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IHAS register in the UK – will it help reduce Bad Botox practice?

IHAS is the regulation authority for Botox and non-surgical treatments launched by the UK government.

This is supported by a website – “Treatments You Can Trust”.

Under this  voluntary scheme, clinics can register with the IHAS organisation and are then regularly assessed and audited.

Says Mr Adrian Richards (Expert Cosmetic Surgeon and founder of Cosmetic Courses training centre), “Whilst I think regulation is certainly necessary in the industry, my main concern with the IHAS is that it is voluntary.

This means that some clinics will register and others will not, without it being mandatory for any clinic to register.

The paperwork required to register is very extensive and time consuming, and there is a significant cost to a clinic to register.

The government budget for publicising the IHAS scheme is relatively small and I am by no means sure that it is sufficient to adequately publicise the scheme to the general public.”

Mr Richards’ concerns are therefore that the scheme is:

(1) time consuming and costly;

(2) voluntary; and

(3) may not be publicised well not enough to the general public to gain general acceptance.

Cosmetic Courses hope that Mr Richards’ concerns are proven wrong.

Only time will tell whether the IHAS regulation scheme will be an effective way of policing the Botox and Dermal Filler market in the United Kingdom.

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The Curse of Leslie Ash: Permanent Fillers cause Permanent Problems

When you set up your own Medical Aesthetics practise, you will quickly find a Ghost that haunts you. You will particularly experience her looming shadow if you decide to offer Lip Filler treatments. But we can pretty much guarantee that her name will crop up over and over regardless. “I don’t want to end up looking like Leslie Ash!”: it is a plea from your clients that will become all-too familiar.

The Leslie Ash “Look” is certainly not high on most people’s aesthetic wish-list. You have most probably seen the recurrent pictures in the media of her now infamous “trout pout”. The unfortunate woman has been hauled over the coals as an example of Cosmetic Surgery Gone Wrong in every woman’s mag. article of that theme ever since her Lip Body treatment in 2002.

Ash originally claimed she had collagen Lip Implants to correct her disappearing top lip (an unfortunate but common side-effect of ageing) and maintain her image in the public eye. Ironically, the treatment had the opposite effect, bringing her notoriety for all the wrong reasons. Back in 2003, the actress typically told the Press that her permanently swollen, upwards-curled top lip was a terrible accident and the result of a reaction to the collagen in the implant. By 2010 she had conceded that it was not an implant at all, but an injection of liquid silicone (the same lethal cocktail responsible for the recent death of Claudia Aderotimi) which had caused the ridiculous effect.

“The Curse of Leslie Ash” is therefore that hundreds of women who would otherwise have considered lip-enhancing treatment have now been put off completely. And of those that do approach you for procedures, a large number will need reassurance that they will not leave your Clinic looking similarly over-the-top or caricatured.

In his talks to delegates attending Medical Aesthetic courses at the Cosmetic Courses National Training Centre, Mr Adrian Richards (Consultant Plastic Surgeon) is always keen to set the facts straight. For starters, there should be broader awareness of precisely which treatment Leslie Ash underwent: it seems very wrong that by initially shielding the truth, she has created mistrust and fear of both Lip Fillers and Lip Implants. Prospective clients do not realise that Dermal Fillers are not the same as the injections which she had, and can give lovely subtle enhancement to both the lip body and border (in the hands of a qualified, trained medical professional). Nor do they always understand that she did not have a Lip Implant at all and that it is therefore well worth investigating the potential of Permalip implants. In fact, Mr Richards highly recommends the Permalip implant as a method of augmenting the lip body: these implants come in a huge variety of sizes and shapes, are sculptable, safe and above all can be removed if necessary.

In contrast, Liquid Silicone injections, like Ash had injected into her lips by a plastic surgeon whilst at a friend’s house, is permanent. And as Mr Richards warns all his trainee Aesthetic Practitioners, ‘Permanent fillers cause Permanent problems’. In Leslie Ash’s case, the silicone set around the muscles in her lips and it is now impossible for surgeons to remove it.

