Although no major breakthroughs were reported at this year's American Academy of Dermatology meeting, participants emphasized ongoing progress in existing aesthetic technologies. The dermal filler market proved to be one of the most dynamic topics. Although growth is expected to slow somewhat in the next three years, the worldwide market for dermal fillers is projected to continue to grow at double digit or near double-digit rates, approaching $950 million by 2010.

Although no major breakthroughs were reported at this year's American Academy of Dermatology meeting, participants emphasized ongoing progress in existing aesthetic technologies. The dermal filler market proved to be one of the most dynamic topics. Although growth is expected to slow somewhat in the next three years, the worldwide market for dermal fillers is projected to continue to grow at double digit or near double-digit rates, approaching $950 million by 2010.

The medical aesthetics market is hot, and at the moment, much of that heat is coming from a tantalizing emerging market for the treatment of cellulite. Consumer demand is so great for cellulite treatments that a $3 billion cosmeceutical market has been created around lotions and massagers with minimal efficacy. To reach a potential blockbuster market--85% of women have cellulite--new device companies aim to demonstrate efficacy with the same discipline that they have brought to traditional therapeutic markets, hoping to create competitive and sustainable advantages.