Aesthetic medicine is one of the fastest-growing medical specialties, with an estimated $1.9 billion in sales in 2016. This growth is due in part to the increasing demand for treatments that improve the appearance of people both inside and outside the clinic. One of the most important technologies that aids in the delivery of aesthetic medicine is laser surgery. By using lasers to remove unwanted skin, wrinkles, and other blemishes, doctors are able to improve patients’ appearances dramatically. Learn more about the future of aesthetic medicine and how technology is helping to shape it in this blog post.
What is Aesthetic Medicine?
Aesthetic medicine is a growing field of medical practice that focuses on restoring or improving the appearance of the patient. While there are many techniques and treatments available, some of the most common aesthetic procedures include laser hair removal, Botox injections, fillers, and skin resurfacing surgery.
One of the primary reasons aesthetic medicine has become so popular is due to advances in technology. Today’s technologies allow doctors to provide more effective and permanent treatments than ever before. Laser hair removal is now typically performed using lasers that are much more powerful and efficient than those used in the past. Likewise, Botox injections are now available in a variety of formulations that are much more effective at treating wrinkles and other facial lines than traditional botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX®).
In addition to technology, another important factor driving the growth of aesthetic medicine is the changing attitude towards beauty. More and more people are choosing to focus on their appearance rather than simply trying to hide their flaws. This shift has led to a demand for treatments that can help individuals look their best without resorting to surgeries or invasive procedures.
Types of Aesthetic Procedures
There are a variety of aesthetic procedures available to patients today, from traditional surgeries like facelifts and breast reductions to less invasive interventions like fillers and Botox. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most popular types of aesthetic procedures and explore the technology behind them.
Facelift: A facelift is one of the most common types of aesthetic surgery. It’s a surgical procedure that helps to improve the contour, nasolabial fold (a line that runs from just below your nose down towards your lip), and symmetry of your face. The surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes about two hours.
Breast Reduction: A breast reduction is another common type of aesthetic surgery. It helps to reduce the size of your breasts without affecting their appearance or function. The surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes about two hours.
Fillers: Fillers are medical products that are injected into areas you want to improve your appearance. They’re used in a variety of cosmetic procedures, including facelifts, breast reductions, and liposuction. Some common filler ingredients include hyaluronic acid (a naturally occurring substance found in the body), collagen (from animal tissue), and fat cells (which are frozen and then injected into the skin).
Botox: Botox is a medication used to treat wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet, age spots, blemishes, acne scars, and other skin conditions. It’s injected into the skin in a series of small doses to relax the muscles that cause these conditions. Botox is generally safe and well-tolerated, with few side effects.
The Future of Aesthetic Medicine: Technology
Aesthetic medicine is an evolving field that is constantly growing and changing. Some of the latest technologies used in aesthetic medicine include botulinum toxin type A, juvederm, fillers such as Juvéderm Voluma, Radiesse, and Restylane Lyft, laser hair removal protocols such as CO2 laser and IPL, and various surgical procedures such as liposuction.
Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has been used for years to treat a variety of conditions including glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows), neck wrinkles, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. The BTX-A injections are done under local anesthesia by a doctor in a clinical setting. The BTX-A injection paralyzes the muscles responsible for the particular wrinkle or stretch mark. After the injection, your doctor will give you instructions on how to use cold spoons or ice packs to reduce swelling. In most cases, patients see results within two weeks.
Juvéderm is a gel filler that was originally developed for treating wrinkles and folds around the mouth. It has since been reformulated to be more effective for other areas of the face including eyes, cheeks, lips and chin. Juvéderm can be injected using a syringe under local anesthesia or with a topical cream applied directly to the skin. Results can be seen within two months but may take up to 12 months for full improvement.
