The Future of the Body Contouring Market

Let’s face it, North America, particularly the U.S., is getting fatter. With rising obesity rates comes an increased demand in the body contouring market. Patients are seeking at latest ways to get their body in shape, and doctors are increasingly adapting to advancements in body contouring technology.

A recent article from BusinessWire.com predicts how the introduction of new devices, as well as the recession, will have an effect on the body contouring market over the next few years. There have been numerous devices approved since 2008 in the way of laser-assisted liposuction(LAL) and cryolipolysis that have recently become more available to consumers.

Despite the rising frequency of body contouring devices, the price of treatment may deter patients during the recession. Doctors have to earn back their investment on said devices, which cost upwards of $100,000, and do so through the cost of the treatment to patients. The cosmetic surgery industry is currently facing many obstacles; however, as patients postpone or even forego these elective procedures in order to conserve funds.

Despite the decline in device sales from 2008 to 2009, Millennium Research Group predicts an economic revival of the body contouring market to be reported for 2010.

SmartLipo MPX, the first dual-wavelength LAL device available in the market, was launched in Canada and the U.S. in 2008. Other big launches to take place in 2009 included CoolLipo by CoolTouch, SlimLipo by Palomar Medical Technologies, Syneron’s LipoLite, Sciton’s ProLipo PLUS and SmoothLipo by Elem Medical.

The first transdermal ultrasound device to be available in Canada was UltraShape’s Contour 1. In 2009, Medicis’ LipoSonix, which has had difficulty getting FDA approval, received Health Canada approval. To date, there are no transdermal ultrasound devices available in the U.S. In the way of cryolipolysis, Coolsculpting by Zeltiq has been available for off-label fat removal since last summer.

Even with the threats of the recession affecting the body contouring market, the obesity problem in North America guarantees a growing number of prospective patients available.  Furthermore, as body contouring technology advances there will be a growing consumer demand and market growth.

All About SmartLipo

SmartLipo is the latest form of liposuction technology that combines traditional fat removal methods with laser technology for maximum results. Laser technology, which is used routinely in dental procedures, lasik eye surgery, facial rejuvenation and hair removal, is what sets SmartLipo apart from its competition.

“Laser” is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Medical-grade lasers create a powerful light beam that is adjusted to a specific frequency range to precisely treat targeted areas.

SmartLipo differs from traditional liposuction in that it uses a carefully calibrated laser to liquefy fat deposits through the top layer of the patient’s skin. The fat is then removed through a tiny incision in the skin made by the doctor.

What makes SmartLipo different from traditional liposuction is that it can also seal blood vessels as it liquefies the fat cells. This reduces swelling, bleeding and bruising and gives the patient less down time. SmartLipo may reduce downtime drop reduce complications.

SmartLipo is also an FDA approved liposuction treatment that has undergone rigorous clinical trials. The laser used also stimulates the production of collagen in the skin, giving it a firmer, more youthful appearance. Delaware residents who are interested in liposuction will benefit greatly from the advantages that SmartLipo has to offer over traditional liposuction.

While SmartLipo is considered minimally invasive, it is still a procedure that should be performed by a physician. When considering liposuction, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in the latest technologies in fat removal.