Top Aesthetic Trends to Watch in 2024
2023 was a financially challenging year for many businesses and consumers, due to rising interest rates and widespread inflation. However, time and time again, the aesthetics industry has proven to be resilient in tough economic environments. And while consumers may be cutting back in other aspects of life, they’re continuing to spend in aesthetics. According to NewBeauty’s Winter ’24 State of Aesthetics Report, 59% of surveyed consumers plan to spend the same on aesthetic procedures in the next 12 months, while 30% plan to spend more.
Below is a snapshot of the six key trends driving growth in aesthetics in 2024. For more information, you can download the full white paper by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.
1. The Continued Growth and Long-Term impact of weight loss medications
Weight loss drugs will continue to proliferate, especially as the FDA approves more medications. However, as more patients start using these drugs, and as more patients stay on the medication for longer periods, the side effects of these drugs have become more prominent as well – the most infamous being the phenomenon known as “Ozempic body.”
In order to deliver the best patient experience, providers need to understand the importance of creating a holistic weight loss program. As patients lose weight and muscle mass, body contouring treatments such as PHYSIQ can help stimulate and re-educate muscles. And when rapid weight loss leads to skin laxity and worsening skin texture, non-surgical treatments such as VirtueRF microneedling or even surgical interventions may be needed.
2. exosomes heat up the regenerative aesthetics category
In 2024, growth of the regenerative aesthetics category will continue to outpace the growth of energy-based devices. Alongside more established treatments such as platelet-rich plasma and stem cell therapy, exosomes will truly take center stage for their convenience and efficacy, and the ability to enhance other treatments while creating additional revenue for the practice.
As the market gets crowded with exosome products, it’s important for providers to learn how to distinguish between misleading claims and quality products. When applying a biologic product, safety and purity are key. Chronos is a new line of advanced biologics providing best-in-class traceability, purity, and potency – offering a safe and effective exosome treatment for aesthetic providers.
3. Liposuction is back on top
Several drivers have led to liposuction becoming the most popular cosmetic procedure globally, from pandemic weight gain to dissatisfaction or even adverse events with popular non-invasive body contouring treatments such as CoolSculpting. Technology innovations have also made the procedure safer, less traumatic, and less invasive, making liposuction more accessible. In addition, with the rise of weight loss medications (see trend one), some patients may need surgical touch ups to treat lipodystrophy or skin laxity.
Taking liposuction into the future is LipoAI, is the next generation of laser-assisted lipolysis. LipoAI allows surgeons to melt fat and tighten skin in one procedure, perform surgery under local anesthesia in-office, and significantly reduce bleeding, bruising, and downtime. It’s also the only body device utilizing artificial intelligence to optimize energy delivery in response to the surgeon’s movements (see next trend!).
4. Articial intelligence is no longer constrained to the tech world
In 2024, we will see expanded use cases of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in aesthetics. One AI use case in aesthetics is in skin analysis and virtual consultations. AI can be used to analyze facial features and provide recommendations for aesthetic procedures. In addition, AI can be used to track skin changes and aid in the early detection of skin conditions.
AI may also become integrated into aesthetic devices, such as we’ve seen already with LipoAI. As the field of artificial intelligence continues to evolve, we expect to see AI infiltrate more areas within aesthetics to increase predictability, safety, and outcomes for the benefit of patients and providers.
5. Little tweakments go a long way
Both in the surgical and non-surgical realms, providers are seeing a rising interest in subtle, natural enhancements. A term that has popped up is “tweakments,” which typically refers to non-invasive cosmetic procedures that can rejuvenate the skin, address signs of aging, or adjust the proportions of facial features. While tweakments are not exclusive to any specific age group, it’s no surprise that the Gen Z population is driving an interest in these types of treatments.
Injectables will remain a popular “tweakment,” although patients may be going for a more natural versus overdone look. Another “tweakment” that has risen in popularity is RF microneedling, which can have a variety of applications. The VirtueRF microneedling platform has a single needle handpiece called ExactRF, which precisely targets delicate regions around the eyes, mouth, and jawline. It is one of the few non-invasive treatments that can effectively address the peri orbital region, festoons, eyebags, and the peri oral region.
6. capability to treat skin of color is a need-to-have, not a nice-to-have
Over the past few years, the aesthetics industry has made strides towards becoming more inclusive, but the journey is far from over. There are many nuances involved – from understanding anatomy, to choosing the right technologies, to having the proper representation in the field.
According to Allure, there are rumblings that the FDA will soon require all skincare devices (both in-office and at-home) to show clinical trials on the darkest complexions on the Fitzpatrick scale to receive FDA approval. Cartessa is committed to bringing “Skinclusive” technologies to market, the most famous of which is Motus, the revolutionary laser that introduced pain-free laser hair removal for all skin types. The end goal of skinclusive technology is technology that doesn’t just work on all skin types, but technology that can deliver the same efficacy and safety across all skin types. To provide continuing education to aesthetic providers, Cartessa Aesthetics is also introducing a Sk(inclusive) certificate to help providers treat skin of color safely and effectively.
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