Aesthetic Medicine’s top 10 stories of the year
In the developing aesthetics industry, news is changing and developing all the time. These are the stories that had our readers most interested over the year.
10. What is 'perception drift'?
Patient wellbeing takes full focus here, Dr Dianni Dai explained the phenomenon and how to manage patient expectations.
9. Government announces consultation for new licensing scheme
Probably the biggest development in licensing to date, the government announced a public consultation to help decide how to regulate practitioners and clinics working in the aesthetics sector.
8. Fat loss injections like Ozempic are trending but are they dangerous?
Fat loss injections saw a rise in interest throughout the year, Miss Sujatha Tadiparthi commented on the drawbacks in this May article. Later on in the year, the MHRA issued a warning regarding unsafe counterfeit weight loss pens, after a BBC documentary exposed beauty practitioners illegally selling semaglutide and knock-off alternatives.
7. New HIV cases linked to spa offering PRP facials
A total of 5 HIV infections were reported to have been linked to a unlicensed Spa in New Mexico, USA. The incidents were attributed to transmission from improperly sterilised equipment, highlighting the importance of adequate training and hygiene protocols.
6. Treating caesarean section scars
For Caesarean Awareness Month in April, experts came together to discuss the best way to treat scarring from the treatment.
5. New medical aesthetic prescribing programme launches across the UK
2023 saw the launch of new technologies in all areas of the sector, from new devices and products to new software and training, like this course designed to provide comprehensive education and support for aesthetic nurses aspiring to become prescribers.
4. The BAAPS releases statement about fillers’ impact on immune system
New research from the USA found that hyaluronic acid filler can block lymphatic drainage channels. The study was shared at the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) annual scientific conference, prompting a statement from the body.
3. In Memoriam: Dr Uchenna Okoye
The industry gained a lot, but we also lost some respected figures. Dr Uchenna Okoye was a well-known cosmetic dentist and TV personality.
2. What is the butterfly lip trend and why is it problematic?
Social media saw new aesthetics techniques trending, some more effective than others. Butterfly Lips cause controversy within the industry, with mixed reviews from patients.
1. How does vaping affect the skin?
Vaping is on the rise as an alternative to cigarettes, and also a recreational activity. Our readers were really interested in the effect it may have on the skin, making it our most-read story of 2023!