So there you have it: of course, however silly the actress may have been, she is also incredibly unfortunate. She is certainly not alone, but possibly receives more publicity about the matter than most and will almost certainly be one of the names you come to regard as a bug-bear. Instead of getting irritated by this, however, try to see your role as educating your clients, so that others do not make the mistakes of Ash and others. With this knowledge, you can ensure that you offer only the best and most suitable treatments and therefore provide genuine reassurance that your clients will not walk out of your Treatment Room and straight into the Gossip Columns!

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The Cosmetic Treatment Registry

Amid growing concerns over cosmetic treatments being done at inappropriate settings, the Independent Healthcare Advisory Services (IHAS) is launching a voluntary register of injectable cosmetic treatment providers for botox and dermal fillers.

After its start in the early 90’s for cosmetic purposes, Botox has continued to be in use by people from all walks of life, such as celebrities and regular folk. It works to reduce wrinkling when people make facial gestures by paralysing nerves in the upper face. Dermal fillers on the other hand, fill in imperfections on the lower face and can also produce a lip pout or bigger cheeks.

Despite undoubted risks, many still continue to turn to these treatments. Currently in the UK, there are over 5,000 providers carrying out nearly 200,000 treatments each year. Some of the fillers offer temporary solutions, while others are permanent. With so many providers, it’s about time more regulation was put in place for the safety of consumers.

The new register requires treatment providers to pay registration and annual fees, in addition to promising a face-face consultation with all clients prior to any treatment. Providers must also ensure that the treatments take place in a safe and sterile environment by either a doctor, dentist, or registered nurse. The IHAS has yet to disclose where the collected fees will go and how they will be put to use.

Though some say it’s an attempt by the industry for self-regulation, heavy criticism has already started coming from plastic surgeons. A recent poll of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons concluded that only 4% would consider signing up. However, the consensus is that a separate set of new European regulations that are being discussed currently are said to likely be more robust and not disguised with other small changes not as widely known.

This registry begs the question for both providers and consumers, is it really worth it? The providers profit off consumers who wish to attain immortality in looking young, but the technical process for providers to keep their business in accordance with the law now seems quite tedious for the upkeep of such practices. Though it is pro-consumer by demanding more in standards, the future looks dim.

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Youthful Skin Without Surgery

Dermatologists have some encouraging news for everyone who wants to recapture Youthful Skin and skin tone but are hesitant to undergo any type of surgery.Youthful Skin According to new dermatology studies, there is a new method that uses a combination of soft dermal fillers and tissue tightening techniques that can practically rub out your wrinkles and renew old skin.

The landscape of dermatology and how it deals with aging has changed dramatically. Dermatologists no longer look at aging skin as particular wrinkles or folds. Instead, dermatologists look at the entire face. This new approach treats soft tissue as support below the visible layers of skin which in turn supports the deeper underlying fat layers for Youthful Skin.

With this view, dermatologists now realize that cheek volume is an important part of re-establishing the skin care balance and assignation most patients want in a younger looking appearance. Volumetric loss of this underlying cheek fat layer makes wrinkles and folds more pronounced.

There are many dermal filling agents available today that can fix facial contour imperfections that result from aging. First, a dermatologist will make sure to determine what a patient wants to improve about their face. What follows afterwards depends on patient preference and what needs to be treated. It is then determined what substance will be best suited to treat the patient’s unique contour imperfections and volume irregularities.

Deeper and denser dermal fillers, like calcium hydroxylapatite, polylactic acid, dimethyl methacrylate, hydrogen dioxide and hyaluronic acid, are are typically employed to add volume to volume irregularities. These compounds also diminish the wrinkles formed from bottom of the nose to both corners of the mouth.

