
How is AI Affecting the Aesthetic Medicine Industry?
March 03, 2025AI is everywhere right now.
You’ve probably played around with ChatGPT or Midjourney. You’ve probably read some AI summaries or received an AI overview answer from Google. So, how is AI affecting aesthetic medicine?
First, let’s define AI.
Artificial intelligence has become a nebulas umbrella term for various innovations. ChatGPT is an example of a large language model (LLM). Midjourney, the image generator, is a generative adversarial network (GAN). Both use deep learning (a type of machine learning that uses artificial neural networks) to process large amounts of data and recreate specific patterns.
That’s a lot of industry jargon. However, the point is, when we say AI, don’t think of robots with human-level intelligence. That is still science fiction. Think of highly specialized tools designed for specific tasks.
The most promising AI innovation is in virtual try-ons.
Aesthetic procedures can be a big commitment. You’re changing your face, after all. Even if it’s a simple procedure, would you want to know what you’ll look like post-treatment?
Virtual try-ons are like those TikTok face filters, except more advanced. They can analyze the face structure of a patient to create an augmented reality (AR) model to overlay post-treatment results. So the patient can play around with the options and get a prediction of what they’ll look like.
There are so many lip enhancements/augmentations. Without this technology, you would have to show your patient before and after pictures and describe what each procedure would do. Now they can swipe between a keyhole pout, cupid’s bow lift, lip body volumization, etc.
However, these virtual try-ons can work the other way.
Have you ever tried TikTok’s countless beauty Filters?
“Bold Glamour” gives you a runway-ready, contoured look. “Teenage Look” de-ages you, and “Lite Foundation” smooths out every little pore. These AR filters use very similar technology to the virtual try-ons.
Instead of a professional using it as a tool to guide a client through a procedure, it’s a fun little gadget available to everyone. And it’s generating demand for our industry.
You look great on your phone, but then you turn off the filter, and—Uh No! You’re suddenly hit with every little imperfection and blemish. Each tiny wrinkle feels a thousand times more noticeable. Even your facial structure feels off.
Of course, people want the confidence of those beauty filters at all times.
According to research from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), we’re experiencing an increase in younger patients. Dr. Sherard Tatum, president of AAFPRS explains, “[Generation Z] is growing up with a greater awareness of what is possible when it comes to aesthetic treatments thanks to the normalization online.”
AAFPRS members believe this trend will only continue, leading to earlier procedures and younger clients.
There’s a demand for administrative support across all medical fields.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone (or something) do all those tedious, mentally draining, repetitive administrative tasks? So you can spend less time doing paperwork and more time working with patients.
There are various software companies promising AI-powered software to streamline appointments, scheduling, patient record management, and so much else.
Such applications can undoubtedly help thinly spread staff. Just be aware that such programs have a learning curve to them. You will still have to do your due diligence to ensure HIPPA compliance.
People will always want to talk to another person.
Yes, AI can help. These tools can help your patients visualize their future selves and help your staff work more efficiently.
However, your medical spa or aesthetic clinic is ultimately about people. Your patients are coming to you with a profoundly human problem, one that needs to be addressed with empathy.
Only you and your staff can provide that empathy.
AI can help you elevate your business, but for a cutting-edge, you’ll need hands-on training.
Explore our training courses and future-proof your career!
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Always consult the official resources and seek legal counsel if necessary for complete and accurate information regarding specific regulations and practices.