Future of faces

India’s aesthetic medicine market is experiencing significant growth, with practitioners adopting advanced, non-invasive treatments to address a wide range of facial concerns, enhancing patient outcomes and redefining the future of skincare and rejuvenation.

India is emerging as a global powerhouse in the aesthetic medicine market, with a projected increase in value to $3.02 billion by 2029. The country’s current aesthetic medicine market stands at approximately $1.62 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.2 per cent. This rapid growth is a testament to the increasing demand for facial treatments, as patients are becoming more aware of the possibilities of non-invasive and advanced procedures to address prevalent and emerging aesthetic concerns. Aesthetic medicine practitioners are at the forefront, utilising treatments and technologies to meet the diverse needs of patients. From innovative skin rejuvenation therapies to advanced solutions for acne scarring, pigmentation, and anti-ageing, facial aesthetics is rapidly advancing. This shift not only highlights the growing awareness among patients but also underscores the crucial role an aesthetic dermatologist and aesthetic plastic surgeon, as experts in the field, play in providing safe, effective, and customised treatments that enhance both beauty and confidence.

Here is a snapshot of some of the popular facial treatments:

Polynucleotide-Based Therapies

These therapies represent an advanced regenerative treatment option in aesthetic medicine, leveraging the properties of polynucleotides to stimulate skin rejuvenation. They promote cellular repair and regeneration by enhancing the production of collagen and elastin, key components for maintaining skin structure and elasticity. Polynucleotides are known for their ability to improve skin texture, hydration, and overall tone, making them an effective solution for combating the signs of ageing and skin dullness. These are primarily used for non-surgical facial rejuvenation, and are known to be effective for conditions such as skin rejuvenation, hydration, fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, and skin tightening.

Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

This popular minimally invasive procedure combines the benefits of two powerful techniques. Microneedling involves using fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing response, stimulating collagen production and enhancing skin regeneration. PRP, derived from the patient’s own blood, is rich in growth factors and platelets that accelerate tissue repair and regeneration. This treatment approach is primarily used for facial indications such as acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture irregularities, and overall skin rejuvenation. The procedure is particularly effective in improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, and stretch marks. By promoting collagen production and enhancing the skin’s natural healing process, this treatment helps to revitalise dull, aged, or sun-damaged skin, leading to smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin. It is a non-surgical option for individuals seeking improvement in skin tone, elasticity, and overall facial appearance with minimal downtime.

Chemical peels

Designed to address various skin concerns, chemical peels involve the application of chemical agents to exfoliate the skin, promoting the regeneration of new, healthier skin. Advanced formulations such as Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) and combination peels are particularly effective in treating hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and mild acne scars. TCA peels, for example, penetrate deeper layers of the skin to enhance the removal of damaged skin cells and stimulate collagen production. Chemical peels are also useful in reducing fine lines and improving skin texture, offering significant aesthetic improvements for those with these facial concerns.

Laser resurfacing

Laser resurfacing, particularly with fractional CO2 lasers, is a highly effective non-invasive treatment for skin rejuvenation. Fractional CO2 lasers work by emitting a laser beam that is fractionated into thousands of tiny columns, penetrating deep into the skin to promote collagen remodeling and tissue regeneration. This technology is beneficial for reducing scars, treating wrinkles, and improving skin texture. Recent advancements in laser technology have enhanced its precision and safety, allowing for targeted treatments that address specific skin concerns, such as sun damage, uneven pigmentation, and skin laxity. Laser resurfacing is primarily used for facial indications, including scar reduction, wrinkle treatment, and skin tightening..

Botulinum toxin and dermal fillers

These are two of the most commonly used non-surgical aesthetic treatments. Botulinum toxin works by temporarily paralysing the muscles responsible for facial wrinkles, primarily targeting areas such as frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. Dermal fillers, typically composed of hyaluronic acid (HA), are injected into areas with volume loss to restore facial contours and enhance features. Innovative techniques in both treatments focus on achieving natural-looking results by strategically targeting specific facial areas and using precise injection techniques. These treatments are widely used for wrinkle reduction, facial contouring, and volume enhancement, particularly for the upper and lower face.

Skin boosters and hydrating injections

Primarily based on HA, skin boosters and hydrating injections are non-invasive treatments aimed at deeply hydrating the skin, enhancing its luminosity, and improving overall texture. HA is a naturally occurring substance that attracts moisture, providing long-lasting hydration and improving skin elasticity. These treatments are popular for their ability to restore a healthy, glowing complexion without significant downtime. The injectables work by replenishing moisture levels in the skin, resulting in a smoother, plumper appearance. They are commonly used to treat dull, dehydrated skin, fine lines, and loss of volume, providing a rejuvenated, radiant effect.

IV therapies

IV therapies, such as those using glutathione, have gained popularity in aesthetic medicine for their potential skinbrightening effects. Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant, is known to help neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which contributes to skin ageing, dullness, and uneven tone. The therapy is often promoted for its ability to lighten the skin and improve overall complexion by decreasing melanin production. However, its effectiveness and safety have been debatable within the medical community. IV glutathione is primarily used to address pigmentation, skin tone, and oxidative damage.

Radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasound-based skin tightening

These non-invasive treatments have been gaining popularity in aesthetic medicine for addressing skin laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles. RF energy works by heating the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen production and tightening the dermal structure. Microneedling combined with RF (RF microneedling) enhances this process by using tiny needles to deliver RF energy to targeted areas, improving skin texture and elasticity. HighIntensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) uses ultrasound waves to heat deeper layers, promoting collagen regeneration and lifting sagging skin. These treatments are known to be commonly used for skin tightening, wrinkle reduction, and improving skin texture, offering rejuvenation without the need for surgery.

Effective solutions

A comprehensive approach combining preventive and corrective treatments is essential. Research indicates that for acne and post-acne scarring, microneedling with PRP and chemical peels show promising results, while pigmentation issues, including melasma, benefit from targeted laser therapies and advanced cosmeceuticals. Age-related concerns like wrinkles and skin sagging can be effectively managed with nonsurgical treatments such as botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, and RF-based skin tightening. Urban skin issues caused by pollution require customised skincare regimens, with an emphasis on antioxidants and hydration. Additionally, patient education on realistic expectations and ethical considerations ensures safer, more satisfactory outcomes.

Note : This article is based on secondary research conducted by the editorial team of Aesthetic Medicine India. The information provided is for general understanding and educational purposes only.