As the fastest growing, most diverse market for aesthetic medicine, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is experiencing an upsurge in new clinics and spas, increased equipment sales and robust growth in non-invasive procedure volume. This ongoing progression, and recent technological advances have also driven an expansion of educational conferences in the region.
In particular, two upcoming meetings – the 12th annual International Master Course on Aging Science (IMCAS) Asia, taking place July 13 – 15, 2018 in Bangkok Thailand; and the 20th annual International Conference on Aesthetic Dermatology (ICAD), also set for Bangkok on November 22 – 24, 2018 – draw a distinguished crowd of plastic surgeons, dermatologists and aesthetic practitioners looking to stay current on today’s technological breakthroughs and in-depth scientific research in the field of anti-aging and aesthetic medicine.
As more spas and clinics open across the APAC region, the number of new multifunctional energy-based platforms, advanced injectable formulations and practice management solutions has increased.
As a result, both IMCAS Asia and ICAD will focus on cutting edge treatments, creative approaches to popular procedures, reviews of digital marketing and other business-related issues, along with the latest research supporting these advances.
This year’s IMCAS Asia event is a joint congress with the Thai Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Surgery (THAICOSDERM). The event will have a global reach, with a wide ranging, comprehensive educational curriculum focused on Asian-centric approaches and techniques.
IMCAS Asia 2018 is expecting over 1,500 attendees from around the world, offering a scientific program featuring approximately 80 renowned speakers who will present over 130 sessions. Key themes include injectables; energy-based devices; hair restoration; genital treatments; threads; facial, breast and body surgery; clinical dermatology; non-surgical body shaping; cosmeceuticals; regenerative medicine and lipofilling; peels; mesotherapy; research and development; and practice management.
IMCAS has incorporated several innovative session formats into the program, comprising lectures, live patient demonstrations, economic forums, interactive workshops, and of course the Anatomy on Cadaver workshop – one of their most popular sessions. This half-day module combines live broadcasts of a cadaver dissection with live patient demonstrations, which show the impact of specific treatment techniques above and below the skin.
Other live demonstrations will cover lasers and energy-based devices, threads and injectables. Sponsored by leading aesthetic companies, these workshops provide attendees with the opportunity to explore specific products and interact with the manufacturers. Attendees can also sign up for video-based classes to gain in-depth practical training on facial injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), blepharoplasty and rhinoplasty.
Symposia on non-surgical treatments will zero in on energy-based devices used for specific Asian skin conditions, such as lasers for pigmentation in skin of color, procedural management of melasma and pigmentary changes following treatment with picosecond lasers in Asian patients. Top faculty will also present insights into new techniques and technologies employed in combination therapies, male treatments and more.
On the business side of aesthetic medicine, other sessions will cover practice management, approaches to patient retention, digital marketing, as well as the latest economic trends in the region. Finally, attendees can participate in high touch networking events, such as the gala dinner taking place on the second evening of the conference.
ICAD 2018 offers a venue for leading academic scientists, researchers and scholars to exchange experiences and clinical data in the field of aesthetic dermatology. The educational program is focused on new trends and developments in cosmetic dermatology, with the strong presence of leading Thailand-based dermatologists and aesthetic practitioners. Like the IMCAS Asia meeting, ICAD has partnered with a leading regional society, the Dermatological Society of Thailand (DST).
While ICAD 2018’s program remains mainly focused on the Southeast Asia markets, key discussions of current trends in aesthetic medicine will include updates from Taiwan, India and South Korea. ICAD’s pre-congress course, Diversity in Facial Beauty – An Aesthetic Perspective, covers non-invasive facial treatments using a variety of injectables.
While clinical dermatology is also covered – such as cancer, skin infections, eczema, dermatitis and dermatopathology – this year’s event will delve deeply into non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as laser resurfacing, skin grafting and hair restoration.
Live patient demonstrations will address both female and male aesthetic concerns, with a spotlight on treating the submental area, and even transgender transformations. Other content addresses advanced neurotoxin treatments, new versus traditional pigmentation therapies, feminine rejuvenation, technology improvements, chemical peels, experts sharing best practices for performing thread lifting procedures, and more.
Many cases and procedures will be presented via live streaming events, in which attendees can receive practical lessons and advice on how to treat patients of different ages, Eastern versus Western approaches to injectables, and the ABCs of preventative treatment.
Of all the technology types being considered by practitioners in the APAC region, lasers and other energy-based devices lead the way. Multimodality platforms, which are designed to treat several indications in one system, are often a good choice for well-rounded clinics.
Attendees at both IMCAS Asia 2018 and ICAD 2018 will have ample opportunity to discover the newest products and technology innovations being introduced to the APAC region, with both shows expecting over 70 top manufacturers, developers and laboratories to fill their respective exhibit halls.
