AAFPRS: Non-Invasive Procedures Continue to Rise

A recent article from the Examiner analyzed the latest plastic surgery statistics released by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). Not unlike last year, the AAFPRS survey reported a significant increase in non-invasive treatments amongst their 2009 plastic surgery trends.

According to the AAFPRS, non-invasive cosmetic treatments rose 47% in 2009. The Examiner sites the current economic standing as an influencer in consumer behaviors. Dermal fillers and botulinum toxin A injections are growing in popularity because, even though their results are temporary, they are much more cost effective compared to invasive surgery.

Of the physicians surveyed, another 80% reported that patients were seeking non-invasive treatments as means to staying competitive in the workplace. The procedures with the largest amount of growth were as follows:
• Poly-l-lactic acid (Sculptra®)-up 71%
• Chemical peels-up 52%
• Hyaluronic acid (Juvederm®, Restylane®)-up 48%
• Botulinum toxin type A (Botox®, Dysport®)-up 45%

The majority of surgeons surveyed (77%) reported that patients are also more educated about their plastic surgery options. Patients are spending more time researching different procedures, costs, recovery time and physician qualifications before even stepping into a surgeon’s office.

The survey also found that women continue to be the majority of facial plastic surgery candidates, accounting for 84% of all non-invasive and surgical procedures.

The surgical procedures with the increases and decreases were:
• Ablative skin resurfacing (up 57%)
• Revision surgery (up 18%)
• Facelifts (up 14%)
• Lip augmentation (DOWN 52%)
• Rhinoplasty (DOWN 13%)

As we continue to see FDA approval for new products such as Xeomin and PurTox, the number of non-invasive procedures performed will surely continue to rise. New non-invasive technologies are continually being developed and put on the market.

Aesthetic Surgery Market Expected to Double by 2017

The cosmetics industry is growing, but by just how much? According to iData Research, a Vancouver-based pharmaceutical market research firm, the market for facial aesthetics, lasers and cosmetic surgery is expected to double—exceeding $3 billion by 2017.

The U.S. market for facial injectables is currently worth almost $860 million. The expected introduction of new injectables—such as Mentor’s PurTox and Merz's Xeomin—as well as their increasing therapeutic uses will contribute to market growth.

“A growing number of doctors are looking at the therapeutic potential of botulinum A. There are more cosmetic procedures performed using botulinum A than therapeutic; however, therapeutic procedures use higher doses of the drug, therefore these two markets are similar in value,” says Kamran Zamanian, Ph.D., iData CEO.

The iData report predicts that the value of the botulinum toxin A market segment alone will reach $543 million within seven years. Cosmetic Surgery Times also cited laser skin resurfacing, hair removal and lipolysis as the fastest-growing market segments.

Perhaps the FDA approval of new devices, such as Zeltiq, (and hopefully Ultrashape and Liposonix) will help the market meet or even exceed these predictions. I supposed we will have to wait seven years to see!

Using Light-Activated Technologies for Battlefield Injuries

A recent research study by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research shows that conventional sutures as well as glues and staples used to repair wounds in the skin or to reconnect nerves, blood vessels, tendons and corneal incisions, can be replaced with Photochemical Tissue Bonding. According to Dr. Irene Kochevar (Massachusetts General Hospital Wellman Center researcher and Harvard Med School professor), "We have demonstrated that this technology is very helpful in medicine for the Air Force because it produces better healing and functional outcomes than the same wounds that were treated with conventional materials.”

Bonding (aka nanosutures) is achieved when a dye is applied to the wound, after which the wound is exposed to green light for a brief time. The dye absorbs the light and then proceeds to molecularly bond proteins on the surface of the tissues. "No glues, proteins or other materials are used that might stimulate an inflammatory response," said Kochevar. "An immediate, water-tight seal is formed between the tissue surfaces leading to reduced inflammation in the near term and better scar formation in the long term."

Researchers plan to continue to assess the efficacy of this new technology, particularly as to how it might be made even more effective in the field. If all goes well, they hope to create a shorter treatment time and an even stronger bond. "We are approaching this challenge by identifying the basic molecular mechanisms responsible for light-activated crosslinking," she said. "We believe that this information will show us how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the nanosuturing technology on the battlefield."

Daily Links 4/2

1)AZZALURE(R) Is Approved In France For Aesthetic Use In The Treatment Of Frown Lines [Press Release]

"Galderma, the leading pharmaceutical company in dermatology, and Ipsen (Paris:IPN), an innovation-driven international specialty pharmaceutical group, announced that Azzalure® (botulinum toxin Type A manufactured by Ipsen), a muscle relaxant specifically developed for aesthetic use, has received a marketing authorization in France from the Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits de Santé (AFSSAPS).

The marketing approval is for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines seen at the frown (vertical lines between the eyebrows), in adult men and women aged 65 years and under, when the severity of these lines has an important psychological impact on the patient. The approval was based on several clinical trials involving more than 2,600 patients, which confirmed the safety and efficacy of Azzalure®."

Azzalure is what they call Dysport in France, which we call Reloxin here in the US. Check back soon for a genealogy chart explaining all of these products and how they intertwine.

2. Heads Up, Botox [NY Times]
"To be honest, if you just talk about aesthetics, there are no good comparative trials on Dysport and Botox,” said Dr. Berthold Rzany, an author of “Botulinum Toxin in Aesthetic Medicine” and the director of evidence-based medicine at Charité, the university hospital in Berlin, Germany. Only small studies exist, Dr. Rzany said, adding that at least 300 participants would be needed to prove that one of the drugs lasts longer. Choosing a longer-lasting product would matter to consumers because both drugs are expensive. In England, a visit for Botox or Dysport costs roughly $250 to $430, said Dr. John Curran, the former president of the British Association of Cosmetic Doctors. (There is no information yet about how it might be priced in the United States.)

3. Bronx Woman Dies After Botched Plastic Surgery [Newsday]
"Siordaliza Pichardo only wanted to add shape to her thighs and buttocks. Now, the Bronx mother of two is dead, killed during a botched plastic surgery procedure, authorities said.

...But after further tests were conducted and police were consulted, the ME on Tuesday declared the case a homicide and concluded the mother of two died of a "silicone pulmonary embolism," with the silicone clotting in her lungs. The ME also said the injections were performed by a "nonmedical, unlicensed person."
Yet another tragedy caused by unlicensed practitioners.