Freedonia Market Research Analyzes Cosmetic Surgery Products

Demand for cosmetic surgery products in the United States is forecast to increase 8.4 percent per year to $2.9 billion in 2012, as cosmetic surgery procedures exceed 18 million at the end of the period.  An aging population, a greater societal acceptance of cosmetic surgery, and an increasingly competitive work force will provide opportunities for the cosmetic surgery industry.  Less invasive cosmetic surgery procedures that require little or no recovery time will experience the best growth.  However, demand for surgical products will continue to be strong in some areas, such as implants, where there are no significant alternatives. Individuals traveling overseas in search of less costly cosmetic surgeries will limit further gains in the US. These and other trends, including market share and company profiles, are presented in Cosmetic Surgery Products, a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry market research firm.

Implants and injectables will register the fastest growth over the forecast period.  Implants will continue to benefit from the return of silicone-filled breast implants in late 2006, after a 14 year hiatus from the mass market.  The approval of so-called fifth generation silicone implants will also increase their use, as this type is less likely to leak or rupture in the body due to its cohesive consistency.

Growth in the injectables sector boomed with the introduction of BOTOX (Allergan) in the 1990s when it was used for “off label” wrinkle treatments.  Further growth was achieved with the subsequent introduction of hyaluronic acid injectables.  Growth in injectables will benefit from the ability of these non-invasive products to provide quick wrinkle reduction without recovery time.  Further propelling gains is the FDA approval of new injectables -- such as calcium hydroxylapatite and polymethylmethacrylate microspheres -- that provide long-lasting results.

The large equipment category will grow 5.5 percent per year.  Demand will benefit as more practitioners of all varieties realize that cosmetic procedures are usually “out of pocket” expenses, negating the need to deal with insurance companies for payment.  The development of easier-to-use and safer equipment will also provide gains in other end-users such as spas.  Among equipment types, laser and other light-based systems will continue to achieve steady growth.  In particular, laser and other light-based systems that address skin rejuvenation, tattoo removal and cellulite reduction will experience rapid gains.

The Freedonia Group is a leading international business research company, founded in 1985, that publishes more than 100 industry research studies annually. This industry analysis provides an unbiased outlook and a reliable assessment of an industry and includes product segmentation and demand forecasts, industry trends, demand history, threats and opportunities, competitive strategies, market share determinations and company profiles.