Out and about

IMCAS WORLD CONGRESS 2024

Palais des Congrès, Paris

For the first three days of February, the aesthetics industry gathered in Paris for the 25th anniversary of the largest scientific aesthetics congress worldwide, International Master Course on Aging Science (IMCAS).

Some key topics that emerged throughout the agenda were the impact of artificial intelligence, the progress and challenges for regenerative medicine, the latest innovations in dermatology, plastic surgery and science related to skin ageing, and a reflection on the ethical issues in the sector at the moment. On the business front, the global aesthetics market was shown to be continuing to grow, with revenues significantly surpassing their pre-pandemic level. The USA remains the leader in the market with a share of £6.7 bn ($7.8 bn), but the European Union now ranks third behind Asia-Pacific in terms of market size.

As always, several brands launched their latest products at the congress. Cutera announced the international limited commercial release of AviClear, the first energy-based device FDA-cleared for the long-term treatment of mild, moderate, and severe acne. A few days after the device’s UK launch, BTL presented Exion to the wider European market, and Croma-Pharma launched its new PDO threads portfolio as well as EXO|E: plant-exosome-containing extract, a new addition in its skincare portfolio.

And of course, let’s not forget the parties! The Aesthetic Medicine team joined Dermalux’s partner briefing at Les Jardins du Pont Neuf to find out more about their plans for 2024 and their latest devices, before heading to ExoCoBio x Benev’s private cocktail event at Oya Fusion. On the Friday, SkinCeuticals hosted an exclusive party, welcoming top doctors from all over the world at the renowned Georges atop the Centre Pompidou. The evening featured hand-drawn portraits onsite, a live band that kept the night going and unbeatable panoramic views of Paris from the famous landmark. Harpar Grace International had an intimate dinner at Bambini where distributors and medics were able to learn about its newest innovation, electromagnetic muscle stimulation, radiofrequency and LED mask Sculpta by Déesse PRO.

It is impossible to do everything and see everyone, but we tried our best, gleaned some fascinating insights into the international aesthetics market and had a lot of fun doing it. Bring on IMCAS 2025!

MENOPAUSE IN AESTHETICS

Business Design Centre, Islington

On February 9, Menopause in Aesthetics (MiA) returned for its second year in London. Exhibitors and delegates, along with the AM team, congregated to delve into the latest advancements, best practices, and insights in the menopause space. Contributing editor Vicky Eldridge led the conference stage, covering topics from hormones and intimate health to longevity, lifestyle medicine and the synergy between aesthetic treatments and menopause.

‘HOW TO LIVE 10 YEARS YOUNGER’ EVENT

Lyma headquarters, Marylebone 

Editor Anna Dobbie attended a lunch event, hosted by Lyma founder Lucy Goff, discussing turning back the clock and embracing a life that feels 10 years younger. A panel, presented by Mariella Frostrup, featured leading voice in longevity Prof Paul Clayton and globally renowned plastic surgeon Dr Graeme Glass, who gave insight into how today’s lifestyle is ageing us and how to achieve a more youthful and revitalised life.

INTRADERMOLOGY LAUNCH

Pavillion Club, Knightsbridge 

Circa Skin Ltd hosted an exclusive launch party, attended by editor Anna Dobbie, on January 22 to mark the debut of its Intradermology skin care range, targeting healthcare professionals. Dr Harriett Hulland delivered a presentation on pigmentation and Dr Victoria Hoyle discussed the effects of menopause on the skin and the impact of dropping estrogen levels. Renowned baritone singer Le Gateau Chocolate also captivated the audience with songs from Frozen and Shirley Bassey.

W-WELLNESS LAUNCH

Claridge’s Hotel, Mayfair

Editorial assistant Erin Leybourne attended a panel discussion hosted by Francesca Ogiermann-White, featuring a selection of experts in wellness, including Dr Yusra Al-Mukhtar, Dr Galyna Selezneva, Dr Nicola Conlon, and nutritionist, and co-founder of W-Wellness, Sophie Woodward. The panel considered why wellness is the future, and how patients and practitioners can benefit from the platform going forward.

DERMALOGICA PRO-COLLAGEN BANKING SERUM EVENT

34 Bloomsbury Street, London

Contributing reporter Ellen Cummings went along to an exclusive event to celebrate the launch of Dermalogica’s new Pro-Collagen Banking Serum. Attendees were invited to unlock the bank of collagen in an interactive and educational session, where Dermalogica’s experts shared insights into the innovation and ingredients behind the launch, including collagen amino acids, carnosine dipeptide and antioxidants which help to protect collagen by defending against free radicals. Activities included a personalised skin consultation and treatment recommendation, followed by a heist where attendees had to collect the clues throughout the educational talks in order to unlock a bank vault – revealing education manager Candice Gardner and a bottle of the new serum to take home.

THE FUTURE OF AGEING AND WELLNESS OPTIMISATION PANEL

180 The Strand, Fleet Street

Editor Anna Dobbie attended the launch of BTL’s Exion device on January 30. A panel, led by Polly Vernon and featuring Davinia Taylor, bio-harmony expert Dr Tamsin Lewis and plastic surgeon Dr Yael Halaas discussed how the 4-in-1 skin solution for the entire body can be used to bio-hack functional health, from skin rejuvenation to intimate wellness.

PROFHILO BEAUTY BREAKFAST

The Lotos Room at The Beaumont, Mayfair

As the longevity movement goes mainstream, the space between beauty and health has narrowed at warp speed. Profhilo ambassador and practitioner Julie Scott hosted an informal beauty breakfast to discuss why the art of staying healthy, strong, and vital for longer is starting to outstrip the allure of the quick cosmetic fix. Contributing reporter Kezia Parkins attended to find out more about the longevity lifestyle, stealth-wealth aesthetics, and the ‘age well’ movement.

DEMYSTIFYING BOUNDARIES: NON-SURGICAL AND SURGICAL FACIAL AESTHETICS

Doctor Tatiana Clinic, Harley Street

On February 13, Drs Rishi and Tatiana Mandavia invited editor Anna Dobbie to a canapés and champagne reception at their clinic. The couple were joined by plastic surgeon Prof Alwyn D’Souza to discuss and debate the pros and cons of surgical and non-surgical approaches to treating patient concerns in different regions of the face.

BYONIK EDUCATIONAL EVENING

Lisa Franklin Clinic, Chelsea

Lisa Franklin Clinic hosted an educational evening about Byonik, as it is officially the flagship clinic for the device. The event took place downstairs, in Sub Zero & Wolf, where guests were welcomed with drinks and canapés. Franklin herself hosted a discussion with Teresa Da Graca and Sarah-Jayne Tipper, co-founders of Pure Swiss Aesthetics. Attendees, including editorial assistant Erin Leybourne, heard from the group about how the system works and why it’s a treatment they recommend. The evening also hosted a masterclass on the device, and a sensory bar for guests.