European Med Spas: a Series #6
October 3rd, 2011
Cosmetic Surgery Loyalty Clubs
Organizations have been developed worldwide to encompass all aspects of anti-aging medicine and aesthetic techniques. While exploring a diverse selection of medical spas and treatment centers, we found some differences in the European approach. The World Society Interdisciplinary of Anti-Aging Medicine (WOSIAM) is one of many organizations dedicated to anti-aging medicine.
WOSIAM, a non-profit, includes members from international physicians groups and scientific societies. It was created and currently located in Paris. The main goal is to promote anti-aging medicine through research and educational events for physicians and the general public. Most of the medical affiliations in the US have similar goals, but exclude public participation except for minor educational presentations or physician referral resources.
Another approach that is apparently catching on in Switzerland is the customer loyalty reward club. Members are offered a selection of exclusive promotions, similar to American grocery store chains offering discounts for their frequent customers. Forever Laser Institut, in Geneva, operates one of the popular loyalty concept clubs. One of the directors is Dermatologist, Dr. Luigi Polla. He is the founder and past president of the Swiss Society for Aesthetic Medicine. The main focus at the clinic is non-invasive or “lifestyle services” like laser treatments and fillers.
Photo: I’m striking a pose, hiking high in the beautiful Alps.
European Med Spas: a Series #5
September 28th, 2011
Skincare: A Growing Global Business
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the global market for Nipntucks now exceeds $30 billion. I think factors driving this growth are an aging population, growing overall acceptance of cosmetic surgery and an uptick of people seeking cosmetic improvements for themselves.
Skincare and anti-aging products are big business. According to research by Mintel and Beauty News, 62% of French women use anti-wrinkle products. But they are not alone. Wrinkles are not just an issue for French women. Italian women are not far behind, with 60% using anti-wrinkle products, followed by Spanish women at 55%, the UK -51% and Germany -49%.
Does it seem that all the new beauty products or cosmetic techniques come from Europe? There is a good reason why this happens to be the case. In Europe, most of these cosmetic products only need to obtain a ‘Conformit’e Europeene’ certification, which is a relatively cheaper and quicker process, unlike seeking for FDA approval in America. Companies can more easily launch products in Europe and begin their marketing and brand building process there.
The intense consumer interest in anti-aging and facial skincare products worldwide, is probably driving new product developments with fancy marketing of scientific claims, like ever-lengthening peptide chains and DNA repair. Elaborate packaging also helps to create the sensation of medical-breakthrough serums to erase wrinkles and appears to appeal to women worldwide.
Next Stop: Switzerland
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