TREAT with care

Anti-ageing treatments are one of the sought-after treatments in aesthetic dermatology. Vishakha Sonawane delves in to get a deeper understanding of the anti-ageing devices market in India.

B etween 2023 and 2033, the global demand for anti-ageing products, services and devices is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 5.5 per cent, according to a report published by Future Market Insights. Growing self-awareness among consumers about their physical appearance is one of the reasons that has driven the market growth.

Even in India, consumers are now walking to medical aesthetic centres to solve their skin issues, which also include anti-ageing treatments. Aesthetic Medicine India takes a look at the current market for anti-ageing devices and all that’s trending.

POPULAR TREATMENTS

Increasing number of aesthetic medical practitioners have started incorporating devices into treatments. Moreover, Indian customers prefer treatments that give them a natural look. Hence, there is a popularity of devices that offer competent results.

Anti-ageing treatments like fillers and botulinum toxin have always been a mainstay in aesthetic and cosmetic dermatology clinics, says Arjun Sharma, Director, Primelaze. According to him, Indian doctors have been using these modalities along with chemical peels and meso cocktails for more than a decade and a half. “Use of energy-based devices and lasers in antiageing have gained popularity in the past few years, as doctors have moved towards a combination treatment approach. Radiofrequency (RF) and High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) are must-have tools in every anti-ageing clinic today. A customised anti-ageing solution to every patient is a need of the hour and doctors have understood the importance and role of medical devices in it.”

George Abraham, Country Manager – Marketing, DermapenWorld, says that India’s share in non-surgical cosmetic procedures is expected to grow significantly over the coming five years; and of this, anti-ageing and rejuvenation treatments are the most important ones. “A fast-growing segment would obviously spur growth of devices within these segments especially in non-surgical interventions. Consumer behaviour is tending towards a more natural (non-artificial) looking beauty and will lead to the popularity of in-clinic and athome use of these equipment.”

Kalpesh Gawade, Founder & Director, Skinnovation, also confirms that the demand for anti-ageing treatments has been on the rise. “More dedicated and result-oriented devices are appreciated and popularity of such technologies are ever growing.”

TRENDING DEVICES

There is an aesthetic galore of options for treatments pertaining to anti-ageing for dermatologists to choose from.

Primelaze’s Cellina PR, a radiofrequency (RF) platform device, is used by hundreds of doctors across India for antiageing treatments. Sharma says, “The device has six different RF-based technologies that take care of ageing signs, such as wrinkles, fine lines, open pores, acne scars and offer ultimate collagen remodelling.” He further explains that microneedling RF (MNRF) helps to build collagen in the dermis while taking care of any resurfacing need. Matrix RF or sublative RF effectively improves the skin texture. RF thermolysis pen removes unwanted blemishes on the skin surface. RF Filler is the new technique of improving dermal filler placement and longevity, which is quite popular in Europe. “The most trending and rewarding treatment with Cellina is Subcision RF. Cellina has opened a new door to all practising doctors to take care of their patients’ various concerns, such as scars, double-chin reduction, under-eye bag reduction, and periorbital rejuvenation through Subcision RF with minimal number of sessions.”

One particular technology does not necessarily suffice and there is a need to have a multi-factorial approach to target ageing, says Gawade. “High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and RF works well in sync – one looks after skin tightening and the other looks after skin lifting. HIFU is trending in devices apart from toxins, fillers and thread.”

When it comes to Dermapen, microneedling is its sought-after treatment, Abraham says. “Microneedling stimulates your skin’s natural collagen production, boosting elasticity and repairing flaws. The potent anti-ageing and repairing actives in our Dp Dermaceuticals Meso-Glides are infused directly into skin for enhanced results.”

DEVICES BACKED BY RESEARCH

It is important to have India-specific research when it comes to aesthetic dermatology devices.

Gawade notes, “Conducting research or clinical trials, generating more and more data will be an ongoing endeavour. There are multiple studies, published trials, and experiences of the doctors who are using it across the globe to revalidate the effectiveness of the technology and device. It is further more important to have ingrown Indian data, before/after evidence to further reassure the consumer. I am sure with ongoing usage of the devices and the expertise of Indian doctors we will continue to build on the existing Indian as well as international data.”

Indian doctors have been using Cellina PR for almost a decade now, says Sharma, adding that it has also been used by aesthetic medical practitioners across Asia and Europe. The company has done research in developing various RF-based technologies, such as RF filler technique, he elaborates. “RF is the most studied and published energy-based technology and its use in antiaging and resurfacing has been already established.”

According to Abraham, Original Dermapen Treatments are backed by serious science. “With more than 5 million treatments done and a well-studied and documented set of protocols, Dermapen Treatments have numerous clinical studies that range across several treatments like fine lines and wrinkles, ageing or sun-damaged skin pigmentation, enlarged pores, acne, scarring, stretch marks, rosacea and hair loss.”

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE

It is equally important for the aesthetic medicine practitioners make the right choice and selection of device for their clinic.

Cellina PR is a complete anti-ageing platform, where in a single device a doctor gets to use various RF modality, non-invasive, minimally invasive RF, Sharma explains. It will take care of their patients’ anti-ageing and resurfacing needs. “The most important part from the patients’ perspective is, RF being colour-blind can be used in any skin type person with equal intensity. Also, there is minimal or no downtime after the treatment and patients can resume their daily work immediately.”

Original Dermapen Treatments are a popular, non-invasive, and an effective option for those with uneven skin tone, age spots and thinning, sagging skin that is caused by environmental factors or simply as part of the skin’s ageing process, explains Abraham. “Dermapen 4 delivers the ultimate in advanced microneedling and can create an astounding 1,920 puncture channels per second, up to 104 per cent faster than other microneedling devices,” he elaborates.

Gawade notes that devices that provide safety, efficacy, patient compliance, user compliance and value for money should be good for dermatologists. “It is further important to have timely updates with ‘innovation’. Our HIFU device – Ultracel Q+ fulfils all the above. Our training will further build the required conviction and that will lead to natural recommendations.”

The demand for anti-ageing treatments is on the rise, and the devices market is all geared to aesthetically treat with care.