Energy-based skin tightening is very popular throughout Asia-Pacific. Making inroads here are the latest high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)-based devices, which deliver concentrated energy to multiple layers of tissue, to tighten the skin and remove stubborn fat without affecting surrounding areas.
“While body contouring and fat reduction procedures are popular, I do observe more injectables business than ever before,” said Dr. Gold.
“From an aesthetic company point of view, there are more players in the region now. Allergan is operating in China in a big way, and other filler and neurotoxin companies are waiting to obtain regulatory approvals,” he indicated. “In particular, European injectables companies are ramping up their business throughout Asia, in order to grow their footprint beyond Europe where this business has been going flat.”
The demand for non-surgical facial rejuvenation (via dermal fillers and neurotoxins) and skin tightening treatments increases as people grow older. With more than one-quarter of its residents over the age of 65, Japan has the oldest population in the world. And as reported by the U.N., China’s aging population is on track to double over the next 20 years.
And although surgical solutions are required for some therapies, non-surgical procedures are becoming more widespread across APAC. Led by patient demand, more Asian physicians have adopted non-invasive variations on common surgical treatments, such as performing a rhinoplasty using just fillers.
Another example is the V-shaped face, in which chin surgery is combined with jaw surgery to create a more feminine jawline and achieve a more balanced overall look. “A less invasive option would combine botulinum toxin with fillers to the chin,” noted Dr. Rich.
Compared with other methods, thread lifting procedures and facelifts utilizing sutures are less widespread in Asia, but are emerging as a more common option to the surgical facelift.
Among patients of all ages, the once much-publicized trend of Asian women desiring to achieve a “Western look” has mostly sputtered. “That phenomenon has always existed, but I wouldn’t say it is growing,” stated Mr. Kelley. “It is like hair removal, which is a good, stable market, but not growing.”
In terms of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in APAC, blepharoplasty remains a top choice among both men and women. East Asian blepharoplasty, or double eyelid surgery, is uniquely popular among some Asian people. This surgery creates a supratarsal epicanthic fold in the patient’s upper eyelid, changing the look of the upper eyelid that extends to the inner corner of the eye.