Ahead of the Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress that will be taking place in Monaco later this month, Monaco Life met with Dr. Philippe Berros to learn more about this prestigious event, new trends in aesthetic medicine and the quest to age gracefully.
The Grimaldi Forum in Monaco will welcome the 22nd edition of the Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress (AMWC) from 27th to 29th March. Held under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, the congress is hosted by the World Society of Interdisciplinary Anti-Aging Medicine, an association created for and by physicians to promote safe and evidence-based anti-aging treatments.
To learn more about the AMWC and the latest advances in aesthetic anti-aging, Monaco Life spoke with Dr. Philippe Berros, an oculoplastic surgeon and ophthalmic consultant who specialises in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS) at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace.
Alongside this, Dr. Berros is an Associate Professor who travels internationally to give lectures abroad, and he has received an award in the USA for his work on PRS. Dr. Berros and his associate, Dr. Enrica Segond, are also the co-founders of La Clinique Monte-Carlo, Monaco’s first plastic surgery centre.
As Dr. Berros tells Monaco Life, the huge success of the AMWC is, first and foremost, due to its location in Monaco.
“The AMWC has existed for over 25 years, since the beginning of the history of cosmetic medicine and plastic surgery,” he shares. “The quality of the organisation and the international scientific programme make this conference one of the most important in the world today. This is the meeting place of the scientific aesthetic world.”
The AMWC covers all aesthetic and anti-aging disciplines, incorporating subjects from dermatology to minimally invasive aesthetic treatments, body sculpting and rejuvenation.
Those who can’t attend in person can participate online and, in fact, over 20,000 professionals regularly take part in this manner. They join more than 15,000 participants and 300 exhibitors from over 140 countries who travel to the Principality specifically for the event.
According to Dr. Berros, belonging to medical associations is a must for professionals keen to keep abreast of the latest advances.
“Together with my associate, Dr. Segond, I have been a member of the Association Monegasque of Anti-Aging Medicine (AMMA) since its inception [as well as] EuroMediCom and the Aesthetic Multispecialty Society (AMS),” Dr. Berros tells Monaco Life. Membership allows us to belong to a scientific community and to be able to exchange with colleagues from all over the world, which is essential for our continuous training and advancement.”
He adds, “There are multiple ways to keep ahead of the latest progress in our field, such as participating in the AMWC, where there are clinical conferences and presentations on the latest and most innovative techniques and treatments based on proven scientific research. I have also joined specialised social networks, consulted scientific journals and exchanged with colleagues. Every doctor has a responsibility to continue their education.”
Top-of-the-line scientific programme
The AMWC is well known for producing a top-tier scientific programme led by key opinion leaders and experienced speakers. Additionally, the AMWC is the world’s leading scientific conference that specialises in aesthetic and anti-aging medicine while simultaneously shining a light on the continuing education of physicians. Fostering new and valuable professional connections is another mission of the globally recognised event.
“The speakers at the AMWC come from five continents,” explains Dr. Berros. “During this conference, the most accomplished and experienced doctors and surgeons are present in Monaco, plus all the largest pharmaceutical laboratories exhibit at the AMWC. It is a forum of permanent scientific exchange over three days.”
Cosmetic plastic surgery is a growing specialty
Dr. Berros goes on to say how training for doctors has evolved over the last 15 years thanks to organisations such as the AMWC and other innovative platforms.
“The internet has revolutionised teaching with the posting of videos of surgical or medical techniques online,” he says. “Everything has become more accessible, so surgeons have access to cutting-edge training. Teaching requires a lot of research and work, and patients should put their trust in qualified health professionals who are Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons.”
Dr. Berros’ career has also evolved, moving from ophthalmology to the field of aesthetic medicine.
“When training at university, I began to treat pathologies such as blepharospasm with botulinum toxin (Botox), and then very quickly this medication became the star treatment in aesthetic medicine. The same goes for hyaluronic acid, which is used in cataracts and subsequently became the perfect treatment for wrinkles. In 25 years of my career, this has continued to evolve. A true passion was born.”
Aging gracefully
For many women, and increasingly men, their looks and appearance are very important, and there seems to be an interrelationship between inner beauty and outer confidence; those who see themselves as attractive exude more confidence. With that, they believe they increase their chances of success socially and in business.
“Cosmetic medicine helps patients feel better about themselves,” says Dr. Berros. “It increases their self-esteem and inner harmony. It is not about transforming people, but improving their quality of life. You cannot prevent growing old, but it is possible to age gracefully. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, spending time outdoors with protection according to your skin, and no tobacco and less alcohol are good strategies. You can get regular aesthetic treatments like Botox, hyaluronic acid, peeling and laser… The rule is regularity.”
With regards to aesthetic treatments that have longer-term results, Dr. Barros explains: “No aesthetic treatment is definitive, even surgery. The secret to well-being and good results is maintenance. You must treat yourself two to three times a year. Plus, there is no specific age at which to start aesthetic treatment.”
The sizeable market of eternal youth
The quest for eternal youth is a fact. There is a reason why the global aesthetic medicine market was valued at USD $127.11 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14.9% from 2024 to 2030.
Furthermore, the cosmetic industry is one of the biggest industries in the world, projected to grow from USD $393.71 billion in 2024 to a staggering USD $758.05 billion by 2032.
To learn more about the AMWC, click here.
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