Emerging Asian Spa Market — There has been an explosive growth in the Asian spa market over the past few years. India and China, two of the fastest growing economies on the planet, are currently seeing phenomenal development as increasingly prosperous populations begin to demand North American style hotel chains and spas. This 2011 spa trend is one which shows no signs of slowing down; indeed, experts agree that the rapid growth of the spa industry in the Asian subcontinent will likely continue into the next decade.

Halotherapy — The therapeutic benefits of breathing salt air have been known for centuries and have, over the years, even led to the development of European salt mine resorts. Now specially designed salt inhalation rooms are beginning to emerge in high end spas worldwide. Look for the installation of modern halogenerators –devices capable of delivering ionized salt particles in the air– to become a growing trend.

Aging Boomers — Historically the single most influential spa demographic in North America, Europe, and Japan, the baby boomers are now slowly moving through their sixties and into their seventies. The growing inclusion of various forms of pain management and therapeutic massage aimed at improving mobility and flexibility was a hot trend in 2011.

Green Spas — Thirty or forty years younger than the boomer, are a generation of hip young urban professionals, currently coming into their own. Increasingly, this demographic is demanding ecologically responsible spas that use local and/or ethically sourced products and support all manner of ongoing environmental initiatives.

Paying attention to emerging trends in the global spa industry, of course, won’t always furnish you with information that you can immediately put to good use, but it is a good idea, at the very least, to get a sense for the shifting landscape around you, which is why we at Pamela Hill Institute are keeping our eyes open on your behalf.

The holidays are coming; is your medical spa ready? Use this special time of year to keep in touch with your current clients, reach out to new ones and refresh your service menu by offering a variety of treatments and services to help clients look their best for upcoming get-togethers.

By: Steven H. Dayan, MD, FACS, Tracy L. Drumm and Terri A. Wojak

Physician’s point of view: Steven H. Dayan, MD, FACS

The holidays are a time when people often want to look their best. Some may be seeing relatives and old friends that they only see occasionally and others may have holiday parties to attend. No matter the reason, it is important to convey the right look. Beauty, in essence, is a form of subconscious communication; it is an indicator of health and vitality. But, it’s essential that being beautiful is subconsciously transmitted. If a person looks “fake,” it will inadvertently suggest the exact opposite: that she is not healthy and vital. For females, large eyes, small chins and defined but delicate jaw lines are generally believed to be more attractive. Contrary to the “makeover” concept perpetuated by many, it often only takes one small, detectable change in a person’s face, expression or posture to completely alter the impression projected.

Subliminal Difference is a treatment that was designed in my office using nonsurgical treatments to strategically improve physical appearance and self- esteem, resulting in the immediate projection of a more attractive persona. Unlike traditional methods, the Subliminal Difference treatment results are immediately apparent, and those who experience the treatment can expect minimal to no bruising and swelling. Most patients go right back to their normal routines looking youthful and refreshed.

Drawing attention to the eyes is the key for a natural approach to beauty. Neurotoxins injected in the masseter muscles is one of the techniques used to achieve this effect, narrowing the lower third of the face, allowing for others to be naturally drawn to the eye area. To counterbalance sunken under-eye hollows or droopy brows, filler can be injected to plump these areas, and can also be added to the cheek pedestal, which not only highlights the eyes, but also creates the appearance of an elevated cheekbone—another sign of beauty. Bimatoprost can create fuller lashes for a more youthful appearance, as well as draw even more attention to the eyes.

There are other treatments used for Subliminal Difference that provide a more healthy and youthful appearance. Accentuating the lips using filler is one of the more popular treatments to provide a youthful look. Laser treatments can be performed to create an even skin tone and texture, giving the appearance of internal health. Onabotulinumtoxin A and abobotulinumtoxin A on the upper half of the face reduces forehead wrinkles, including the deep furrows often seen between the eyebrows, as well as elevates the outer tips of the brows to create a friendly and youthful appearance.

