On a global scale, awareness regarding the increasing number of medical aesthetic treatment possibilities is gaining steam, with more patients sharing their cosmetic experiences on social media and technology development expanding to offer services that are safe for a greater range of patients. While the 2017 Global Aesthetic Survey from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS)—the most data available—reports a downturn of five percent in minimally-invasive procedures worldwide, many countries continue to see a rise in the number of treatments performed. Here, we take a closer look at five countries leading the way in non-invasive aesthetic treatments and the most popular treatments in each country.

Even though Germany ranked fifth overall in total non-surgical fat reduction procedures performed in 2017, according to the ISAPS report, these body contouring treatments are among the most requested non-invasive procedures in the country.

 A non-surgical alternative to liposuction, body contouring treatments work to target and destroy stubborn fat cells to reduce circumference, offering a firmer-looking frame and natural-looking contour. In particular, these treatments may be used to target those last couple of stubborn pounds around the abdomen for postpartum patients, offer improved results following a more invasive fat removal procedure , or may be used to complement a patient’s healthy, active lifestyle . With just 30% of Germany’s aesthetic providers reportedly offering the procedure—a low number compared to the more than 90% who offer injectables—there are certainly strong opportunities for growth in this area.

Ranking as the fourth-top provider of non-surgical procedures performed globally in 2017, cellulite reduction treatments rank among the country’s top-five non-surgical treatment requests. In fact, cellulite reduction treatments performed in Italy outnumber those performed in the United States.

Cellulite reduction treatments offer an effective method of targeting stubborn lumps and bumps by both helping to strengthen the skin's structure and break down fat cells in the targeted area. A leader in cellulite reduction, (MP) ² technology—a synergistic combination of Multi-Polar Radio Frequency (RF) and Pulsed Electro Magnetic Fields (PEMF)—heats and directly stimulates fibroblasts, promotes angiogenesis, and induces fibroblast proliferation for increased collagen synthesis. The result is the reduction in the appearance of cellulite for smoother, firmer-looking skin.

Hair removal is the third top non-surgical treatment performed worldwide and the second most common non-surgical treatment in Japan, with a greater number of Japanese treatment providers offering these services than those in the United States (34.5% vs 17.8%, respectively). Further, hair removal treatments accounted for nearly a quarter of all non-surgical treatments performed in Japan in 2017.

At present, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and diode laser hair removal treatments remain popular among female and male patients. Utilizing either modality, hair removal treatments target chromophores in hair follicles, destroying the follicle to prevent future growth. A series of treatment sessions is required to target all hair follicles during the anagen (growth) phase. Further, for medical aesthetics providers seeking safer technology to treat a wider range of skin tones, pulse duration is an important consideration: a longer pulse duration offers a greater pulse width that improves safety by limiting heat duration and epidermis damage in those with darker skin tones.

Among aesthetics patients in Mexico, non-surgical skin tightening treatments are a popular option, with those focusing on rejuvenation of the face and neck being the most requested treatments in the country. According to the ISAPS report, nearly 41% of all procedures performed in Mexico in 2017 fall under this umbrella.

 The reason for facial skin tightening treatments may be a result of increased sun damage. With Mexico being located more closely to the equator, the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is higher, leading to increased skin damage and wrinkling if an adequate anti-aging skin care and sun safety routine is not followed.  Wrinkle reduction treatments  help to firm up the appearance of skin damage as a result of long-term sun exposure via targeted RF technology that penetrates deep below the epidermis. Transferring to heat energy, this process propels the proliferation of collagen bundles and elastin fibers for increased skin elasticity and smoothness.

While injectables are a popular option across the board and appeal to many demographics in the United States, the country also ranks number one in skin resurfacing and photorejuvenation treatments, with totals tracking well above those performed in other countries. In fact, across most minimally-invasive and non-invasive treatment statistics, the United States is the world leader based on the most recent report from ISAPS.

While there continue to be gaps in available information regarding the global aesthetics market, the U.S. continues to offer growth opportunities for aesthetic providers, particularly for those clinics offering a broader range of aesthetic treatments featuring technology that’s safe for a wider range of skin types. After all, while 70% of all procedures in 2018 were performed on Caucasian patients, many clinics don’t currently offer advanced services that are safe for those with darker skin tones, who account for a significant 30% of the potential patient base.

The 2018 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is a useful resource for those clinics researching opportunities for expanding their service offerings. Based on the report’s findings, clinics located in an area with a higher Hispanic population might consider adding injectables to their offerings to complement current non-invasive services and appeal to increased interest in these services among Hispanic populations. Alternatively, skin resurfacing treatments remain popular among Caucasian and Asian patients in the United States, while laser hair removal is the most popular non-invasive treatment among African-Americans. Finally, the same report notes that minimally invasive treatments performed in the U.S. in 2018 outpaced surgical procedures across all demographics by 250–1,275%, suggesting significant growth opportunities in this field moving forward.

Interested in expanding your clinic’s non-invasive aesthetic services for increased business growth? Contact an expert today to explore our lineup of cutting-edge devices that can get you there.