Aesthetic medicine, also known as cosmetic or aesthetic dermatology, is a field of medicine that focuses on improving appearance through non-invasive or minimally invasive cosmetic medical procedures. Also known as medical aesthetics, this field combines advancements in dermatology, plastic surgery and alternative medicine to develop procedures that can reduce signs of aging and enhance one’s physical appearance.
History of Aesthetic Medicine
The foundation of Aesthetic Medicine began in the early 20th century when dermatological procedures like chemical peels and laser resurfacing emerged. In the 1950s and 60s, the advent of new injectable fillers and botulinum toxins revolutionized non-surgical rejuvenation. However, it was not until the 1990s and early 2000s that aesthetic medicine truly emerged as a standalone specialty. Advances in laser and light technologies, skin care products and minimally-invasive techniques allowed practitioners to offer more natural looking results with minimal downtime for patients. Today, the non-surgical and surgical options in aesthetic medicine are constantly evolving to meet the growing demands of patients.
Common Non-Surgical Procedures
Some of the most widely performed non-surgical procedures in aesthetic medicine today include botulinum toxin treatments (e.g. Botox), dermal fillers, laser skin treatments and chemical peels. Botulinum toxin is a widely popular method for temporarily reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions. Dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid are commonly used to add volume and lift sagging areas on the face, like the cheeks and lips. Laser skin treatments use highly concentrated beams of light to reduce discoloration, age spots, sun damage, acne scars and fine lines. Chemical peels exfoliate the skin with a combination of acids and other chemicals to smooth texture, even tone and reduce acne scarring. These minimally-invasive treatments offer natural looking results with little to no downtime.
Non-Invasive Body Contouring Options
Aesthetic medicine has also advanced non-invasive body contouring techniques in recent years. CoolSculpting is a popular fat reduction method that uses controlled cooling to eliminate fat cells under the skin. Ultrasound and radiofrequency devices are other popular non-invasive techniques to tighten skin on areas like the abdomen, arms and thighs. Low-level laser therapy enhances skin circulation and collagen production for a body contouring effect as well. These treatments allow patients to contour their bodies without surgery or lengthy downtime through stimulating the body’s natural fat and collagen response.
New Energy-Based Technologies
The field of Aesthetic Medicine is continuously innovating with new energy-based technologies. Devices combining laser, radiofrequency, pulsed light and magnetic muscle stimulation are emerging options for skin rejuvenation and body sculpting. Combination techniques like laser skin resurfacing followed by pulsed light, radiofrequency or infrared facial treatments provide synergistic anti-aging benefits. Subthreshold microneedling combined with PRP, hyaluronic acid or other bioactive agents is an effective technique to enhance collagen production. New technologies combining ultrasound, electromagnetic energy and deep plasma to tighten the skin are in development for non-invasive body lifting and firming too. Paired with expert administration and appropriate patient selection, these hybrid treatment approaches safely advance patient results.
Future of Aesthetic Medicine
As research into new technologies, stem cells, biomaterials and gene therapy continues, the future of aesthetic medicine will likely involve more customized and longer-lasting genetic and cellular level treatments. Practitioners are also investigating new botulinum toxin serotypes, more natural-looking dermal filler options and growth factors to improve upon existing techniques. Non-invasive body sculpting and skin tightening modalities are rapidly progressing as well. With ongoing innovation, heightened safety standards and further education requirements, aesthetic medicine will stay devoted to comprehensive rejuvenation through the most advanced and personalized non- and minimally-invasive solutions. Patient demand for these procedures is continually rising globally as options grow more natural and results-driven. The future remains bright for this exciting field of medicine focused on aesthetic and cosmetic enhancement.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
