Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai co-develops silicone training head for periorbital and midface injecting

Consultant ophthalmic plastic reconstructive surgeon, Dr Sabrina Shah-Desai has joined forces with leading developer of silicone training heads, Ricky Zanco of Zanco Models, to create a gel pad which can be incorporated into the periorbital and midface regions of Zanco’s popular training models.

Originally developed for botulinum toxin training, the handmade silicone heads have been created to feel like real skin. This makes them ideal for filler training for the periorbital and central face for indications such as the superior sulcus, tear troughs, cheek and temple. The silicone heads are a safe way of learning techniques in these high-risk areas for novice injectors and are equally useful for experienced injectors to practise new or more advanced techniques before trying them out on their patients.

Dr Shah-Desai commented, “I combine the micro-precision of eye surgery, with the aesthetic concepts of facial plastic surgery. I do this on a daily basis in my clinic for patients needing natural looking bespoke eyelid lifts, scar-less droopy eyelid correction and revision cosmetic eyelid surgery. I am always looking at ways that can improve safety in this field and saw that there was a gap in the market for an advanced silicone head – which is why I developed the ‘Facial Filler Training Head.’ This will now enable practioners to be trained more effectively, practice their techniques to improve their skills and therefore deliver better service to clients and increased safety."

Ricky Zanco added, “We believe that there is a need in the medical market for highly realistic products, that give the user a more accurate and realistic training experience. Our aim is to create models that react as near to a real life as possible, allowing trainees to learn and develop in confidence.”