Las Vegas, NV -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/05/2012 -- The IAPAM sees the market for minimally-invasive procedures continuing to grow in 2012. Dr. Tom D. Wang, President of the AAFPRS agrees that "consumer interest in aesthetic procedures and treatment has continued in strong fashion. However, some effects from the recent recession still linger. Some patients [are] choosing to have less invasive injectable treatments or non-surgical procedures in an effort to defer facial surgery for the time being." To capture this knowledgeable patient population, physicians must be expertly trained (e.g. IAPAM's physician-lead botox training), and they need to offer the latest aesthetic medicine procedures, utilizing the most current technologies and must package synergistic treatments for the most effective, yet cost effective results.

1. Combining Non-Invasive Procedures Gives the Best Results
Dr. Gregory Buford, notes that, "as we head into 2012, consumers are becoming more savvy about which tips and tricks from their practitioners really work and which do not." Drs. Tess Mauricio and Buford see "more application and research on combination treatments. More aesthetic providers are abandoning mono-therapy and combining medical skin care, facial injectables, and laser conditioning and offering these synergistic packages to their clients. This “Holy Triad” of facial rejuvenation can be extremely effective in addressing age-related changes on multiple levels and produce results far more dramatic than previously seen."

The IAPAM agrees that successful aesthetic practices are those that offer patients a combination of minimally invasive procedures. Just offering Botox ® alone is not enough to provide a physician with a successful, and more importantly, a profitable aesthetic practice. "The key is combining neurotoxins like Botox ®, Dysport ® or Xeomin ® with other complementary skin rejuvenation procedures,” says Jeff Russell, IAPAM Executive Director.

2. New Cosmetic Injectables will Offer Choice to Consumers
New neurotoxins, specifically Xeomin ®, will capture increasing segments of the injectables market in 2012. Dermatologist, Dr. Bruce Katz, comments that, "Xeomin ®, the latest neurotoxin [will] rival Botox ®" in 2012. Dr. Francesca Fuso mentions, "there are new neurotoxins that are still undergoing clinical trials. They will have the same effect as Botox ®, but instead of being injected, they can be applied topically. If these new products are approved in 2012, they will provide patients with yet another option in a year of options." Finally, new fillers, such as Belotero ® and LaViv ® will offer increased choice to both physicians and patients in the dermal filler arena. Dr. Mitchel Goldman MD, recognizes that, "the approval of LaViv ® the first autologous fibroblast filler and Belotero ® along with the FDA approval of Lip Augmentation with Restylane ® will enhance the use of fillers in 2012 and provide additional products to enhance patient care."

3. Expanded Uses for Neurotoxins
Dr. Houtan Chaboki, offers an interesting insight into alternative uses for Botox ® and other neurotoxins. One trend [that he is seeing] is the use of neuromodulators (Botox & Dysport) to reshape the face, instead of wrinkles. From microbotox to migraines to multiple sclerosis, the uses and markets for neurotoxins will continue to expand in 2012.

4. Higher Demand for Non-Invasive Body Contouring Treatments
Non-invasive devices like the Zerona ® and VelaSmooth ® will continue reshaping the body, with new entrants expected in 2012. Dr. Mitchel Goldman MD adds, "the advancement of lasers and energy devices such as Ulthera’s focused ultrasound, Bela Countour ® and Exilis radiofrequency and Lutronic’s advanced Nd:YAG laser will enhance treatment of skin laxity and pigmented lesions."

5. Turning Back the Hands of Time
Dr. Fusco also envisions that, "in 2012 lots of people will be having work done on their hands." Turning back 'the hands of time' of the hands typically requires a combination of dermal fillers as well as IPL/laser rejuvenation to help eliminate age/sun spots.

6. Lasers are For More than Hair Removal
Dr. Bruce Katz predicts "a higher demand for laser treatments in 2012. Some of the newer laser treatments offer truly compelling results without invasive surgery, significant pain and substantial downtime." IPL (Intense Pulse Light) and lasers can accomplish a full range of anti-aging treatments including: skin tightening, vein removal, removal of age and sun spots, skin resurfacing, as well as treating acne scars and rosacea.

Conclusion
The market for anti-aging treatments will continue to grow in 2012. With new technologies, as well as new ways to bundle and market existing procedures, the trend toward more minimally invasive procedures does not appear to be going away any time soon. Jeff Russell, Executive Director of the IAPAM concludes that, “as we have seen with our past annual trend predictions, the key is to create an anti-aging program for each patient's needs. Patients just do not come in for Botox ®; they want a combination of anti-aging treatments which often includes neurotoxins, dermal fillers and skin rejuvenation with chemical peels, microdermabrasion and skin care."

Since 2005, the IAPAM has been a leader in providing aesthetic medicine industry trends.

To REGISTER for an upcoming Aesthetic Medicine Symposium or Physician hCG Training Seminar, please contact the IAPAM at 1-800-219-5108 ext. 704, or by email at info@theiapam.com.