DEAR READERSWelcome to the February issue of Aesthetic Medicine

MEET THE EXPERTSThe Aesthetic Medicine editorial board’s clinical expertise and diverse range of specialities help ensure the magazine meets the needs of the readers. In this issue, we have received guidance from the following members:

HOT OFF THE PRESSFDA approves the first GLP-1 weight loss pill

SPOTLIGHT ON… ASTAXANTHINEllen Cummings explores the magic behind astaxanthin’s ability to enhance skin health, improve elasticity and defend against environmental stressors

IN CLINIC WITH DR LISA DINLEYWith a career spanning dentistry, aesthetics and advanced clinical education, Dr Lisa Dinley speaks to editor Kezia Parkins about why evidence, safety and integrity must outweigh trends, hype and follower counts

BLOCKEDDr Ed Robinson discusses the role of dental (peri-oral sensory) nerve blocks in non-surgical aesthetic medicine

THE EVOLUTION OF THE NON-SURGICAL BLEPHAROPLASTYAs patient demand grows for subtle, surgery-free eye rejuvenation, CO₂ laser technology is emerging as a powerful tool in clinical practice. Dr Alexander Parys discusses results, recovery and real-world outcomes

BODY OF EVIDENCEDr Paul Charlson asks, is injectable lipolysis revolutionising non-surgical body contouring?

USING FRACTIONAL CO2 FOR NON-SURGICAL BLEPHS IN SKIN OF COLOURDr Sonakshi Khorana and Dr Samantha Hills discuss fractional CO₂ laser for non-surgical blepharoplasty in skin of colour, focusing on safety, ocular protection and strategies to optimise outcomes

BEYOND GLASS SKINRian Seo takes a closer look into how Korean beauty, the phenomenon leading aesthetic medicine and dermatology, differs outside of Korea

HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA OVERLOOKEDKezia Parkins speaks to experts about the underdiagnosed skin condition hidradenitis suppurativa, and how bias in dermatology leaves Black women unheard

LYMPHATIC RECOVERYRachel Fincham delves into bridging the gap between surgery and recovery with post-operative lymphatic therapy

PIGMENTATION IN SKIN OF COLOURDr Ginni Mansberg delves into the causes, management, and the effects of pigmentation in skin of colour. tudies have confirmed that pigmentation is more common in skin of colour

EMOTIONAL BURNOUTCould burnout be driven more by emotional strain than workload? WIAM investigates…

THE MENOPAUSE GOLD RUSHWhy aesthetic clinics should tread a careful line when it comes to menopause care by not simply cashing in on the “menopause gold rush”

BUILDING YOUR TRIBE: THE VOICES IN MY HEADIndependent nurse prescriber Julie Scott shares how your mentors, colleagues, friends and patients shape how you practice

NHS TO PRIVATE PRACTICE NO BLUEPRINT – AND NO REDUCTION IN RESPONSIBILITYAs clinicians increasingly move beyond employed healthcare into increasingly commercial environments, Amy Bird says that governance, accountability, and professional foundations must come first

ROADMAP STRATEGY FOR 2026Lisa Kelly shares her insights on how to futureproof your clinic for 2026 and drive sustainable growth in a competitive landscape

TRUST FIRST, TREATMENT SECONDJamila Begum breaks down how the consultation goes beyond the first appointment, shaping the client-practitioner relationship

ASK THE EXPERTSWhat should I consider when choosing an LED device for aesthetic treatments?

HIGH-TECH FACIALS... GENEO X BESPOKE GLO₂ FACIALEditor Kezia Parkins visited AM Awards Finalist 2025 nurse Teresa Tan to experience the Geneo X bespoke facial for deep hydration

KERALASE HAIR RESTORATIONContributing reporter Ellen Cummings visited D.Thomas Clinic to trial the laser-based hair restoration treatment

PRODUCT NEWSmesoestetic mesoestetic has launched axion, a new microneedling

5 MINUTES WITH… TREVOR STEYNKezia Parkins sat down with Esse Skincare founder Trevor Steyn to discuss the microbiome, the gut–skin axis and how modern life disrupts skin balance

CLINIC CATFISHINGAre you catfishing your patients? Derek Uittenbroek explains how to ensure your marketing matches your reality

5 LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE EXPERTS TO FOLLOWThese practitioners are carving their niche in the lymphatic drainage space

ASK ALEXHow can I make the most of the reviews for my clinic?