Radiofrequency and focused ultrasounds

The use of radiofrequency (RF) for facial tightening in Taiwan began popular about 6 or 7 years ago. Because people here tend to have non-invasive procedure for face lift, the surgery was soon replaced by the RF device. However, the pain of this treatment was so severe that some physicians even used intravenous general anesthesia to perform this procedure. Also, some patients were unwilling to receive repeated treatments due to intolerable pain during the treatment session. Therefore, when the high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) was introduced about 2 to 3 years ago, it replaced the RF market rapidly and became the leading choice for face lift in Taiwan.

 

Because the treatment depth is different for RF and HIFU, some also use combination therapies with RF and HIFU at the same time to achieve maximal effects. Contrary to the westerners who receive this treatment in their 50’s or 60’s, people in Taiwan tend to have this procedure in their 30’s or 40’s for facial contouring. This is also the reason that the received treatment lines of HIFU are far less than those in other countries.

 

Fillers and Toxins

There are currently many kinds of different fillers with various particle sizes, concentrations, elasticity, and cohesivity. Among them, hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and polycaprolactone are the most popular fillers on the market in Taiwan. Although collagen implant from Sunmax, composed of highly purified SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) porcine dermal collagen, is the leading filler in China, it is not as popular in Taiwan.

 

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Dermatologists and plastic surgeons are used to inject combinations of various fillers at the same time on the same patient for ultimate beauty effects. The competition among different brands is fierce. Recently, some serious complications, including vision loss, caused by HA and CaHA were reported in Taiwan. It is expected that polycaprolactone may gain its popularity in the following days.

 

The future

Although the market of cosmetic medicine is increasing rapidly in Taiwan, the regulation of the government is far behind the current situation. There are no restrictions for physicians from other specialties to perform these cosmetic procedures, either. The TV shopping channels can also sale these treatments as much as they like, even can beauty salon. The market price goes down rapidly. All of these chaotic situations make many well trained dermatologists and plastic surgeons fly to China to perform these high-end procedures on weekends, instead of staying locally. Some experts predict the future of cosmetic medicine in Taiwan might not be as bright as previous expected. 

 

-To be continued