If you're interested in getting a good overview of where the cosmetic surgery industry is headed, check out the S1 filing just submitted by Thermage Inc. in preparing for their IPO.

One of the most significant shifts in this market is the growth of less invasive procedures. Here's an excerpt;

"Market trends confirm that patients are moving away from invasive procedures towards minimally-invasive or non-invasive treatments. Notably, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that from 2000 to 2005 the total number of laser skin resurfacing procedures increased from approximately 117,000 to 476,000 procedures, representing a 32% compounded annual growth rate, and the total number of Botox injection procedures increased from 1.1 million to 3.3 million injections over the same period, representing a 25% compounded annual growth rate. Patients are seeking treatment for wrinkles in larger numbers. For example, skin tightening, which represents the fastest growing segment of the aesthetic laser market, is projected to grow at a 31% compounded annual rate over the next five years, according to the Millennium Research Group."

The above photo is by EverJean.