About the Author:

Steven H. Dayan, MD

Steven Dayan, MD is a board certified member of the elite American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is also board certified in the American Board of Otolaryngology. He is also the founder of the Office of Steven H. Dayan, MD, FACS, True Skin Care Center and True University.

The FDA warned six U.S. based medical spas and a Brazilian company to stop making false claims about the drugs used in these procedures.

There’s no proof the procedures work and serious side effects can occur, agency says

By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

Sold on the Internet and used by some spas, lipodissolve is a procedure that its proponents claim will eliminate fat. U.S. companies claim that the drugs used in the procedure are safe and effective, but these products have never been approved by the FDA, the agency said.

“We are concerned that these companies are misleading consumers,” Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a prepared statement. “It is important for anyone who is considering this voluntary procedure to understand that the products used to perform lipodissolve procedures are not approved by the FDA for fat removal.”

Lipodissolve involves several injections that supposedly dissolve and remove small pockets of fat from areas of the body.

Lipodissolve is also known as mesotherapy, lipozap, lipotherapy, or injection lipolysis. The drugs most often used are combinations of phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate.

Sometimes other ingredients such as vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts are added into the mix, the agency said.

However, there is no “credible scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of any of these substances for fat elimination, and their safety when used alone or in combination is unknown,” the FDA said.

The FDA has asked for a written response from the U.S. companies within 15 days outlining how they plan to correct the violations and prevent future violations. Failure to correct the violations could result in legal action, the agency said.

Each company has been cited for a variety of violations, including making “unsupported claims that the products have an outstanding safety record and are superior to other fat loss procedures, including liposuction,” the FDA said.

Also, some of these companies have claimed that lipodissolve can treat certain medical conditions, such as male breast enlargement, benign fatty growths called lipomas, excess fat deposits and surgical deformities.

“The FDA is not aware of clinical evidence to support any of these claims,” the agency said.

FDA officials have received reports of negative side effects from people who have tried the procedure, including permanent scarring, skin deformation, and deep painful knots under the skin in areas where lipodissolve drugs were injected.

Warning letters were sent to: Monarch Medspa, King of Prussia, Penn.; Spa 35, Boise, Idaho; Medical Cosmetic Enhancements, Chevy Chase, Md.; Innovative Directions in Health, Edina, Minn.; PURE Med Spa, Boca Raton, Fla.; and All About You Med Spa, Madison, Ind.

The Brazilian company receiving the warning letter sells lipodissolve products on two Web Sites: zipmed.net and mesoone.com, the FDA said.

The FDA also has issued an import alert against these Internet sites to prevent the drugs from being imported and distributed in the United States.

This Luxist writer has spent more than her fair share of time in the spa – working hard to provide readers with the best information possible, naturally. A combination of exploration and research (plus a week at the International Spa Association’s annual conference) has yielded the following favorite five spa trends of 2010:

Mini Treatments Rule
Spa-goers are busy and budget conscious. Booking mini-treatments, whether in “sample packs” of several different experiences or single-service models, allow visitors to experience a variety of services without blowing their budget. Since many spas offer extra amenities, like steam rooms, saunas and relaxation areas, a single service can often allow visitors to spa “all day” at a low base cost. These quick treatments have also become popular lunchtime breaks, where working women (and men) can escape for a pick-me-up facial, Botox treatment or shoulder massage and get back into the workday without missing a beat.

Green Genes
Natural, eco-friendly and “green” treatments are growing increasingly popular among consumers. After all, they already shop at Whole Foods and Trader Joes, recycle, and drive hybrid cars — why shouldn’t the environmental consciousness translate into their spa routine? Paraben-free and organic products have exploded in the marketplace. Salt-based treatments, either in the form of scrubs or ultra-modern detox rooms made of salt blocks have also risen strongly in popularity.

Results-Oriented
The med-spa has gone mainstream, and even “regular” spas are offering treatments like Endermologie and laser hair removal. Some argue that the recession has spurred spa-goers to seek results from what was once a luxury, but others point towards the increasing education of consumers and advancement of technologies and products to spur a consumer movement towards the results rather than relaxation-oriented treatment. No longer is it simply enough to feel pampered – spa-goers want to emerge from their afternoon feeling skinnier, younger and of course, hair and wrinkle free (in all the right places).

