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Stem cells in reconstructive surgery: a bright but cautious future

Regenerative medicine using stem cell technology is slowly becoming a reality in routine clinical practice especially in the field of tissue regeneration [1]. It is therefore not surprising that stem cell technology is starting to be of interest in reconstructive...

The fault in our scars

A groundbreaking study recently presented to the British Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgeons (BAPRAS – www.bapras.org.uk), conducted at Great Ormond Street Hospital, in collaboration with the University of Toronto's Hospital for Sick Kids and University College London, has...

An update from SIME

Since its founding in 1975 SIME (the Italian Society of Aesthetic Medicine) has always set goals revolving around research, study and the acquisition of knowledge in regards to aesthetic medicine. This includes ensuring the sharing of information with its members,...

A short overview of the evolution of botulinum toxin type A formulations

Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) is a potent neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum [1]. BoNT-A has been used for various therapeutic and aesthetic purposes, including the treatment of muscle disorders, chronic pain and facial wrinkles [2-4]. Over the...

Prednisolone and/or acyclovir for Bell’s palsy

Facial nerve paralysis as a consequence of Bell’s palsy can result in devastating long‑term effects on a patient’s appearance. What is the best medical treatment for this condition? Stuart Burrows provides his appraisal of this landmark paper from the New...

Preferred upper / lower lip ratio and perception of naturally looking lips, a study across generations and genders

Introduction ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder’. Although it sounds true, most often some beauty patterns or preferences can be innate or intuitive [1]. When it comes to the ideal lips, how much of their features can be...

Reconstructive Surgery in Post Colonial Africa

Both plastic and maxillo-facial surgery developed out of armed combat. Initially, general surgeons attached to the military might perform reconstructive attempts, but more realistically and pragmatically, destructive surgery was more suited to their situation. Amputation of limbs undoubtedly saved lives...

In and out of love with surgery

Growing up with books shaped me into a hopeless romantic believing in heroes, magic and achieving the impossible. Throughout the years as I sat patiently waiting on my letter from Hogwarts I instead received my acceptance letter to medical school....