Welcome to our fifth A2 Trade Magazine–the 2020 edition. This special annual issue of A2 is for doctors and medical professionals only; and is not available for sale in stores or to the general public.

We provide this A2 Trade Magazine at local medical aesthetic congresses in South Africa (should they be taking place at the end of 2020 or early 2021), plus we also have soft copies available for doctors to download for free and read on any device from anywhere in the world. Download a free soft copy via the Magzter App – iTunes and Google Play (you need to be logged in to read the mag).

About A2 Trade

The A2 Trade Magazine was launched in 2016, and we’ve been delighted to see it going from strength to strength, and getting overwhelming positive feedback from the industry. Since this is a Trade-Only publication, the content focuses on innovations, techniques and trends in the aesthetics and anti-ageing industry, and is geared towards providing medical professionals in this field with information including techniques, new technologies and products available.

In this issue, it’s all about change – specifically, the change that the global COVID-19 has wrought on every industry, including yours. We’ve talked to a range of local industry professionals and experts to find out about some of the changes you can expect as we tread into the future with trepidation.

We source our story ideas from various local congresses (based on lectures given by the doctors), news from various plastic and aesthetic associations, updates from international workshops and topic suggestions from selected physicians. And then we tie it up in a neat bundle for your reading pleasure.

We’re sure you’ll enjoy this issue of A2 Trade Magazine, and are looking forward to the 2021 edition – which hopefully will look a whole lot different (and better) ‒ than the situation we find ourselves in now. Until then, please do feel free to stay in touch with us, send article recommendations or drop off some wine from your personal collection. We’ve been told red wine is just loaded with anti-oxidants :)

Lastly, don’t forget to stay up to date with our normal quarterly A2 Magazine available throughout the year in Woolworths, Dischem, Clicks and many other stores, including your app store. They make for great reading for you and your patients #justsaying.

Aesthetically yours,

The A2 team

In this 2020 edition

Aes-Ethics: Regulatory Review | You & Your Practice

Medical Ethics 101

A comprehensive overview on the case for moral excellence and high-level governance in med tech.

Aesthetic Medicine Telehealth in COVID-19

Dr Cobus van Niekerk reports on the Health Professions Council of South Africa’s revised regulations on the practice of telehealth in the midst of a pandemic.

Why Virtual Congresses are Becoming the New Reality

The days of jostling past conference delegates to get a seat at the front of a conference hall are not your only option anymore. Stephen Handisides looks at the benefits of virtual events for the aesthetics industry.

Brush up on Your Communication Skills

Good communication with your patients makes your job – and their reporting of history and symptoms – a whole lot easier. Mandy Collins imparts some pointers…

Integrative, Anti-Ageing & Aesthetic Modalities

More Than Just Lip Service

Dr Natalie Cordeiro reports on a new line of dermal fillers that are designed to enhance your patients’ beauty by preserving facial dynamism.

Injectables in a Post-pandemic World

The whole world is in chaos, everything is different, and nothing will ever be the same again. For aesthetic medical practitioners, this reset will not be easy, writes Dr Vernon Ching.

Beauty in the Time of Covid

Social media influencers and celebrities seem to have become irrelevant, along with the unrealistic beauty standards they promote. Dr Anushka Reddy takes a look…

Highlighting a new injection protocol

Medical highlighting is an innovative injectable technique that is dedicated to patients wanting to enlighten their face – and is often touted as the go-to-filler technique of choice for millennials. By Dr Anjana Bhana

The Challenge of the Art of Medicine

Dr Bernard Brom discusses how there’s much more art to medicine than science – and any attempt to try to push science to the forefront can remove the inherent power of the doctor/patient relationship.

The Obesity Pandemic: the Medication Approach

Dr Riekie Smit reports on the anti-obesity medications available, and whether they are safe and efficient for temporary and long-term use.

A New Frontier in Treating Hair Loss

Dr Catherine Davies discusses a discusses a pericyte hair growth procedure that has been attracting attention online recently.

Skin Systems

The Cutaneous Manifestations of COVID-19

Dr Jonathan Smith discusses the origin and outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, while highlighting the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and preventative measures thereof.

Going the Topical Route

A review on a non-invasive option for superficial basal cell carcinoma. By Paola Chellew

Improving Outcomes for Patients with Melasma

Melasma is a chronic skin condition that is difficult to treat, but tranexamic acid is showing great promise, writes Marcelle Salida, founder and president of SADPAS.

Pins and Needles

While microneedling has proven highly effective in treating a wide range of skin conditions and anti-ageing concerns, the success of the treatment actually relies on the practitioner’s technique, the quality of the device and the needles used. By Sonette Donker

Effectively Facilitating Scar Tissue Treatment

Dr Debbie Norval on effective scar treatment using thermomechanical ablation for transepidermal drug delivery.

Home-use Laser and Light Devices

Dr Tarryn Jacobs discusses the increasing popularity and convenience of home use light and laser devices amongst patients who prefer the DIY approach.

A Guide to Chemical Peels in Dark Skin

Dr Nomphelo Gantsho imparts tips on how to perform chemical peels safely and effectively on darker skinned patients.

Novelty Method to Stop and Reverse Skin Ageing

Menopause takes its toll on everything – including the skin. Dr Sly Nedic looks at how HRT can make a positive difference.