Research strategy 2019-2024

The BAAPS is fully committed to ensuring the right information about cosmetic surgery is easily accessible by patients, whilst also driving forward the ongoing education, training and research of those professionals carrying out Aesthetic Plastic Surgery to benefit the public.

Research is critical for the advancement of medicine, for the improvement of health, and for the well-being of patients. BAAPS culture provides an ideal environment for multidisciplinary collaborations across institutions and our surgeons work together to translate innovative therapies for the patients. We would adopt a research growth strategy that targets new and diverse funding, increases research productivity, improves patient outcomes, disseminates knowledge more broadly, and more.

There is increasingly industry appetite for evidence based aesthetic outcome which will be harvested to fund these projects as well as BAAPS itself. The specialty has a sizeable cohort of enthusiastic, able trainees & fellows that can help with implementation of the strategy. (Forging a link with academic institutions may help with “certification” & verification of training & research).

Our mission statement:

Our research strategy provides an ambitious pathway that ensures to promote advances in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery through innovation in world-class research. Research is at the heart of our mission to create new knowledge and innovate for the benefit of society.  

Vision:

• BAAPS will actively contribute to the continuous development of the aesthetic surgical specialty at regional, national and international levels through a broad commitment to innovation, education, research and knowledge dissemination.
• The research infrastructure will support any worthwhile research initiative, including the involvement of all staff groups. The Research Section will encourage and support the writing of applications for funding.
• Every two years (in even-numbered years), the BAAPS will host a Research Day.
• Appointment of a Director of Research who will carry vision forward.
• Collaborative research with Industry should be supported and strengthened. Translational research has high priority and should be supported by closer collaboration with other institutes.

Research Priority Areas in the next Five years

Careful Attention should be given to producing stronger level of Evidence studies where ever possible on the following:

1. Developing and evaluating innovative techniques such as minimally invasive techniques in aesthetics for Surgical, Non-surgical & evidence-based outcome measures.
2. Surgical and Non-surgical Body contouring procedures and their safety such a BBL.
3. Self-esteem and dysmorphic concern relate to the desire for both Non-surgical and Surgical cosmetic procedures. Our aim is to support improved psychological assessment and outcomes as well as evaluate how the societal view of cosmetic surgery is influenced and aim to affect beneficial change.
4. Outcome research in aesthetic surgery.
5. Epigenetics and Regenerative Medicine in Aesthetics.
6. Curriculum dissemination in postgraduate minimally invasive aesthetics and regenerative medicine.
7. Generation of long-term safety data on the use of soft tissue fillers.
8. Creation of National registry for Adverse events concerning the use of soft tissue fillers.
9. Post massive weight loss surgery effectiveness & technical improvements.