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We have been nominated for Safety in Beauty Awards

We are pleased to announce that we have been short-listed for the Best Training/Educational Professional development award at this years’ Safety in Beauty Diamond awards, alongside our Clinical Director, Mr Adrian Richards who has also be short-listed for Proactive Surgeon of the Year.

Safety in Beauty LogoLaunched in October 2013 by award winning beauty blogger Antonia Mariconda, Safety in Beauty is a campaign set up to help, educate and empower aesthetic and cosmetic consumers as well as encourage and facilitate a better and safer industry for those entering into it. The awards evening is a night set aside to celebrate and reward those practitioners and surgeons who have gone that extra mile in public safety.

All the short-listed candidates have been complied by Safety in Beauty via a panel of guest judges.  Those selected have displayed extraordinary dedication to raising awareness and standards in the beauty, health, aesthetics and cosmetic  industry. Examples include the following:

  • Those who have selflessly helped those left maimed by botched beauty and aesthetic treatments or cosmetic surgery
  • Those who have made a difference by conducting outstanding campaigns, education programmes, or training schemes with the aim of eradicating unsafe practice
  • Writers, bloggers, or media representatives who have used their writing skills to raise awareness of the importance of safety and transparency in the industry
  • Professionals, brands, and businesses who have given up a significant amount of their time, services, or products to help charitable or pro-bono cases in the beauty and cosmetic interventions industry
  • Those who have been dedicated to raising awareness and standards in the industry and who’ve shown perseverance and determination to do so.

White party Logo

The winners will be announced on the 2 July 2016 at a white themed awards party in London.

We would like to wish everyone who has been short-listed the very best of luck!

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Adrian Richards Wins RealSelf 500 Award

Buckinghamshire Plastic Surgeon Recognized as Top Social Influencer in Cosmetic Surgery.

Clinical director of Cosmetic Courses, Mr Adrian Richards is one of 500 doctors in the nation to receive the prestigious RealSelf 500 Award, out of nearly 13,000 board certified specialists with a presence on RealSelf—the leading online community helping people make confident choices in elective cosmetic procedures.

RealSelf top 500 LogoIn a time when 1 in 4 U.S. adults share their health experiences on social media channels, the medical professionals that made the 2015 RealSelf 500 are recognized both for having an outstanding record of consumer feedback and for providing credible, valuable insights in response to consumer questions about elective cosmetic treatments, plastic surgery, dentistry and more.

Mr. Richards qualified as a Doctor in 1988 and for 12 years specialised in plastic surgery. He is a member of both the British Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (BAPRAS) and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). He now has private clinics based at premier locations, including the Northampton, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire and London. Mr. Richards recognises that his patients demand excellence from plastic surgeons; consequently he continuously collaborates with other plastic surgeons worldwide to bring new surgical and non-surgical innovations to his practice for the benefit of his patients. As a respected figure in the industry, Adrian is often invited to speak at events and conferences, and has made several appearances on national radio and television, including Channel 4’s ‘How Not to Get Old’ and ‘Bodyshockers’.

“In 2015, these 500 doctors collectively impacted tens of millions of consumers, with nearly 30% of our total doctor content posted by this relatively small group,” said Tom Seery, RealSelf founder and CEO. “When I started RealSelf, many doctors questioned why they should ‘give away’ their expertise ‘for free’ on the web. Now, eight years later — and with over one million doctor answers on our platform — we are proud of the standard this select group has set. They’re leading the way by empowering millions of consumers to gain access to the information they need to make smart and confident health and beauty decisions.”

Image Showing Realself Star RatingsMr Richards is an expert contributor to RealSelf, and to date has posted 558 answers to questions on RealSelf. Each month people from all over world ask important aesthetic-related questions, such as “massaging a rippling implant?” or “Possible infection in BA stitches?”  Mr Richards also maintains a patient star rating of five out of five stars in RealSelf reviews. For more information on Mr Richards, please visit www.aurora-clinics.co.uk and for the full list of RealSelf 500 Award winners, visit http://www.realself.com/RS500.

About RealSelf

Since its founding in 2006, RealSelf has created the world’s largest community for learning and sharing information about cosmetic surgery, dermatology, dentistry, and other elective treatments.

