Showing posts with label survey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label survey. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Survey: Can You Guess What Scent Turns Arizona Girls On?

NEW YORK, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- It's long been known that how a guy smells is the number one thing that determines whether a girl will find him attractive.(i) In fact, two out of three women say they are more likely to make out with a guy on the first date if he smells good.(ii) To further investigate the science behind scent and attraction, AXE, the iconic men's grooming brand, commissioned new research unearthing what scents turn girls on – proving that guys looking to enhance their game should choose a fragrance based on where they reside.

AXE enlisted scent expert Dr. Alan Hirsch, director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, to determine girls' scent preferences in 10 of the top cities for singles nationwide. Surprisingly, no two cities fared the same. In Chicago, for example, which boasts nearly 700 bakeries and patisseries, girls preferred the sweet smell of vanilla, while in sunny San Diego, girls go wild for the scent of suntan lotion and salty ocean air. Guys should take note – switching up fragrance according to locale might just be the help needed to attract her attention.

"In each city we tested, girls reported different scent preferences, indicating that geography has a direct correlation to what scents they find attractive," said Dr. Hirsch. "Guys should heed these findings as research has shown that when women are in the presence of a preferred scent, they are more likely to project positive feelings on those around them, which can lead to increased attraction."

Seductive Scents

So which scents may seduce? Guys living in New York, where girls dig the smell of coffee, should opt for a gourmet foodie scent, such as AXE Dark Temptation, which includes notes of hot chocolate amber and red peppercorn. Guys in L.A. shouldn't think they can get by with the same fragrance – girls there are drawn to the smell of fresh lavender so guys should reach for clean, herbal scents. How different is it from city to city? Check it out:

1. Girls' Scent Preferences by City New York City – Coffee
2. Los Angeles – Lavender
3. Chicago – Vanilla
4. Houston – Barbeque
5. Atlanta – Cherry
6. Phoenix – Eucalyptus
7. Philadelphia – Clean Laundry
8. Dallas – Smoke/Fireplace
9. San Diego – Suntan Lotion/Ocean
10 .Minneapolis-St. Paul – Cut Grass

For guys who don't live in one of the above locations, Dr. Hirsch and his team of scent scientists broke down the data nationally and regionally, finding that some scents were popular enough to cross state lines. Food-focused scents like vanilla and coffee, for instance, reined supreme nationwide.

Girls' Scent Preferences Nationwide

1.Vanilla
2.Coffee
3.Lavender
4.Fresh Air/Rain

Girls' Scent Preferences Regionally

• East Coast – Coffee
• South – Fire/Smoke
• Midwest – Cut Grass
• West Coast – Baked Goods

Sensorial Satisfaction

The importance of knowing what scents girls are attracted to goes beyond picking out a complementary fragrance. Dating and relationship expert Ian Kerner, New York Times best-selling author of She Comes First and Love in the Time of Colic, suggests not only wearing the correct fragrance according to your city, but incorporating the preferred scent into your dating routine.

"Dating should be a sensorial experience," says Kerner. "If a girl likes the sights, sounds and smell around her, she is going to find you more desirable." Guys who call the South home, for example, might take their girl to their favorite barbeque place or roast S'mores by a campfire to create that desired smoky aroma. Since girls in the Midwest like freshly cut grass, guys in the Heartland may be better off with a picnic or hitting up the driving range.

Survey Says

In addition to the study, AXE also commissioned research firm StrategyOne to survey girls nationwide about their thoughts on scent and attraction. While scent preferences vary by location, some things ring true from coast to coast, proving that scent is an important element to consider when getting ready for that hot date.

Dirty little secret: One in four girls will wait anywhere from two weeks to a month before washing their sheets in order to keep their guy's scent close
Father doesn't know best: 56 percent of girls say they won't date a guy who smells like their dad
Guard your belongings: One out of two girls admits that she has committed theft by stealing an article of clothing from a guy to smell when he's gone and nearly 60 percent of girls sleep in their guy's clothes because they like his lingering aroma
Need proof of how scent and memory are intertwined? 60 percent of girls still remember the smell of their ex's cologne
Visit www.facebook.com/axe for full results from the AXE Scents and the City study and more tips from Ian Kerner on how to seduce her senses.

AXE-ology

Scent and the City study findings were compiled by Dr. Alan Hirsch, director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation. Two thousand women ages 18 through 35 underwent live personal individualized nuncupative interviews as to their most preferred aromas. Two hundred subjects were selected per city. Questions were asked in an open fashion and no attempt was made to guide subjects to respond in any particular fashion as no prior hypothesis had been presented to the surveyors.

