Increased competition is the biggest concern for aesthetics practitioners
Hamilton Fraser Cosmetic Insurance has published the results of its 2019 annual industry survey. Over 450 aesthetic practitioners answered questions designed to better understand their motivations, needs, wants, challenges and requirements in the sector.
As the first commercial insurance provider to offer medical malpractice insurance within the cosmetic industry since 1996, Hamilton Fraser’s unique understanding of the aesthetics market allows the insurance provider to help ensure patient and practitioner safety and professionalism, supporting best practice in aesthetics.
“This is a fantastic response to our annual survey, with 461 practitioners completing it at the end of 2019, representing an increase of 51% on the previous year”, commented Mark Copsey, associate director for the healthcare division at Hamilton Fraser. “We will use this valuable data to enhance our products and proposition as well as providing our customers with important information about training course partners, business planning and further knowledge of the wider cosmetic community”.
Motivations for entering aesthetics
Survey results showed that aesthetic practitioners had a number of reasons for entering the sector. The top results showed:
1. 62% entered the field due to their interest in non-surgical cosmetic treatments
2. 61% listed a key motivation for entering aesthetics was as a “new challenge”
3. 49% suggested that both job satisfaction and flexible working hours also contributed as motivating factors for entering the market.
Results also showed that 75% of practitioners reported that aesthetics was not their only source of income, while 74% reported practising on a part-time basis (equating to up to 20 hours per week).
Where practitioners practise
Of those practitioners surveyed, 34% reported practising from their own clinic premises and 28% reported working from a clinic within their home.
Treatments provided
The most common treatment types provided were:
1. Botulinum toxin – 90%
2. Dermal fillers – 88%
3. Skin treatments – 51%
Training and development
When asked which Continuing Professional Development (CPD) methods practitioners had undertaken in the last 24 months, survey results showed that:
- 76% had completed active learning in the form of a training event
- 74% had undertaken reading (including textbooks, journals and papers)
- 51% had attended conferences
- 47% had taken part in peer group discussions
- 37% had undertaken an academic course.
Associations and aesthetics bodies
There are a number of cosmetic associations and independent aesthetic bodies providing support and guidance to practitioners and helping to improve patient safety throughout the industry.
Of those surveyed, 58% of aesthetic practitioners reported that they were not a member of listed associations, including BACN, BCAM, PIAPA, BABS, BAAPS, UKAAPS, BAAD, BACDP or BACD.
In addition, when asked if they were a member of any independent aesthetic bodies:
- 46% of practitioners reported being a member of the ACE group
- 45% were not a member of any of the listed bodies, including AAIC, CSA, JCCP, and Save Face.
Challenges in aesthetics
Practitioners were asked about what they felt was the greatest challenge within the aesthetics industry.
1. 60% of practitioners (as answered by 350 respondents) commented that their greatest challenge was increased competition within the aesthetics industry. This could be as a result of a growth in non-invasive cosmetic procedures and clinics offering treatments
2. 54% believed marketing was their greatest challenge
3. 41% suggested that keeping up with the latest products and technology was also a significant challenge.