HOT OF THE PRESS
Allergan Aesthetics receives EC approval for Boey® - a new class of neuromodulator
Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, has announced the approval of Boey® (trenibotulinumtoxinE) in Europe by the European Commission.
Boey® is the first and only rapid-onset and short-duration botulinum neurotoxin serotype E approved in Europe for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe lines between the eyebrows seen at maximum frown (glabellar lines) in adult patients, when these have an important psychological impact.
In clinical studies, onset of effect was observed as early as eight hours after treatment and effects lasted two to three weeks. The EC decision applies across all 30 European Economic Area (EEA) countries and follows approval in Canada in June 2026.
Darin Messina, senior vice president and global head of aesthetics research and development at AbbVie, commented: “The EU approval of Boey® marks an important step forward for our development programme and builds on the momentum we’ve established with Health Canada’s approval earlier this year. This milestone reflects the scientific rigor behind Boey® and reinforces our commitment to advancing innovative options as we work to bring this treatment to healthcare.”
Nearly half need surgery to treat complications after procedures abroad, BAAPS finds
A new study from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has found that nearly half of patients treated for complications following cosmetic procedures abroad required further surgery after returning to the UK.
In what BAAPS describes as the largest UK study of cosmetic tourism, researchers analysed 198 cases involving patients who received NHS treatment after undergoing procedures overseas.
Nearly three-quarters of patients required a medical procedure or further surgery after returning to the UK, while almost half needed an operation under general anaesthetic to treat their complications. Reported complications included severe infections, wound breakdown, tissue death and fluid collections requiring repeated treatment. One patient included in the study died following a pulmonary embolism.
The report raises concerns that social media advertising, influencer endorsements and all-inclusive “surgery holiday” packages are encouraging people to travel overseas for cosmetic procedures without fully understanding the risks. Patients may not receive thorough, in-person consultations, appropriate recovery periods or adequate follow-up care.
The organisation hopes the study will increase public awareness of the risks associated with cosmetic tourism. It is also calling for stronger regulation and patient protections overseas, improved NHS monitoring of complications and consideration of compulsory insurance covering complications from cosmetic procedures performed abroad.
Clinics excluded from new 20% business rates cut for high street venues
Aesthetic clinics are not included in the Government’s newly announced 20% business rates discount, despite renewed industry calls for tax reform to support personal care businesses
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a new 20% reduction in business rates bills for pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England, but the targeted relief does not extend to beauty salons, hairdressers, barbershops or aesthetics clinics.
The measure is due to apply from the 2027/28 financial year and will benefit nearly 32,000 eligible venues, according to the Government. It estimates that the typical pub will save around £1,100 during the year.
The decision is likely to increase scrutiny of how the Government defines the high street businesses that provide social and community value.
The National Hair & Beauty Federation has welcomed the 20% reduction for pubs, clubs and live music venues but is urging the Government to extend targeted business rates support to the UK’s hair, beauty, barbering and aesthetics sector.
MHRA updates botulism safety warnings for botulinum toxin treatments following further cases in the UK
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has strengthened its safety warnings for botulinum toxin type A products, following reports of botulism linked to these products.In rare cases, the toxin’s effect can spread beyond the injection site, causing botulism.
The MHRA has also warned that the risk of adverse reactions may be higher in certain circumstances, including; patients with certain underlying conditions, where high doses are used and where products are used outside of their licensed indications or into an unapproved site. The MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit has launched several investigations linked to the use of unlicensed botulinum toxin products.
Patients are encouraged to check that their treatment is being carried out by a suitably qualified and reputable medical professional, using an authorised, verified botulinum toxin product sourced through legitimate channels.
They should also ensure they receive a thorough consultation and are given clear information about the product being used, the potential risks and expected results.
Previous prohibition orders renew scrutiny of liquid BBL regulation
New information has emerged showing that local prohibition orders had previously been issued preventing practitioner Jordan James Parke, known as the “Lip King”, from carrying out liquid Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedures in Dudley and Salford before he later treated Alice Webb in Gloucestershire.
According to BBC reporting, Dudley Council issued a prohibition order in 2023, followed by a second order in Salford in February 2024. The orders applied only within those local authority areas.
Speaking to the BBC, Webb’s former partner, Ben Kingscote, questioned why local restrictions were not supported by a wider national framework, saying that if Webb had been aware of the prohibition orders, she would not have undergone the procedure.
The case has renewed calls for stronger national regulation of high-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Last year, the UK Government confirmed plans to introduce a licensing scheme for aesthetic and non-surgical cosmetic treatments, intended to improve patient safety and raise professional standards across the sector.
