Hot off the press

Fat loss medication linked to surgery risk

Safety concerns have been revealed in a University of Texas Health (UTHealth) Houston study for patients using glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and going under anaesthesia.

GLP-1 RAs are medications approved for diabetes and weight management that have recently seen a spike in interest from the public, with celebrities using injectables like semaglutide to maintain and lose weight.

UTHealth Houston revealed its findings in an article in JAMA Surgery, showing a link between GLP-1 RA drugs and potential aspiration risk under anaesthesia.

The study was led by first author and associate professor Sudipta Sen and senior author, professor Omonele Nwokolo from the Department of Anaesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

“Our findings were quite surprising. More than half of the patients on a GLP-1 RA had significant gastric contents on gastric ultrasound before an elective procedure, despite adhering to preoperative fasting,” said Prof Sen. “This incidence was significantly higher compared to patients not on a GLP-1 RA, showing a strong link between GLP-1 RA drugs and potential aspiration risk under anaesthesia.”

Designed by Paul Potnuru, assistant professor, the study examined more than 120 patients scheduled for elective procedures between June and July 2023. Findings revealed that 56% of patients using GLP-1 RAs exhibited increased residual gastric content, compared to 19% of those who did not take the medication. The study further indicated a 30.5% prevalence of increased residual gastric content with the use of GLP-1 RAs.

The study was prompted by internal quality reviews led by Nwokolo and Srikanth Sridhar, associate professor in the department, after anecdotal cases of aspiration under anaesthesia were reported by staff for patients taking this class of medications for weight loss, despite adequate fasting before the procedure.

The JCCP calls for ‘clearer definition’ regarding medical and cosmetic procedural interventions

The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) and the Cosmetic Practice Standards Authority (CPSA) have released their Public Narrative statement for 2024.

The organisations’ key priorities for 2024 are to continue to be actively and fully engaged in the DHSC public consultation licensing process and pursue its work with regulators to ensure that the highest standards are adopted within the proposed licensing scheme in England.

The organisation will operate its PSA-approved Practitioner Register under the same terms and conditions as currently used (free membership and agreed auditing arrangements with the Practitioner Register Committee and the PSA) and continue to campaign for the full implementation of the JCCP 10 Point Plan as part of the Government’s proposed licensing scheme in England.

In addition, the JCCP will further develop its Education and Training Register for providers and qualifications in association with DHSC proposals for the design and implementation of a new licensing scheme in England.

The JCCP’s Clinical Advisory Group will continue to work with the CPSA and key partners to develop new and revised standards to assist in the design of a new and responsive model for licensing, and to identify emerging procedures that may warrant inclusion in the Government’s new licensing system.

The organisation also set out its intention to continue to build on those areas where it is seen as having a major strategic role in the sector, such as influencing members of the public, government, regulators and other stakeholders, complaints handling, standard setting, licensing, and education and training. The Council will expand and develop the JCCP&me consumer/public-facing website to further raise consumer awareness of risk associated with the higher level/invasive procedures.

In terms of complaints, the Council will continue to develop and promote its consumer complaints platform in the interests of public protection and patient safety.

Clearer definition regarding medical, medically related, and cosmetic procedural interventions will be called for and priority will be given to grow and develop the JCCP Corporate Membership Scheme for commercial partners in the aesthetics sector.

Finally, the JCCP will continue to engage with research partners to contribute to the evidence base to inform safe and effective aesthetics practice and governance.

Growing skincare use in children warned as dangerous

The Association for Dermatologists has warned about the growing trend of children as young as eight using skincare products that could leave them with irreversible skin conditions.

Some children are asking their parents for luxury items after seeing them used by their favourite influencers on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok.

Many of these contain potentially harmful active ingredients intended for adults only, such as exfoliating acids, which can provoke allergies or eczema, and parents are worried about their child’s interest in skincare, as well as the influence of social media and friends.

Paediatric dermatologist Dr Tess McPherson, who represents the British Association of Dermatologists, told BBC News that it is important children receive “information, not misinformation” about skincare. “A lot of these are anti-ageing products, they may be suitable for older skin – they are not suitable for children. They can cause irritation to skin, whatever age you are – but clearly, for younger skin, they can be potentially dangerous or problematic. For a child with eczema or sensitive skin, they could cause significant problems.”

Spring Budget explained: what it means for the aesthetics industry

On March 6, chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the Spring Budget in the House of Commons.

The announcement included an increase to the VAT registration threshold, a cut to national insurance and an extension on the Government loan scheme for small businesses.

Jeremy Hunt has said the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) expects the economy to grow by 0.8% this year and 1.9% next year – 0.5% higher than the autumn forecast, adding this growth is expected to continue on this trend until 2027.

Key points

• The VAT registration threshold will increase from £85,000 to £90,000 from April 1

• There will be a cut to National Insurance by 2p from April 6

• An extension on the Covid-era Government loan scheme for small businesses until March 2026

• A continuation of Government funding for those struggling with cost-of-living pressure for another six months

• UK’s inflation rate to fall below 2% in a few months

• Increase the child benefit earning threshold

Nada Ali Redha, founder and chief executive of PLIM, shared, “While we appreciate the government’s efforts to support small businesses and enhance consumer purchasing power, there remains room for improvement. Aesthetic clinics continue to encounter significant challenges in accessing funding for expansion. While a reduction in VAT is a positive step, its impact may not be substantial enough to stimulate significant growth.

