Radiofrequency-Based Aesthetic Devices Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Radiofrequency Generators/ Systems, Electrodes, Applicators, Others), By Modality (Portable Devices, Non-Portable Devices), By Technology (Monopolar RF, Bipolar RF, Multipolar RF, Fractional RF, Others), By Applications (Skin Tightening, Body Shaping, Fat Reduction, Others), By End-User (Beauty Clinics, Homecare Settings, Others), By Sales Channel (Distributor, Retail, E-Commerce) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2024-2032

Market Overview

The global radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market size was valued at USD 1,484.43 million in 2023. It is expected to reach USD 4,149.43 million in 2032, growing at a CAGR of 12.1% over the forecast period (2024-32). The increasing global population of elderly individuals seeking non-invasive cosmetic treatments to maintain youthful appearances is driving demand for radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) describes radiofrequency as a non-ionizing energy type that originates from a source and moves through space at a frequency between 450 and 500 kHz. Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive ablative technology that uses thermal energy to destroy targeted tissue. Radiofrequency ablation devices use an electrosurgical generator connected to electrode arrays to deliver thermal energy to tissue. In addition, the electricity travels through a tissue between alternating positive and negative poles along with the electrode arrays. This current generates thermal energy within the tissue in direct contact with the radiofrequency electrode, resulting in the targeted tissue's coagulation necrosis. The spacing and geometry of the electrodes, along with parameters such as power and energy, are used to control the ablation depth.

Radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices can be defined as those that use radiofrequency energy to produce localized heating within tissues for minimally- and non-invasive aesthetic use. Radiofrequency ablation devices are classified by FDA as the Class-II category of medical devices, which require 510(k) submission for clinical-use approval, and the associated regulation number is 878.4400.

Highlights

• Radiofrequency generators/ systems dominate the product type segment
• Skin tightening dominates the application segment
• Beauty clinics dominate the end-user segment
• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Dynamics

Global radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market drivers:

Increase in geriatric population

The need for cosmetic enhancement increases with age. The geriatric population comprises individuals 65 years and above, representing one of the target age groups for radiofrequency-based aesthetic treatments. According to data from the 2019 revision of the World Population Prospects, it is expected that one in six people globally will be over 65 (~16%) by 2050, up from one in eleven in 2019, which is around 9% of the population. Similarly, in North America and Europe, the number of people aged 65 or above is expected to be one in four by 2050. The geriatric population base is expected to be one of the critical drivers of growth of the global radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market, specifically for applications such as wrinkle reduction and skin tightening.

Growing demand for minimally invasive procedures and treatments

Healthcare systems across the globe have to continuously evolve to improve the quality of care, affordability, and access to healthcare services. The development of minimally invasive surgery over the past few years has been one of the most significant technological advances in surgery (MIS). By the end of 2030, the number of MIS is anticipated to have increased gradually to over 226 million. The persistent efforts to perform surgeries with the desired results and the fewest complications and recovery times are blamed for the rise in demand. In addition, radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices are utilized for minimally invasive procedures like RF micro-needling, which is used to rejuvenate the appearance of skin. Market players such as Cynosure, Inc., and Lutronic have been using RF micro-needling technology in their devices. Thus, the factors mentioned above drive market growth.

Global radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market restraint:

Lack of reimbursement policies for aesthetic treatments

The need for reimbursement in the case of aesthetic treatments can hamper the growth rate of these treatments. Aesthetic treatments are used to improve the overall appearance of the affected organ or body to normalize its functioning. Despite the fact that cosmetic procedures are increasingly popular, they are typically optional and are only occasionally covered by health insurance. There are certain cases where they may be considered, provided there is a prescription from a doctor. The negative effect of reimbursement for such treatments is more prominent in emerging economies with low disposable income.

