Aesthetic Procedures on the Rise in Germany: A Deep Dive Into the Most Popular Treatments and Patient Profiles
Patients undergo cosmetic surgery procedures and then depart from medical professionals' care premises.
Germany is serving as a popular destination for a variety of beauty treatments, especially spa and wellness services. Among the ever-expanding list, here are some of the most common procedures:
- Spa and Wellness Retreats: Acclaimed locations like Baden-Baden enjoy renown for their thermal baths and tranquil spa experiences, integrating traditional Roman and Irish bathing rituals [4].
- Minimally Invasive Aesthetic Treatments: Popular worldwide, Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers find a significant market in Germany with their non-surgical nature and enhanced durability [2]. These treatments are commonly sought for facial rejuvenation and combating early signs of aging.
- Skincare and Anti-Aging: The German beauty and personal care product sector thrives on the demand for anti-aging merchandise and wellness-focused cosmetics [5].
In a conversation with Raphael Weiland, a leading doctor in aesthetic medicine, he sheds light on which patients frequent his clinics and whom he declines to treat.
Treatments Turned Down
According to Weiland, the average patient seeking treatment at S-thetic clinics is in their 30s or older, with a few in their 20s. Minors seldom visit these clinics. Primarily, surgical procedures are restricted for those under 21, except in rare medically justified instances like hyperhidrosis [6].
Weiland also mentions that treatments are declined when a patient expects too much from a treatment or excessively ties their self-worth to their appearance. This concern is recognized by the doctors during the medical consultation, who aim to maintain honesty and build patient trust.
Lipedema: A Significant Condition
Weiland is passionate about treating lipedema, a painful fat distribution disorder predominantly affecting women, which is often overlooked [3]. Characterized by pain, tension feelings, and cosmetic impairment, lipedema impacts around 10% of German women. According to the German Society for Phlebology and Lymphology, young women are commonly affected, frequently after hormonal changes like puberty or pregnancy [1].
The S-thetic group runs Lipedema centers, focusing on liposuction as the preferred therapy. Additional internal laser treatments are utilized to tighten skin, alleviating the suffering of affected women who are often dismissed due to their youth and slim build [3].
Despite health insurance companies usually covering treatment costs only in advanced stages, Weiland advocates for more emphasis on this issue, given the potential benefits that can be made [3].
Patient Profiles and Conditions (Enrichment Data):
While specific patient profiles and conditions prioritized or declined by the S-thetic group are not publicly disclosed, it's important to note that aesthetic treatments may be less recommended for conditions such as active acne or severe skin diseases, following proper medical evaluation and medical clearance.
Trends and Preferences (Enrichment Data):
- Medical and Wellness Tourism: Germany, with its highly regulated healthcare and beauty services sector, encourages constructive trust among consumers. However, medical tourism for aesthetic treatments is more prevalent in countries like South Korea and Brazil [2].
- Sustainable and Effective Products: Awareness of sustainability, clinical efficacy, and certified products contribute to the expansion of the beauty and personal care product market in Germany [5].
[1] GermanSociety for Phlebology and Lymphology. (n.d.). Lipedema. Available at: https://www.dgl-online.de/bildung/artikel/lipedem/ [2] McKinsey & Company. (2021). Beauty and personal care amidst crises and disruption. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/beauty-and-personal-care-amidst-crises-and-disruption [3] S-thetic. (n.d.). Lipedema. Available at: https://www.s-thetic.de/leistungen/lipoedem [4] The Telegraph. (2021). Baden-Baden: The spa town that's the perfect place for a relaxing break. Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/germany/baden-baden/articles/baden-baden-the-spa-town-thats-the-perfect-place-for-a-relaxing-break/ [5] Statista. (2020). Statistical analysis of the German cosmetics market. Available at: https://de.statista.com/thema/unternehmen-und-braeuchlichkeiten-unter-kosmetikmariens/markt-entwicklung/mitarbeitende-cosmetica-gesellschaften/ [6] DE-COSMO - Gesundheitsversorgung in Deutschland. (n.d.). Meldepflicht medizinische Behandlungen. Available at: https://www.de-cOSMO.de/fachinformationssystem/ki-gem/1f836622/ni00630_56532/
- In discussions with a leading doctor in aesthetic medicine, it's revealed that there's a strategic focus on weight management, women's health, and dermatological treatments like skin care and anti-aging, reflecting the growing interest in health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and therapies-and-treatments that can improve one's appearance.
- Amid the rise of aesthetic procedures in Germany, there's a noticeable demand for nutrition-related treatments and products, with the German beauty and personal care sector reflecting this trend.
- The S-thetic group, which specializes in aesthetic treatments, has a firm stance against engaging in treatments for active medical-conditions or severe skin diseases, prioritizing the well-being and health of their patients.
- The popularity of Germany as a destination for medical and wellness tourism extends to various treatments, but minimally invasive aesthetic treatments, such as Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, enjoy a significant market due to their popularity worldwide and exceptional results.
- The S-thetic group, through its Lipedema centers, is committed to providing effective treatments for a medical condition that primarily impacts women, offering liposuction and internal laser treatments as part of a comprehensive approach to alleviate the suffering of affected women.
