The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM) expects to see the following trends in anti-aging for 2009.

1. Minimally invasive procedures will significantly outperform surgical options.

Minimally-invasive anti-aging procedures will continue to secure the majority of the aesthetic medical procedures’ market over more invasive, expensive surgical offerings.

"During hard economic times, men and women look to non-invasive cosmetic treatments such as Botox Cosmetic, Dermal Fillers and Skin Rejuvenation as a means to feel and look better about themselves physically and emotionally," says Dr. Alexander Ataii of Laser Clinque in San Diego.

2. The "eyes" have it!

"EyeJuvenation" will become an increasingly popular offering among physicians. Practitioners will offer a suite of services and products focusing specifically on the eye, including Botox Cosmetic® for treatment of crows-feet and deep wrinkles between the brows, coupled with the use of dermal fillers such as Juvederm®, Restylane® to fill deeper hollows below and around the eyes.

3. Cosmeceutical market will continue to grow

Many new cosmeceuticals are likely to hit the market in 2009. In a report published in October 2008 by the Freedonia Group, "the US Cosmeceuticals Market will increase by 7.2% per year to $8.2 billion in 2012, propelled by a stream of new and technologically advanced product introductions offering age-defying and other appearance enhancing benefits for an aging population. The rapid growth of the cosmeceutical market will continue to be based on a combination of science and astute marketing."

4. From caffeine to peptides, over-the-counter topical products will include innovative ingredients

Caffeine will burst onto the beauty-product market as a marquee ingredient in many drugstore cosmetics. Many researchers suggest that caffeine "reduces eye puffiness," "increases micro-circulation," which in turn carries away excess fluids from the skin, reduces the appearance of cellulite, and contributes to overall cell renewal.

5. Anti-aging from the "inside-out"

Consumers are seeking treatments, both ingestable and topical, to achieve better health through traditional dietary products. Peter Lam, in a January article in Skin Inc. Magazine, comments that, "the preventive strategies of anti-aging are being expanded and even exploited by the food industry with the promotion of nutraceuticals and antioxidants, such as the inclusion of botanicals and green tea in foods. Even the cosmetics industry has begun including these substances in skin care product formulations. The belief is that these ingredients can penetrate the skin topically in order to nourish and prevent skin conditions."

6. Medical weight loss management "grows" in popularity

Globally, the World Health Organization estimated that in 2005, 400 million people were obese. Currently, 78 million Americans are classified as obese. This number is projected to increase to 700 million worldwide by the year 2015. Therein, with obesity continuing as such a universal epidemic, medical weight management will be offered by a growing number of physicians internationally.

7. Public place trust in physicians for aesthetic medical offerings

The IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Consumer Study surveyed women across the U.S., ages 21-60 on their perception of various aesthetic medicine procedures. "The results clearly indicate most women are concerned about their safety when choosing aesthetic procedures, which is a huge opportunity for physicians who wish to expand their practice with aesthetic treatments," says Jeff Russell, executive director of the IAPAM.

Given this, the field of aesthetic medicine will see non-physician owned medical spas close at a very fast rate.

[Source: PRweb]