With patients researching practitioners and Plastic Surgeons, having an online presence on trusted resource sites for reviews has never been more important. With RealSelf’s extensive collections of reviews, photos, videos and Q&A’s, it has become one of the most trusted resources for those who are looking for help beyond the beauty counter.

If you would like to join RealSelf and start your online reviews and presence, you can sign up by visiting www.realself.com.

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Male Cosmetic Trends

Cosmetic Courses banne showing, Male trends

Independent Pharmacist Shailesh Patel chats about the increase in cosmetic procedures in men over the past year.

The male market has been steadily growing over the years as male consumers increasingly seek out treatments to support their lifestyle choices.

Although a small segment of the aesthetic market, recent data from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has shown Cosmetic Courses; picture showing close up of man with facial markingsthat male clients made up 9% of the total number of those undergoing cosmetic surgery operations in the UK. These numbers have nearly doubled over the past decade (from 2,440 procedures in 2005 to 4,614 in 2015). However, treatments for men tend to be less invasive than for female clients.

This trend could be driven by the subgroup of the millennials known as young urban males  (Yummies). These individuals tend to focus more on personal grooming and health than other age groups. This age group tends to marry later, meaning that they can invest in themselves and their appearance for longer than other age groups.

It is also important to remember that men are unique both physiologically and behaviourally. Having an in-depth knowledge of the male anatomy and suitable training is important to meet the needs of male clients 3.

You should have a separate marketing strategy to target males. Options include; advertising to men through your female clients (husbands, boyfriends, sons, etc.), having specific areas for male clients in your clinic and sections on your website and social media activities focusing on male clients.

Cosmetic Courses have also seen an increase in enquiries for male models. By having a diverse range of sexes, this gives our delegates the best experience in understanding the differences between the sexes, and the techniques that would work best when treating male and female faces.

If you would like to become a model for Cosmetic Courses, please call the team on 01844 390110 or fill in our Contact form

About Pharmacyspace

Pharmacyspace, based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, provides cost effective medical products and consumables for your clinic. Feel free to talk to us about how we can support you with both your male and female clients.

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Cosmetic Surgery On the Rise

In recent years, plastic surgery has slowly been on decline in the United States. However, botox shots and other wrinkle softening beauty treatments are on the rise in Europe. German citizens in particular are taking advantage of advances in cosmetic surgery, according to the Düsseldorf based Gesellschaft für Ästhetische Chirurgie Deutschland (GÄCD).

Studies and polling data show that 171,000 German citizens have undergone cosmetic procedures in the last year, a rise of twenty percent. Comparatively, cosmetic surgery in the United States is down two percent from the previous year. The most substantial increase was seen in the use of wrinkle filling agents such as Botox. Approximately 100,000 patients used botox in 2008, a number which leaped to 146,000 in 2009 according to a survey done by the GÄCD.

GÄCD general secretary Matthias Gensior cites affordability as the primary reason for the rise in botox injections, mentioning that the economic crisis as a potential catalyst. While botox injections are still relatively expensive, they are generally cheaper than more invasive surgeries.

Most female patients sought Botox treatment in order to diminish the appearance of frown lines and crow’s feet. Male patients favoured laser treatments, according to the statistics released by the organisation. In total 130,000 women underwent Botox or needle related treatments, compared to just 14,000 for men. Meanwhile 43,000 men underwent laser surgery to even skin and smooth lines. Women, on the other hand, logged only 38,000 of these treatments. According to the GÄCD, a plurality of patients were new to cosmetic surgery. Moreover, the median age of these patients had also decreased significantly from previous years.

Non-facial related surgeries also remained popular. Liposuction remained a popular treatment for overweight women, with close to 17,000 surgeries performed last year. Corrective rhinoplasty was popular among men, with approximately 3,500 surgeries logged by doctors. Other popular cosmetic surgeries included tattoo removal and eye lifts. According to Gensior, men were far less likely to undergo more drastic surgeries due to the stigma often associated with plastic surgery. Women, he noted, undergo treatment not only for cosmetic reasons but practical ones as well. Droopy eyes, for example, make it difficult to apply make-up.

