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Botox Popularity Continues and Capturing this Market Takes Hands-On Botox Training

March 18, 2010 | jeff

The recently published ASAPS 2009 Statistics supports the position that botox, as well as the other top 4 non-surgical procedures: laser hair removal, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, chemical peels and microdermabrasion, will continue to be the aesthetic treatments of choice in the next decade. However, only physicians who have completed comprehensive, multi-day programs, akin to those offered through organizations like the International Association of Physicians for Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM), can safely and successfully capture their portion of this consistently growing market.

Americans spent over 10.5 billion dollars on cosmetic procedures last year. While surgical procedures declined by 17% over 2008 values, non-surgical treatments increased from 2008 to 2009 by 1%. Leading the way in minimally-invasive modalities was botox. There were 2,557,068 botox injections preformed, followed closely by hyaluronic acid injections (1,313,038 procedures). Given this surge in the popularity of injectables, coupled with the proliferation of tragic stories about DIY botox and dermal fillers, the importance of hands-on, physician-lead botox training has never been more important. The IAPAM recognizes this professional need, and offers the industry’s best training, delivered by board-certified dermatologists acutely familiar with the skin, and the technique and art of injectables.

A Decade of Botox “Rule”

In 1997, chemical peels were the most popular cosmetic procedure preformed, representing 21.9% of the market. Chemical peels were followed closely by collagen injections representing 16.5% of cosmetic procedures preformed. Interestingly, botox injections captured only 3.1% of the total market in minimally-invasive procedures.

However, in 2000, botox surpassed chemical peels as the most favored non-surgical cosmetic procedure, and for the last 10 years, botulinum-type toxin injections have commanded the aesthetic medicine arena.

Jeff Russell, Executive Director of the IAPAM has witnessed the domination of botox and all minimally-invasive treatments in cosmetic medicine. “We are hearing from our members that minimally invasive procedures like botox, dermal fillers as well as microdermabrasion have exploded in demand, and we are seeing a correlating increase in the demand for our botox training. Registration for our flagship training program: the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposium, has also dramatically increased in the last 6 months. Physicians are realizing they not only need to offer botox treatments to their patients, but also laser hair removal, IPL skin rejuvenation, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion, and organizations like the IAPAM educate doctors on how to package treatments for the most appealing and profitable outcomes.”

Botox Popularity Grows Among Men and Ethnic Groups

Other interesting change in the aesthetic medicine landscape has been in patient profiles. In 1997, women represented between 85% – 94% of the market for all non-invasive procedures. Today, however, one of the largest growth areas for cosmetic injectables, and specifically botox, is among male patients. From Simon Cowell to Mark Spitz, botox is fast becoming a staple in the male anti-aging arsenal. Between 2008 and 2009, where growth in botox injections for women was only 2%, the market for men exploded by 14.5%.

Another area where cosmetic injectables, and all procedures, are gaining popularity is among ethnic populations. In 1997, 85% of cosmetic procedure patients were caucasian. Today, that number has dropped to 77.9% and non-whites now represent 22% of all patients for cosmetic procedures.

However, treating ethnic skin, particularly with lasers, requires specialized knowledge and aesthetic medicine training. Darker skin tones are more of a challenge for skin rejuvenation physicians, and “in order to capture this growing patient niche, experienced doctors should entertain supplemental aesthetic treatment training, such as is offered by IAPAM and other professional associations,” reminds Russell.

Botox for the Young

Patients, ages 35 to 50 represented 44 % of the all cosmetic procedure patients in 2009, and botox was the number one cosmetic procedure in this age range, representing 49.1% of the total. Interestingly, botox represented 49.1% of all cosmetic procedures in 2008 as well. However, within the botox patient population, there was a notable increase in botox use among patients 18 years of age and younger . In 2008, the ASAPS reported 8,194 botox injection procedures for young people, or 0.3% of the total. In 2009, that number had increased significantly to 12,110 or 0.5% of the total. Re-packing “anti-aging” treatment so that they appeal to younger patients will be a critical success factor in medspa profitability in 2010 and beyond.

Botox Training is the Key to Capturing the Market Growth

Given the increases outlined in the ASAPS Statistics, as well as feedback from the members of accredited aesthetic medicine associations, like the IAPAM, engaging in responsive aesthetic medicine training is the key to building a profitable practice. Tiered training, like that offered by the IAPAM, allows physicians to evolve their treatment competencies, and keep current with changes in treatments, technologies and patient profiles.

For more information on the IAPAM’s individually tailored training programs: The Aesthetic Medicine Symposium, Botox / Dermal Filler Bootcamps, and/or The IAPAM’s Advanced Dermal Filler Training, please see: http://www.iapam.com or contact Jeff Russell at 1-800-219-5108 x705.

About the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits. IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs). Information about the association,
or about physician certification, can be accessed through the IAPAM’s website http://www.iapam.com or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 x705
e-mail: info@theiapam.com
web: http://www.IAPAM.com