Can I quit the gym? Low level laser and body contouring

Is low level laser the answer for patients seeking a non-invasive method for body contouring? Balancing energy intake and energy expenditure is the healthiest and most sustainable means of weight loss and toning, but despite this, areas of local fat...

Botulinum toxin and dermal filler treatment for facial deformity: an analysis of patient satisfaction

Dermal fillers and botulinum toxin are being increasingly used to treat facial deformities but are patients satisfied with the results? Facial deformity can result in low confidence and self-esteem amongst patients due to cosmetic and functional difficulties [1]. There is...

Informed consent and failure to disclose – legal perspectives for aesthetic surgeons

As litigation and legal claims in aesthetic surgery and medicine continue to rise, informed consent is not only a legal imperative but also essential in protecting yourself and your business. Lee Seng Khoo and Francesco Mazzarone, from the world-renowned Ivo...

Treating the male patient with dermal fillers

Concepts of beauty and attractiveness have always been associated with the appreciation of symmetry, balance and harmony of various facial features. An attractive face creates mystique and power. Its effects are undeniable, and for centuries, we have been trying to...

The development of PDO threadlifting in the UK

Dr Jacques Otto looks at the development of polydioxanone (PDO) threads as an anti-ageing treatment, the creation of the Association of Polydioxanone Threads (APDOT) UK and what the future holds for threadlifting in the UK. Up to early 2014 the...

An overview of chemical peels

Chemical peels form an important part of most aesthetic and cosmetic practices. They are an affordable procedure for patients and significant results can be achieved. Generally chemical peels are a safe procedure, but only if used correctly and with caution....

Rejuvenation of the forehead: correction of the frontal concavity

During the ageing process, many different anatomical changes contribute to the aged appearance of the face [1]. Focusing on the forehead, typical age-related changes are regression of the hairline, solar damage, skin laxity, dynamic wrinkles, reduction of fat and bone...

Focus on Cosmeceuticals: Definitions, regulations and a review of the market

In the previous section of this special focus, the structure and function of the skin has been reviewed as well as the cutaneous changes induced by UV exposure. This section will define the term cosmeceutical and discuss the current market...

The use of electrolysis in acne treatment – sebaceous gland ablation

Sebaceous gland ablation (SGA) offers a long-term solution to persistent acne. This is an exciting new treatment which is bringing hope to acne sufferers everywhere. What is acne? Acne is an unsightly skin condition which causes thickening and inflammation of...

Focus on Cosmeceuticals: Skin anatomy and photoageing

Skin anatomy The skin of the face provides crucial functions of temperature regulation, reparative functions following injury, facial expression, protective mechanisms against infection and ultraviolet radiation, as well as sensory perception. The integument consists of two principle layers, the epidermis...

Off-label cosmetic use of botulinum toxin in the lower face

Botulinum toxin A (BoNTA) is commonly used as an off-label cosmetic modality to improve the ageing lower face and neck, and may be used as a single line treatment or in combination with other procedures, such as dermal fillers [1]....

Non-surgical management of actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease and non-melanoma skin cancer

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are primary cutaneous neoplasms comprising mainly of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). In 2011, 102,628 cases of NMSCs (74% BCC and 23% SCC) were recorded in England, making NMSC the most common...