Evolving faces

Shriyal Sethumadhavan delves into the future of aesthetic medicine in 2024, unveiling insights and strategies for the next frontier.

Entering 2024, the field of aesthetic medicine is on the brink of significant change, driven by societal shifts and technological progress. The aftermath of the global pandemic has hastened the transformation of beauty standards, prompting practitioners to reconsider their approaches. In this ever-changing landscape, experienced dermatologists share insights into the upcoming shifts in aesthetic medicine, emphasising amove towards prioritising skin quality, emotional intelligence, and personalised treatments. More than just an observation, this exploration underscores the resilience and adaptability required in the everevolving realm of aesthetic medicine. Explore the predictions from our dermatologists below:

Dr Apratim Goel, Medical Director, Cutis Skin Solution

“In 2024, we anticipate significant shifts as we move beyond the impact of COVID. The focus is shifting from facial aesthetics to body treatments, including fat loss, body contouring, tightening, and muscle strengthening. Practitioners need to adapt to this change to survive. Staying updated on new technologies, treatments, and molecules is crucial for practitioners. Customisation for clients and a mindset shift are essential in this evolving landscape. The lower face and neck are gaining prominence, with a heightened awareness of filler side-effects leading to a more minimalistic approach. Post-COVID, increased hair fall has shifted the focus to hair loss therapies, including emerging treatments like stem cell therapy. Overall, 2024 calls for practitioners to be aware, adaptable, and embrace new technologies.

Collaboration is key at various levels. Smaller forums and groups within the aesthetic medicine community should facilitate easy learning. Consensus building is crucial, especially in areas with differing opinions, like the use of mesotherapy. Establishing a consensus on standards, dosages, and practices specific to the Indian context is essential. Collaboration can extend to complementing services under the wellness umbrella, such as weight loss, skincare, mental well-being, and more. Referrals, tie-ups, and mutual growth can be achieved by joining hands and evolving together.

To stay ahead, practitioners, especially dermatologists, should think outside the box. The vast curriculum may not cover newer topics, and thinking innovatively with peers can yield amazing solutions. Continuous learning and updating knowledge are crucial. Embracing digital media, particularly social media platforms like Instagram, can provide valuable insights and learning opportunities. Stay focused, avoid distractions, and engage in frank discussions to keep pace with the positive changes unfolding in the field of aesthetic medicine.”

Dr Indu Ballani, Dermatologist, New Delhi, and Consultant Dermatologist, BLKMax Hospital

“We might see increased use of exosomes for regenerative medicine, focusing on cell-to-cell communication and therapeutic changes at the cellular level. Additionally, there could be a shift towards genetic prevention of ageing, emphasising antiageing measures. The integration of AI with therapeutic treatments may also be explored to enhance patient care.

The aesthetic medicine community can foster collaboration through more forums, conferences, and knowledge-sharing platforms. Sharing scientific evidence, including complications and case studies, will be crucial. Promoting a scientific exchange of ideas and experiences will contribute to redefining industry standards.

Also, practitioners aspiring to stay ahead should remain open to continuous learning, embracing new techniques, and engaging in professional networking. Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential, and learning from complications, as well as continuous practice, will help in mastering procedures and staying updated.”

Dr Meera James, Cosmetologist and Founder, Beau Aesthetica Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic and Academy

“Aesthetic medicine is an ever-advancing and continually evolving field. Beauty goals themselves change over time.

Treatment protocols, available options, and the machines used are all experiencing significant transformations. The rise of AI, with its look-alike models and simulation treatments, is gaining popularity. The renewed emphasis on health underscores the idea that beauty and health go hand in hand. Setting better beauty goals aligned with improved health can be the new mantra for this dynamic industry.

The aesthetic medicine community is vast, encompassing not only doctors but also various other professionals and industry experts. Each individual plays a unique role in this expansive field. Mastering the right and scientific approaches specific to each role fosters collaboration and working together for the betterment of the aesthetic field. It is essential to avoid encroaching into each other’s domains, which could lead to unintended consequences. Implementing better practices and utilising current technology and facilities can pave the way for achieving realistic and longer-lasting beauty goals.

In this ever-changing and ever-advancing field, having a thorough understanding of the what, when, and how of aesthetics is crucial. Continuous self-update is key, fostering an openness to embrace change. Additionally, understanding your patients and their concerns is essential, enabling you to treat them in the best way possible, tailored to their individual needs. Learn to customise your treatments according to each patient, ensuring a personalised and effective approach.”

