Study: Cosmetic Fat Removal Surges 134% in Q1 2012, Male Demand Grows

IRVINE, Calif., May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In a study performed by The Patient's Guide®, demand in Q1 2012 grew year-over-year for non-surgical fat removal by 134%, predominantly fueled by new products removing fat without surgery. Demand among men has also increased significantly. The study looked at patient appointment data from 205 of the top aesthetic medical practices across the country. "It's clear the emergence of non-surgical body shaping options such as Coolsculpting® by Zeltiq®, Velashape® by Syneron® and Liposonix® from Solta® are creating awareness among male consumers which is driving most of this growth," said Jasson W. Gilmore, CEO & Co-Founder of The Patient's Guide. "The effectiveness of some of these procedures coupled with the latent demand for an alternative to high-profile invasive surgery are the main drivers of this behavior. Over 120,000 patients researched our sites alone in the first quarter of 2012 for the top two non-surgical options."

Through The Patient Guide's proprietary appointment tracking system, aggregate data was analyzed for non-invasive technologies like Coolsculpting, Velashape, and Liposonix (http://www.cellulite-treatment.com/liposonix.aspx) was collected for over a year in 205 of the participating medical practices. "30.3% of the overall demand came from men, which is up from 13% last year.  We compared this to other aesthetic treatments and the level of motivation is similar to that of more serious general dermatology concerns, such as rosacea or mole checks," said Mr. Gilmore. "The level of interest and willingness to act is high in this vertical."       

Part of that growth can be attributed to the medical device companies new marketing strategies.  Non-surgical techniques are being marketed to healthier patients whom have trouble getting rid of stubborn pockets of fat, rather than patients who are far more obese and in need of more serious treatments.  Not every individual needs traditional invasive techniques like liposuction or tummy tucks.  A much larger market exists for weight-conscious Americans who consistently diet and exercise, but need help attaining their ideal weight goals.  Men comprise a very large portion of that demographic. Treatments like Coolsculpting (http://www.fatremoval.org/cryolipolysis.aspx), (http://www.body-contouring.com/zeltiq.aspx) which require no surgery and only an hour commitment offer a discreet way for men to seek treatment while avoiding any perceived social stigmas. 

Dr. Eric Bernstein, renowned laser expert and Associate Clinical Professor at University of Pennsylvania, says. "There's no question the overall demand for non-surgical fat reduction has boomed over the course of 2011 and into 2012. I'm also seeing more men for this type of treatment than compared with my other patient demographics." Dr. Bernstein expects the trend to continue, especially with neophytes. "I think these treatments are introducing new patients into our practice that may not have been your typical cosmetic patients."

For further details on the data, please contact Brittney Roberts at [email protected]

About The Patient's Guide 

The Patient's Guide's mission is to provide the most accurate medical information to enable consumers to make educated decisions about aesthetic treatments. The Patient's Guide team includes leading physicians in the fields of laser and dermatology. These experts are the innovators in skin care and cosmetic dermatology technology breakthroughs, including hair removal, skin rejuvenation, fat reduction and cellulite treatment. Each month over one million visitors go to The Patient's Guide, a family of 25 web publications, each dedicated to a specific condition or treatment. Visitors rely on the information The Patient's Guide provides because the information is written by leading experts. For more information please visit patientsguide.com.

SOURCE The Patient’s Guide