The 2000s were a decade defined by Instagram filters and photo-editing apps, and an ever-increasing desire to match those effects IRL. It also marked the rise of “tweakments” – minimally invasive treatments with natural-looking results and little to no downtime –like injectables, lasers, peels and microneedling, which were favoured over the “frozen face” aesthetic of the past. These cosmetic treatments, often sought out as a preventative measure by a younger demographic, were just some of the decade’s aesthetic trends.

We asked the industry’s top experts to reflect on the biggest trends and technological breakthroughs of the past decade, and look ahead at what’s next.

Most popular in-office cosmetic treatments of the 2000s:

“The biggest in-office aesthetic treatments of the ’00s were injectables like Botox – and now Jeuveau – and fillers. They make a big difference in fine lines, wrinkles, scars, restoring volume, lifting, etc and can be done on a lunch break from work. Jeuveau is biosimilar to Botox, and is also approved in Canada and Europe. In one head to head study with Botox, its effects on relaxing glabellar lines (between the eyebrows) lasted four weeks longer. It is very similar to Botox, but is made in an even purer way, using [a new technology called] ‘Hi-Pure.’ It is great for the same patients as Botox is, and many younger patients are trying low doses to prevent lines.” — Dr. Amy Wechsler, dermatologist and psychiatrist, Dr. Amy Wechsler Dermatology

“Non-ablative lasers had their run in the 2000s, but results were lacking and multiple treatments were needed. The major downside was that 1) lasers are not ‘colourblind,’ meaning darker skin types were often not good candidates because of the risk of hyperpigmentation and 2) lasers do not treat the neck well, which is one of the more common complaints of older patients. In the last decade, radio-frequency (RF) devices have become the gold standard. They’re safe and effective for patients of all skin types. These devices use oscillating electrical current at speeds of millions of cycles per second to deliver heat at the deeper part of the skin, bypassing the portions that contain cells that give colour (i.e. melanocytes). This allows us to treat all skin types but also heat the skin at the deeper layer, the dermis, directly to stimulate the production of new collagen and immediately cause skin contraction.” — Dr. Michael Roskies, medical director of SpaMedica

Biggest cosmetic technological breakthroughs:

“By far, body sculpting technologies have taken this decade by storm. Advances with lipolysis using cold ‘freezing’ and then laser heating has allowed significant fat reduction without surgery, needles or anaesthetic. Another lunch-time treatment marvel has captured the aesthetic market. Lipolysis (fat cell destruction) creates permanent fat reduction in areas where superficial stubborn fat can be targeted such as the abdomen, flanks or love handles, thighs and under the chin. Usually two to three treatments are required per area, resulting in a more contoured silhouette when the abdomen and flanks are treated, and a slimmer facial appearance and more defined jaw-line results when the double chin is treated.” — Dr. Diane Wong, founder and medical director of Glow Medi Spa

“The biggest breakthroughs have been in non-invasive body shaping technologies. Specifically, Emsculpt, which uses electromagnetic energy to build muscle and reduce fat, has become one of the most popular treatments in my office. Until now, the only way to build rounder, higher buttocks was surgical implants or fat grafting (or lots of squats). With Emsculpt, I can offer my patients a safe, noninvasive treatment to sculpt their abs and glutes. Body shaping will continue to grow in popularity, as we have more devices that can address fat and loose skin noninvasively. My patients are increasingly looking for non-surgical options, since fewer people can take weeks off to recover from surgery.” — Dr. Jessica Wu, M.D., Los Angeles dermatologist

What to expect in 2020:

“Natural results that don’t look overdone will be more important than ever. Consumers are more savvy than ever when it comes to avoiding frozen, shiny foreheads and overfilled lips. My patients view their lasers, toxins and fillers as part of their health and wellness maintenance routine. They want healthy, glowing radiant skin and want to appear well-rested, but not ‘done’ or ‘fake.’ They’re also very good at incorporating diet, supplements and lifestyle to extend the longevity of their in-office treatments. 2020 is all about taking a 360-degree approach to healthy, radiant skin from the inside out and the outside in!” — Dr. Whitney Bowe, dermatologist and author of The Beauty of Dirty Skin

“Scar treatment will continue to improve offering help to many patients as now we can treat thick, red raised scars, atrophic or indented acne scars and older white scars. Synergistic treatments will also be used using a combination approach with multiple technologies in the same day. Laser assisted drug delivery will become more commonly in use making treatment of skin cancer, brown spots, scars and even stem cell and plasma delivery more effective. Newer hyaluronic acid injectables such as Restylane Skinboosters can treat fine lines, the neck and acne scars.” — Dr. Lisa Kellett, dermatologist and owner of DLK on Avenue

“The big buzz for 2020 will be powerful combination treatments that are bespoke for the patient. One of the best combinations for skin laxity is microfocused ultrasound therapy combined with injectable calcium hydroxyapatite. The results are excellent for lifting and tightening the face as well as improving skin quality. We are currently conducting a study for this combination to treat abdominal skin laxity postpartum. Another innovation is complexion enhancement with microdroplet hyaluronic acid. It’s essentially injectable moisturizer which improves skin hydration, smoothness, fine lines, texture, firmness and pores. It lasts approximately nine months. Patients love it because their skin looks fantastic but they there is no change to their face shape or look. It’s very popular in Europe and Asia and is starting to take off in Canada – perfect for the selfie generation.” — Dr. Julia Carroll, dermatologist and co-founder of Compass Dermatology