The Evolution of Facial Injectables: From Mainstream to Minimalist
Over the past ten years, facial injectables have transformed from an exclusive luxury for the wealthy and famous into a thoroughly mainstream practice. The market is projected to soar to an impressive £11.7 billion by 2026, with treatments becoming increasingly normalised among both men and women. Today, having a 'bit of Botox' is almost as commonplace as visiting the hairdresser or getting a manicure.
A Marked Move Away from Obvious Fillers
However, professionals within the medical aesthetics field have observed significant shifts in consumer preferences over time. Dr Sarah Tonks, a leading medical aesthetics practitioner, notes a distinct move away from the once-popular obvious fillers. 'There were a lot of people with puffy faces and over-filled lips and cheeks, and you do still see that,' she explains. In her clinic, 'Patients aren’t looking for filler any more… I think there is a shift in consumer needs because they don’t like the concept of filler. Generally, things are becoming more subtle.'
The Rise of Regenerative Aesthetics
While delicate applications of filler still occur, Dr Tonks has witnessed a strong trend towards 'regenerative treatments.' She elaborates, 'Rather than paralysing a muscle or adding an inert amount of volume into the skin, patients are looking to regenerate the skin more naturally rather than having something “artificial”.' Regenerative aesthetics focuses on stimulating the body's own responses or helping restore lost function. 'We are building your own collagen and giving you back what you had previously, without surgery or adding volume,' says Tonks.
She highlights Julaine – a collagen biostimulator designed to improve skin quality, density, and structure – as a prime example. This injectable promises visible results within two weeks, with full effects developing over six to twelve weeks and lasting up to two years. Dr Tonks recommends it for common concerns like nasolabial folds and skin laxity, which are among the top issues patients seek help for at her clinic.
Growing Focus on Skin Health and Quality
Other treatments gaining popularity include lasers, microneedling, and peptides. Dr Tonks observes that instead of aiming for maximum plumpness, 'more people are concerned about their skin quality, skin health, and bounce.' She adds, 'They all want a pore-less glass skin look and want to look like themselves – just with amazing skin. People are much more concerned about their skin and how they look without make-up – 10 years ago nobody cared about that!'
This heightened interest in skin health is partly attributed to the proliferation of skincare experts and abundant information on social media. Dr Tonks notes we have moved 'towards a more minimalist aesthetic' – a shift from the exaggerated looks popularised in shows like Love Island during its peak. This minimalism extends to make-up trends, with sheer bases and lightweight products now favoured, which, as Dr Tonks points out, 'leaves nowhere to hide.'
Timing and Recommendations for Starting Injectables
For those considering injectables, Dr Tonks advises on the optimal timing. 'It's better to start before the lines get too deep and the sagging too much, otherwise you're asking too much from the treatment,' she cautions. 'It's relatively easy to improve poor skin quality and hyperpigmentation, but much harder to work on sagging past a certain point.' This guidance underscores the importance of proactive, preventative approaches in modern aesthetic care.