NEWS IN BRIEF
BAMAN announces anatomy and injection training with Professor Sebastian Cotofana
BAMAN will host The Anatomy and Injection Experience with Professor Sebastian Cotofana on November 21–22 at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Open to registered nurses and medical professionals, the programme combines applied facial anatomy education with clinical application, including an optional advanced cadaver masterclass.
RevitaLash Cosmetics brings UK operations in-house
RevitaLash Cosmetics has brought its UK operations in-house to support growth across retail, professional and direct-to-consumer channels. The move aims to strengthen relationships with UK stockists and expand its network. Harpar Grace will remain the brand’s exclusive distributor in Ireland.
Unique Skin Group secures exclusive UK distribution for AnteAGE
Unique Skin Group has secured UK distribution for biosynthetic skincare brand AnteAGE. The partnership with California-based innovator Cellese will provide UK aesthetic professionals and clinics with local fulfilment, streamlined online ordering, dedicated customer support and enhanced clinical training.
Healthxchange launches ‘Trust in Aesthetics’ Campaign
Healthxchange has launched its ‘Trust in Aesthetics’ campaign, highlighting the role of ethical practice, education and verified supply chains in building confidence across the medical aesthetics industry.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Hydrafacial relaunches scalp treatment as HydraScalp with Keravive
Hydrafacial has relaunched its professional scalp treatment, formerly known as Keravive, as HydraScalp with Keravive Peptide Complex. The non-invasive, three-step treatment combines the brand’s Vortex-Fusion technology with biomimetic peptides to support scalp health, while newly designed treatment tips to improve precision and efficiency.
ZO Skin Health names ACRE as exclusive UK pharmacy partner
ZO Skin Health has appointed ACRE as its exclusive UK pharmacy partner, with eligible clinics able to purchase the brand’s professional skincare portfolio through ACRE from July 13. The partnership will provide nationwide fulfilment, dedicated account management, pharmacy support and next-day delivery on eligible orders.
Pure Swiss Aesthetics strengthens Irish presence through YouthTech partnership
Pure Swiss Aesthetics Ireland has appointed YouthTech Limited as its dedicated Irish sales and education partner to support growing demand for regenerative aesthetics and wellness technologies. Led by Olivia Murray, YouthTech will provide local training, clinical implementation, business development and marketing support.
Kelly Saynor launches new Practitioner Hub
Aesthetic nurse prescriber Kelly Saynor has launched The Practitioner Hub, a new membership platform offering ongoing clinical education, business support and mentorship for aesthetics professionals.
BCAM issues warning over hay fever relief
The British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) has issued a safety warning over the continued demand for so-called ‘hay fever injections’.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has previously warned clinics about promoting Kenalog injections for hay fever. In 2022 it took joint action with the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP) over illegal online advertising and in May 2026, published details of further action following complaints about websites offering treatment.
Unlike localised allergy treatments, steroid injections expose the entire body to corticosteroids and can cause a wide range of side effects. These may include raised blood sugar levels, increased blood pressure, sleep disturbance, mood changes, fluid retention, weight gain, immune suppression, skin thinning and hormonal disruption.
BCAM’s warning forms part of its ‘Vet It Before You Get It’ campaign, which encourages patients to research injectable treatments and understand who is providing them.
FDA and MHRA launch new initiative to strengthen regulatory partnership
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a new programme, strengthening the regulatory partnership between the UK and the US.
The new partnership aims to enhance collaboration, support scientific exchange and enable faster regulatory challenges and decisions.
By enhancing collaboration, the organisations aim to help both agencies respond quickly to advances in science and technology, supporting safe, effective products for patients. Despite closer collaboration, both organisations will maintain full regulatory independence. While the initiative is not specifically focused on aesthetics, it signals a more collaborative regulatory environment that could benefit manufacturers of aesthetic medicines and medical devices operating across both markets.
Greater alignment between the FDA and MHRA may help streamline regulatory pathways for companies seeking approval in both the UK and US.
Nine in 10 people report skin quality concerns, global survey finds
A global survey of more than 11,000 people has found that skin quality concerns are widespread, with fine lines, dryness and dullness among the most commonly reported issues
Nine in 10 people experience concerns about the quality of their skin, according to a global survey commissioned by dermatology company Galderma.
The research surveyed more than 11,000 people across 11 countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, the US, Brazil, China, Korea, Thailand and India.
Respondents reported experiencing an average of two skin quality concerns during the previous month, with fine lines and wrinkles, dry skin and dull skin emerging as the most common issues. The findings also suggest that skin quality can affect more than appearance, with 85% of respondents saying it has an impact on their quality of life.
More than one in three reported feeling self-conscious, insecure or anxious because of poor skin quality.