In recent years, medical plastic surgery and life beauty have swept China both rapidly and with enthusiasm, showing our pursuit of perfection and desire for beauty. Eighty percent of China’s plastic surgery procedures involve a surgical operation, while laser devices are mostly used for publicity, the reason of which lies in the rapid updating and high price of products. Furthermore, the need for being more skillful when using them is paramount.

The theme of this congress, to be held 22–23 May 2014 in Shanghai, China, is ‘Mastering Asia Medical Cosmetology Industry Dynamics in the Global Context’. A great number of experts from the medical cosmetology industry will speak at the congress, including MA Xiaowei, Minister, Ministry of Health of The People’s Republic of China (Inviting); Young Duck Jung, President, The Korea Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (KSAPS); Japan Bio Plastics Association; and ZHANG Zongjiu, Department Chief, National Center for Health Inspection and Supervision.

The keynote topics will focus on the Asian perspective and future progress, such as medical cosmetology market development and prospects for medical aesthetics. Furthermore, discussion will also refer to medical institutes under the new growth trends — strategy, brands and globalisation — and specifically focusing on private medical institute development and maximising the patient experience, for example.

Asia Medical Cosmetology Congress 2014 is supported by the Shanghai Medical Association, Shanghai Medical Instrument Trade Association, GANGHUA Hospital and many other specialty organisations. In addition to this, medical cosmetology technology providers, equipment providers, medical plastic surgery organisations, medical beauty institutions and  many different medical cosmetology fields are involved in this congress.

The beauty and wellness industry is driven in large part by demographics, with ageing populations seeking anti-ageing products, which represent 25% of the overall market. Cosmetic surgery products promising improved aesthetics and a more youthful appearance represent a rapidly growing business.

MarketLine predicts the world facial care market will increase by over 22% to reach more than $61 billion in 2015. The facial care market expanded 5% in 2010 to exceed a volume of 7060 million units, and is predicted to reach almost 8730 million units in 2015 — representing a 24% increase over 5 years.