Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** This article explores the rising interest in aesthetic medicine among Gen Z, highlighting top growth rates for body, forehead, and chin contouring procedures. Based on Big Data Co., Ltd.’s latest report, the findings underscore a shift in beauty standards driven by digital trends and self-expression.
A love of beauty is human nature! With the internet popularizing cosmetics and skincare trends, the number of young people discussing or undergoing aesthetic medicine has surged. As green transformation becomes a global focus, Big Data Co., Ltd. today (19th) released its latest industry trend report, “2024 Aesthetic Medicine Insights – Gen Z Loves Beauty More Than You Think!” Using the KEYPO Big Data Key Engine sentiment analysis system from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, it found that in the first half of 2024, Gen Z’s discussion volume on aesthetic medicine topics increased significantly by 38.48%. Notably, discussions on the social app Threads about various micro-procedures grew 17.6 times. At the same time, Gen Z’s discussion growth rates for body (+61.28%), forehead (+52.56%), and chin (+47.28%) significantly outpaced facial skin (37.53%), indicating that younger generations are more focused on contour lines and three-dimensionality. Big Data Co., Ltd. COO Jiang Zhiwei pointed out that although 99% of the top 10 aesthetic medicine clinics’ online buzz currently comes from Instagram, the report shows that in June, Threads’ discussion volume on aesthetic clinics surged about 7.8 times compared to the previous month, narrowing the gap with the top 10 clinics’ Instagram buzz by 90.5%. This demonstrates the rapid rise of new social platforms. Therefore, seizing the key dividend period of Threads will be a major breakthrough for aesthetic medicine brands to enhance online visibility.
Laser technology saw a 43.66% increase in discussion volume, surpassing Botox to become Gen Z’s most-watched aesthetic procedure. 94% of the volume focused on “PicoSure laser.” Among these, fractional PicoSure grew 105.41% and Discovery PicoSure grew 111.76% the most. Further analysis of laser topics revealed that netizens’ attention to skin issues like acne scars (+29.97%), pores (+49.88%), and whitening (+111.36%) grew the fastest.
“Magic Needle” (Vivabella) saw its discussion volume increase nearly 20 times compared to the previous period. Magic Needle is divided into two types (black and white) based on molecular size, and the most frequently mentioned keyword is “depression filling,” which appears 10 percentage points more often than “skin improvement.” “Deca Wave” (Ten-fold Radiofrequency) made a strong debut, with its volume immediately surpassing “IG RF” by 91.8% and reaching about 45.0% of Perfect RF’s volume, becoming the strongest new competitor among mini Phoenix RF alternatives. Meanwhile, microneedling RF volume grew nearly threefold, with “Elf RF” accounting for the highest share at 38%.
After analyzing the online buzz of “medical institutions approved for specific cosmetic surgery” published by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, it was found that among the top 10 aesthetic clinics in Gen Z’s view, 99% of the buzz came from Instagram, indicating fierce competition. Clinics with rapidly rising buzz rankings generally faced issues of excessive concentration, with up to 73.28% of their buzz coming from a single KOL or channel. Meanwhile, in June, Threads’ aesthetic medicine discussion volume grew 7.8 times, narrowing the gap with the top 10 clinics’ Instagram buzz by 90.5%. On Threads, aesthetic medicine discussion posts averaged 4.55 comments, more than double that of Instagram, showing that Threads is becoming a new competitive arena for aesthetic marketing. Among Threads’ buzz, hot keywords like “Korea” (mentioned in 45.28% of popular posts) and “consultation” (20.75%) often better attract target audiences.