Australians' appetite for cosmetic procedures has weathered the global financial crisis so far with spending up $45 million, according to industry estimates.
Spending on procedures like Botox and laser hair removal increased 15 per cent over the 12 months to March 31, to total $345 million.
The Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia (CPSA) said the nation's harsh sun continued to drive demand for cosmetic procedures, but belt-tightening by consumers was also expected on the horizon.
"The global financial crisis has not diminished Australians' appetite for cosmetic treatments and Australians' demand outstrips that of other countries," said CPSA public relations officer Dr Gabrielle Caswell.
"(But) looking to the next 12 months, it is possible that the growth in demand for cosmetic treatments may drop to below 10 per cent ... we are optimistic that demand will remain strong."
The most common cosmetic procedures for Australian women over the period remained anti-wrinkle treatments, "filler" procedures for lips and the face and laser treatments for scarring or hair removal.
Men were also increasingly turning to non-invasive cosmetic treatments, Dr Caswell said, which included anti-wrinkle treatments, acne scarring procedures and laser for permanent hair reduction.
"Our members have also reported a trend for patients to look for holistic treatments," Dr Caswell said.
"They're asking for an overall consultation and assessment rather than simply asking for their lips to be plumped, and they're doing a fair bit of preliminary research on the new technology and treatments on offer."
The CPSA figures relate to non and minimally invasive procedures and they do not include spending on cosmetic surgery like breast enhancements and liposuction.
The figures were released as the CPSA's annual conference got under way in Sydney on Wednesday.
Front page
Health home
RSS Feed