device with the service. The bespoke dermoscope attaches straight to the patient’s smartphone, allowing users to capture the detailed images needed by the experts.

Ivanmed believes in the importance of early detection and prevention when it comes to skin issues, especially skin cancer. By offering clinics access to the tool, it hopes to equip them with the means to prioritise the safety of their patients.

The BAS announces 2024 conference

The British Association of Sclerotherapists (BAS) has announced that its 2024 conference will take place on May 21, 2024, at Eton College Rowing Club, Dorney Lake Conference Centre, Windsor.

Aimed at practitioners of microsclerotherapy and foam sclerotherapy the event will attract aesthetic practitioners and dermatologists as well as phlebologists, vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, and specialist nurses.

A varied programme of speakers and live demonstrations of varicose vein and thread vein treatments has proved a popular format, and delegates will also be able to update their basic life support (BLS) certification and network with peers and industry exhibitors. BAS continuing professional development (CPD) certificates are recognised by the General Medical Council and the Nursing and Midwifery Council for appraisal and revalidation.

In Memoriam: Dr Uchenna Okoye

Dr Uchenna Okoye, a well-known figure in the world of cosmetic dentistry, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023, following an unexpected illness. She was 53.

Dr Okoye’s family shared their sadness through a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying, “We are heartbroken to announce that Dr Uchenna Okoye sadly passed away after a sudden illness. We ask for your prayers and some privacy at this difficult time.”

Throughout her career, Dr Okoye graced screens as a regular guest on This Morning, where she shared her expertise in the realm of cosmetic dentistry. Her wisdom and charm also shone brightly on shows such as 10 Years Younger in 10 Days, Daybreak, and BBC Breakfast. Dr Okoye is survived by her daughter.

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) appoints new director of heritage

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) has appointed a new director of heritage who will oversee one of the world’s foremost collections of surgical artefacts and information.

Chanté St Clair Inglis will play a pivotal role in the leadership and strategic planning across the College’s heritage collection, including the prestigious Surgeons Hall Museums.

Professor Rowan Parks, president of RCSEd, said: “With her extensive experience and proven leadership in the heritage field, St Clair brings a wealth of knowledge and I have no doubt that she will achieve fantastic heights in her new role. This appointment marks an exciting new chapter in our ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing the rich legacy of surgical history.”

St Clair is currently head of collections services at National Museums Scotland, where she leads a team of more than 50 specialists across a range of functions including conservation, collections care and management, library and archives, analytical science, as well as collections data and digitisation.

Four out of five surgeons unknowingly practice without adequate insurance cover

Up to 80% of surgeons are unknowingly not adequately covered by their insurance, leaving patients in limbo, and prompting the UK’s sole trade union for surgeons and anaesthetists to call for an overhaul of the system.

The General Medical Council (GMC) requires all doctors and surgeons to have adequate protection in place to allow them to practise in the UK, which theoretically covers both the patient and the practitioner. Although practitioners are covered by NHS indemnity, many aren’t aware that this cover does not extend to locum work, ‘Good Samaritan’ acts, or private practice. This means that in the event of a claim, patients will have to resort to suing the surgeon directly and if they do not have the means to pay the compensation out of their own pocket, the patient will be left with nothing.

With 80% of surgeons relying on medical defence organisations (MDO) to provide their insurance, the potential impact on patients is vast. The UK’s sole trade union for surgeons and the surgical team; the Confederation of British Surgery (CBS) is calling for an end to discretionary cover and a shift to contractual cover, which is closely monitored by financial authorities, ensuring it operates with transparency within the parameters of the contract.

ASA upholds multiple claims against providers of overseas surgery

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld multiple claims against providers of overseas surgery, deeming their advertisements as trivialising the decision to undergo surgical procedures. Three separate ads from Turkish companies faced scrutiny. The first, promoting gastric balloon surgery, used phrases like ‘inner beauty’ and ‘permanent beauty,’ exploiting body image insecurities. The second encouraged nose procedures, offering time-limited discounts and implying that patients’ noses overshadowed their faces. The third advertised rhinoplasty as a “holiday,” downplaying the seriousness of surgery. The ASA found all three ads in violation of responsible advertising practices, demanding that they not reappear in the same format and avoid trivialising surgical decisions.