The reason dermatologists are excited about these developments is because the more the field determines about facial anatomy, especially the varied lipid sections of the cheek and the deposits of discrete lipids that collect in middle of the facial structure, the more exacting they can be. These studies can greatly increase a dermatologist’s ability to restore vitality, voluminosity, youthful appearance to the face. It aids in adding the right shape the cheek during the volumetric lifting process.

In conclusion, dermatologists conclude that volumetric enhancement using thicker and deeper dermal fillers is rapidly becoming the key lynch pin of an effective facial and dermal revitalization for patients seeking a youthful appearance without having to undergo any major surgery.

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Most Dentists Favour Offering Botox In Their Practices

Botox training has become extremely popular and widespread amongst dental professionals. No longer accepted just among the Hollywood elite, average people have begun to see Botox’s benefits and use it themselves. When surveyed, nearly two-thirds of dentists don’t see any ethical problems with adding cosmetic Botox to the list of services they provide.

After all, dentists are very experienced in performing injections on a daily basis. Most dentists are also extremely knowledgeable about the anatomy of the entire head and neck area. With appropriate training, it is a small leap for dentists to begin incorporating Botox treatments into their daily practice.

The survey, which included 144 dental professionals, found that 62% not only accept Botox, but dermal fillers as well. Only 31% feel that it would be inappropriate for dentists to offer these cosmetic procedures in their practice. A mere 7% favor limiting the availability of Botox in dentists’ offices to therapeutic procedures.

Survey results not withstanding, there are as many opinions on the use of Botox as there are dentists. One dentist in general practice supports the idea, stating that the Academy of General Dentistry supports education and training for dentists in the administration of Botox. A cosmetic dentist from Kuwait makes the point that Botox is right at home in a dentist’s office, as it can help to correct a gummy smile. A prosthodontist agrees, recommending Botox for the treatment of TMJ.

One dentist in Minnesota advocates dentists as the most appropriate medical professionals to deliver Botox injections. Dentists have extensive training in head and neck anatomy, making them quite capable of performing the procedures. Perhaps even more importantly, dentists have a tendency to be somewhat artistic, as they deal with patient’s appearances every day. When dealing with aesthetic adjustments, this is an extremely desirable quality in a practitioner.

Despite the overwhelming numbers of dentists who approve of the use of Botox in dental practice, a good number of dentists dissent. Among this group, there seems to be a feeling that dentists should stay within their expertise and allow others to do the same. An oral surgeon in Florida feels this way, remarking that dermatologists and plastic surgeons do not attempt to perform complicated dental procedures.

Fortunately, the allowance of Botox treatment in dental offices is a personal choice. Dental professionals can decide on an individual basis whether or not to incorporate it in their own practices.

Botox Training for Dentists at Cosmetic Courses

If you are a dental professional considering a facial aesthetic courses then please contact our friendly and informative team who will be more than happy to answer any queries you may have.

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Dermal Fillers: Cosmetic Treatment without Surgery

Research shows that more and more people are opting to undergo cosmetic procedures, and one of the main factors preventing them from doing so is financial, rather than emotional. Among the cosmetic procedures being pursued, on of the newer options is the dermal filler. These are injections of a gelatinous substance which is used to fight off some of the effects of aging, such as wrinkles and folds in the skin. The active ingredient in these injections is hyaluronic acid. The name may sound dangerous, but hyaluronic acid is a substance found in the human body. Some of its properties are the ability to contain moisture, and to tighten up wrinkles, folds, and lines in the face. In addition to this, it is much less likely to cause allergies than most of the other options available.

Dermal fillers allow a person to achieve a more youthful appearance without the need to undergo a surgical operation. The gel is injected through the use of needles which are very tiny and cause minimal scarring. The procedure is usually undergone on the face, and anesthetic is used so that the person receiving the injections does not feel anything during the injection process.

