In the pursuit of self-reinvention and confidence, medical aesthetics emerges as a powerful tool for reshaping not only the outer appearance of individuals but also their lives as well. Medical aesthetics is a growing area of modern medicine that focuses on improving the cosmetic appearance of an individual through various medical treatments. The idea of medical aesthetic treatments has been around for centuries, with the first record of performing these procedures being found in a medical text from ancient Egypt in 1600 BCE. People in Egypt used different oils, waxes, and salts to change and improve their appearance. A more detailed description of plastic surgery and aesthetics can be found in ancient India, with the clinical text on Indian operations, the ‘Sushruta Samhita’ written around 800 BCE, which focused on a good understanding of human anatomy and provided information on surgical instruments and reconstruction techniques of noses and cheeks. With technological advancements, medical aesthetics became increasingly popular in the late 1800s. By the end of the 20th century, there was a well-documented history of cosmetic procedures such as eyelid surgery, facial lifts, breast implants and augments, hair transplants, fat reduction, and skin resurfacing. However, Botulinum toxin was the real game-changer when it was approved for cosmetic use by the FDA in 2002. Afterwards, in 2003, the FDA approved Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (HA dermal fillers), bringing the much-anticipated innovation to all types of face and non-face augmentation products.
Therefore, over the years, technological advancements along with the desire for longer youth, the influence of social media and the hype bolstered by some beauticians and aesthetic practitioners has contributed towards the demand of medical aesthetic treatments. These treatments have become increasingly popular due to their applications in slowing down the aging process. It is interesting to note that nearly 33 million medical aesthetic procedures were performed in the year 2022, worldwide. Moreover, at present, women dominate the medical aesthetics industry with over 90% market share. The popularity of these treatments has had a significant impact on the practices of many cosmetic dermatologists and general medical practitioners as well as plastic surgeons and dentists. Therefore, several medical aesthetics companies are now offering medical aesthetics products and devices that offer better results with minimal downtime.
What is Medical Aesthetics?
Medical Aesthetics is an area of medicine that specializes in improving the cosmetic appearance of an individual through non invasive and minimally invasive procedures. It combines the expertise of the medical field with aesthetic sensibilities to tackle a variety of cosmetic issues and promote overall health and wellness. Medical Aesthetics encompasses a wide variety of treatments, including injectables, such as Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels, aesthetic implants and professional laser hair removal and body contouring devices. The aim of aesthetic treatments is to achieve a natural-looking result while taking into account the individual’s unique characteristics and preferences. These treatments can help in treating skin abnormalities, such as scars, laxity, wrinkles, moles, pigmentation, and liver spots (age spots) by boosting collagen, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, lifting flabby skin and skin rejuvenation. In fact, medical aesthetic treatments can also help in reducing excess fat and cellulite, unwanted hair, and spider veins. Most of the medical aesthetic procedures involve fewer complications and shorter recovery periods, making them a promising alternative for those looking to improve their appearance.
Types of Medical Aesthetics Procedures
The following figure presents the two types of medical aesthetic procedures offered by medical aesthetic companies.
- Non Invasive Procedures: The procedures and treatments that do not involve the utilization of instruments / techniques that puncture the skin and enter into internal organs / body cavities are commonly referred to as non invasive procedures. It is worth mentioning that most of the medical aesthetic procedures are non invasive / non-surgical in nature. This can be attributed to the fact that these treatments do not involve full-fledged operation. resulting in less pain, minimal discomfort, involves fewer risks and requires short hospital stays while providing long-lasting results. Therefore, medical aesthetic companies are primarily focused on finding ways to make their products and devices easier to operate and less invasive.
If you are looking for a minimally invasive or non invasive way to enhance your appearance, look no further! Medical aesthetic procedures, such as Botulinum toxin and aesthetic fillers can be used to improve your appearance by skin rejuvenation and skin tightening. Other commonly performed non surgical procedures include body contouring, laser hair removal, tattoo removal and nail treatments. Body contouring devices are used for skin tightening, fat reduction and cellulite reduction purposes. These non invasive and minimally invasive procedures can be performed at a medical aesthetic clinic and also at hospitals and medical spas making it feasible and accessible for various end user.
