The global pandemic caused by COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of life as we knew it: our hygiene, our travel, our desires, and our behaviors. When the novel coronavirus is under control and the world's quarantines are lifted, how might this impact the aesthetics industry?
First, I think aesthetics will return to minimally invasive procedures before anything else. Injectables, botox, fillers, suture suspension lifts, and nonsurgical skin procedures are considered low risk and low downtime. I think people will feel most comfortable with these procedures early on as we are figuring out what our new normal looks like.
Second, I think at first, interest in surgical procedures will favor those that can be done under local anesthesia or IV sedation before more major procedures are done. Currently it has been advised that all ventilators in the US be put on hold for life-saving purposes. We will not return to using ventilators for elective surgery until we are past the peak of COVID-19 and certain that we have enough hospital resources to help anyone who is sick.
Third, I think there will be a major shift to medical-grade skin care and at-home measures for the times in between aesthetic appointments. High-quality medical grade vitamin C, retinoids, hyaluronics, scrubs, and cleansers will likely begin to play a larger role for those who have previously relied on in-office treatments like lasers.
Fourth, I think our protocols for sterilization and screening will be ramped up. I anticipate that plastic surgeons will wear masks and face shields for routine well patient appointments. Deep sterilizations will be frequent. We may use temperature screening or even rapid COVID-19 testing to decide who can be treated. If widespread serologic testing becomes available, having IgG for COVID-19 (a marker of having recovered) may become a passport to travel and behave freely. As treatments and vaccine research evolve, our new normal will begin to more closely resemble our old normal.
What do you think will happen next in the aesthetics industry?
-Dr. Lara Devgan
