Expert guide: Aesthetic & Cosmetology 2015 4 June 2015 June 2015 5 Introduction Introduction It has been well documented in re-cent years that the global demo-graphic has seen a sharp rise in the age of the population. Latest fig-ures from independent think tank the Pew Research Centre in Wash-ington claim that 10,000 Americans are turning 65 every day and that by 2030 70 million Americans will be over the age of 65. According to a study from the UN, World Popula-tion Ageing 1950-2050, the global population aged 60 and over is fore-cast to reach two billion by 2050 in-creasing from 606 million in 2000. By 2050, over-60s will represent one in three persons living in the devel-oped regions, climbing to 37% in Eu-rope. We have entered what inde-pendent economist George Magnus has coined “the age of ageing”. Unlike many industries where com-mentators have focused upon the challenges this trend creates we are able to highlight the growing oppor-tunities it unveils in the aesthetics arena. The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medi-cine (IAPAM) say that these figures give practitioners in non-invasive or minimally-invasive anti-ageing pro-cedures the perfect opportunity to grow their business by capturing a rapidly emerging market. In this guide we take a look at the landscape for the medicalisation of ageing and beauty by detailing the key trends, developments in education & train-ing, and outlining how practitioners can avoid litigation.In terms of procedure trends mini-mally invasive procedures have in-creased significantly, while plastic surgery growth has been modest as men and women alike are increasing-ly looking towards anti-ageing treat-ments such as injections. However, breast augmentation still remains the most popular cosmetic surgi-cal procedure performed and in this guide we have included an article on the current challenges and com-plications facing surgeons. We have also included a focus on the current issues in breast reconstruction and an article highlighting the specialist topic of treating hyperpigmentation on black skin.Editor In Chief James Drakeford