Dr Christian Merkel
Dr Christian Merkel, a board-certified dermatologist specialising in aesthetics, explores the most recent advances in neuromodulation
The injectable aesthetics market is booming, fuelled by evolving attitudes and the power of social media. With more informed patients demanding new and innovative treatments, we take a look at the latest trends and groundbreaking advancements that are revolutionising the neuromodulator landscape.
Over the past three decades, the neuromodulator space has seen a historic lack of innovation, forcing patients and injectors to settle for traditional manufacturing and reconstitution processes that limit performance and ease of use. In stark contrast, the injectable aesthetics market has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by evolving attitudes and – in a large part – social media, which has played a pivotal role in increasing awareness and understanding of aesthetic treatments and making them more accessible. This is driving a larger and more diverse customer base, with more young people and men than ever: nearly 75% of facial plastic surgeons have reported increases in patients under 30 years old and between 2018 and 2021, the male makeup of the neuromodulator market jumped from 10% to 15%. As a healthcare professional, I can clearly see that patients are also more informed than ever, often coming in with specific expectations shaped by their own research, social media influencers, or peer recommendations.
This evolved customer base is driving the emergence of a number of new trends in aesthetics too. Recent research has shown that more and more consumers are using preventative and prejuvenation treatments and prioritising looking healthy and natural. Interestingly, there is also a shift towards sustainability, with consumers increasingly embracing products with minimal environmental impact that align with their ethical values.
Together, the evolution of these consumers and trends are reshaping needs and expectations for aesthetic solutions, compelling products to evolve in order to meet them.
Innovating neuromodulators to meet the evolving needs of patients & practitioners alike
In my practice, I am seeing patients increasingly seeking neuromodulators that deliver rapid, sustained and natural results, reflecting the growing preference for treatments that enhance beauty subtly and effectively, without the need for frequent touch-ups. They desire outcomes that not only look natural but also feel natural, allowing them to maintain their unique expressions and features.
As healthcare professionals, we are also looking for solutions that are longer-lasting and easy to use, so we can provide efficient and reliable treatments that deliver sustained satisfaction, reducing the need for patients to return for treatments as frequently. Additionally, ease of use is crucial for ensuring consistent results, making these treatments more accessible and appealing to a broader range of aesthetic practitioners.
That’s why the recent advancements in neuromodulators are so encouraging. Products that once seemed like distant dreams are now becoming tangible realities, transforming the landscape of aesthetic treatments.
Companies are listening to the needs of both patients and aesthetic practitioners, conducting robust clinical studies to develop new formulations that enhance ease-of-use while maximising efficacy. We are seeing liquid, ready-to-use formulations, which can help deliver reliable outcomes, as well as products that act quickly, are long lasting and deliver natural results. Thanks to recent aesthetic innovations such as the new, pioneering PEARL™ Technology, it’s also now possible to achieve all these goals simultaneously.
We’re also seeing companies respond to the consumer trend toward mindful aesthetics by delivering products created using more sustainable manufacturing processes and containing only the essentials, resulting in less waste for the environment. As these innovations come to life and reach more and more patients, some companies are also forming comprehensive portfolios of neuromodulators and injectable aesthetics to address the unique needs of each individual patient and injector. Armed with such a range of options, injectors can stay at the forefront of aesthetic innovation, adapt to emerging trends and provide solutions for a wider array of patients’ aesthetic concerns. The neuromodulator space is finally evolving to meet the growing demand for natural, effective and sustainable aesthetic treatments. I’m eager to see the positive outcomes these reliable, long-lasting and mindful solutions bring for patients and practitioners alike.
Dr Christian Merkel
A board-certified dermatologist specialising in aesthetic treatments, including injectables, laser therapies and longevity treatment plans. His clinic, located in Munich, Germany, is one of the largest centres for aesthetic medicine and dermatology in the region.
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