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Permalip ®:Revolutionary Lip Enhancement

Professional beauty experts contend that the key to a youthful appearance is the lips. If your lips are full and young-looking, other age-related flaws such as crows’ feet and frown lines become less noticeable in your overall appearance.

While such environmental factors as sun exposure adversely affect your facial features, the aging and thinning of your lips as you advance in years depends largely on your genes. You can prevent looking older than you feel by being proactive and correcting the demise of the thickness and plumpness of your lips. Additionally, if you are young but want more volume to achieve that ideal look of “kissability,” there are both temporary and permanent cosmetic fixes to give you the lips you desire.

Temporary Cosmetic Enhancement

Temporary treatments to replace the youthful lip fullness that time begins to take away include such injection programmes as Botox and collagen. While Botox works beneath the skin to immobilize the muscles that govern your facial expressions, thus smoothing those wrinkles that become apparent when you frown or smile, collagen injections actually plump up your lips, filling in the lines just beneath your skin surface. The downside of injection treatments is that their positive effects last only 3-9 months, and then the treatments must be repeated.

A Permanent Solution

Permalip® is a new advance in the field of cosmetic surgery that offers a permanent solution to the problem of aging lips. The ground-breaking procedure utilizes a unique silicone implant to fill and plump your lips for a lifelong, beautiful smile.

The Permalip® implant, developed by U.S. cosmetic surgeons, is composed of a soft, pliable silicone solid. A proven procedure that developers have extensively tested, Permalip® has attained CE Marked approval for use in Europe. This permanent lip enhancement that will keep your appearance youthful without repeated treatments.

Unlike older implant treatments, the Permalip® implant is rupture-proof, will not bond with surrounding tissue, and will not harden or deteriorate throughout years of use.

The Procedure

It takes less than one hour under local anesthetic for your cosmetic surgeon to place your implant. You will retain no visible scarring, and you can feel confident knowing that the procedure is fully reversible and can be adjusted for size upon your request.

You will enjoy full recovery from the procedure within two weeks, and the beautiful results will keep you looking as young as you feel. Permalip® is truly revolutionary.

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How do Dermal Fillers work?

Cosmetic surgery is a way to achieve a youthful appearance. It is particularly helpful in erasing marks of aging associated with skin changes,Dermal Fillers ranging from wrinkles to the loss of subcutaneous fat and dermal collagen with Dermal Fillers.

While the most well-known method of tightening the face around the skin is through a surgical face lift, a less well-known, but equally effective, method is dermal filling.

Although dermal filling may sound like a revolutionary new trend in aesthetic medicine it has been around for over a century. In the 1890s, dermal filling consisted of removing fatty tissue from one part of the body where it was not needed, like from sagging fat in the arms, and injecting it to another part where it was needed, like the wrinkling skin of a face. Today, a variety of many more filler choices are available. These fillers are said to work better and to last longer than their earlier counterparts.

Bovine collagen was popular in the United States in the 1980s. Results were claimed to last as long as eighteen months, but the reality was closer to five months, with three months being the average. Nevertheless bovine collagen became the standard by which other fillers were assessed.

Human collagen, collagen derived from human beings that was cultivated in the laboratory, replaced bovine collagen in popularity. Then researchers began to look for something even more compatible with the patient’s body. They arrived at the autologen method. In this method, human collagen is still used, but this time it comes directly from the patient‘s own tissues. This collagen, derived from the patient’s own body, is made into a sterile suspension of fibres. Three square inches of skin can be manufactured to supply 1 ml of 3.5% collagen. This collagen is used to treat wrinkles, lines, scars, and sagging lips.

An alternative to injecting fillers has been autologous collagen. By stimulating an inflammation in the patient, the resulting new collagen deposits are harvested and fat is then mixed with sterile distilled water.

Other viscous fluids have also been tested and used in cosmetic surgery. These include the use of fillers made out of recycled skin, hyaluronic acid, and hybrid technologies.

The recycled skin came from rehabilitation centres for burn victims and was processed for use in aesthetic medicine. Hyaluronic acid, a protein in the skin of mammals, including humans, has been used to form a gel. Finally, artificial Dermal Fillers suspended in bovine collagen have been used to treat wrinkles and scars.

