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Dr Patrick Bowler passes away at 74

Dr Patrick Bowler, a pioneering figure in aesthetic medicine and medical director of Courthouse Clinics, passed away peacefully on November 24, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind a legacy defined by innovation, dedication, and unwavering commitment to patient care and education in aesthetic medicine.

Dr Bowler received the prestigious Brinkenhoff Award for Lifetime Achievement and Services to the Industry at the Aesthetic Awards in 2013. A passionate advocate for increased safety standards and ethical practices, Dr Bowler revolutionised the non-surgical cosmetic industry, earning the respect and admiration of peers and patients alike.

As a founding member and Fellow of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine, and a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Dr Bowler’s expertise was frequently sought in media appearances, including GMTV, BBC Radio, and Channel 4’s Ten Years Younger. He was also the author of The Nervous Girl’s Guide to Nip and Tuck and contributed insightful articles to The Huffington Post.

In 1998, Dr Bowler established Courthouse Clinics in a historic courthouse in Brentwood, Essex. His visionary approach led to the creation of one of the first doctor-led clinics offering both surgical and non-surgical treatments. Under his guidance, the clinic expanded to 11 nationwide branches, setting a benchmark for accessible and exemplary cosmetic treatments.

Prof Patrick Treacy awarded ‘Man of the Year 2024’

Prof Patrick Treacy was awarded ‘Man of The Year 2024’ for his humanitarianism and outstanding contributions to Aesthetic Medicine at Hi Style Cointreau Ireland’s Most Stylish Celebration 2024.

The author and globally esteemed leader in aesthetic medicine, was celebrated at a ceremony on November 25 for his contributions and international accolades.

He holds the position of visiting professor of dermatology at Isra University in Pakistan and is a fellow in cosmetic surgery and medicine at the Australian College. Additionally, he has been awarded a Laureate in Aesthetic Medicine from the Azerbaijan College.

Dr Treacy’s innovative research has advanced patient safety by developing hyaluronidase protocols in aesthetic medicine. He has also received global recognition for his work with stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, and growth signalling factors for skin rejuvenation and treating necrosis due to vascular occlusion.

Wales first in UK to implement licensing for semi-permanent make up

In a UK-f irst, Wales now has mandatory licensing rules in place to help protect the public’s health when getting acupuncture, body piercings, electrolysis, or tattoos, including semi-permanent make-up.

From Friday, November 29, practitioners and individuals in charge of premises or vehicles where any of four special procedures are performed must complete an infection prevention and control course for special procedures, and their premises and vehicles must meet strict safety standards, among other criteria.

These new measures, introduced by the Welsh Government, aim to reduce the hygiene and safety risks of these special procedures, such as bloodborne infections, by making sure only licensed practitioners can operate and procedures are only performed in approved premises and vehicles.

Nurse becomes first confirmed UK death linked to NHS weight loss jabs

A woman has died after taking a weight loss jab in what is believed to be the first confirmed death linked to the drugs. Nurse Susan McGowan, 58, took two injections before her death in September 2024 of the new generation of drugs being rolled out on the NHS. McGowan, an NHS bed manager, is reported to have purchased a low dose of Mounjaro privately. The drug has been dubbed the “King Kong” of weight loss jabs and last year began being rolled out to a quarter of a million patients on the NHS.

Survey reveals 30% increase in aesthetic treatments

The Tweakments Guide has released its latest survey, revealing a remarkable 28% increase in consumer spending on aesthetic ‘tweakments’ over the past two years.

The findings from The Tweakments Census, conducted across a well-informed audience of around 1,000 respondents, highlight how consumer choices and attitudes are evolving in the aesthetic sector. The Census showed decreased spending on cosmetic surgery at one end of the treatments scale and advanced facials at the other end. Between these two poles, there was an increase across the board in spending on all tweakments. Average yearly expenditure on tweakments has also risen by 28% over two years.

BAAPS study reveals high regret rate among UK cosmetic tourism patients

A study presented to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has uncovered that over 50% of individuals who travel abroad for cosmetic surgery end up regretting their decision.

The study, which won the BAAPS Hackett Memorial Prize 2024, delves into a decade of patient experiences at a UK tertiary plastic surgery unit, shedding light on the consequences of the growing trend of cosmetic tourism.