“Furthermore, the extension of funds such as the Growth Fund often favours male-led businesses, despite the fact that the majority of aesthetic clinics are owned and operated by female entrepreneurs. It’s imperative that funding opportunities become more inclusive to support the growth of this sector.

“The freeze on fuel duty will undoubtedly alleviate some of the financial burdens on consumers, which will, in turn, positively affect overall consumption patterns. Such initiatives, combined with innovative financing options like PLIM, represent a more strategic approach to managing finances for both SMEs and consumers alike.”

Chief executive of the British Association (BABTAC) and Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC), Lesley Blair MBE, said, “The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has affected everyone and remains a huge concern for many businesses. We’re hopeful that this budget will offer some relief, welcoming in particular the increase to the VAT threshold, given our ongoing appeals to the government for VAT reform for our sector.”

Face The Future teams up with MP to scrap VAT on SPF products

As part of its ‘366 Days of SPF’ campaign, online beauty retailer and West Yorkshire-based advanced skin clinic Face the Future has teamed up with a Scottish Member of Parliament (SMP). SMP Amy Callaghan petitioned for the UK government to remove VAT on all SPF products in her campaign, VAT Burn. As sunscreens are recommended by the NHS and viewed by medics as essential for public health and prevention, she believes they should be more affordable.

This comes after a recent push by several UK cancer charities for the government to scrap the VAT on SPF products amid the cost-of-living crisis. Face the Future has conducted a YouGov survey of over 2,000 participants, highlighting that the UK population is not adhering to SPF guidelines and is therefore putting its skin health at risk.

The survey found that:

• 22% of the UK apply SPF daily, with only 8% reapplying it

• 55% of the UK only apply SPF when it is sunny

• While 68% of the UK are worried about sunburn, only 61% are worried about skin cancer

• 64% say SPF is expensive

• 40% of the UK who wear SPF only wear it on holiday

• 55% of the UK spends less than £25 on skincare per month

• 46% of the UK population is not familiar with the symptoms of skin cancer

• 56% of the UK who actively seek a tan do so for confidence

Dr Derrick Phillips starts residency in Dubai

Consultant dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips has announced an ongoing residency at BioLite Clinic, a wellness clinic in Dubai.

Now sharing his offerings with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dr Phillips will be on hand for consultations and treatments for all things skin, including acne, rosacea, rashes, skin cancer, and removal of skin tags and facial rejuvenation therapies.

Dr Phillips provides personalised treatment plans to cater for his patients’ individual needs. His expertise includes the diagnosis and treatment of general skin problems, which allows him to find solutions for targeted concerns and root causes to prevent them from recurring. He is a specialist in adult female acne, which allows him to engage in innovative research, including a national clinical trial for hormonal acne.

BioLite, based in upmarket Jumeirah, provides a 360 experience covering wellness, surgery, non-invasive treatments, sleep therapy, and more.

Harpar Grace International reveals two senior appointments

Skincare and wellness distributor Harpar Grace International (HGI) has announced the appointment of Nicola Bell as global commercial director. Bell will be responsible for driving HGI’s commercial strategy on a global scale and identifying and capitalising on new business opportunities. The brand has also recently appointed Laila Asid as global head of sales for its wellness technology brand, Déesse Pro.

Dibi Milano announces new key opinion leader

Dibi Milano has announced that Marie Dolan, the founder behind the Define by Marie Dolan clinic located in Warwickshire, is now part of the brand as a key opinion leader. Additionally, her clinic has officially become a partner clinic of Dibi Milano.

With over 15 years of experience in aesthetic medicine, carrying out thousands of non-surgical procedures across the country, Dolan is a recognised expert nurse practitioner. She also has experience training doctors, dentists, and nurses to administer cosmetic injections, including dermal fillers, competently and safely, furthering her positive reputation.

Her clinic, in the market town of Alcester, provides anti-ageing solutions, non-surgical enhancement and clinical skincare.

“With an endless choice of skincare lines, I want to choose the very best for my patients,” says Dolan. “The Dibi Milano Procellular and Biostimulating ranges are not only innovative, evidence-based, and results-driven, they are the future of skincare.” 

Evolus European Head-to-Head filler trial results announced

Evolus remains on track for the global commercial launch of the first-generation Cold-HA Technology in 2025. The filler line will be branded Evolysse in the US and Estyme in the UK and Europe. The Lift filler is CE marked in Europe and will be filed with the FDA in the summer of 2024, with approval expected in 2025.

A blind, randomised study of Lift was conducted in Europe for nine months with 45 enrolled patients. The study was a split face design, in which each patient received Estyme Lift on one side and the control, Restylane-L, on the other side. Using a validated five-point scale, the change in nasolabial fold (NLF) severity from baseline was measured. The primary endpoint of non-inferiority was met at four weeks, with the results favouring Estyme Lift, and at three and six months, Estyme Lift achieved statistical superiority over Restylane-L. The safety profiles were similar, and there were no treatment-related serious adverse events.

“The Evolysse/Estyme product line is the first filler made with the proprietary Cold-HA manufacturing process which is designed to better preserve the natural structure of the hyaluronic acid molecule, the building block for the entire line of fillers,” said Dr Rui Avelar, MD, chief medical officer and head of research and development. “These clinical data are supportive of the robustness of the technology platform, and we look forward to the anticipated European approval for the four Estyme products later this year, as well as the first two US approvals in the Evolysse line in 2025.”