The Covid-19 pandemic created a significant need for remote options to traditionally in-person activities such as going to an aesthetic practice for a consultation. To address this need, digital technology innovators stepped in to find a solution for practitioners and their patients. In the last year alone, incredible advances have been made in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Alternate Reality (AR) and digital business management tools designed to provide remote options for managing aesthetic practices, retail sales, communication with clients, consultations, skin and facial diagnostics, aesthetic treatment result simulations and more. These emerging digital technologies are taking the medical aesthetics industry by storm and have the power to take aesthetic businesses to new heights of success. Here are the three major digital tech trends revolutionizing the business of medical aesthetics.
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The Covid-19 pandemic created a significant need for remote options to traditionally in-person activities such as going to an aesthetic practice for a consultation. To address this need, digital technology innovators stepped in to find a solution for practitioners and their patients. In the last year alone, incredible advances have been made in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Alternate Reality (AR) and digital business management tools designed to provide remote options for managing aesthetic practices, retail sales, communication with clients, consultations, skin and facial diagnostics, aesthetic treatment result simulations and more. These emerging digital technologies are taking the medical aesthetics industry by storm and have the power to take aesthetic businesses to new heights of success. Here are the three major digital tech trends revolutionizing the business of medical aesthetics.
1. AI-Powered Skin Diagnostic Technology:
Companies like Haute.ai, Perfect Corp. and Appiell have developed AI-powered skin diagnostic technology. The Covid-19 pandemic led to consumers around the globe putting greater priority on taking care of their skin. This led to a significant rise in AI-powered skin technology, allowing practitioners to take the personalization of their client’s skin care to a whole new level.
AI-based and computer vision systems for analyzing image data have been taking the medical aesthetics industry by storm. Providing advanced methods of visual analysis for everything from skin cancer screenings to creating 3D facial reconstructions and predicting biological and perceived age, the use of AI-based imaging methods is rapidly increasing. The potential to provide remote diagnostics and the noninvasive nature of this technology, particularly in the wake of Covid, is invaluable for improving consultations and communication with patients, especially in situations where traveling to a physical office is difficult.
Haute.ai
Haute.AI’s Image Quality Software performs image quality analysis and standardization. Haute.AI’s Skin Metrics Report computer vision-based software, which is trained on three million data points, is able to calculate the skin parameters for the face, including sagging, dark circles, eye bags, wrinkles, pores, uniformness, acne, pigmentation, redness, translucency and more. Finally, Haute.AI’s private Beauty AI dataset contains a collection of fully anonymized skin data obtained from 17,700 selfie pictures captured with smartphone cameras. This technology allows consumers to easily obtain facial diagnostics, which their practitioner can use to personalize their skin care treatment and regimen.
A recent study by Anastasia Georgievskaya, M.S., in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (October 2022) attempts to answer the question of how the results of AI-based analysis can be best presented to allow for personalization. Using AI-based systems to analyze image data, the author explores the benefits of presenting skin parameter scores using gender- and age-specific scales. The study analyzes differences in the distribution of skin parameters in men and women ranging in age from 18-67 years old to determine if the same scales can be used to score different age and gender groups.
The results of the study confirmed that using age- and gender-specific scales enables physicians to compare patient scores with their reference groups. This allows the physician to set realistic expectations about achievable skin results in their patient’s corresponding demographic group, making it possible to inspire optimism in patients and positive reinforcement throughout the treatment process.
Perfect Corp
Perfect Corp. released an AI-powdered SaaS business solution for skin care, broadening their suite of YouCam for Business solutions with the AI Skincare Pro. Using an iPad, the advanced SaaS skin tech solution delivers a streamlined method for med spas and skin care professionals to offer personalized skin health readings to their customers. The YouCam is powered by AI
deep learning algorithms and has been built using 70,000 medical grade images to enhance the skin consultation journey.
The iPad-friendly tool detects up to eight different skin conditions including spots, wrinkles, texture, dark circles, moisture, oiliness, redness and eye bags, with full integration of advanced concerns such as acne, droopy eyelids, firmness and radiance coming soon. The skin diagnosis takes two seconds to generate a downloadable results page with a skin score to help quantify skin health and areas of concern.
“We are excited to debut our YouCam for Business AI Skincare PRO solution as a seamless, cost-effective way for med spas and skin care professionals to access our advanced skin technology,” said Alice Chang, Perfect Corp.’s founder and CEO. “This convenient and personalized AI Skincare PRO will help skin care businesses better serve their clients by offering a more engaging and tailored skin diagnostic experience.”
Appiell
Appiell’s AI platform includes an artificial intelligence-driven engine that uses proprietary validated scales for various facial areas, each covering all Fitzpatrick skin types, as well as both genders. The process of development included feeding the engine thousands of clinical grade images scored by a panel of medical professionals using Appiell’s proprietary scales.
Appiell released the results of a multi-site pilot study, showcasing the efficiency and functionality of its AI platform. The study included 71 subjects with moderate to severe glabellar lines, and was performed to validate the AI engine’s objectivity, consistency and accuracy for patient assessment both in daily clinical practice and for conducting clinical trials in aesthetics.
Each patient received a single treatment cycle of an approved neuromodulator comprising five injection sites in the forehead glabellar muscles. The study’s assessments were based on Appiell’s validated facial wrinkle scale. The study showed that the platform detected rhytids and fine lines more efficiently than physicians (100% for the platform and 67% for the physicians).
