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Royal Society of Medicine now recognises aesthetic medicine as a specialty

Aesthetic medicine has been officially recognised by the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) as a distinct medical specialty, forming the Section of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery (SAMAS). This is the first time in decades that the RSM has created a new section, elevating aesthetic medicine to a more formalised level of practice. The recognition will help standardise training, improve patient care, and further professionalise the field, according to industry leaders.

This development marks a pivotal moment for the future of aesthetic medicine, paving the way for greater innovation, education, and safety across the industry. SAMAS aims to create a platform where medical professionals can access specialised training and guidance, ensuring best practices and a higher level of competency in performing aesthetic procedures. The formation of this section will also foster collaboration and research, advancing the field to meet modern demands for both surgical and nonsurgical aesthetic treatments.

For aesthetic practitioners, this new specialty offers a clear career pathway within medical aesthetics, while also recognising the complexity and expertise required to safely administer aesthetic treatments. It’s a move welcomed by those working in the sector.

Alastair Carruthers, pioneer of cosmetic botulinum toxin, passes away at 79

Dr Alastair Carruthers, famous in the world of aesthetic medicine and an instigator behind the cosmetic use of botulinum toxin, has passed away at the age of 79. His investigative research with his wife, Dr Jean Carruthers, changed the aesthetics industry by introducing botulinum toxin as a treatment for wrinkles, thus shaping modern cosmetic procedures for over three decades.

In the early 1990s, while working in collaboration with his wife, an ophthalmologist, Dr Carruthers realised that botulinum toxin type A, originally used for eye spasms, had an unexpected side effect of reducing facial wrinkles. Together, the Carruthers duo conducted extensive research, publishing hundreds of studies demonstrating the efficacy of botulinum toxin in softening the appearance of frown lines and other facial wrinkles. Their work, in line with the increasing demand to remove wrinkles, led to the widespread aesthetic application of botulinum toxin, making it one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments globally.

Throughout his career, Dr Carruthers remained committed to research and education in the field of aesthetic medicine. He authored numerous publications, delivered lectures around the world, and continued to inspire new generations of dermatologists and cosmetic practitioners. His dedication to the science behind aesthetic medicine created his reputation as one of the field’s most respected figures.

‘Cutting edge’ artist collaborates with plastic surgeon

Plastic surgeon and art collector Dr Paul Banwell has collaborated with anonymous young artist Epi in a surreal experiment designed to highlight the painting style of the late, great Lucio Fontana, who is famous for his ‘slashed’ canvases and the associated art movement of ‘Spatialism’.

Epi has created a recent storm within the art community with his sell out works that poke fun at himself and the creative world. Deeming his art ‘Destructivism’, Epi takes well-known works and defaces them in a tongue-in-cheek way, often rendering them absurd, comic, surreal or even outright offensive. Dr Banwell and Epi have worked together to take a unique spin on the Fontanaesque pieces, leveraging Mr Banwell’s surgical prowess to suture some of his own slashed canvases.

Dr Paul Banwell, who also founded regenerative health supplement brand ARTIS London in 2024, said: “I think these pieces have turned out really well and look sensational framed. Sat next to an original, they are unexpectedly thought-provoking”.

BMA issues call to action to address pay rates and financial penalties affecting work across the NHS

Eroding pay rates and “punitive financial penalties” for medics taking on additional work are the subjects of the British Medical Association (BMA)’s “Election Manifesto” that was released earlier this year.

Following Labour’s victory, the healthcare trade union said the change offered a “chance to turn around a health sector in crisis”, and lists five demands on the new government, in the BMA manifesto:

· Value the vital role doctors play across all health services and restore their pay

· Protect doctors from any further erosion of their professional role and employment rights

· Train and provide jobs for the next generation of doctors needed to meet demand

· Fund the services needed for the future of the health service

· Safeguard the public’s health and wellbeing, prioritising preventative care.

In the document, the trade union raises concerns about the “punitive impact” of the Lifetime Allowance (LA) and the Annual Allowance (AA).

In March 2023, Conservative chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced that the AA threshold would be raised to £60,000 and the minimum tapered AA would increase to £10,000 from April 6, 2023.

This was introduced following a backlash from professionals, especially those in senior positions who, unable to control their pension growth, would be “punished” with higher taxation on earnings over the threshold, often accrued from increased hours at work. This induced many medics to work fewer hours, during a time when patient waiting lists were only growing.

The scheme was first introduced under a Conservative government back in 2004 and set the allowance limit at £215,000, then dropping to £40,000 in 2014, before being raised once again to the rates in place today.