Spa Where You Are
Another movement affected partially by the recession, the mega spas of yesteryear are dwindling. Spas have become increasingly focused on treatments rather than size and are moving towards offering rooms that can be converted for multiple needs (facials, massages, and body wraps all in one room) as well as in-room treatments at resorts and hotels. Chains like Massage Envy have also done extremely well by offering a volume discount, ease of access service model and no-frills aesthetic.

Branded Experiences and Local Immersion
Spas are headed in one of two directions. Many have opted to adopt the “Starbucks” mentality, offering a consistent branded experience, either in product lines or treatment menus, comforting consumers with the idea that they can get the same service level across the globe. Other spas have moved in the opposite direction and embraced a farm-to-table approach and are incorporating the natural bounty of their land, incorporating local herbs, salts, sands and muds into their treatments, while others have moved toward using only natural products and oils in their product offerings.

Those looking for a simple line of skin care products that get results would do well to consider P8N8.  This line of quality products pride themselves on using age defying ingredients such as stabilized oxygen, Japanese green tea, vitamin A, Retinol and enzymes using their patented technology for delivery where it is needed, in the skin.  Manufactured under the highest possible standards, P8N8 caries skin care products for both men and women. This product line is one of the most popular with celebrities including Hilary Swank, Mariah Carey, Katie Holmes, Salma Hayek and Kate Winslet.

Oxygen Depletion Leads to Skin Problems

One of the concepts P8N8 uses is that skin problems can be a result of oxygen depletion, so they use ingredients that beat the premature aging process.  Green tea has made a lot of buzz lately about its anti aging properties, and is a prime ingredient.  Enzymes, and Retinol also contribute to the oxidization process and provide a healthy glow to skin.  Previously available only in Europe, P8N8 has come to North America and is widely accepted for the great results it gives its users.

Men Especially Enjoy P8N8

Men especially enjoy the benefits of P8N8 as they become more concerned with their skin.  P8N8 calls the effect “shock & aahh” and refers to it as a “power boost” of “basic boot camp” to improve men’s skin.  Their products include several cleansers, all with proper ph balance, as well as sun screen to both prevent and rectify sun damage to the skin.  P8N8 also has a shock treatment serums which they say can repair years of “war wounds” caused by the sun.  It resurfaces the skin using a time released exfoliant that acts before the surface of the skin and is twenty times more effective than traditional hydroxyl acids, achieving great results without excessive dryness.  It has been cited as great for improving wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet, eye bags, age spots, dark circles under the eyes, freckles and pigmentation problems, rough skin texture and blotchy skin.

Complex Creams Are Helpful

Another popular product from P8N8 are the complex 1 creams.  As a person ages the ability to naturally absorb oxygen from the air is diminished, which results in the skin retaining waste products.   This can be a major factor in dull, blotchy or blemished skin and other signs of premature aging.  If the complex creams are applied every morning the positive results become quickly noticeable.

Great Advice Provided

The professionals at P8N8 also provide great advice to those concerned with skin care. Things we may all know but it doesn’t hurt to remind us of them at times.  Getting plenty of water for proper hydration is important to good skin care, as is avoiding excessive touching of the face and not smoking. Also avoiding carbonated beverages will benefit the skin in the long run.   Remember that the skin is an indicator of the body’s basic health so do all you can do to keep your skin in shape.  And for an effective skin care regime P8N8 is a very good choice.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PRURGENT

A survey of 10,000 people, published this month by Saga, “looked at changing attitudes towards personal appearance over a generation and revealed that spending on treatments such as ….. teeth whitening, cosmetic surgery and other beauty treatments is soaring. The report discovered that people over fifty are more appearance conscious than ever, with two thirds (62%) believing they are more likely to be judged on their appearance than previous generations.”

