Non-surgical periocular aesthetics

The periocular region is the focal point of facial communication. Millimetre increments of change required to achieve bilateral symmetry and harmony can be difficult to achieve by surgical means only. Non-surgical aesthetic modifications offer a number of advantages in selected...

Treatments for hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a challenging, multifactorial and complex skin disorder affecting many individuals. The techniques and products described are based upon the author’s own clinical experience in treating hyperpigmentation and emphasises the importance of seeking specialist advice during a face to...

The pitfalls of having cosmetic procedures abroad

The author presents an interesting and thought-provoking case study, describing the risks of undergoing non-surgical procedures overseas. The account describes the journey of an individual who sought treatment with a dermal filler on the basis of a ‘weekend experience’ in...

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and appearance anxiety

An interesting overview of the impact which appearance anxiety can create upon an individual’s wellbeing. Studies estimate one third of individuals with a visible difference are thought to develop anxiety and stress as a consequence. Whilst the discussion surrounding this...

Headache relief and onabotulinumtoxinA injections

This is an evaluation of the treatment efficacy of cosmetic doses of onabotulinumtoxinA (approximately 15-50 units) on the frequency and severity of headaches in patients. This study is marred by its own self-admitted bias, and fault lines exist in the...

Dermatology guidelines for aesthetic nurses managing common skin conditions

Aesthetic nurses are frequently involved in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of many common dermatological conditions affecting the face and body and should possess knowledge of the current recommended clinical guidelines. The author provides an informative overview of the current...

The life cycles and biological end pathways of dermal fillers

This is an extremely comprehensive and well-designed study of short-term and long-term degradable fillers as well as permanent fillers. Having identified and reviewed 109 relevant manuscripts between 2001 and 2013, Ahn and Rao have produced an excellent paper on this...

Lipofilling for scar improvement

Since Coleman et al. in 1991 reported on lipofilling, numerous applications have been reported; these include but are not limited to contour restoration, lip augmentation and wrinkle therapy. There have also been some one-off reports of improvements in scars following...

Platelet-rich plasma from androgenetic alopecia: a pilot study

The authors demonstrate some encouraging results in this pilot study, exploring the benefit of injecting platelet rich plasma (PRP) into the scalp on patients with androgenetic alopecia. This suggests the need to now proceed with a randomised control study to...

Ethnic characteristics of the hair

The authors of this article discuss various aspects of ethnic differences in the field of hair restoration. They categorise three ethnic groups: Asian, White and African. In the article anatomic and hair characteristics are introduced. Understanding the follicle shape, calibre...

Subcutaneous botox

The authors of this paper performed a double blind, randomised, prospective trial on 19 patients receiving intramuscular botulinum toxin injections on one side of the forehead and subcutaneous injections on the other. Objective assessment of brow elevation and subjective self-evaluation...

Stretch mark treatment comparison

This article shows a comparison between two simple methods of treatment which are currently widely used in the aesthetics industry to treat early striae distensae. With the increasing demand from patients to achieve an improvement in stretch marks, the drive...