Leaders in Aesthetic Medicine Gather for Landmark BCAM Event

Over 100 aesthetics practitioners attended the British College of Aesthetic Medicine’s 2026 annual conference, enjoying a full day of panel discussions, networking, and expert TED Talk-style presentations.

The event took place at the beautiful Pullman London in King’s Cross on Saturday, May 2.

To celebrate the organisation’s 25th anniversary, delegates and members were treated to a programme of expert talks from some of the most respected and well-known names in the aesthetics industry.

BCAM President, Dr Sophie Shotter, opened the day with a warm welcome, providing an overview of the schedule and what attendees could expect throughout the event.

The first speaker, Dr Paul Charlson, delivered a sponsored presentation on the versatility of biostimulation, focusing on FILLMED products Juvelook and Lenisna.

Dr Steven Harris then explored the use of ultrasound during lip filler procedures, highlighting what it reveals about lip anatomy. He outlined how the technology can offer valuable insight, particularly for those aiming to achieve more subtle, refined results.

Dr John Quinn guided the audience through a range of laser and light-based devices, comparing their similarities and differences, and outlining the most appropriate clinical scenarios for each. With the vast number of technologies currently available, this session provided useful insight into alternative options practitioners may wish to consider for their clinics.

With safety at the forefront of medical aesthetics, Professor Sebastian Cotofana’s talk on facial danger zones served as a powerful reminder of the complex vascular anatomy of the face. He emphasised the potential for adverse outcomes if incorrect techniques or placement choices are made, leaving a strong impression on the audience.

A particularly engaging mid-morning session came from Dr Christine Hall, who presented on The Future of Aesthetic Medicine, looking to South Korea for insight. She described the country as being 10–12 years ahead of other developed nations, with regenerative medicine techniques emerging as early as 2014.

However, she also addressed some of the challenges South Korea has faced due to this rapid advancement, including societal pressures and high suicide rates. Her conclusion highlighted the importance of learning from both the successes and shortcomings of more advanced markets, allowing others to adopt best practices while avoiding potential pitfalls.

One of the most vibrant parts of the day was a panel discussion featuring four founding members of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine. These clinicians have witnessed the industry’s evolution since the late 1980s, from early use of fillers and collagen to the growing prominence of regenerative medicine.

The original founding members invited to speak included Dr Rajiv Grover, Dr John Curran, Dr Mike Comins, and Dr Paul Cronin.

The panel was chaired by President Dr Sophie Shotter, who led a series of thought-provoking questions that kept the audience fully engaged.

Dr Rebecca Norman, trustee of the BCAM board, chaired a spirited discussion on whether filler is “dead,” joined by Dr Steve Harris, Julie Scott, and Dr Rashpal Singh.

Multiple other speakers talked about their specialities on the day including Dr George Christopoulos, Dr Mayoni Goonerate, Dr Ahmed El Houssainy, Dr Sabrina Karim, Mr Dalvi Humzah, Sarah McNulty-Bow, Miss Natasha Berridge, Lorna Bowes, Dr Kevin Matthews, and Dr Souphiyeh Samizadeh.

The conference placed a strong emphasis on regenerative medicine and the future of aesthetic practice. This forward-looking focus was particularly fitting as the organisation celebrated 25 years of progress while reflecting on its achievements.

Trustee of BCAM, Dr Rebecca Norman said: “We’ve had a really good conference this year. It’s such a lovely opportunity to celebrate 25 years of BCAM. We’re always here for our members. We want to empower them, educate them, educate patients, and the conference every year is just a highlight of the calendar.”