Aesthetic Medical Predictions for 2010

Francis X. Acunzo from Acara offered up his aesthetic medical predictions for 2010 . I think they are interesting – especially for aesthetic medical spas or medi spas. Here are the predictions with my comments following each.  

1. Dysport will become a strong competitor to Botox.
Susie: In time it might, however doctors doing aesthetics who are currently using Botox (that would be all of them) are not all that excited about changing to a new product. I think we need to see a more significant difference in price between Dysport and Botox before it becomes a strong competitor.  

2. Non-invasive body contouring will continue to grow in popularity lead by Erchonia’s Zerona.
Susie: Erchonia’s Zerona is new to me – interesting demo on Rachael Ray.  

3. Face lifts will continue to drop in demand while liquid face-lifts grow in popularity, especially with the younger market (40 -54 year olds)
Susie: I like the term “liquid face-lift.”  

4. Fat transfer, specifically for natural breast enhancement, will become sought after by women who were previously uncomfortable with implants.
Susie: I was surprised to learn that fat transfer or fat grafting can be done in-office under local anesthesia.  

5. Laser Lipolysis will continue to be one of the most in-demand medical aesthetic procedures due to its minimal downtime and great results.
Susie: This seems to be what others call Smart Lipo. It’s less invasive than traditional liposuction, however it is still surgery.  

6. The younger audience (24 – 40 year olds) will continue to discover aesthetic medical services for preventive aging. Unfortunately this seems to be true.
Susie: I have family members and friends in that age group and while a few seem to be thinking prevention, most seem to be using aesthetic medical services to improve what they think needs improving.  

7. There will be an increase in the number of men having aesthetic medical procedures starting with facial fillers and injectibles (i.e. Botox, Restylane, Radiesse, etc.)
Susie: I definitely agree and it isn’t just vanity…they want to stay competitive in the marketplace.  

8. The tipping point of when men and women want to have their tattoos removed will arrive and the demand will grow exponentially.
Susie: Interesting….I do think a tipping point is coming. Not sure why it would happen in 2010 (especially when money is tight) however it makes sense that tattoo removal will become more and more popular.  

9. Facial Rejuvenation will come of age as medical practitioners perfect their skill combining aesthetic medical facial procedures.
Susie: The key here is “perfect their skill” as people begin realizing that this isn’t just about skill – it is about art.  

10. What was an Extreme Makeover in 2003 when the then popular TV show hit the airwaves will now become the Everyday Makeover.
Susie: Well…that might be a bit of an exaggeration since most on that show went through major plastic surgery – not just the medical aesthetics listed above. However, I do agree that makeovers are very “in.”

Thanks Francis for keeping us on the cutting edge. (oops, sorry about that pun!)