Cutera (Brisbane, California, U.S.) will highlight enlighten SR. This new, novel picosecond platform features two proven wavelengths: 532 nm and 1064 nm, as well as high pulse energy, to treat unwanted multicolor tattoos, epidermal and dermal pigment, and to address skin revitalization concerns across all skin types. Additional applications include treatment of scars, fine lines and wrinkles. For difficult-to-treat skin concerns and tattoo removal, the enlighten SR’s PICO Genesis FX is a non-thermal, two-in-one laser procedure for skin rejuvenation that results in a brighter, more radiant and uniform skin tone.
The Dynamis Pro laser system from Fotona (Ljubljana, Slovenia) is designed to perform an exceptionally wide range of applications in aesthetics, surgery and gynecology. This award-winning, all-in-one anti-aging laser platform incorporates three modalities: Er:YAG, Nd:YAG and a surgical QCW Nd:YAG, and can be employed for body contouring, fat removal and acne scar treatments. Fotona’s YAG laser works with a proprietary technology that can be adjusted according to patient needs during the procedure.
The company will also highlight its Q-switched StarWalker laser system, which combines four wavelengths and 14 modalities with the revolutionary capability of ASP™ technology. Offering high-powered picosecond pulses, StarWalker’s breakthrough technology increases instantaneous power and overall energy, resulting in more control. In addition, an unprecedented 10 J of Q-switched energy in a single pulse enables larger spot sizes and faster treatments.
GSD / Shenzhen (China) will present the newest edition to its Excimer light system product line – the Eximal Mini. This third-generation handheld device is a cost-effective, portable 308 nm excimer light that can induce apoptosis of T-cells and pigment synthesis. It has been clinically proven as an effective treatment for vitiligo and psoriasis, with fewer adverse effects and maximum patient comfort. Other benefits include low operating costs and no consumables.
MedixSysteme (Ruggell, Liechtenstein) will feature the multi-use Sygmalift. Featuring three technologies in a single platform (laser, focal ultrasound and tri-micro focal ultrasound), this non-surgical treatment concentrates 1,000 intersecting beams of ultrasound energy at a target depth in skin tissue. Each beam creates a progressive thermal action that enhances the elimination of fat cells, resulting in improved facial contours. This low level laser emits photons to improve cell function, thus accelerating the healing process and quickly calming any inflammation. SygmaLift’s contouring facial not only shapes the chin and jawline, but also tightens the skin and softens fine lines.
Forever Young BBL from Sciton (Palo Alto, California, U.S.) is an innovative technology that uniquely delivers light-based therapy targeting the signs of aging and sun damage, effectively providing patients with a more refreshed, rejuvenated and youthful appearance. It treats a wide variety of conditions, including age spots, freckles, redness, small vessels, unwanted hair, active acne, and more. In addition, Forever Young BBL has been shown to change the expression of genes associated with aging, longevity and increased lifespan. With regular Forever Young BBL treatments, skin looks clearer, smoother and much younger.
As an integrated aesthetic treatment platform, the GentleMax Pro from Syneron Candela (Irvine, California, U.S.) combines 755 nm Alexandrite and 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelengths to deliver numerous high efficacy treatments from hair removal to benign epidermal pigmentations, vascular lesions and tightening for all skin types. The operator independent, cryogen based Dynamic Cooling Device™ (DCD™) provides maximum and consistent protection of the epidermis, providing patients with a comfortable treatment. The system’s large spot delivery system offers the fastest dual wavelength hair removal laser in the market. In addition, the unit’s 5 mm spot size enables treatment of nail fungus.
Combining the Z Lipo cryolipolysis system with the Z Wave Pro shockwave therapy unit, both from Zimmer MedizinSysteme (New Ulm, Germany), allows practitioners to target fat deposits and reduce them permanently and noninvasively. Z Lipo cools fat cells over a longer period of time in a controlled and safe temperature range, while Z Wave Pro transmits powerful acoustic waves into tissue, employing radial pulse energy that is delivered via an electromagnetic applicator, which disperses radially to enhance the treatment effect. Studies have shown that delivery of intensive, pain-free shockwave treatment after cryolipolysis procedures not only ensures improved fat loss, but also stimulates lymphatic drainage and tightens the skin.
DermapenWorld (Sydney, Australia) will focus on the newest addition to its product line – the Dermapen™ 4. This advanced 16-needle cartridge design is capable of precise, drag-free penetration up to 3 mm deep, with regulated suction release that generates 1,920 puncture channels per second, resulting in more microchannels. These enhancements enable skin rejuvenation and the infusion of active substances at faster rates, while providing safer treatments. The unit’s patented radiofrequency identification (RFID) system provides accurate penetration depth by automatically and consistently calibrating the needle cartridge with the device. In addition, proprietary Advanced Oscillating Vertical Needle (AOVN) technology mechanically calibrates the motor speed, pressure and penetration.
