Aesthetic medicine is probably a new term for many of you. Most of you will be well-acquainted with terms like ‘aesthetic’ and ‘medicine’. So, what is this new terminology that everybody is talking about? So, let us get started.
Aesthetic Medicine is an emerging field in cosmetology, which involves minimally invasive surgery or minor corrections through medical procedures. The goals are somewhat similar, like plastic surgery. The procedures are not as costly as major plastic surgeries, nor are they that risky. The downtime is also quite less, and patients often walk back to their homes on the same day, or within a few hours. That makes these procedures extremely popular today.
When Did Aesthetic Medicine Enter The Country?
Aesthetic medicine started percolating slowly into India, sometime in the late 90s. The Western countries were already enjoying the benefits when some of the plastic or cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists sought training from abroad, and started practicing in India. In the very beginning, very mild treatments came in, as most Indians are wary of invasive ones. Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and some laser-based treatments started doing the rounds. In the beginning, laser treatments were very costly, so most could not afford them. And, the results were not that promising either.
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As the 21st century began, laser cosmetic procedures started getting better. Moreover, the costs also went down, as more manufacturers started developing the machines. People gathered a little more courage and went for such procedures. However, it’s the celebrities who brought the culture to the forefront. The celebrities already had a fair tryst with such cosmetology treatments and interventions, when they went for shoots abroad. So, experts in aesthetic medicine roped these celebrities in, to propagate the idea on TV, radio, and other avenues. And thus, more people came to know about the safety aspect of the procedures, along with their successful results. And, many did not have to go that far, as celebrities came forward with huge transformations on screen, that gave away the secrets.
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Around the same time, Botox and Fillers also came in. These were supposed to erase wrinkles and fine lines, apart from giving a plump look to saggy areas. These treatments picked up quite fast, as they were cheap and downtime was low.
Scope of Aesthetic Medicine Sector in India
A lot of social changes have also taken place in India, over the last two decades. With the advent of the internet, more and more people can research and read about such procedures. Again, social media has changed the entire game. Cosmetology courses and cosmetic surgeries have gained a lot of prominence in the beauty sector as well. Today, there is a separate category of salons and parlours, which are called Aesthetic Clinics. One can get elaborate treatments as mentioned above in such clinics today. The good news is that this sector is thriving and India is the global hub for all kinds of skin, hair, and other cosmetic procedures. The low fees of medical professionals have become one of the strongest attraction factors today. And, India being the medical hub, more and more people will visit India from other developing and developed countries for such treatments.
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The Aesthetic Medicine sector is valued at Rs. 40,000 Crore, and is expected to grow at the rate of 10%. Although dominated by women consumers, men are also opting for cosmetic procedures to enhance their looks. Hair transplant happens to be one of the most popular treatments in India, for males.
Let us take a look at the top and emerging aesthetic procedures today.
Top Aesthetic Medicine Treatments
- Wrinkle Relaxing Treatments – These are among the most opted for treatments in this genre. Botox is the wonder ingredient which is injected into the facial tissues and muscles strategically, to give a fuller look, minus wrinkles. Fillers are also a part of the wrinkle-relaxing genre, where the chemicals are injected so as to give a more uplifted look. You will be amazed to know, that they are one of the most availed aesthetic treatments globally.
- Permanent Hair Removal – This is another procedure that people are opting for, to remove all the excess fuzz from their bodies. In fact, it has been one of the most popular treatments in India for a long time. Most working women or those attached to the entertainment industry find waxing and threading a chore. So, the next best way to manage excessive hair growth is to get permanent hair removal done. However, you should keep in mind that it has given just 90% successful results so far, and not 100%. However, that is quite a feat as well.
- PRP Treatments – It is a form of cosmetic injectable treatment, in which the patient’s own plasma filled with platelets, is taken out from one area and injected in another. This accelerates the body’s natural capability to produce collagen and elastin, which leads to skin rejuvenation. It is also called Vampire facial, in some places. Such treatments are also used to treat sports injuries and traumatic scar healing. Research has proven results for the same.
- Mesotherapy – This is another very popular treatment in the field of aesthetic medicine. The medical practitioner analyses the skin quality and finds out its needs. Thereafter, a healthy concoction of vitamins, enzymes, and hormones are injected into the top layers of the skin. If a typical beauty serum is absorbed by around 7% by your skin, with Mesotherapy the rate can go up to 70%.
- Medicated Facials – Medicated facials have become the talk of the town in recent times, as they have proven and quick results. You can target acne scars, sagging skin, and pigmentation with the help of such facials. Many clients have even started skipping salon visits, as they get more out of these med facials. Hydra Facial is one of them, which has managed to create quite a stir in the beauty industry.
- Skin Lightening – It is very common in Asian countries, where most women tend to have medium skin tone and tan a lot. Now, the good news is that such treatments not only lighten the face but the entire body. The secret is Glutathione Drips. This is the only procedure in the market, which provides full body skin lightening.
What Does The Future Behold?
With the advent of medical technology, people are enjoying an increased lifespan. So, the requirement for anti-aging treatments is also surging. No one wants to look their age today. Thus, you can expect the field to grow more and more.
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Additionally, with more and more advancements in manufacturing technology, better machines will flood the market, leading to lower costs. So, more and more people will be able to avail treatments that are reserved for the wealthy today. However, the biggest challenge that remains, is the availability of manpower. ILAMED enters the scene here, as the market leader in cosmetology and aesthetics education and training. Thus, you can be rest assured that this emerging field will surely take over many other in the times to come.