Global radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market opportunities:

Leveraging home healthcare trend to market at-home devices

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to healthcare at home becoming a highly preferred mode of healthcare. As a result, there has been a reduction in healthcare costs due to connected and at-home medical devices. The concept of at-home radiofrequency-based aesthetic treatments is familiar and has been in the market since before the pandemic began. Before at-home devices, licensed medical and cosmetic experts performed radiofrequency. However, various economic machines and devices were introduced to expand the consumer base, which non-professionals can use. Therefore, it became possible to use radiofrequency at home.

Since the high cost of radiofrequency treatments is also an essential growth restraining factor, at-home devices and treatments can be promoted. The COVID-19 pandemic is anticipated to play a part in accelerating the development of at-home radiofrequency-based aesthetic treatments, thereby opening up enormous market expansion opportunities.

Regional Analysis

North America Dominates the Global Market

Based on region, the global radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America is the most significant global radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market shareholder and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 10.79% over the forecast period. The North American region is one of the hubs of innovation in radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices and is expected to remain the leading market during the forecast period. North America is at the forefront of adopting novel technologies, with many companies offering radiofrequency-based aesthetic treatments and solutions. Many of the leading companies in the market are headquartered in this region and maintain a strong presence in the U.S. market. In addition, the growth is in the region attributed to the advancement in technologies, the presence of key market players, the rise in the geriatric population, the increase in new product launches, and FDA clearances. For instance, in April 2021, Cynosure, Inc. launched the Potenza radiofrequency micro-needling system to improve skin quality. In February 2020, Cynosure Inc. received FDA clearance for its Potenza radiofrequency micro-needling system. Such factors are estimated to drive regional market growth.

Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 12.37% over the forecast period. The Europe region represents one of the largest markets for radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices. The demand for radiofrequency-based aesthetic treatments is expected to grow due to reduced complications and pain compared to traditional methods. Additionally, several research studies have assessed the benefits of radiofrequency-based aesthetic treatments, fueling market growth. For instance, according to a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in 2016, titled 'Review of the Mechanisms and Effects of Non-invasive Body Contouring Devices on Cellulite and Subcutaneous Fat,' a study in Spain found that radiofrequency improved upper thigh cellulite in females aged 24-58 years, and that the positive effects of the treatment persisted for at least six months post-treatment.

The Asia-Pacific radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market is expected to benefit from demographic factors such as increasing disposable income and growing acceptance and adoption of new technology, especially in emerging countries. The key companies operating in the Asia-Pacific radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market include Lutronic Corp., Inmode Ltd., and Ya-Man Ltd. Additionally, key players in the market have been involved in new product launches, expansion of product portfolios in different countries through several partnerships to strengthen their foothold in the radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market. For instance, in November 2018, Ya-Man Ltd. launched a line of devices in Russia, including radiofrequency facial therapy machines, peeling facial machines, and rollers and cavitation machines. Similarly, the company witnessed significant revenue growth through the sales of at-home devices in 2020.

The countries in Latin America have been focusing on the development of novel technologies for medical and aesthetic treatments. Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina focus on adopting radiofrequency-based aesthetic treatments as the demand for minimally and non-invasive treatments grows. North America, being the largest market for radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices, has the presence of some of the leading players. Due to its proximity to the North American market, Latin America is one of the most attractive regions for business expansion for mid-sized North America-based players manufacturing radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices. Some key players in Latin America's radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market include Ibramed and INDIBA S.A.

The market of the Middle East and Africa radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices is expected to be primarily driven by the growing demand for minimally- and non-invasive aesthetic procedures and technological advancements. The increasing number of spas and beauty clinics is also expected to boost the market for radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices. Similarly, adopting at-home devices is expected to boost the growth of the market's homecare settings end-user segment.

Segmental Analysis

The global radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market is bifurcated into product type, modality, application, technology, end-user, and sales channel.

Based on product type, the global radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market is bifurcated into radiofrequency generators/ systems, electrodes, applicators, and others. 

