The surgical management of extensive balanitis xerotica obliterans

Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) was initially described by Hallopeau in 1887 [1], when it was known as lichen sclerosis et atrophicus, the designation BXO, first being used by Stuhmer in 1928 [2]. It is a chronic, persistent and unrelenting inflammatory...

Malignant melanoma, stress and cosmetic surgery

The epidemiology of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) continues to evolve [1]. Whilst there has been a small but steady increase in incidence of the tumour there has been a significant decrease in lethality. There are several reasons for this; public...

Biostimulation and aesthetic regeneration: a unified perspective on the future of facial rejuvenation

This article presents an exploration of two major philosophies in modern aesthetic medicine: biostimulation and aesthetic regeneration. The article examines how each approach contributes to tissue vitality, how they differ in mechanism and depth of action, and how their strategic...

The principle of construction in teaching complex anatomy

The construction sequence in head and neck anatomy. The human body is anatomically complex, and this makes the teaching of human anatomy, at the outset, a tricky exercise. Add to this the fact that there are areas where the density...

Napoleon, Ghandi or Jobs: Who would lead today’s healthcare best?

Some leaders build empires. Others build people. And some tear the whole thing down to rebuild it better. The archetypes of power Leadership in healthcare is evolving. Traditional command-and-control structures are evolving into team-based, emotionally intelligent and adaptive approaches. Yet...

Interview with Cambodia’s first Plastic Surgeon: Professor Theavy Mok

Allow me to recount the extraordinary journey of Professor Theavy Mok, a pioneering force in the field of medicine. Dr Mok, a man of great distinction, was the first plastic surgeon to emerge from the rich soils of Cambodia. His...

The flora of Culloden Field: Healing plants of a wounded land

The Battle of Culloden, fought on 16 April 1746, marked the end of the Jacobite uprising in Scotland. It was a devastating clash between the Jacobite forces led by Charles Edward Stuart (‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’) and the British army under...

Global surgical crisis and Mercy Ships

History of Mercy Ships Mercy Ships began with Don and Deyon Stephens’ dream and an inspirational meeting with Mother Teresa. In 1978, their desire to create hospital ships that could deliver safe, free surgery to those around the world without...

Discover the AMWC Aesthetics Medicine Awards winners

In collaboration with the Aesthetic Multispecialty Society (AMS), the 2025 AMWC Awards meticulously evaluated more than 1000 submissions hailing from 39 countries, contending for top accolades in categories across Best Products & Devices and Best Clinical Cases. Following an exhaustive...

OPINION - From ethics to commerce: challenges faced by cosmetic practice for 2025 and beyond

Cosmetic medicine and surgery have seen remarkable and ongoing increases in popularity, reflecting advancements in medical technology and evolving societal norms based on, for example, social media, cultural expectations, and globalisation of beauty standards. Unlike with other medical specialties, these...

Extracutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma with an occult primary?

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy arising from dermal neuroendocrine cells, first described by Toker in 1972 [1]. It is predominately seen in the head and neck region of older, white males and risk factors include...

Is point of care ultrasonography just an inscrutable snowstorm or is it here to stay?

To non-radiologists ultrasound may always look like a snowstorm . . . so unless you are the one holding the scanner and moving it over the patient with some idea of their history, it is difficult to know what you...