The retrospective study reviewed data from 103 patients referred to the plastic surgery unit from 2012 to 2022 with complications arising from procedures performed overseas. Patients participated in a telephone survey to share their experiences, with 48% responding. The findings underscore the hidden costs and potential risks of cheap procedures abroad, with Turkey emerging as a prominent destination.

83% of respondents cited the lower cost as the primary reason for choosing surgery abroad, with 57% paying less than £5,000 for the entire process, including surgery, travel, and accommodation. Alarmingly, 66% of respondents stated they would not have made the same decision if given a second chance, with nearly half expressing outright regret. The most popular surgeries included abdominoplasty (28.1%), breast augmentation (17%), and liposuction (13.1%). The complications most frequently encountered included wound issues (33%), seroma (29.1%), and infection-related complications.

Research explores the impact of city life on skin health

According to recent research by the Harley Street Skin Clinic, city living accelerates the visible signs of ageing due to a combination of external and lifestyle factors.

Harmful toxins in urban air penetrate the skin, causing oxidative stress and weakening the skin’s natural barrier, which contributes to premature wrinkles, dullness, and pigmentation. London residents face pollution levels 25% higher than the UK average, significantly impacting skin health. Stress, another by-product of fast-paced city life, exacerbates ageing by increasing cortisol levels, which can impair skin repair processes and promote inflammation. Additionally, in Birmingham, residents reported some of the highest levels of sleep deprivation in the UK, a known contributor to poor skin health. Meanwhile, Manchester’s high rates of fast-food consumption reflect dietary habits that can accelerate skin ageing through inflammation and glycation.

New research expands hair restoration options for diabetic patients

A recent study from Elithair has introduced protocols to enhance the safety and success of hair transplants for patients with diabetes. Led by Dr Abdulaziz Balwi, the research addresses a significant gap in hair transplant surgery, as diabetic patients often face elevated risks for complications, particularly related to wound healing and infection.

Specialised protocols for preoperative preparation included targeted blood glucose management, significantly reducing the risk of complications. Patients underwent thorough health screenings, with blood glucose stabilisation as a critical preparatory step. The study identified that the duration of diabetes influenced surgical outcomes, with patients having one to five years of diabetes experiencing lower rates of excessive bleeding. In contrast, those with 10–15 years of diabetes history showed increased rates of inadequate bleeding, underscoring the need for individualised intraoperative care.

Record levels of Brits are using private healthcare

More than half of the people in the UK have close family or friends who have used private healthcare. The latest data from the IHPN Going Private report shows that 55% of UK Brits have close friends or family that have used private healthcare, while 32% have used private healthcare for themselves. This was even higher in the East Midlands with 64% of people knowing close friends or family who have used private healthcare, and in Northern Ireland (59%) and Wales (58%).

Employers’ National I nsurance contributions will rise from 13.8% to 15%

The employment allowance has been raised from £5,000 to £10,000, which allows employers to claim up to £10,500 on their National Insurance bill, as part of the 2024 Autumn budget. Employers’ National Insurance contributions will rise from 13.8% to 15% and the current 75% business rates discount (due to expire in April 2025) will transition to a 40% discount, capped at £110,000.

Lorena Cosmetics Holdings to re-launch Sk:n Clinic Group

Lorena Cosmetics Holdings SPV Limited has successfully acquired and re-launched the Sk:n and The Harley Medical Group (THMG) aesthetic and cosmetic surgery clinic chains. Lorena Cosmetics has actively worked to re-employ many former Sk:n and THMG employees and has said it is “dedicated to ensuring the ongoing delivery of high-quality medical aesthetic and cosmetic services at over 30 clinic locations across the length of the UK”. The acquisition is part of a broader strategic consolidation which also includes The Skin Experts and ABC Medical, who now join leading ophthalmology providers Optical Express under the Lorena Investments group portfolio.

Skin of Colour Training Conference announced for 2025

The Skin of Colour Training Conference with return on January 22 to London’s Royal College of Physicians. The half day event is aimed at professionals outside of healthcare, such as hairdressers and aestheticians and is in partnership with Eucerin’s Social Mission programme.