Features
Support groups for hidradenitis suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory condition characterised by painful inflamed nodules in the apocrine regions of the body. It follows a chronic relapsing clinical course and is a very difficult condition to treat. It has an estimated prevalence of...
Temple restoration
The complex biological process of facial ageing engenders many structural changes that are influenced by the combined effects of gravity, bone resorption, soft tissue atrophy, displacement of fat and a complex synergy of textural skin changes [1]. One of the...
HA dermal filler with lidocaine: initial clinical outcomes
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural occurring body polysaccharide essential for various body functions, present in connective tissues, skin, vitreous humour of eye, extracellular matrix, synovial fluid, etc [1]. It was first isolated in bovine vitreous by Mayer and Palmer...
Lasers and the skin
Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers have revolutionised the treatment of many skin conditions and are being used both in terms of a medical and an aesthetic context. Laser technology has been advancing...
Thread veins and varicose veins: medical or aesthetic?
I was recently attending a national aesthetics conference when I got talking to a very well-known opinion leader in the aesthetics world. During the conversation, I was astounded to be asked: “What do you think now that NICE has agreed...
When a patient asks for your insurance details…
Coming from a patient, the question “Do you have insurance?” is almost certain to put a medical practitioner on edge. Not being a common query, many do not have a ready answer and instead have to grapple with some questions...
Plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine: specialties and specialists
Dr Nikolaos Metatoxos has written an excellent article ‘How to establish a successful practice in aesthetic medicine’, which looks at the business of aesthetic medicine and underlines some very important ethical issues. When comparing hospital doctors and aesthetic medicine practitioners...
Debate: cannulas vs. needles - Needles
It is generally agreed that the choice of cannula or needle is site and material dependent, but the injector‘s comfort and skill in creating a desired aesthetic result is also important. The two most important considerations are the aesthetic outcome...
Debate: cannulas vs. needles - Cannulas
The question whether a cannula or a needle should be chosen for filler injections does not have a straightforward answer. Injection techniques, as well as filler material, cannulas, needles, injection systems, etc. have to be used in a patient specific...
IN RESPONSE TO: From PIP to DC-CIK to the Sorcerer’s Apprentice: a medico-political minefield
I am a consultant musculoskeletal physiotherapist of 20 years and I hold (2002) a masters accredited diploma in injection therapy (steroid and local anaesthetic injection techniques) as well as certificates to advanced level in cosmetic injection – dermal filler and...
Hair removal: a summary of techniques with a particular emphasis on the importance and versatility of electrolysis
Background and causes of excess or unwanted hair The management of unwanted body and facial hair has been a constant challenge for the human species since the dawn of human culture in the Neolithic era. Of note this was the...
Facial contouring with fillers
With the advent of hyaluronic acid fillers, safe and effective non-surgical facial rejuvenation has been advanced. Hyaluronic acid fillers are becoming increasingly popular amongst patient who seek facial enhancement. In 2013, there were over 1.8 million treatments using hyaluronic acid...