- Invasive Procedures: The procedures and treatments that involve the utilization of instruments / techniques that puncture the skin and enter into internal organs / body cavities, usually to form an incision are referred to as invasive procedures. These treatments are prone to show post-operative side effects, generally scarring. Some commonly performed invasive procedures include liposuction, breast implants, gluteal implants, eyelid surgery, ear surgery and face lifts.
Breast implants are the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. This is due to increased incidences of breast cancer. Moreover, constant innovations are taking place in the field of breast implants. Medical aesthetics companies are consistently innovating and expanding their existing product portfolios to provide natural looking results to people seeking breast augementation procedures. Some of the medical aesthetic companies are working in developing micro-implants. Additionally, some of the medical aesthetics companies and their R&D team are also evaluating the potential of stem cell breast implants. Further, some plastic surgeons are also working in developing lightweight silicone aesthetic implants by reducing the weight of breast implants by 30%. All these innovations are crucial to drive the growth of breast implants market. These invasive procedures can also be performed at a medical aesthetic clinic and also at hospitals and dermatology centers to make it accessible for various end user.
Applications Offered by Medical Aesthetic Products / Devices
Medical aesthetic products and devices are known to offer numerous applications. The following figure presents the applications offered by medical aesthetic companies.
- Enhanced Appearance: The main advantage of opting for any medical aesthetic procedure is the improvement of one’s physical appearance. These treatments can be used for any body part, resulting in more youthful, revitalized, and nourished skin.
- Better Health: These treatment options offer various health benefits as well, such as Botulinum toxin helps in limiting sweating and migraines. Moreover, body contouring and breast reduction procedures can help in overcoming physical discomfort experienced on a routine basis.
- Long-lasting Results: These treatments typically offer results that stay for longer durations of time, making them a promising alternative for people tired of visiting salons after short intervals of time.
- Increased Self Esteem: Physical appearance can significantly impact a person’s confidence at times. These treatments help people to feel more comfortable in their own skin.
- Low Maintenance: The affordable cost and long-lasting benefits of medical aesthetic treatments make them a suitable and low maintenance option for the end-user.
Side-Effects of Medical Aesthetic Procedures
Although medical aesthetic procedures offer several advantages, there are certain side-effects associated with them.
The following figure presents the challenges associated with medical aesthetic procedures.
- Pain: It is the most commonly experienced side-effect, post any medical aesthetic procedure. Normally, pain relievers are prescribed to alleviate the discomfort experienced by a patient.
- Inflammation: Some parts of the body, such as the face, are more prone to inflammation. Therefore, to mitigate this, vitamins and supplements are often prescribed prior to the procedure.
- Hypersensitivity: Certain products, such as dermal fillers used in medical aesthetic procedures can trigger immunological reactions, such as hypersensitivity. Therefore, it is advised to perform skin-test prior to administration of such gel-based treatments.
- Scarring: Scarring after the operation is another side-effect commonly experienced after medical aesthetic treatments. It can occur due to infections, tissue necrosis and abnormal healing tendencies.
- Muscle Loss: Muscle weakening and loss may occur after a procedure, usually due to spreading of product into unintended areas of the body.
Future Perspectives
It is evident that medical aesthetics have revolutionized the field of skincare and dermatology by offering a number of advanced products, devices, and treatment options including aesthetic fillers, breast implants and innovative laser hair removal and body contouring devices. Despite all the advantages, there are certain challenges which are important to overcome in order to drive substantial growth within the industry. Increased awareness among people and a higher number of licensed medical professionals can help in driving the future of this market. Currently, North America leads in terms of adoption of medical aesthetic procedures. However, increased awareness, campaigns and medical tourism can propel the medical aesthetics industry growth in developing regions, including Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East. Further, the low cost of these procedures can potentially accelerate the demand for such treatments in the coming years. Although the medical aesthetics sector appears to have a promising future, the success will be primarily determined by the efforts of medical aesthetics companies to capitalize on the growth trends and meet consumer expectations. Considering the aforementioned factors, we are led to believe that the medical aesthetics market is likely to witness rapid growth over the forecast period.
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