Market Trends of South Africa Aesthetic Devices Industry
Skin Resurfacing and Tightening Segment is Expected to Hold Significant Market Share in the South African Aesthetic Devices Application Segment
Skin resurfacing refers to the procedure where the outermost layer of the skin is removed with precision, usually with the help of a laser. The procedure improves skin firmness and thickness, reduces wrinkles and scars, evens out skin coloring, tightens skin, and removes lesions.
Due to its minimum invasiveness and improvements in product technology, skin tightening techniques are used more frequently after rapid weight loss or bariatric surgery. For instance, according to the 7th IFSO Global Registry Report, 187 bariatric procedures were carried out in South Africa. As people lose the elasticity of their skin after bariatric surgery, the increase in bariatric surgery is likely to create a demand for skin-tightening devices, thereby contributing to market growth in South Africa. In laser skin resurfacing, various lasers, including CO2, erbium, pulsed dye, and fractional lasers, are tuned for multiple skin conditions and skin types. The efficiency and benefits these laser devices offer in skin resurfacing and tightening fuels the demand for the segment over the forecast period in South Africa.
Furthermore, sun exposure, aging, and lack of proper skin can lead to sagging and aging in both men and women, creating a demand for skin tightening. For instance, a study published in April 2023 in Skin Research and Technology journal reported lower wrinkles/texture, pigmentation, and ptosis/sagging scores at 50-59 in South African men. The mean age of visibility of wrinkles/texture for South African men was 39 and 45 years for ptosis/sagging. Thus, owing to the risk of sagging and skin loosening among middle-aged males, the demand for skin-tightening aesthetic devices will likely rise, contributing to segment growth over the study period.
Hence, owing to the high prevalence of bariatric surgeries and the population increase with skin aging and sagging, the studied segment is expected to witness significant growth over the coming years.
Energy Based Aesthetic Devices Segment is Anticipated to Witness a Growth in the South Africa Aesthetic Devices Market Over the Forecast Period
Energy-based aesthetic devices are medical devices that utilize various forms of energy, such as light, radiofrequency (RF), ultrasound, or laser, to address a wide range of cosmetic needs and offer non-invasive or minimally invasive treatments. Factors such as an increase in the adoption of laser devices for resurfacing, laser hair removal, and vascular and pigmented lesions is one of the major factor driving the segment growth over the forecast period. For instance, a comparative study published by researchers from South Africa in May 2023 in PLoS One journal stated that a professional laser showed an overall hair reduction of 85% on the right axilla and 88% on the left axilla. In contrast, the home-use laser showed an overall decrease of 52% on the right axilla and 46,3% on the left axilla. Owing to the increased efficiency of hair reduction in laser devices, the demand for energy-based aesthetic devices will likely rise, fuelling segment growth over the study period.
Furthermore, RF-based devices are used for the aesthetic procedures of larger areas, such as the abdomen or flank. These devices provide treatment in a short time. RF therapy uses low-energy radiation to heat the deep layer of the skin called the dermis. Also, other methods are ultrasonic liposuction (UAL), a specialized cannula that transmits ultrasound vibrations within the body. These ultrasound vibrations help burst the fat cells' walls by liquifying the fat and making it easier to suction. Additionally, energy-based aesthetic devices are utilized for scar treatments. For instance, a study published by a researcher in South Africa in October 2022 in PubMed stated that a laser with surgical scar excision was one of the major options for keloid scar management unless combined with appropriate adjuvant therapy. Hence, owing to the adoption of energy-based devices in scar treatment, the demand for the studied segment will likely rise, contributing to segment growth over the forecast period.
Thus, owing to the advantages offered by energy-based aesthetic devices and the rise in the adoption of skin lasers, the studied segment is expected to witness significant growth over the coming years.