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Botox Largely Unregulated in UK

For over 5 years, the Expert Working Group on Cosmetic Surgery has been recommending to the Healthcare Commission that Botox use be more closely monitored. As Botox procedures become increasingly popular, greater numbers of patients are exposed to health risks by accepting shoddy, low-cost treatments from fly-by-night operations that don’t care what happens once the money is in their pockets and patient is out the door.

The government doesn’t accept that patient risk should be any of their concern. They have continued to decline the recommendation and instead ask cosmetic surgeons to regulate themselves. Under the current system, absolutely anyone can set up an office and administer the injections of Botox. Botox is a diluted form of deadly toxin produced by botulism-causing bacteria. The toxin tightens muscles under the face, paralyzing them. This has the side effect of reducing wrinkles.

Dr. Andrew Vallance-Owen, chairman of the Independent Healthcare Advisory Services’ Wirjung Group on Cosmetic Surgery and medical director of BUPA confirmed that cosmetic surgeons urged Parliament to bring regulation to the Botox industry.

Vallence-Owen stressed the importance of regulation. “We are talking about invasive procedures,” he said. “Botox is a prescription-only medicine and patient safety should be paramount.” He continued, “If things go wrong, some patients could be left scarred physically or psychologically for life.”

Vallence-Owen, for one, isn’t going to step back and let the procedure go unregulated. “Self-reulation is better than no regulation,” he said. “If we want the sector to maintain its success, we must retain patient confidence.” He maintains that if the industry doesn’t step up, then “these procedures will be less-regulated than ear-piercing.”

Health Minister Lord Hunt announced the UK plan for self-regulation of the Botox industry. “Cosmetic surgery providers have shown real commitment to improving levels of quality and safety in this area, and so, I have decided to ask the industry to take the lead in further improving standards.” Lord Hunt admits that the most the British government intends to do is keep open the possibility introducing “statutory regulation should it become necessary in the future.”

The Independent Healthcare Advisory Services have been given the responsibility in producing a set of standards for the industry. Sally Taber, speaking for the group, said they were ready for the task, but not willing, as nothing they could do compares to statutory regulation.

Jenny Driscoll, a health campaigner, concurs with the popular sentiment. “The government needs to step in now because, left to regulate itself, it’d be all too easy for the industry to focus on introducing multiple codes that will just end up confusing people.”

President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, when asked for a statement, said that the self-regulation mandate was “total nonsense.”

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Plastic Surgery Decline – A Boost for Botox and Fillers

Women are not as eager to have cosmetic surgery as they once were as recent statistics show that procedures have declined by almost 20% in the previous year. Breast augmentation, facelift and tummy tuck procedures are not occurring as frequently.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that in 2005, 2.1 million procedures were performed whereas in 2009, 1.9 million were done. Surgeons feel the largest factor is the current economy. The luxury industry in general has suffered a blow as consumers exhibit more frugal behavior. Health insurance in most cases does not cover the cost of rhinoplasty or breast augmentation and procedures typically run thousands of dollars.

In the last ten years, the cosmetic surgery industry experienced a surge. Procedures once procured by celebrities and the affluent were being acquired by women of lower class status. The topic was commonly discussed in various forms of media and popularized by such TV shows as Nip/Tuck and Dr. 90210. Reality TV shows, The Swan and Extreme Makeover chose everyday citizens to undergo head to toe transformations to the delight of the viewing audience. These shows are no longer broadcasted.

In recent years, celebrities and others opting to have elective procedures have been the subject of ridicule and gossip. Procedures are scoffed at as being too noticeable or individuals are accused of being addicted to personal appearance and cosmetic surgery.

Heidi Montag, a reality show actress, received criticism from peers, the public and family when she admitted to undergoing 10 cosmetic procedures within a year. Miami Beach plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hall believes that society’s desire for luxurious excess is coming to a close. People are exercising common sense when it comes to surgical cosmetic procedures.

Though cosmetic surgery is declining, non-surgical procedures are on the rise, which may merely reflect a more conservative choice in treatment. Botox injections, filler injections and laser treatments are less expensive, quicker and patients forfeit long recovery times associated with traditional surgery. Individuals are opting for procedures that are less invasive.