The platform includes a consumer-facing app that offers instant skin assessments as well as information on related treatment options. The company also offers a comprehensive patient management system for practitioners and product companies that can be used in clinical practice.
“I was excited to evaluate this novel artificial intelligence platform, and I believe that Appiell has developed a unique technology that enhances physicians’ capabilities,” said Steve Yoelin, M.D., one of the study’s principal investigators. “This platform has the potential to significantly improve diagnoses and help expand the aesthetics market by engaging new patients, who will be better informed about their conditions and available treatment options. It also has the potential to improve clinics’ ability to improve patient outcomes.”
2. AI Personalization:
AI technologies are also being implemented as personalization tools for more than just skin care, leveraging AI to provide customers with a customized simulation of results for various cosmetic treatments both remotely and in-store. As consumers return to physical in-store experiences, AI and AR technologies can help enhance consultations and in-store shopping, providing experiences that are both immersive and touchless for customers. AI-based and computer vision systems with advanced methods of visual analysis capable of creating 3D facial reconstructions are taking the personalization of patient consultations and treatments to a whole new level.
Perfect Corp.
Perfect Corp, an AI and AR beauty and fashion tech solutions provider, introduced their AI simulation technology for estheticians, beauticians and medspa professionals. The AI Face Reshape Simulator allows customers to visualize the results of various beauty treatments through AI simulation technology.
The new technology provides beauty professionals with an accurate digital visualization of treatments on their client’s face. The simulator delivers highly-precise simulations of eyebrow lifts, cheek and lip filler treatments, jaw reshaping, eyelid treatments and
nose reshaping.
“Personalized consultations have become a major priority for today’s consumers who are looking to receive tailored advice and recommendations before investing in a new product or service,” said Perfect Corp. founder and CEO, Alice Chang, “AI-powered simulations provide customers with a personalized visualization that helps them feel confident about moving forward with a treatment.”
The solution offers a realistic preview of cosmetic treatment results, helping with marketing efforts, communication, consumer expectations and result satisfaction. The flexible setup has cross-platform support with both web and mobile app capabilities, increasing customer interest and making experimentation accessible to prospective clients.
BeautyFix Medspa
BeautyFix Medspa announced the launch of their new Aesthetics Simulation Technology, available on any device or web browser. The technology provides a high-tech patient experience that allows potential clients to simulate their aesthetic results using software developed by digital health company, EntityMed.
The Aesthetics Simulation software is a clinical-grade, tech-enabled AI simulator for injectables, and has been tested on over 10,000 patients. By uploading a picture to the app or taking a photo in one of their in-clinic kiosks, clients can easily envision what they’ll look like by adding dermal fillers and/or toxins to various areas of the face. They are also able to visualize an increase or decrease in any number of syringes, without having to be injected first.
“This exclusive technology will enable BeautyFix Medspa to not only digitally connect with clients and address any fears or inhibitions, but also provide incredibly realistic images of desired results,” said Maya Benayoun, Co-CEO of BeautyFix Medspa. “The partnership with EntityMed demonstrates our commitment to being the most technologically advanced medspa in the U.S, while providing an exceptional, seamless customer service experience for our patients.”
This cutting edge technology provides a visualization of a patient’s post-treatment appearance in just 30 seconds using a set of AI algorithms. This software will support BeautyFix’s expert team of clinicians to visually demonstrate to patients what different amount of filler or toxin may be needed to produce their desired results.
3. Apps for sustainable digital business management:
Around the world, businesses are turning to technology solutions to create more sustainable business practices in the wake of Covid. Digital solutions are among the top technologies allowing brands and retailers to operate more sustainably and offer yet another remote option for managing and interracting with patients.
Upkeep
Launched in 2022, Upkeep is the first US based app designed to allow users to search, book and pay for medspa treatments within one platform. The Upkeep app grants users access to service providers that can offer lip enhancements, brow treatments, facial reconstruction options and more.
The medical aesthetics industry has grown so much that it has be become increasingly difficult for consumers to navigate. This is the inspiration behind UpKeep, a digital marketplace that helps consumers find, book and pay for medspa treatments.
“I want to empower consumers and businesses first and foremost and to create streamlined industry solutions,” said UpKeep founder and CEO Tiffany Faith Demers, who has a background in global travel and beauty and influencer marketing.
UpKeep allows consumers to: find reputable providers in their area, book appointments with real-time availability, discover new medspa treatment locations, earn rewards through the app's cross-provider, brand-agnostic beauty savings program, get a free consultation upon first booking, use Affirm to pay over time with no late fees and no surprises and more.
Booksy
Booksy connects customers to beauty industry service providers in their area. The software grants consumers the access to professionals' business profiles, verified reviews and portfolios and the option to book directly with that provider. Beauty pros can use Booksy to manage their business and schedule in one platform, while taking advantage of online marketing tools to promote their business and track financial growth.
SaaSworthy helps businesses make better product decisions based on reviews, comparisons, Q&As, social following and buyers guides. The company recognizes and showcases the best SaaS products globally and presents them to their audience.
The Booksy app also made some major updates to their beauty platform for 2023. The latest updates will provide beauty professionals with tools for scheduling, staff communication and payment programs. Some of these new features include a pop-up, which will remind the user's team to assign the right staff member at checkout, ensuring accurate staff payment procedures. Booksy also added multiple new language options and Booksy Card Reader users will now have access to “Free Next Business Day Payouts.” There is also an option for “Instant Payouts,” which will prompt payment in the following 30 minutes for a 1% fee.
