Hardware cosmetology

Hardware cosmetology - a direction whose range of possibilities covers almost all problems that may arise with the face - from aesthetic shortcomings of the skin (postacne, scarring, pigmentation, vascular sprockets, expanded pores, wrinkles) to pronounced age-related changes (gravitational ptosis, changes in the jawline of the face, loss of skin turgor, deep wrinkles, splashes).

Today, hardware methods for correcting the shape and local fat deposits are also becoming more and more popular. In its effect, hardware techniques are comparable to plastic surgery, but do not have the risks and complications that can accompany surgery, and do not require such a long recovery.

Advantages

For 2018, among the advantages of hardware methods are:

• pain-free and safe procedures;
• short rehabilitation period with no visible traces of the procedure;
• effectiveness, compared to conventional cosmetology, due to deeper effects on the dermis and deeper anatomical structures;
• minimum number of procedures to achieve a pronounced and durable result.

Seasonality of use

In the second half of spring and summer, during a period of strong solar activity, hardware procedures are not recommended due to the high risk of pigmentation. Also, do not make them in autumn-winter on the eve of a trip to warm, exotic countries, where eternal summer. After the procedure, it should take at least 2-3 weeks, and on vacation you will definitely have to protect the skin with cosmetics with a high photoprotection factor.

Types of hardware cosmetology

Facial photo rejuvenation

This method of correcting age and pathological changes in the skin is based on the effect of light flux on all layers of the skin. The flow of light effectively stimulates the formation of collagen and elastin fibers. With the help of phototherapy, you can eliminate many skin defects, align its relief, eliminate wrinkles and tighten the oval of the face. Also today, this technique is widely used to remove pigment spots and correct vascular skin pathologies.

Improvements are visible after 3-4 procedures, the skin acquires a well-groomed, fresh and healthy look. The photo rejuvenation program significantly improves the elasticity and turgor of the skin, contributes to the preservation of a pronounced lifting effect. Also, modern developments of phototherapy protocols allow effective treatment of acne and rosacea (chronic disease of the facial skin, which is characterized by redness, dilation of small and superficial vessels of the facial skin, formation of papules, pustules and edema; rosacea is a fairly common problem in women after the age of 40).

Laser facial rejuvenation

Main article: Laser cosmetology

This method is based on the selectivity of laser absorption by different structures of the epidermis, each of which absorbs pulses of a certain spectrum range. Laser flux absorption transforms light energy into heat energy at epidermal tissue sites, and this leads to regeneration processes. Depending on the temperature and depth of penetration of the high-precision beam, the cosmetologist can act on certain shortcomings and problems of the skin, for example, deep skin resurfacing can be done to level the scars from acne, smooth wrinkles.

The principle of fractional rejuvenation (the most non-traumatic laser method of skin rejuvenation) is based on exposure to a separated laser beam that acts on the skin in such a way that active regeneration processes are triggered. Fractional rejuvenation of the skin allows you to effectively fight both age-related changes and scar changes.

Laser rejuvenation is used for a variety of skin defects: postacne, pigmentation, superficial and median wrinkles, expanded pores, vascular changes, skin with signs of photoaging and loss of turgor. The course of laser rejuvenation usually consists of 4-6 or more sessions with a four-week interval. The maximum effect occurs within three months. The rehabilitation period may be accompanied by redness of the skin, minor swelling and peeling, which pass within 3-7 days.

Radio wave lift of the skin of the face

A technique based on exposure to radiofrequency energy in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. RF pulses, passing through tissues, cause the tissue structures to warm up to 65 ° C, in particular collagen and elastin, which are of a protein nature. The electric field and elevated temperature stimulate collagen remodeling and activate the production of new fibers that form the facial scaffold.

The advantage of this method is a quick, effective and safe solution to many age-related skin problems without a rehabilitation period. At the same time, the pronounced lifting effect lasts for a long time - up to three years.

Ultrasonic SMAS lifting

SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) is a muscular-aponeurotic layer consisting of elastin and collagen fibers that covers the mimic muscles of our face. It is this muscular framework that ensures the clarity of the contours of the oval of the face. With age, the function of SMAS deteriorates - collagen fibers break down and so-called "gravitational ptosis" occurs. Everyone knows how it manifests itself on the face: the contour of the oval of the face begins to lose its clarity, crawl, excess skin appears in the form of "bulldog cheeks," "marionette wrinkles" lie in the nasolabial area, tissues descend, especially the corners of the lips, which freeze in Piero's sad "smile." These age-related changes cannot be eliminated by acting only at the dermis (skin) level, a deeper impact is needed here.

The ability to influence the deep structures of the face using ultrasonic lifting has become a kind of breakthrough in cosmetology (the depth of penetration of the ultrasonic pulse during the procedure is 5 mm, and other methods affect a depth of only 1.5 mm).

The technique consists in a three-level focal effect of ultrasonic waves on the muscles and muscle fascia of the face. During the procedure, the apparatus simulates the contours of the face using intense ultrasound pulses that create thermocoagulation zones in the subcutaneous fat layer, dermis and SMAS. For its effectiveness, this lifting is comparable to an operating facelift.

After this procedure, the rejuvenating effect remains up to 3-5 years, and the tightening of the soft tissues of the face is visible after one procedure. The oval of the face is immediately restored, the cheeks and corners of the lips rise, the upper eyelid and eyebrows lift^[1].

Market estimates

2023: Worldwide RF cosmetology equipment sales up 5% to $1.92 billion for the year

In 2023, the global market for radio-frequency cosmetology equipment reached $1.92 billion. This is 5% more compared to 2022, when costs in this area were estimated at $1.83 billion. One of the industry's main drivers is the increasing demand for non-invasive cosmetic procedures. This is stated in a study by Market Research Future, the results of which were published in early September 2024.

Radiofrequency cosmetic equipment allows you to safely and effectively improve the appearance and condition of the skin - without the need for surgical interventions, which can be accompanied by various complications. Radiofrequency therapy allows performing non-surgical tightening, correcting facial contours, reducing the volume of local fat accumulations, etc. Another factor driving the development of the market is technological progress: manufacturers are constantly developing new products that increase the effectiveness of therapy and expand opportunities. Plus, patient awareness of the benefits of radiofrequency cosmetic procedures is growing.

The authors of the report identify several types of radiofrequency cosmetology equipment, including monopolar, bipolar and multipolar. In 2023, the multipolar device segment took the largest market share - about 38.5%. Facial procedures account for the largest amount of revenue - approximately 42.5% in 2024. BTL Aesthetics, Thermage, CoolSculpting, Pollogen, Zeltiq Aesthetics, Alma Lasers, Sciton, Ulthera,,, Lumenis Syneron Candela InMode, Venus Concept, Cutera and are named among the leading players in the industry. Cynosure

Analysts believe that in the future, the CAGR (average annual growth rate in complex percentages) in the market under consideration will be 5.22%. As a result, by 2032, sales of radio-frequency cosmetological equipment in the world will rise to $3.04 billion.^[2]

Notes