Regenerative medicine is the buzzword on everyone’s lips and is rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting developments in aesthetics today. Its allure lies in its ability to address the root causes of ageing rather than merely treating superficial symptoms. By tapping into the body's innate healing mechanisms to stimulate tissue repair and promote cellular regeneration, this expanding field offers a new horizon of possibilities for skin and hair rejuvenation, with many experts touting it as the future of aesthetic medicine.
This was backed up by the results of our annual survey, which showed that this was an area 64.1% of respondents were interested in due to its promise to ‘transform skin from within’.
Regenerative aesthetics may be gaining traction right now, with the widespread adoption of treatments like polynucleotides and exosomes, but it has actually been around for many years with treatments like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), with its roots dating even further back in the fields of wound healing and tissue repair in general medicine.
Regenerative medicine encompasses a wide spectrum of treatments aimed at harnessing the body's existing healing processes and stimulating collagen production. These treatments target aesthetic concerns such as lines, wrinkles, and sun damage and promote overall skin health and vitality.
This allows for a more holistic approach to aesthetics, offering more natural-looking results and aligning with what patients are requesting in clinic.
Dr Manav Bawa, Medical Director of Time Clinic, comments, "A really nice key trend in 2024 that I’m seeing is patients coming in wanting more natural results. I’m really glad that a lot more patients are now coming in saying, ‘I want to look the best version of myself.’ For me, that’s music to my ears."
But how exactly do these treatments work, and what sets them apart?
PRP is a natural method of skin and hair rejuvenation and wound healing that uses the body’s own natural resources to improve the skin's tone and texture and promote hair growth on the scalp.
The treatment requires a small sample of the patient’s blood to be taken, which is then spun in a centrifuge and separated into red blood cells, platelets, and serum. The platelets are then injected back into the area of the body that requires stimulation and rejuvenation.
You may have heard it called the “vampire facial”, a term coined by PRP pioneer Dr Charles Runels when it first started garnering press coverage back in 2013 after Kim Kardashian posted a picture of herself with a bloodied face on social media.
Polynucleotides represent a revolutionary approach to skin regeneration. Polynucleotides are long chains of nucleotides that make up DNA and RNA molecules. Derived from fragments of fish DNA, these molecules stimulate fibroblasts at a cellular level, promoting restoration and rejuvenation of the skin. Unlike hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, the aim is not purely to add volume but to regenerate.
With their anti-inflammatory and collagen-boosting properties, polynucleotides offer a natural alternative to traditional injectables, catering to patients seeking subtle, long-term results.
The applications of polynucleotides span a broad spectrum, from treating fine lines and wrinkles to addressing hyperpigmentation and hair loss. Their versatility and efficacy make them an attractive option for patients seeking comprehensive rejuvenation.
Polynucleotides also carry a lot less risk compared to many other injectables.
In addition, polynucleotides work well alongside other treatments, enhancing their effects by boosting the longevity of anti-wrinkle injections.
Exosomes have emerged as a frontier in regenerative research. These nano-sized vesicles, produced by cells in living organisms, act as messengers, delivering essential proteins and growth factors to damaged cells and initiating the regeneration process.
Most practitioners apply exosomes topically or deliver them via microneedling. This involves creating tiny punctures in the skin (or scalp) with small needles attached to a pen, stamp or roller. The exosome solution can then penetrate the skin to start the regeneration process.
Exosomes can treat a wide range of concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, scars, sun damage, sagging skin, uneven texture, restricted hair growth and poor scalp condition. To add to the regenerative benefits, they can also be ‘loaded’ with additional cargo, such as growth factors.
Exosomes can come from plants, animals, or human sources, but beware that cosmetic or off-label use of human biological products is illegal in Europe and the UK.
In addition, no exosomes have been approved by the likes of the Food & Drug Association (FDA) or the MHRA, so you cannot inject them.
As the demand for regenerative aesthetics continues to rise, practitioners must stay abreast of emerging trends and innovations. At Hamilton Fraser, we are proud to provide insurance cover for the most comprehensive range of cosmetic treatments in aesthetics and support aesthetic practitioners in integrating regenerative medicine into their clinics. With comprehensive coverage for a range of cosmetic treatments, including polynucleotides, Hamilton Fraser can provide cover for doctors, dentists, nurses, dental hygienists, dental therapists, pharmacists, paramedics, operating department practitioners and physiotherapists within their medical malpractice insurance policy.
Polynucleotides are covered as standard for these medical professionals under mesotherapy skin rejuvenation, provided you have the relevant qualifications to perform this treatment. Training needs to be undertaken with a medical professional. If you have any queries about your cover please contact the Hamilton Fraser team at 0800 63 43 881 or request a call back and a member of our team will contact you to discuss your requirements.
As practitioners integrate these principles into their practices, and as the science continues to advance, we predict a paradigm shift in the way aesthetic medicine is practised. In The Journal of Aesthetic Nursing, BACN chair Sharon Bennett wrote that regenerative medicine was “reshaping the aesthetic landscape, offering innovative solutions that extend beyond solely cosmetic enhancements.” We look forward to seeing what the future holds.
You can read more about the 2024 trends we have predicted in our article on Emerging aesthetic trends and technologies in 2024.
At Hamilton Fraser, we offer more than just insurance. For more advice and information, contact Hamilton Fraser on 0800 63 43 881 or get a quote today.