The radiofrequency generator systems segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 11.08% over the forecast period. Radiofrequency generators/systems are connected to unipolar/bipolar/multi-polar electrode arrays to deliver thermal energy to the tissues. Generators are the system's main component, producing high-frequency voltage fluctuations from 300-500 kHz. The current generates thermal energy within the tissue in direct contact with the radiofrequency electrode, resulting in the coagulation necrosis of the targeted tissue. The expansion of this segment can be attributed to the increased demand for radiofrequency generators that require one-time capital investment and are a reliable source of energy for delivering high throughput energy to carry out the radiofrequency ablation procedure.

Based on modality, the global radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market is divided into portable devices and non-portable devices. 

The non-portable devices segment is the most significant contributor to the market and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 11.72% over the forecast period. Non-portable devices include generators/systems and compatible electrodes and applicators that use radiofrequency for aesthetic treatments. For instance, a monopolar radiofrequency (RF)-based skin tightening device uses an RF generator to produce alternating currents that create an electric field through the skin and deliver energy into the skin layer with an ideal amount of heat and pain. This generator is marketed along with compatible devices which can be used for specific applications, i.e., skin tightening, body shaping, and others.

Based on application, the global radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market is bifurcated into skin tightening, body shaping, fat reduction, and others. 

The skin-tightening segment owns the highest market share and is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 12.57% over the forecast period. The use of radiofrequency for skin and soft tissue tightening has grown in the past decade. The growth is primarily attributed to the growing demand for minimally- and non-invasive approaches. The primary objective of skin tightening treatment is to get rid of wrinkles. However, it can also aid in the reduction of sun damage. Due to the increasing demand in Asia-Pacific for radiofrequency skin tightening procedures, the segment is anticipated to expand significantly during the forecast period.

Based on technology, the global radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market is divided into monopolar RF, bipolar RF, multipolar RF, fractional RF, and others. 

The bipolar RF segment accounts for the largest market share and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 12.09% over the forecast period. Bipolar radiofrequency uses symmetric and closely placed electrodes to pass RF current through the tissue. The approach in bipolar RF has advantages over monopolar RF in control. Bipolar radiofrequency is widely used in radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices for diverse applications, including skin tightening and acne treatment.

Based on the end-user, the global radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market is bifurcated into beauty clinics, homecare settings, and others. 

The beauty clinics segment dominates the global market and is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 11.15% during the forecast period. Beauty clinics represent the most dominant end-user segment for the global radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market. Beauty clinics' most common RF-based treatments include skin tightening and body shaping. Radiofrequency-based aesthetic device manufacturers also develop strategic alliances with beauty clinics to increase sales. The partnerships also comprise a prominent component of the manufacturers' sales, marketing, and product development strategy. The partnerships can include accessories across multiple modalities, including training and servicing.

Based on the sales channels, the global radiofrequency-based aesthetic devices market is divided into distributor, retail, and e-commerce. 

The distributor segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 11.25% during the forecast period. Distributors are a medium between the company and consumers/end users in a specific country/region. Distribution synergies aid in establishing a presence in an untapped country. However, if the parent company acquires the distributor, it operates as a subsidiary of the parent company and starts contributing to the retail (direct sales) segment. Distributors are expected to play a key role in the future as most of the new players in the market are expected to establish more distribution synergies to expand their global presence.

Recent Developments

• March 2024 - Aesthetic Management Partners announced that The Aesthetic Guide's coveted Hot Products 2024 Award has been given to the Agnes RF gadget. This recognition reaffirms Aesthetic Management Partner's dedication to quality in the aesthetic solutions industry. The Aesthetic Guide's Hot Items Award honors innovative items with outstanding performance, inventiveness, and influence in aesthetics.
• April 2024 - Powered By MRP, a well-known global manufacturer of aesthetic devices, announced the release of the ATOM Radiofrequency Microneedling System (RFMN). This cutting-edge skincare gadget is a technological marvel that can match other RFMN systems in specs while costing a fraction of the price. This introduction is consistent with the goal of Powered By MRP, which is to minimize healthcare expenses while enabling doctors to offer superior therapies at a reduced cost to patients.