Dermal fillers give the patient a natural looking appearance of youth. It is used to minimize frown lines, smile lines, cheek lines, and lines below and around the eyes. It can also be used to puff up a person’s chin and cheeks if they become saggy, as well as to give volume and shape to their lips. Acne scars can be reduced as well, and the nose can be sculpted in to a slightly different shape without the use of invasive surgery.

The visual signs of aging occur when collagen and hyaluronic acid levels decrease. Collagen gives flexibility and shape to human skin, while hyaluronic acid provides it with much needed moisture and volume. Dermal filler may contain both of these substances, replacing the portion that was lost with age, giving the face a more youthful appearance. Small particle fillers can be used to reduce thin lines, while larger particle fillers can be used for deeper folds and wrinkles.

Dermal filler injections typically take roughly half an hour. In some cases their may be swelling and discomfort, or redness and bruising. In most cases these effects are temporary. If they last for more than a few days than you should contact your doctor.

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Dermal Filler and Botox Cosmetic Training Courses

Surveys done by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons have identified botox cosmetics and dermal fillers as two anti-aging solutions that have attracted a lot of public demand: because they provide a non-invasive solution to looking younger. Plastic surgeons should consider adding these procedures to their practice. They are not only popular but can also be done in the office.

Hands On Training Programs

Although there are training programs throughout the UK to supply cosmetic experts, the best training will inevitably be hands-on training by a qualified doctor/surgeon.

While its possible to learn much from listening to lectures, watching power point presentations and studying textbooks, the most important skill to learn is how to skilfully administer injections. This can only be learned through a hands-on approach. A trainee who understands all about Botox Cosmetics and Dermal Fillers but not how to inject a patient’s face is poorly equipped for the real world.

Certified Instructors

While medical schools are taught by doctors who are experts in their specialty, the same criteria does not appear to be applied when it comes to non-invasive cosmetic training. Many of the instructors who teach about Botox Cosmetics and Dermal Fillers are not qualified. A trainee has to inquire about the qualifications of the instructors before enrolling in a school providing cosmetic training.

Post Training Support

Apart from getting hands-on training from a qualified and certified instructor, the trainee will also need post-training support. This will help with dealing with situations not covered during the training. While training programs may be able to cover a lot of ground, they can’t realistically cover everything, so questions based on exceptional situations will inevitably arise during the course of dealing with patients.

Additionally, the best training should also include ways to build an effective business practice.

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Smooth Away Wrinkles While You Shop – A Department Store First

In February 2010 Debenhams, the high street department store shoppers usually associate with fashions and furniture, became the first chain to banish customers wrinkles by selling Botox jabs to its customers. For a flat fee starting at £170, shoppers can spend their lunchtime improving their looks with a Botox procedure that generally takes around 45 minutes, including a total of 10 minutes for the jabs and a consultation with a physician in a private consulting room.

The Mediskin Cosmetic Laser Clinic was first rolled out in the Newcastle store. With the use of Botox for cosmetic enhancement in the UK up 2,500 percent in a three-year period, Debenhams is planning to make the clinics available nationwide in the near future. In addition to Botox, the clinics will offer other popular cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers, age and sun spot reduction, and removal of thread veins.

Botox works by blocking the signals from the brain that cause muscles to contract and move. Tiny injections into the sites where lines and wrinkles appear effectively freeze the muscles, causing a noticeable smoothing effect within three days. The effect lasts for three to four months for the first treatment, and up to six months for subsequent procedures.

Botox treatment has become wildly popular for eliminating crow’s feet and worry lines on the forehead, and gossip columns are rife with stories of celebrities such as Simon Cowell, Victoria Beckham and pop singer Fergie having Botox injections. It’s no wonder that ordinary British men and women are turning to the needle to get a quick and relatively cheap shot of youthfulness. Although some dermatologists warn against the long-term side effects of Botox, the injections have been used for 20 years to prevent eye squinting and it is clear from Debenhams’ move that consumers have come to regard Botox enhancements as a routine cosmetic procedure.