Dr Pradnya Manwatkar, Head of Cosmetic Dermatology and Emodermatology, Skin Mantra Clinic, Mumbai and Thane

“In the ever-evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine, for 2024, I predict a makeover not just for faces but for the entire philosophy of beauty treatments. Picture this: dermatologists donning emotional intelligence hats alongside their lab coats!

I see a transformative shift towards a more holistic approach that recognises the intricate connection between skin health and emotional well-being – emodermatology is what I call it. Dermatologists are warming up towards embracing treatments that not only enhance physical appearance but also consider the underlying emotional dysregulation that prodded the patient to seek the treatment.

The integration of emodermatology principles could become more prominent, acknowledging that emotional factors significantly influence skin conditions. This could lead to personalised treatments addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of patients, fostering a more comprehensive and patient-centric approach.

Moreover, advancements in technology may offer innovative solutions, such as AI-driven diagnostics for personalised skincare routines that consider individual emotional states. This could revolutionise the customisation of treatments, enhancing both the efficacy and emotional resonance of aesthetic interventions.

In essence, the future of aesthetic medicine might be characterised by a paradigm shift towards emotional intelligence, recognising that transformative changes in appearance are closely intertwined with emotional well-being.

Hence, expect aesthetic medicine to be more in tune with emotions than a breakup playlist. We are ushering in an era where practitioners are not just skin experts; they are emotional architects, sculpting confidence and radiance in equal measure. Because in 2024, we are not just fixing faces; we are curating smiles!

The current silo-based practice needs to change. An interdisciplinary collaboration is required with professionals from related fields, such as psychologists, nutritionists, and psychiatrists, recognising the holistic nature of aesthetic well-being. More importantly, educational initiatives need to start to develop educational programmes that integrate psychodermatology and emodermatology principles, emphasising the emotional impact of aesthetic interventions. Academic/ educational institutions need to collaborate with private practitioners of dermatology or aesthetic medicine to ensure that there is a healthy give and take of information and continuous skill enhancement in the field so that it goes beyond traditional medical knowledge.

My advise to aesthetic medicine practitioners would be:

• The field of medicine is a lifelong journey, so treat your practice as a perpetual story. Embrace a lifelong learning curve.

• Cross-Disciplinary bonds need to be developed between

specialties: Break silos; magic happens when diverse minds collide.

• Technology is ruling today, especially AI: Using technology will be your masterstroke. Embrace AI and telemedicine for better patient outreach and treatment outcomes.

• Patients are stories that have not been heard: Shift focus from only treating medically to enabling them to become better at dealing with distress. Prioritise complete well-being.

• Ethical practice can never be forgotten. Let ethics guide; it resonates in successful practices.

• Innovate. Innovate. Innovate. Not only better treatments but holistic treatments.

• Make the shift from psychodermatology to emodermatology. Not all people need prescription medicines. Some just need to be heard. Hear them out. You will be surprised how well your treatments give results even in the most difficult cases.”

Dr Rickson Pareira, Consultant Dermatologist &Head, Dr Rickson’s Dermatherapie Clinic, Mumbai

“There should be an increased focus on skin quality, emphasising the maintenance or enhancement of skin quality through lasers, radiofrequency, HIFU, and peels. Judicious use of fillers is essential to avoid complications like overfilled faces or filler fatigue. The primary emphasis should be on skin health, driven by a better understanding of nutrition and internal health. Additionally, attention should be directed towards the basics of good health, highlighting the importance of maintaining circadian rhythm, getting adequate sleep, and focusing on balanced nutrition. This approach discourages extreme diets or quick fixes like Ozempic injections, promoting a holistic perspective. Exercise, particularly strength training, is integral to overall health. The introduction of PDRN skin boosters will contribute to improving skin quality, hydration, and tone. While the primary focus remains on achieving an even skin tone free of blemishes, there is also a crucial emphasis on body contouring and achieving better body shapes through nutrition, exercise, and body contouring treatments.

The aesthetic medicine community can foster collaboration through Continuing Medical Education (CME) programmes and focused group discussions. Interspeciality collaboration between different specialties within the aesthetic realm, such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, cosmetic gynaecologists, and cosmetic dentists, will be crucial.

Practitioners aiming to stay ahead should prioritise staying informed through extensive reading of journal articles and scientific publications. Actively listening to patients through consumer surveys and direct discussions will provide valuable insights into evolving preferences and expectations. Investing in cutting-edge technology will be imperative to offer state-ofthe-art treatments. Moreover, practitioners should play a role in disseminating authentic information about treatments and products.”