1.1 Definition and presentation

Aesthetic medicine works to change the physical appearance of the patient. Unlike traditional surgery, cosmetic medicine treatments are quick, simple, less expensive and not permanent, which reduces the risks. Cosmetic medicine can be divided into two procedures:

Invasive (or "surgical"): Breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tuck, nose reshaping...
Non-invasive ( or non-surgical): Botox injections, laser hair removal, chemical peels, fillers...

The UK clinical market is highly fragmented with several key players including Cynosure Inc, Alma Lasers, Lumenis Inc, Syneron Medical Ltd and Sciton Ltd

Demand is expected to increase; by 2020, an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK will have undergone non-surgical treatment[Generation]. This development is partly attributed to the role of social networks in encouraging greater acceptance of cosmetic treatments. In addition, technological advances have driven down prices and allow for minimal surgical procedures. As a result, 66% of young British people would have liked to change the structure of their face, according to a survey by Save Face.

Nevertheless, the industry is subject to several challenges; regulation remains weak, raising concerns about the quality and accountability of small-scale surgeons. According to a survey by Cosmetic surgery solicitors, 83% of women aged 18 to 30 were in favor of having a body part altered if the health risks were not considered

1.2 A rapidly growing global market

The global aesthetic medicine market was valued at $**.* billion in **** and is expected to grow at a CAGR of *.*% by ****. Innovation in aesthetic devices over the past decade has led to growth in demand for aesthetic treatments.

The introduction of technically advanced products, such as non-invasive body contouring systems using controlled ...

1.3 The UK market

In ****, the UK cosmetic surgery market was worth £*.* billion, with * out of ** procedures being non-invasive, while the market for cosmetic medicine was £*.** billion which accounts for **% of the cosmetic surgery market. [***]

By ****, the non-surgical cosmetic medicine market had grown to £*.* billion. [***]

UK cosmetic medicine market United Kingdom, ****-****, £ billion Source: ****

2.1 Popular beauty treatments in the UK

The following charts detail the most popular types of cosmetic medicine treatments in the United Kingdom. For example, age-related treatments represent the largest share of aesthetic medicine.

Popular Aesthetic Medicine Treatments in the UK United Kingdom, ****, in percent Source: ****

Looking specifically at the types of treatments offered, botulinum toxin and dermal ...

2.2 Management of complications

In ****, figures from insurer Hamilton Fraser report that **% of cosmetic medicine treatments had not resulted in complications. However, **% of treatments had induced the need for further intervention by a medical professional. During this period, **% of complications were due to swelling.

However, in ****, the British College of Aesthetic Medicine reported *** complications with ...

2.3 Demand trends

Increased post-lockdown demand

The first quarter of **** heralded complications for the sector related to the health crisis. Eighty-one percent of clinics had been forced to close, **% had experienced a decrease in revenue, and **% noted lower interest in their services.

The later stages of the crisis, however, were marked by an increase ...

3.1 A market structured around equipment manufacturers and practitioners

The aesthetic medicine value chain consists of several steps. First, raw materials are supplied to equipment manufacturers, who process them to produce the medical equipment. The latter is then purchased by medical institutions, hospitals and aesthetic medicine centers and is finally used to perform a non-surgical procedure on the final ...

3.2 Production of aesthetic medicine equipment

The production of equipment for aesthetic purposes includes the manufacture of breast prostheses, injectables, equipment and finally cosmeceuticals. As the aesthetic market requires high entry costs and advanced technology, most manufacturers are in the production of one of these segments.

As the main players in the market are international groups, most ...

4.1 Overview of the offer

The offer on the aesthetic medicine market can be segmented as follows

*. Injectables

Botulinum toxin: Botulinum toxin acts by inhibiting the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine: by blocking its release in the muscles, it reduces excessive facial mimicry and thus blocks the sagging of the skin, the primary cause of ...

4.2 Price summary

The following table summarizes the characteristics of non-surgical cosmetic procedures available on the UK market:

Source: ****

It is important to note that prices vary considerably depending on the medical facility, doctor or region.

5.1 Limited UK regulation

In the United Kingdom, training is not required for the right to administer non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Thus, anyone can now legally administer botulinum toxin. However, we have seen that these procedures often lead to complications. Organizations such as Save Face are dedicated to helping potential treatment recipients find sufficiently experienced ...