With the UK market estimated at over 100,000 Botox users a year, the Debenhams initiative may be the first sign of a rush to take advantage of the fastest-growing beauty lift in the cosmetic industry. Debenhams spokeswoman Ruth Attridge stressed the advantages to customers of being able to have the procedure done as part of their regular day, while stressing that the Botox jabs will be “all under the guidance of medical practitioners.”

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Women Increasingly Using Collagen Dermal Fillers on Feet

Plastic surgery usually makes people think about some of the more obvious and traditional procedures, including breast implants, face lifts,Collagen Dermal Fillers liposuction, and Botox injections. But you may be surprised to hear that, lately, women have been focusing on plastic surgery on another area of their bodies: their feet. But it is not all about appearance this time. More and more plastic surgeons are implanting collagen dermal fillers into the balls of women’s feet to help make the pain of wearing high heels just a little more bearable.

Women who are into wearing trendy stiletto heels are often burdened with the less-trendy foot pain that they cause. High heel shoes transfer weight into the toes and balls of the feet, focusing constant pressure on a part of the foot with a relatively small surface area. Over time, the fat in the balls of the feet deteriorates, and when this is combined with ageing, shoes can become quite uncomfortable and even painful.

The procedure required to implant dermal fillers is relatively cheap and painless, and you can recover quickly. The collagen contained in the implants is a natural protein found in skin tissue, so it breaks down over time and dissolves in the body naturally. That means, however, that the procedure must be repeated about every two to three months. Some women have chosen to undergo the procedure only every so often as needed. Cosmetic surgery clinics have seen a spike of interest in the procedure around the holiday season in particular, presumably due to holiday parties and more time spent in high-heeled shoes.

In 2009, sales in foot implants in the UK jumped five times the prior rate, and the number is expected to grow as the economy improves. Even celebrities are getting in on the trend. Last November, Victoria Beckham mentioned that she, too, was considering having work done on her feet to remove bunions formed from years of wearing heels. It was also said that she expressed interest in dermal fillers.

The trend in high heeled shoes does not seem to being changing anytime soon, and designers continue to challenge their clients with taller and more extreme footwear. Plastic surgery may seem to be an extreme decision, but if you’re on your feet often in heels, it could be a cheap and simple option to prevent more permanent damage!

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Dermal Fillers: A Valid Option For Jagged Acne Scars

Jagged acne scars are something that many people have to deal with. In cases where people have an outbreak of acne, it is almost certain to leave a small scar or two. There are three basic option that can help people deal with these jagged scars, which are basic cover-up cosmetics, laser surgery or a dermal filler.

You don’t need to be a special effects artist to be able to find the right products and apply them well enough to cover up any scars you want to hide. What has been commonly known as “camouflage cosmetics” are easy to apply and are especially helpful in covering up pigmented scars. They come in all sorts of color bases so you can find just the right one that will work for you.

There are alternatives for men and women in the cosmetic field, and another consideration that many people are now looking into is laser surgery. This is now a very simple procedure in which a laser can be used to remove the scar. There is usually a very short recovery period after the surgery, and it is also a painless surgery.

While the use of cosmetics and laser surgery are options, dermal fillers may present a more affordable option. Laser surgery is not cheap and may or may not be covered by some type of insurance. The use of cover-up cosmetics also work, but depending on how often you have to use them can also start to become very expensive. Dermal fillers may be worth the investment as a cheaper, long term option.

Dermal fillers come in the form of an injection. You will need to consult your physician before deciding you want to have this procedure done so you can decide on which injection will be right for you. There are basically three types of dermal fillers, which are silicon-based injections, hyaluronic acid, and calcium based dermal fillers. The cost for this procedure can be anywhere from around 200 pounds to about 1350 pounds depending on the treatment area. This is less than the cost of laser surgery and can be less than you will spend on camouflage cosmetics over the long haul.

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