Many industries and businesses around the world are currently affected by the outbreak of the coronavirus, and the beauty industry is no exception. Most of the beauty salons and clinics in different countries have been closed, and unnecessary and elective surgeries have been stopped. Only patients who have an emergency or need follow-up visits are accepted. In this case, referral to the centers is done applying the social distancing, disinfecting surfaces and tools, and using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Every year, many people travel overseas for medical purposes, including cosmetic surgery, to pay less or get better services, but now many of these trips have been stopped due to countries' entry bans.
Countries are at different stages of the coronavirus pandemic; some that were effective at initial containment, have seen a resurgence and are implementing additional measures to address it. Some others have seen the number of new cases begin to decline and are debating the right approach to reopening their economies.
Even if countries open up again, this pandemic leaves a lasting mark on how cosmetic care is provided around the world. Businesses need to remember what worked in an emergency – and use it to bring in a new era of the beauty industry. In this regard, it is predicted that many businesses will move into providing remote or online services, which requires the use of novel technologies.
The boom in three-dimensional (3D) scan technology
Many reliable sources have recommended the use of 3D imaging before cosmetic surgery, but only a few centers currently use this technology. Perhaps this is a good opportunity to review the benefits of using 3D scanning and make the most of it. If affordable and small 3D scanners with user-friendly software and the ability to connect to mobile phones, TVs, and other home electrical appliances become available to most people, they can easily make their 3D models in related software. In this case, most of the needs related to beauty and health can be met online as follows without the need to leave home.
Cosmetic procedure
With a 3D model, people can have an online consultation with plastic surgeons or beauticians. In this method, it is possible to apply changes and view the achievable results following the type of beauty procedure using related software; for example, a person can see the simulated result of rhinoplasty, breast surgery, facial filler injection, or even fat injection in different parts of their body or try different eyebrow microblading models on their face, and select the desired design according to their taste and cosmetologist’s opinions. Also, by connecting the software to the virtual reality (VR) glasses, the person can see the simulated result in 3D from all angles close to reality. In this way, beauty counseling services will be provided without the need for face to face visits.
The online consultation, in this method, not only does not create any limitation but also has many benefits that help increase applicants’ satisfaction. For example, by having a simulated 3D result, a set of guides and stencils can be provided by 3D printers as an index to help doctors or beauticians apply changes accurately. In this method, the cosmetic procedure is completed when the result complies with printed guides. In this way, the possibility of errors in beauty procedures is reduced, and the applicant will be more confident in achieving the desired simulated result. In addition to 3D printed guides, 3D analyzes can have other benefits as well; for example, one of the new inventions helping increase the accuracy and quality of body augmentation and reduction cosmetic surgeries is real-time 3D scanning. One of the advantages of 3D simulation in this method is that by performing real-time scanning during the procedure and comparing the body shape with the simulated 3D model, doctors can detect injection points and the related amount of volume increase.
Another application of 3D scanners is for applicants’ post-op visits. After surgery, doctors can analyze the 3D image of the operated body part and check the swelling, bruising, and shape daily without an in-person visit, and if necessary, apply preventive measures.
According to the mentioned applications, performing 3D scanning before the cosmetic procedure and using 3D printed guides will become necessary to reduce the possibility of errors and applicants’ dissatisfaction with final results. Also, using 3D scanners reduces the need to be present in doctors’ waiting rooms and facilitates online consultation.
Sport and fitness
3D scanning technology can be a great tool for training and valued as a mobile trainer. A device comprising of a 3D scanner and processor can scan and evaluate body movements and warn if any activities are performed incorrectly. This feature can be an important factor in preventing sports injuries. This device can also analyze the relationship between a person’s athletic performance and the music played and suggest the appropriate music associated with high efficiency. Furthermore, this device can be mobile or placed on an unmanned aerial vehicle such as a quadcopter and moves when the person changes position. Mentioned features reduce the need to attend health clubs or be trained by an actual coach.
3D scanning technology can also be useful for examining children's growth. Doctors can analyze children's 3D body model at specific age intervals, and if necessary, prescribe appropriate medications or exercises without the need for an in-person examination. Another usage is that by analyzing real-time 3D scanning of the child's body during exercise, it will be possible to identify the child’s sports talent more accurately.
3D scanning can be used in examining adults' body changes, as well. By frequently analyzing persons’ 3D body model and movement, doctors can predict the possibility of a hunchback or other spinal problems and give necessary prescriptions, including appropriate exercises, the use of medical belts or canes, etc. Also, doctors can evaluate body status and weight and prescribe an appropriate diet online.
Fashion
In addition to the use of 3D scanners in cosmetic procedures, sport, and fitness, this technology is also useful in other industries such as fashion. By widespread distribution of these scanners in the community, reputable clothing brands can provide a suitable platform for customers to use various 3D home scanners to virtually try different clothes on their body and view it on the TV or using a VR glass. Since 3D models have accurate information about the size of the person’s body, people can shop online and make sure that the size of the clothes ordered fits their bodies. This method can also be used in clothing design, through which people can select their desired texture, color, pattern, etc. and try the desired design on their 3D model and make online orders. Tailors can use these 3D designs to sew ordered clothes without in-person visits.
The boom in extended reality technology
After the virtual and augmented reality, mixed reality technology was introduced, through which it is possible to interact with digital objects added to the environment. These technologies, generally called extended reality, can be very helpful in different areas, such as education, design, and medicine – and change the experience of the world around us. It is predicted that the use of these technologies will also expand in cosmetic practices; for example, they can be used in learning cosmetic procedures virtually without the need to practice on actual patients. Also, using this technology, plastic surgeons or beauticians can have a virtual face to face consultation with applicants, and doctors can virtually examine their patients.
The use of these technologies in the training of various sports can also be very useful, and people can do the necessary exercises without the need to go to sports clubs or follow a team in team sports. In this way, people can record their performance, and after replaying it, have a better understanding of their mistakes and correct their performance. Many professional athletes use this method to practice and increase their skills – and that is expected to become more common for public use in the future.
In video games, people can use 3D scanning to build their avatars and play with each other. Also, with the help of extended reality technology, as well as a different and extraordinary experience, people would be in the game environment actively, thus preventing long-term sitting and the resulting physical problems..