StrategyOne, a full-service corporate positioning, market research and strategic communications agency conducted a nationwide survey to unveil women's thoughts on scent and attraction. The survey was conducted online among a sample of 1,008 women aged 18 – 34 using the field services of Authentic Response. The results are nationally representative of the U.S. and have a margin of error or +/- 3.09 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.

About AXE

AXE is an iconic personal care brand around the world that helps guys look, smell and feel their best. The Unilever-manufactured brand is available in a line of deodorant bodysprays, deodorant and antiperspirant sticks, shower gels and hair care products. AXE is the No. 1 men's grooming brand in the U.S., excluding shaving hardware, which AXE does not offer, and achieved this status only seven years after launch. The brand's mission is to help guys get the girl with grooming products that reflect individual personality and lifestyle. For more information visit www.theaxeeffect.com.

About Dr. Hirsch

Alan R. Hirsch, M.D., F.A.C.P., a neurologist and psychiatrist, is a nationally recognized smell and taste expert. He has written more than 180 articles on the psychological power of smell, taste and how these senses affect human behavior. As the founder and neurological director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, Dr. Hirsch puts his theories to the test in a variety of documented studies.

About StrategyOne

Founded in 1999, StrategyOne is a full-service corporate positioning, market research and strategic communications agency with global research capabilities and offices in New York, Washington, DC, Chicago, Atlanta, London and Paris. StrategyOne utilizes a full suite of qualitative and quantitative methodologies to design custom primary research for clients in a wide range of industries to support their communications and marketing objectives.

Dual Surveys Reveal Top Concerns for Menopausal Skin on Women

NEW YORK, Sept. 1 -- According to The Effects of Menopause on the Skin, a survey sponsored by Vichy Laboratoires, a division of L'Oreal Active Cosmetics, the vast majority of women over 50 reported experiencing notable changes in the condition of their skin during menopause. In fact, 53 percent reported that the most common issue they faced after entering menopause was dry skin, followed closely by an increase in wrinkles and a sagging neck. (1)

The results of this consumer survey are further supported by additional research conducted by Vichy Laboratoires. According to a survey of 625 dermatologists at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting 2010, the number one skin concern reported by menopausal patients is dry skin, followed in second by wrinkles. (2)

Hormones play a major role in the effects of menopause on the skin conditions of women. "By the time women hit their late 40's and 50's, as estrogen levels drop off, they often experience a rapid increase in collagen breakdown. In particular, this can manifest as sagging skin of the neck and jawline and is highly bothersome to my patients," says Boston dermatologist Ranella Hirsch.

About Vichy: Vichy is the #1 skincare brand in European pharmacies. Vichy Laboratoires is dedicated to advancing skin health through a deep understanding of how skin functions, supported by medical research. Vichy Laboratoires' patented ingredients -- combined with Vichy's mineral-enriched Thermal Spa Water -- deliver an exceptionally high level of efficacy, clinically proven by independent dermatologists. Vichy products are available in Dermatological Skincare Centers, with trained beauty advisors, in top CVS, Longs Drugs, Rite Aid and Duane Reade drugstores and sold online at www.vichyusa.com.

1. Survey Methodology: These findings are from a telephone survey conducted among 686 female adults over the age of 50. Interviewing for this survey was completed during the period February 26 – 28, 2010. Opinion Research Corporation of Princeton, NJ, conducted the fieldwork.

2. Findings from survey completed by range of dermatologists during the 2010 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting.

3. Based on in vitro results showing an increase in collagen 7 & laminin 5.

SOURCE Vichy
http://www.vichyusa.com

For more information about Bio-Match All Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=250

Thursday, October 7, 2010

81% of Women Want to Improve Skin When Approaching Big Birthdays

BRISBANE, Calif., May 13 / -- Cutera, Inc. ( CUTR). Women approaching a milestone birthday(1) feel optimistic and excited at what the future holds whether they're approaching 30 or 60, according to an online survey commissioned by Cutera, Inc., a global manufacturer of aesthetic lasers. The national survey, conducted in March by Harris Interactive® with nearly 1,000 women, offers insights into the emotions and behaviors of women as they approach a new decade.

Among key findings:

  • Women approaching 30 are twice as likely to say they feel anxious about their milestone birthday than those approaching 60 (30% and 14%, respectively).
  • More than 4 in 5 women (81%) approaching a big birthday say they want to improve something about their skin's appearance.
  • More women are willing to give up sex for 5 years (12%) than give up the Internet for 5 years (8%) to stop the aging process.