To capture this market growth, physicians are adding aesthetic medicine modalities, from Botox® to hCG for weight loss, to their healthcare businesses. To ensure the successful and profitable addition of aesthetic medicine treatments to a medical practice or to launch a medical spa, the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine offers the most comprehensive, hands-on, 2-day training, covering: cosmetic injectables from Botox® to Perlane®, lasers, medical microdermabrasion and medical grade chemical peels. The IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposium is designed by physicians, for physicians, and showcases the most current clinical, weight loss, and aesthetic practice business training. At the IAPAM’s Symposium, all Botox® training is done in a clean, multi-million dollar medical facility, not a hotel room.

View a preview of the Aesthetic Medicine Symposium with Botox® training on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of-jMxVNLOY.

Equally, in its 1-day hCG seminar, the IAPAM gives physicians everything they need to add hCG and Medical Weight Management services to a practice. The IAPAM’s hCG & Medical Weight Management Training is offered the Friday before every Symposium, and provides physicians with all the resources required to offer hCG for weight loss clinic to existing patients, or to launch a Medical Weight Loss Clinic. This training covers the IAPAM’s exclusive hCG for Weight Loss Protocol, prescription appetite suppressants & lipase inhibitors, ketogenic diet based programs, meal replacements, B6/12 injections, adding laser-assisted liposuction to your practice and includes all the forms, pharmacy contacts, and patient materials required to start a weight loss program.

Finally, all physicians who complete the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposium and hCG Physician Weight Loss Training have access to 20 AMA CAT 1 Aesthetic Medicine and Obesity CME’s.

Over 500 physicians and their medspa managers, registered nurses, assistants and medical aestheticians, have attended the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums and the IAPAM’s hCG Physician Medical Weight Management Training. Join the ranks of physicians who have this competitive advantage, and register for the next Aesthetic Medicine Symposium today by contacting the IAPAM at 1-800-219-5108, or visit http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com or http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com/physician-hcg-weight-loss-training.

About the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine
The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits. IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs), dentists (DDSs/DMDs) doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), physicians assistants (PA’s) and nurse practitioners (NP’s). Information about the association can be accessed through IAPAM’s website at http://www.IAPAM.com or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108
infotheiapam.com

NEW YORK, July 9 /PRNewswire/ — The Spa & Resort/Medical Aesthetics Expo (www.spaandresortexpo.com) has been redesigned this year to give attendees an enhanced experience that focuses on new resources, tools, treatments, and professional education that will help their business grow and succeed. This empowering event will be held September 28-29, 2010, in conjunction with the HBA Global Event annual Beauty Week™, at New York’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

New show floor features include the Industry Education Theater, which will platform leading manufacturers demonstrations on new products and advance treatments.  During both days of the event, attendees will be able to participate in interactive “how to’s” and learn about the latest skincare or body care products that they can offer their customers and businesses.

The Retreat will include daily yoga demonstrations, wellness training, and provide a holistic educational approach to well-being.   This tranquil haven will show attendees how to incorporate total wellness into their offerings and appeal to the consumers who are seeking alternative, natural, and mind/body treatments.

Also new for 2010, will be Spa visitors access to the Trend Spot (part of the adjacent HBA Global Expo), highlighting cutting-edge trends in makeup, color, packaging, ingredients, and consumer buying and featuring presentations by professional make-up artists like Eve Pearl, top organizations, such as Euromonitor and Mintel, and books signings by prominent industry authors.

Spa & Resort will also offer show specials and robust discounts, up to 50%, on products and services and unparalleled networking opportunities for skin care, spa and medical aesthetics professionals.

Back by popular demand, will be the private Beauty Bar Lounge, where invited VIP guests can take some time out from the show to relax and select exclusive samples from the Beauty Bar showcase of exhibitor products.

In addition, Spa & Resort attendees can register for the HBA Educational Conference, which includes marketing sessions on “The Four Rs of Spa Success;” “Marketing through Salons, Day Spas and Medical Spas;”  ”The Future of Skin Care;” and other business-building topics and programs including a Trends and Green Conference.