Physicians are noticing cultural as well as economical redirection. The size of breast implants has reduced along with the economy. Washington plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Baxter cites that while at one time one third of his patients chose B cup sizes, currently one half of the patients choose the smaller size.

The industry now wonders what the long term effects will be. Opinions differ, but most concur that while individuals may opt for other procedures, the vanity of humanity will continue to feed the desire for change.

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Permalip

Women with plump, full lips are considered more beautiful, sexy, and desirable than women with thin, flat lips. Consequently, it’s natural for women who once had “kissable” lips to want to restore their more youthful appearance and for women who never had that sensual look to wistfully long for it. In either case, whether lips have simply aged and lost their full look or because of a genetic predisposition toward thin, tight lips, it is possible to create gorgeous, plump, and sensual lips through cosmetic surgery.

Due to aging, the effects of the sun, and the consequences of smoking, once beautiful lips can begin to lose their healthy appearance and the mouth begins to droop at the corners, creating a false impression of depression or cynicism. Moreover, when Cupid’s Bow, the v-shape of the upper lip, begins to flatten, a woman appears to lose her youthful appearance. Apart from restoring a woman’s natural beauty, rejuvenating lips through cosmetic surgery can also boost self-confidence and self-esteem.

Unfortunately, not all surgery will create an effect that lasts for long, sometimes lasting for only 3 months, although at times they can last for as long as 9 months. Usually, this surgery consist of injecting collagen or a compound called Restylane. Recovery is also painful for a few days, resulting in swelling, redness, and bruising. The only way to keep the desired look is through repeating the procedure when the effects fade away.

However, a new solution has emerged in cosmetic surgery that does offer a permanent solution. The process is called a Permalip implant. It consists of implanting soft but firm silicone in the lips. It has been approved in Europe after extensive testing and has been used and developed in the United States for the past four years. This method is safe because it does not rupture or break surrounding tissue, nor does it harden or degenerate over time. It requires only a single procedure, can be done in an hour, and leaves no visible scars. Moreover, the effect can be reduced, or even fully reversed. The surgery is done under local anaesthesia and consists of making small incisions at the corner of the mouth then inserting the implant.

For women who desire to have full lips, the Permalip implant is the best choice in cosmetic surgery for a permanent solution.

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Simple Cosmetic Treatments Increase in Popularity Among Men

As dermatological technology advances, simple cosmetic treatments such as facial fillers and Botox are no longer primarily targeted for women. Men are increasingly taking advantage of cosmetic enhancements as well, to help fight signs of age and to increase professional marketability. Men looking for an affordable alternative to invasive cosmetic surgery are turning to facial fillers, Botox, and other non-invasive cosmetic treatments in lieu of opting for costly traditional cosmetic surgery.

Non surgical treatments such as facial fillers and Botox, compared to going under the knife via face lifts and other invasive cosmetic procedures, are affordable, quick, and require minimal recovery time. However, non surgical treatments offer very similar results to surgery, by filling out the temple area, smoothing wrinkles, and eliminating sun spots from an aging face. Even nose jobs can be achieved with non surgical cosmetic treatments, by using an injectable wrinkle filler to straighten noses and smooth bumps.

Results from non surgical cosmetic treatments are instantaneous, making these cosmetic options increasingly attractive to men as well as women. In particular, the popularity of skin peels has exceeded that of facelifts among British women.

A struggling global economy has seen job seekers looking for innovative ways to increase their odds of landing a job. The job market is brutal, and competition for jobs is fierce. A younger and more energetic appearance may help job candidates look more desirable in the eyes of a hiring manager.

The global recession may have had some impact on the increasing popularity of non surgical cosmetic procedures for other reasons, as well. The simple explanation is that the procedures are much less costly than traditional cosmetic surgery. This may explain the increased popularity of skin peels among women. Also, due to the decreased recovery time, patients find they are able to return to work right away. Patients without paid leave are more likely to invest in cosmetic treatments when they are not required to miss work in order to do so.

For these reasons, non invasive cosmetic treatments have increased by five per cent in the last year. The bottom line is that non surgical cosmetic treatments offer many of the same results that traditional cosmetic surgery offered, at a fraction of the cost and recovery. With such easy ways to enhance the appearance of an aging face, it’s no wonder that these treatments have increased in popularity among men and women alike.

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