Collagen and Botox in demand from ageing population

27/12/2007

The number of people undergoing cosmetic treatment in the UK is soaring, with a prediction from market analyst Mintel that spending will reach more than £1 billion in 2008 - with particular demand for botox and collagen wrinkle fillers.

 

The driving factor seems to be that people are keen to look as young on the outside as they feel on the inside - especially for the baby boomer generation.

The number of adults aged 55 to 64 will increase by 47.6% from 2000 to 2010, and the number of people aged 65 to 74 will increase by 16.3% during this same time period. These ageing adults will willingly spend millions and millions of pounds worldwide to remain youthful and vital  - which is why it is crucial for companies to understand attitudes toward aging and how they will affect and change the marketing of related products and services in the marketplace.

Mintel senior cosmetics analyst Alexandra Richmond said: "Today, the British perception of beauty is based on airbrushed images of models and photos of surgically enhanced celebrities, both young and old. For many the natural look simply can't compete, and leaves them feeling inadequate." Facial enhancements and breast enlargement or uplifts are the two most popular surgical procedures for women, and nose jobs are the most popular surgical procedure with men.

Mr Rajiv Grover, a consultant plastic surgeon and secretary of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, believes that there is still potential for further growth in the numbers of people having procedures. He said: "The current figures suggest that as little as 0.03% of the population has undergone a procedure, so there is scope for more. We just don't know what new procedures will be available in even the next few years."

But he also warned that people should be careful about choosing 'rogue' surgeons for surgery - especially as the report revealed that some people spend longer choosing their bathroom tiles than they do choosing their surgeon.

Non-invasive treatments like botox and collagen have also become much more popular because they are seen as less risky. However, because these delicate procedures do not have to be carried out by medically qualified personnel, the industry is self-regulated and could be a cause for concern.

The answer is to make sure you thoroughly check out who is administering any cosmetic treatments before agreeing to anything. It is your body, after all.