With the current economy, many consumers re-evaluate their cosmetic surgery plans. More people may choose less invasive procedures such as injectables and fillers instead of major surgeries, to buy time until the economy rebounds. In fact, a recent poll of consumers and plastic surgeons released at the annual scientific meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in Chicago found that 27 percent of the survey participants were considering less expensive options, compared with 20 percent six months ago.
Will consumers be penny-wise but pound-foolish in 2009? As the recession continues, many doctors may cut prices on surgical procedures as well as injectables to help attract new patients. But buyer beware: The worst thing you can do is put price before professional training.
Skin Resurfacing
Aesthetic patients are becoming more focused on the texture and pigmentary issues of their skin. Laser skin resurfacing is the fifth most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure.
Fractional resurfacing continues to dominate the aesthetic laser market. Fractional resurfacing involves the creation of multiple microthermal zones that affect a fractional volume of tissue. The treated areas are surrounded by viable tissue that offers epidermal stem cells for rapid recovery. This innovative concept provides resurfacing with less risk and less downtime. There are two types of fractional resurfacing: ablative resurfacing, in which multiple microthermal zones are vaporized; and nonablative resurfacing, in which microthermal zones are coagulated.
Ablative. Ablative fractional resurfacing involves the excision or vaporization of columns of tissue. The untreated viable tissue offers epidermal stem cells that provide for more rapid healing. Additionally, the reduction in tissue volume allows for tightening to occur. Nonablative. Nonablative fractional resurfacing involves the coagulation of tissue to variable depths, allowing the stratum corneum to remain intact resulting in less downtime.
Wrinkles
Wrinkles Relaxing Cream. There is much talk about a topical version of the wrinkle relaxer Botox. Topical Botox may be potent enough to penetrate the skin and affect the muscles, without the pain of multiple injections. Sound too good to be true? Maybe, but so far the cosmetic surgery community is enthusiastic.
An alternative of Botox. Reloxin is an injectable form of botulinum toxin Type A. Like Botox Cosmetic, small doses of the toxin are injected into targeted wrinkle-causing muscles, preventing the muscle from contracting and reducing the wrinkle’s appearance. Reloxin has similar properties and lasts about as long as Botox Cosmetic.
Eyelash Lengthening Still Strong
An FDA advisory panel has recommended approving Latisse, a drug that may promote longer, thicker, darker eyelashes. The drug is a spin-off of the glaucoma drug Lumigan, which has been shown to cause eyelash growth. Latisse will likely be the first eyelash-lengthening drug to gain FDA approval.
Facial Bars
For consumers who need someone to perform the services that they cannot effectively do themselves (exfoliation and extractions) and then prescribe a home maintenance system daily and weekly care, facial bars will become a great economic solution.