“All of these additions and features are designed to give attendees the tools to grow their business toward comprehensive skincare, beauty and wellness services, which is increasingly vital in today’s challenging marketplace,” said Jill Birkett, Brand Director, Beauty & Wellness, UBMi.

For the second year, Spa & Resort will co-locate with the HBA Global Expo giving participants a 360-degree experience of the entire life cycle of goods, from product conception to completion. UBM International Media (UBMi), which owns and produces the HBA Global Expo & Conference, has recently assumed the entire management of the Spa & Resort shows.  One badge provides attendees with access to visit exhibitors and attend special programs on both show floors during the two-days the shows overlap. Admission to the HBA conference program requires a different registration package.

Registration for Spa & Resort will open in mid-July. For more information on the Spa & Resort/Medical Aesthetics Expo visit www.spaandresortexpo.com. To participate or sponsor, contact Mary Palmieri at 609-759-7606 or mary.palmieri@ubm.com.

The Retail Sales in the Day Spa Industry survey is a study of the first-ever Day Spa Association (DSA) retail sales data with the purpose of quantifing what is really happening with current industry retail sales patterns. Monte Zwang notes, “We wanted to report the percentage retail has on total day spa sales income. We also wanted to share how spas select the professional products they sell, where they go to find them/buy them, how they market these products and their price points as well as the incentives used for their staffs. For the very first time, we have asked the day spa industry how they handled retail product sales and what results they were experiencing.”

The Growth of the Spa Industry

Full-service salons, day spas, medical spas, holistic wellness centers, hotel and destination spas were surveyed. More than half of the respondents generated less than $400,000 in annual gross revenues while 25% reported sales volumes over the one million dollar mark. Almost 60% of the respondents had a retail to service sales revenue of 15% or less, while 35% had retail sales revenues of greater than 15%.

With the average spa an 11% to 15% retail space is allocated, while 40% of day spas do not currently allocate any extra space to create a special retail environment. Retail sales were proven to have a direct correlation to the allocated space. Commissions for retail sales stayed close to industry estimates with most employees paid in the 10-15% commission categories. This study shares how most day spas and spas are now streamlining their product lines with skincare, body care, makeup and nailcare as the top four retail sales product priorities controlling 60% of all retail sales. Hair care now generates under 9% of retail sales in spa environments. Whereas the ultimate decision to add new product lines is made by the spa owner, more than 40% of the decisions are now made from manufacturer and distributor catalogs with 35% of buying decisions made from on site or telephone sales.

This new Retail Report sells for $145 for DSA members ($175 for non-members) and it can be ordered online. 201-865-2065

Find this article at: http://www.skininc.com/spabusiness/management/retail/91025679.html

A parallel effect

The Lipstick Effect—derived from a phrase recently re-coined by Leonard Lauder, chairman of Estée Lauder, when he saw a huge jump in lipstick sales after Sept. 11, 2001, in spite of economic uncertainty—is compared in the survey to the 80% of board-certified facial plastic surgeons who reported an increase in noninvasive cosmetic procedures within the past year. This increase was due to consumers looking to delay the effects of aging and to avoid more costly surgeries. The most requested procedures? Botox, 96%; dermal fillers, 93%; and ablative skin resurfacing treatments, 92%.

Despite a repressed economy, both women and men are willing to spend hard-earned money on noninvasive procedures to help them look and feel refreshed, with some even opting for procedures in order to stay competitive in the workforce. “In challenging economic times, clients want value when it comes to investing in their health and the appearance of their face,” says Donn Chatham, MD, president of the AAFPRS. “Value does not mean cheap, it means quality gained for the investment.”

According to the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM), “During times of economic uncertainty, consumers load up on affordable luxuries as a substitute for more expensive items.” Medical spas and medical aesthetic practices are seeing patients choosing dermal fillers over face lifts, and laser lipolysis over surgical liposuction.

Reprint Citation: Melinda Taschetta-Millane Skin Inc.