Insights into the "Big Birthday"

"Physicians who use our lasers for treatment of photodamage and other skincare concerns say that many of their patients are women approaching a new decade in their lives," said Ken Witte, Vice President of Marketing and Clinical Development for Cutera. "We commissioned the survey to help doctors better understand the mindset of these patients – and to target their needs more effectively."

The survey polled women who are within 5 years of turning a milestone birthday, from 30 to 60. The term "milestone birthday," a phrase commonly heard in physician offices, is an indication that turning a new decade often represents an important event in a woman's life. For many, it's a time to reflect on changes in their lifestyle and appearance.

"Typically, women approaching 30, 40 or 50 will visit our office to celebrate an upcoming 'big' birthday and treat themselves to a series of laser treatments or a dermal filler," said Debra Jaliman, MD, Assistant Professor Mount Sinai Medical Center. "These milestones can be traumatic for some women but certainly not for all. The survey validates what we've seen – that women are opting for aesthetic solutions because they want to invest in their appearance as a gift to themselves."

Better with Age

Over one third of women approaching a milestone birthday say turning older makes them feel optimistic because they are wiser and smarter (35%), and excited because they are looking forward to what the future holds (34%). In fact, "a fabulous vacation" was the top selection for a birthday gift (31%), winning out over "losing weight" (25%) or "looking 10 years younger" (9%). Not surprisingly, women approaching 60 were most likely to want the gift of "looking 10 years younger" (18%).

"The results of this study show that women today, regardless of age, place greatest value on a 'break' from their daily grind and relatively less emphasis on physical goals, such as weight loss or shaving a decade off their age," said Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, MD, PhD, Assistant Clinical Professor Yale University School of Medicine. "The high ranking of a vacation as the birthday gift of choice may be a reflection of the increased presence of women in the workforce and a greater need for time to relax and rejuvenate."

Relatively few women surveyed say they feel anxious because they are getting older (23%) or conflicted because they don't feel as old as they look (21%). Interestingly, women approaching their 30th birthday are actually more likely than those approaching their 60th to say they are anxious about getting older (30% vs. 14% respectively).

"Women turning 30 are approaching the first big birthday of their adult lives and often come to our office feeling anxious. It is typically a time of growth and transition in their lives. They may not feel settled – such as with an established career, partner or family," said Dr. Alexiades-Armenakas. "As the survey shows, they tend to feel less anxious as they get older."

The Skin I'm In...

Over 4 in 5 women approaching a milestone birthday (81%) say they want to improve something about their skin's appearance. Those approaching 30 or 40 would most like to improve their uneven skin tone and texture (23% and 15% respectively), while those approaching 50 and 60 want to improve wrinkles and/or fine lines (33% and 30% respectively). Also, women approaching 40 are more likely to want to improve facial redness (12%) than those approaching 60 (3%).

According to Dr. Jaliman the survey findings support the popularity of non-invasive procedures to enhance the skin's appearance versus past trends of more invasive surgery for dramatic changes. "Women realize that no surgery will improve the quality and feel of their facial skin or eliminate common concerns like coarse texture, fine lines, splotchy redness and, as they get older, wrinkles," said Dr. Jaliman. "These patients seek solutions to appear more rested and relaxed – not to look different."

Supporting this trend, Cutera has seen a surge of interest in three laser treatments. Laser Genesis, a popular treatment among women of all ages, enhances the complexion by reducing redness, fine lines, and pore size. Cutera also offers Pearl and Pearl Fractional. Pearl improves overall surface issues such as uneven skin tone, fine lines and brown spots; Pearl Fractional addresses the skin's deeper layers to minimize more severe photodamage. Combination therapy with Pearl and Pearl Fractional, known as Pearl Fusion is often preferred by physicians. With Pearl Fusion, patients receive a complete resurfacing solution, in a single treatment session – including deep resistant wrinkles.

Looking and Feeling Younger

The majority of women approaching a milestone birthday (64%) say they do take steps to look younger, including nearly half of women approaching their 30th birthday (45%) and over 3 in 4 approaching their 60th birthday (76%). Popular strategies include coloring their hair (43%), wearing make-up (36%) or purchasing expensive skincare products (16%).

Other approaches used to look and feel younger: shopped in the juniors department (7%), lied about their age (5%), dated someone younger (4%) and simply stopped celebrating birthdays (2%).

When presented with a list of popular activities and asked what they would be willing to do to stop the aging process – 36% say they would give up alcohol for 5 years, the number one choice for all age groups. Other answers included giving up watching TV and going on vacation for 5 years (19% each), and giving up a favorite food for 5 years (16%). More women are willing to give up sex for 5 years (12%) than give up the Internet for the same time period (8%) if that would stop the aging process.

