Rising Demand for Noninvasive Procedures
There is a structural shift toward noninvasive aesthetic treatments across key urban economies such as South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and Morocco. Skin tightening procedures using ultrasound technology are gaining popularity in clinics located in Johannesburg and Cape Town as an alternative to facelift surgery, due to the desire among consumers to undergo minimally invasive procedures that do not require any recovery time. Even within South Africa, non-surgical cosmetic procedures are more popular than traditional surgery.
Increasing consciousness about anti-aging treatments among people of moderate and higher income levels in North Africa, especially Egypt and Morocco, is fueling the need for ultrasound facelifts and collagen stimulation. In Cairo, dermatology centers have noted an increasing number of patients being treated for issues such as skin sagging and hyperpigmentation, for which ultrasound devices offer more suitability because of the Fitzpatrick type skin that exists in this region (IV-VI). Medical tourism flows from Europe and the Middle East are encouraging the use of non-invasive treatments.
In Nigeria and Kenya, demand is influenced by increasing disposable incomes coupled with the growth of the urban middle-class population. Lagos and Nairobi are adopting ultrasound skin tightening technology through aesthetic practices in boutiques aimed at younger clients seeking preventive anti-aging treatments. Despite the low penetration in rural areas, mobile and cheaper ultrasound machines are making it easier for dermatology clinics to introduce diversified service offerings.
Growth in Aesthetic Clinic Adoption
South Africa emerges as a leader in the region because of the relatively developed infrastructure of dermasurge and cosmetology clinics, which also serve as regional learning centers on advanced energy-based devices. Specialty aesthetic clinics in the country are the fastest-growing ones in the health care sector.
In Egypt and the North African route through the Gulf region, adoption of ultrasound in a clinical environment is on the rise, owing to the presence of well-funded private healthcare facilities along with the impact of dermatologists who have been educated in Europe. Clinics in Cairo and Alexandria are adopting ultrasounds alongside lasers and radiofrequency in a multi-platform approach to provide skin-tightening services.
The growth of boutique aesthetic clinics is fueled by entrepreneurship within the wellness and beauty industry in countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana within Sub-Saharan Africa. Clinics operate in high-end neighborhoods within cities such as Lagos' Victoria Island and Nairobi's Westlands, where the demand for high-quality cosmetic treatment is growing. Nevertheless, the growth of clinics is limited by equipment costs as well as training, and many clinics operate on a shared equipment system or rent systems. Nonetheless, adoption of the clinic continues to grow due to increasing consumer awareness of noninvasive treatments.