Rising interest in sun protection drives Chinese consumers towards cosmetics with integrated SPF

The increased need for sun protection and climate adaptation is fuelling the demand for sun care products in China. Consumer inclination towards a lighter skin tone in the country is a key factor enabling them to progressively choose sun care solutions which limit discoloration and sunspots. Additionally, consumers are preferring added functionalities in cosmetics, resulting in growing demand for cosmetic products with benefits such as sunscreen solutions that provide dual functionality at competitive pricing, says GlobalData, a data and analytics company.

The research also showed that consumers prefer targeted solutions, such as those specialised for sensitive skin in cosmetics, stressing the potential demand for target-based solutions in multi-functional cosmetics.

A 2024 consumer survey corroborates this trend, with 58% of Chinese respondents stating that “good value-for-money” in beauty and grooming products for them means either a multi-benef it/multi-functional aspect or high-quality products/ingredients.

Dermalux announces new expert faculty

LED brand Dermalux has announced its new UK faculty, comprised of industry-leading experts who are dedicated to the advancement of phototherapy.

The faculty is comprised of Dr Nina Bal, Dr Sabika Karim, Dr Ian Strawford, Kate Monteith-Ross, Dr Dev Patel, Dr Abs Settipalli and Dr Bonny Armstrong.

The impressive roster of key opinion leaders will guide Dermalux, sharing valuable clinical intelligence and advice, and supporting with guidance on longer term brand plans. The faculty has also been appointed to create new protocols and provide clinical case studies.

“I am a strong proponent of the power of phototherapy and am empowered to further industry education,” said Dr Karim. “I look forward to meeting many of my peers at future industry events so I can share my passion for this remarkable technology.”

Claudia McGloin launches PRP complications course

Nurse practitioner and Aesthetic Medicine columnist Claudia McGloin has launched the “Preventing Potential Complications Course”, designed for healthcare professionals looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in the safe and effective application of platelet rich plasma (PRP), including platelet rich fibrin and PRP filler. The comprehensive course covers the potential complications associated with PRP treatments, including reactions, infections and rare side effects such as blindness and hypersensitivity.

Participants will engage in interactive sessions with McGloin, who will discuss case studies, give expert advice and troubleshooting strategies to manage and mitigate risks.

By the end of the course, attendees will be equipped with the confidence and expertise to perform PRP procedures safely, ensuring optimal outcomes for their patients. For more information, contact McGloin at claudia@thenewyouclinic.ie

Lynton introduces Anthea Turner as brand ambassador

Anthea Turner has been announced as the new brand ambassador for Lynton. Having presented iconic programmes such as Top of the Pops, Blue Peter and GMTV, Turner has been a cherished face in British media for over 30 years. A long-time user of Lynton’s treatments, she has personally chosen the brand’s tech for over a decade to maintain her glowing and youthful complexion. This longstanding relationship reflects the genuine trust and real results she has experienced as a client. As part of her exciting new role, she will be representing Lynton at Aesthetic Medicine North, where she’ll share her personal journey with Lynton’s advanced solutions.

Hydrafacial cracks down on unverified training

Hydrafacial has launched a new Verified Provider Programme to help protect consumer skin and safeguard trust. When consumers choose a Verified Provider, they know their practitioner has met Hydrafacial’s strict criteria, including the use of an authorised device and add-on boosters, and that they have received the most up-to-date training. Hydrafacial offers complimentary training to its providers, whether they’ve just purchased their first device, or are seeking a refresher.

“We’re seeing several unauthorised businesses offering ‘Hydrafacial training ’ to providers for a fee,” said Erin White, Hydrafacial vice president of sales performance EMEA, and country manager for the UK and Ireland. “This isn’t Hydrafacial, nor is it how we conduct our business. We have always offered verified Hydrafacial training to new and existing providers free of charge, ensuring they provide the best possible care and treatments to their patients, thereby safeguarding consumer trust.”

Liz McKeon brings back The Business Owner’s Retreat

Liz McKeon, business expert and chief executive of The International Salon Business School, is hosting her 2024 Industry Business Owners Retreat in October in partnership with learning and development expert, global educator, facilitator and coach, Sinead O’Sullivan.

The objective of The Business Owner’s Retreat is to recharge your batteries, while resetting both personal goals and business priorities, to ensure a focused and impactful experience. It includes 10 classroom sessions with McKeon to map out personal and business goals, alongside morning wake-up yoga sessions, fun group activities, excellent food in an award-winning venue and evenings networking with like-minded business owners.