Non-surgical aesthetic treatments gain popularity among Jamaicans ahead of summer

Demand for minimally invasive aesthetic care is climbing among Jamaicans who want body improvements without going under the knife, according to Dr Joseph Wilson, a general practitioner who also practises aesthetics and holds experience in neurosurgery, orthopedics and rehabilitation.

Wilson said women make up the bulk of his clientele, though an increasing number of men are seeking help with stubborn fat around the chest and abdomen, particularly as summer draws near. He described non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures as treatments that involve no incisions, no tissue removal and no general anaesthesia, with only local numbing applied where injections are given.

Among the most sought-after services, he said, are lipo shots—targeted injections delivered to specific areas such as the abdomen, arms and inner thighs. A numbing cream or spray is applied first, followed by multiple injections at the site. Wilson said patients may begin seeing results within two to six weeks, with the treatment working to break down fat locally while also tightening the skin. The shots use naturally occurring substances including choline and deoxycholic acid; he noted that some patients feel brief burning or minor irritation at the injection site.

He also offers IV therapy, placing a drip line to deliver vitamin C, B12 or glutathione. Wilson explained that glutathione occurs naturally in the body, helps fight free radicals, supports skin radiance and can boost energy as levels decline with age. Vitamin C, he added, supports the immune system.

For broader weight management, Wilson highlighted weekly tirzepatide injections, known commercially as Mounjaro. While many patients ask about Ozempic, he said Mounjaro is the only FDA-approved GLP-1 injection for weight loss. Depending on body type, he said clients can lose roughly five to seven pounds per week, as the medication suppresses appetite and helps the body manage insulin through the glucagon-like peptide pathway.

Pricing is set per treatment area. Wilson said abdomen work costs about $30,000 per zone, with both sides counted as one area. He cautioned that patients who have already undergone liposuction and are fully contoured may not be suitable candidates, and warned that repeated cosmetic interventions can become harmful for some individuals despite the general safety of the procedures when administered by a qualified professional.

Wilson practises at Hexagon Medical, Bola Health in Waterloo, and General Spa on Westminster Road.