Despite problems with the economy, the medical aesthetics field is booming

At the 10th annual International Master’s Course on Aging Skin in Paris in January, a dermatologist from Australia asked a panel of physicians how a recession would affect their practices. If people don’t have money, he said, they won’t be able to afford medical aesthetic treatments. Then what?

The physicians looked at each other and David Pyott, CEO of Allergan, spoke. “That won’t happen,” he said. “There’s no end in sight” for the people who want aesthetic services or for the doctors providing them.

Indeed, physicians are riding a wave that will not crash to shore anytime soon. Markets in the United States, Asia, India and Latin America are exploding with people who are choosing minimally invasive procedures to erase lines, tighten skin and melt fat.

True to the laws of supply and demand, a plethora of products is entering the marketplace. Among trends, noninvasive body contouring devices are making a strong impact in Europe. Although only two devices have received FDA approval for cellulite treatment in the United States, exhibitors at IMCAS showcased 22 devices for body contouring alone. According to industry sources, this is an area where we’ll see robust product development.

Fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing also is making a strong impact. Manufacturers have listened to physicians’ demands for better results and are offering devices that selectively ablate the skin, but without the extended downtime and risks of the classic CO2 laser.

Exhibitors also touted the latest fillers. Creating great interest among doctors were the hyaluronic materials that contain lidocaine. Although the first needle stick will still hurt, waiting 30 seconds will ensure the procedure is painless, even in the lips.

Although many of the fillers that premiered at the show will not find their way to the United States, the ones American physicians are excited about are Puragen,T a double-crossed-linked HA, Prevelle SilkT and Juvederm Ultra 3.T These fillers have lidocaine in the formulation. Timelines for a U.S. debut are unknown, however.

Because medical aesthetics is a hotbed of innovation, you have numerous options to address your patients’ needs. Before making any purchases, though, do your homework. Look at the clinical trials, see the outcomes and compare those against competitors. Your patients want results. It’s your job to deliver them.

- Maria Wolf, editor Healthy Aging magazine