A significant shift in patient preferences has been seen in aesthetic medicine recently. Outdated now are the heavy cosmetic alterations. Patients want very subtle enhancements of their naturals features as opposed to those heavy ones. Patients now look for procedures that alter not so dramatically the features. This is reflected in-the-increasing acceptability of Sculptra® as a volumizing agent where results are gradual and hyaluronic acid fillers for contour refinement. Faces such as Lindsay Lohan and Demi Moore-the scanty use of enhancements by those, even celebrities, have sped up the drive. This article addresses holistic use of the factors that attract patients with regard to most-natural results, together with the most sought-after treatments that complement the trend, and the broader implications for the aesthetic medicine industry. 

The Shift Toward Natural-Looking Aesthetic Enhancements

Cosmetic enhancement, in the past, came with associations of bold and outright transformations, leading to a commonly tagged plastic or artificial exterior. With the changing trends in dermatology and aesthetic medicine, it has thus far become possible to hone techniques that leave a patient beautified but with an innate appreciation of the natural look. Factors responsible for the shift include:
 

  • Changing Beauty Representations: People increasingly seek enhancement in their unique facial features, not under a rigid prescription of beauty norms because of the raising appreciation for authenticity and individuality that now faces several matured cultures (Funt & Pavicic, 2013). 
  • Social Media and Celebrity Influence: With the advent of social media, aesthetic trends get more visibility. Celebrities who prefer some soft enhancements, be it soft contouring with dermal fillers or skin rejuvenation treatments, have a significant impact in shaping the public perception of beauty (De Boulle & Heydenrych, 2015).  
  • Technological Progress: Newer treatments, biostimulatory fillers, and non-surgical skin tightening technologies allow for stepwise natural improvements rendering dramatic changes unwarranted (Rzany & Griffiths, 2017). 

Popular Procedures for Subtle Enhancements

The past several years have seen several aesthetic treatments featuring more or less natural looking results without any overt signs of enhancement. Such procedures are mainly concerned with refinement, rather than a great alteration of facial features. 

1. Sculptra® for Gradual Volume Restoration: Sculptra® is an injectable therapy formulated from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which stimulates collagen production. In contrast to most fillers, which impart an instant volume, Sculptra® will require several months to gradually restore lost volume before producing a very natural appearance (Sundaram et al., 2011). This is why this product is well-suited for patients who expect subtle changes instead of dramatic changes that happen instantly. 

2. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Soft Contouring: Fillers based on hyaluronic acid are still among the most important elements of aesthetic medicine because they are capable of giving moisture and volume while keeping the face in harmony. It may help define contours of the face without looking overfilled by placing the filler in specific areas like the cheeks, temples, and jawline (Rzany & Griffiths, 2017). Such fillers also offer reversibility as an added layer of safety for patients wishing such flexibility in their aesthetic choices. 

3. Botox® for Preventative Aging: Botulinum toxin injections, or Botox®, are not only effective for treating deep wrinkles but are also used in microdosing techniques popularly called “baby Botox,” which involve results seen on subtle smoothing of fine wrinkles and retention of facial expressions (Carruthers & Carruthers, 2013). Such techniques avoid making the young look excessively “frozen” due to the fact this is what many of them are after-preventive techniques. 

4. Skin Rejuvenation with Biostimulatory Treatments: PRP therapy and exosome treatments are biostimulatory therapies that stimulate the body’s regenerative capabilities to improve the quality of the skin. The PRP treatment is popularly called the “vampire facial” as this therapy uses the patient’s platelets to facilitate collagen production and better skin texture (Redaelli et al., 2010). Exosome therapy is a more innovative way to enhance cell-to-cell communication, improving skin elasticity and luminosity (Fitzpatrick et al., 2019). 

The Psychological and Social Impact

It has reflected a cultural shift in favor of natural enhancement becoming the norm. Different studies allegorically state that those who go for minor aesthetic procedures are more self-esteem elite and satisfied with their looks as compared to those who pursue drastic changes (Dayan et al., 2019). Indeed, these changes complement much better the already existing features of an individual, so that there are very few occasions when one feels irritating about the surgical procedure.   

In addition, the cultural shift of understanding aesthetic treatments as natural extensions of self-care, rather than as dramatic life transformations, has contributed to the demystification of cosmetic surgery. People increasingly perceive this as enrichment for natural beauty rather than something on unrealistic beauty standards (Funt & Pavicic, 2013). 

Ethical Considerations in Aesthetic Medicine

As interest in natural products grows, so attention must be paid by aesthetic clinicians to patient education and ethics. Over-treatment and adherence to beauty trends will only evoke unreasonable expectations. The appropriate process is when practitioners sit with clients to state the gradual quality of their results and the importance of facial harmony (De Boulle & Heydenrych, 2015). 

This trend of natural and subtle aesthetic enhancement has been a very positive change for aesthetic medicine. The turnaround toward the realm of aesthetic medicine is a lot about gracefully refining looks versus the extreme opposite. Increasingly, Sculptra®, hyaluronic acid fillers, Botox®, and biostimulatory therapies are becoming the gold standard for accomplishing understated elegance. Such a trend advances our evolving definitions of beauty, while also nurturing healthier perspectives toward self-care and self-confidence. With the evolution of technology, the growth of aesthetic medicine will gravitate more toward accentuating natural beauty with safety, patient satisfaction, and ethics. 

References

  1. Carruthers, J., & Carruthers, A. (2013). Botulinum toxin: Procedures in cosmetic dermatology series. Elsevier Health Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-07419-4.00001-9 
  2. Dayan, S. H., Arkins, J. P., & Patel, A. B. (2019). Aesthetic treatments and patient psychology: An overview. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 12(6), E51-E56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcad.2019.06.001 
  3. De Boulle, K., & Heydenrych, I. (2015). Patient-centered approach in aesthetic medicine. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 14(2), 107-114. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12199 
  4. Fitzpatrick, R. E., Rostan, E. F., & Marini, R. P. (2019). Rejuvenation strategies with exosome-based therapies. Dermatologic Surgery, 45(3), 305-312. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000001789 
  5. Funt, D., & Pavicic, T. (2013). Dermal fillers in aesthetics: An overview of adverse events and treatment approaches. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 6, 295-316. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S50546 

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