Non-surgical options drive market for cosmetics procedures

According to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) a total of 55 million cosmetics surgery procedures will be performed in 2015, four times as many as occurred in 2005. Botox, fillers and lasers lead the way​Laser related procedures, cosmetics fillers and injectable toxins such as Botox will be driving this growth, according to the group.

Between 1992 and 2005 the number of non-surgical procedures grew annually by 27.9 per cent in comparison to a CAGR of 7.5 per cent for the surgical procedures, and the ASPS believe that this trend will continue. Similar results from the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) back up this hypothesis and suggest that non-surgical procedures will weather economic struggles better than their surgical counterparts. According to the survey consistent growth (ranging from 28 to 40 percent increases) has been seen in laser related procedures, cosmetic fillers and injections such as Botox over the last six months, despite an economic slowdown. "These findings indicate that for patients investing in the health and beauty of their skin is still a priority during unsteady economic times,"​ said ASDS president Dr Darrell Rigel. Are consumers blasé about the risks?​ However the popularity of non-surgical procedures may come with a price as the more frequent and available the treatment the more relaxed consumers may become towards the potential risks, particularly those concerned with choosing the right physician. "Our concern is that with predicted growth and interest in the broad spectrum of cosmetic procedures, patients will look to the closest, easiest solution,"​ said president of ASPS Richard D'Amico. And the 'closest, easiest solution' may not be the safest. A recent survey performed by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) states that younger woman are more likely to opt for non-surgical procedures but simultaneously pay less attention to safety. Women aged between 18 and 34 were more than three times as likely as women aged between 35 and 64 to have had non-invasive procedures at a medspa, according to the survey. Furthermore, when visiting the medspa, of those that had an opinion more than half indicated they would be comfortable if the physican were not present during a non-invasive procedure. According to AACS president Dr Steven Hopping medspas can provide a good service but consumers should always make sure there is a qualified physician doing the service.