Latest Trends in Aesthetic Medicine

The biggest trend in the aesthetic medicine arena is the shift from patients undergoing radical surgical facelifts and other surgical improvements, toward clients opting for a suite of non-surgical or minimally invasive anti-aging procedures on the face and body. Cost, given the current economic downturn, as well as recovery time, seem to be the key factors in streaming patients away from spending $15,000 on a facelift, and alternatively investing $1,500 in Botox or dermal filler procedures. Indeed, in these tough economic times, many people are finding themselves out of work, and to position themselves in a tougher employment market, recognize the need to turn back the hands of time and give them a more youthful, fresh look.
Unquestionably, the top trends right now are Botox injections to smooth wrinkles, dermal fillers injections to fill those facial folds and enhance the lips, and chemical peels or microdermabrasion procedures to give the skin a more youthful glow.

Regarding aesthetic technology, clearly the hottest new medical tool is the use of laser or ultrasound to assist in liposuction treatments.  These technologies are improving exponentially, resulting in less pain and downtime for the patient.  These treatments are not meant as a replacement to traditional surgical liposuction, but for localized body fat areas around the abdomen, thighs, arms, etc., this technology offers noticeable results at a lesser price point, minimal recovery time and with fewer post-procedure risks.

Ultimately, the most important thing to keep in mind is to make sure you have a properly trained healthcare professional performing the procedures.
Any single improvement in technology or industry-leading procedure in aesthetic medicine requires the commitment of the medical community to continuing education and professional training in these latest trends.

Jeff Russell
Executive-Director, IAPAM