"Ultimately, nearly 4 in 10 (36%) were not willing to do anything to stop the aging process," said Dr. Jaliman. "I think we can project that these women accept aging as a natural progression and would not view birthday milestones with anxiety."

Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States on behalf of Cutera by Harris Interactive from March 19 – 24, 2010, via the QuickQuery(SM) online omnibus service. The demographic questions in the survey (including the age determining question) was shown in two waves of the survey to a total of 4,598 adults ages 18+ of whom 2,424 were women ages 18+. Based on the answers to this question, 934 women were interviewed for the Milestone Birthday survey, of whom 183 are ages 25-29, 223 are ages 35-39, 277 are ages 45-49 and 251 are ages 55-59.

Results were weighted as needed to reflect the composition of the U.S. adult population using targets for region, age within gender, education, household income, and race/ethnicity. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Liz Mefford.

About Cutera, Inc.

Brisbane, California-based Cutera is a leading provider of laser and other light-based aesthetic systems for practitioners worldwide. Since 1998, Cutera has been developing innovative, easy-to-use products that enable physicians and other qualified practitioners to offer safe and effective aesthetic treatments to their patients. For more information, call 1-888-4CUTERA or visit www.cutera.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Specifically, statements concerning Cutera's ability to successfully develop, manufacture, market, sell and service new products worldwide to both its installed base and new customers are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current, preliminary expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause Cutera's actual results to differ materially from the statements contained herein. Potential risks and uncertainties that could affect Cutera's business and cause its financial results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements include its ability to increase revenue, manage expenses and improve sales productivity and performance worldwide; its ability to successfully develop and acquire new products and applications and market them to both its installed base and new customers; unforeseen events and circumstances relating to its operations; government regulatory actions; general economic conditions; and those other factors described in the section entitled, "Risk Factors," in its most recent Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 4, 2008. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Cutera undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they were made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

(1) For the purposes of this survey women approaching a milestone birthday were defined as U.S. adult women ages 25-29, 35-39, 45-49 and 55-59.


SOURCE Cutera, Inc.

http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Concerned About Skin Cancer But Don't Understand Tanning Risks

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When it comes to tanning, dermatologists have long suspected that most people need an attitude adjustment. Now, results of a new survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) confirmed that the majority of people still idolize the bronzed look of a tan despite wanting to protect themselves from skin cancer.

For more nformation about Derma Health Intstitute, see:
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The "Suntelligence: How Sun Smart is Your City?" online survey polled more than 7,000 adults nationwide to determine their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward tanning, sun protection and skin cancer detection. Twenty-six cities were ranked based on respondents' answers to several questions in each category.

"Our survey highlighted the contradictory feelings that many people have about tanning – they like the way a tan looks but are concerned about skin cancer, which is estimated to affect about one in five Americans in their lifetime," said dermatologist Zoe D. Draelos, MD, FAAD, consulting professor at Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, N.C. "What they may not realize is that no matter whether you tan or burn, a tan from the sun or tanning beds damages the skin and can cause wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer. The challenge is changing the long-standing attitudes about tanning to correlate with people's knowledge about skin cancer."

In examining the survey data, Dr. Draelos noted that 72 percent of all respondents agreed that people look more attractive with a tan. In addition, more men than women (76 percent vs. 68 percent, respectively) agreed with that statement.

Similarly, 66 percent of all respondents agreed that people look healthier with a tan. Once again more men than women (70 percent vs. 62 percent, respectively) agreed with this statement.

When asked whether or not they believed that sun exposure is good for your health, 60 percent of all respondents mistakenly agreed with this statement. Analyzing the data by gender, more men than women (62 percent vs. 58 percent, respectively) incorrectly thought that sun exposure is good for your health.

"Various reports touting the potential health benefits of sun exposure for vitamin D production are misleading people to believe that exposing oneself to UV radiation – which causes cancer – to prevent another disease is somehow beneficial," said Dr. Draelos. "In fact, the Academy does not recommend getting vitamin D from any form of UV exposure because UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds can lead to the development of skin cancer. Getting vitamin D from a healthy diet, which includes naturally enriched vitamin D foods, fortified foods and beverages, and/or vitamin supplements is a healthier alternative because it provides the exact same benefit without the skin cancer risk."

Dr. Draelos added that despite their positive attitudes about tanning, the majority of respondents expressed strong opinions on protecting themselves from skin cancer. For example, 75 percent of all respondents said they will do anything possible to prevent skin cancer. Furthermore, 80 percent of respondents expressed concern about skin cancer and feel it is important to protect themselves.

"When it comes to preventing skin cancer, actions speak louder than words," said Dr. Draelos. "So while it is encouraging that most people are concerned about skin cancer and want to reduce their risk of developing it, clearly more work needs to be done to change attitudes on tanning. If a person likes the look of a tan, he or she should consider using a self-tanner but use sunscreen with it."

May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month®. Visit www.melanomamonday.org to take the Academy's "Suntelligence" survey, as well as to find out how to perform a skin self-exam, download a body mole map or find free skin cancer screenings in your area.

The "Suntelligence" survey was conducted for the Academy by RH Research of Chicago from January 12 to January 31, 2010. A total of 7,116 respondents completed the online survey; more than 200 completes were conducted in each of the 26 selected

MSAs (metropolitan statistical area) and an additional 1,123 completes were conducted in the U.S. outside of the MSAs. The survey's margin of error was +/- 1.2 percent for national data and +/- 6.9 percent for results stratified by MSA.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.

Editor's Note: Key highlights of the "Suntelligence: How Sun Smart is Your City?" survey and a complete listing of the 26 most and least sun-smart cities are available at www.aad.org/media.

SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

New Survey Ranks Most and Least Sun-Smart Cities

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At first glance, Hartford, Salt Lake City and Denver might not seem to have much in common. But a new survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) found these three cities outshine other U.S. cities in heeding dermatologists' advice on preventing and detecting skin cancer.

The rankings of the 26 U.S. metropolitan cities are as follows:
No. 1 - Hartford
No. 2 - Salt Lake City
No. 3 - Denver
No. 4 - Tampa
No. 5 - Boston
No. 6 - Phoenix
No. 7 - Atlanta
No. 8 - Philadelphia
No. 9 - Portland
No. 10 - Baltimore
No. 11 - Dallas
No. 12 - Houston
No. 13 - Miami
No. 14 - San Francisco
No. 15 - Washington, DC
No. 16 - Detroit
No. 17 - San Diego
No. 18 - Cincinnati
No. 19 - New York City
No. 20 - Minneapolis
No. 21 - St. Louis
No. 22 - Los Angeles
No. 23 - Seattle
No. 24 - Cleveland
No. 25 - Chicago
No. 26 - Pittsburgh

The "Suntelligence: How Sun Smart is Your City?" online survey polled more than 7,000 adults nationwide to determine their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward tanning, sun protection and skin cancer detection. Twenty-six cities were ranked based on respondents' answers to several questions in each category.

"One common thread we found encouraging is that the majority of people polled expressed concern about skin cancer and had awareness of the importance of proper sun protection," said dermatologist William D. James, MD, FAAD, president of the Academy. "However, we found that people's behaviors did not always correlate with their concerns."

While Hartford, Salt Lake City and Denver ranked No. 1, 2 and 3, respectively, Cleveland, Chicago and Pittsburgh fell to the bottom of the sun-smart spectrum with rankings of 24, 25 and 26, respectively. When results for these cities were compared to the average collective responses for all survey respondents, significant differences were observed in the top- and bottom-ranked cities.

Hartford respondents excelled in their knowledge of sun protection and the risks associated with tanning, scoring above the average of adults overall. For example, only about one-third of respondents (35 percent) nationwide correctly answered the question that asked whether some types of ultraviolet (UV) rays are safe for your skin. Forty-two percent of Hartford respondents knew that this statement was not true – that all forms of UV exposure, from natural sunlight and artificial light sources such as tanning beds – are harmful.

Similarly, residents of Salt Lake City, Denver and Hartford all scored better than the national average when they disagreed with the statement that they are not too concerned about skin cancer because it is easily detected and treated. Overall, 76 percent of respondents nationwide disagreed with this statement, while 85 percent of respondents from Salt Lake City disagreed.

"While skin cancer can be successfully treated if detected early, the five-year survival rate for individuals with regional and distant stage melanomas are 65 percent and 16 percent, respectively. That's why people must be vigilant about protecting their skin from sun exposure and aware of the early warning signs of skin cancer," said Dr. James.

However, when examining skin cancer detection behaviors, nationally 59 percent of respondents had never been screened for skin cancer by a health-care provider. Respondents from Pittsburgh and Chicago fared even worse, with 69 percent of Pittsburgh respondents and 67 percent from Chicago admitting they had never had an examination. On the other hand, 48 percent of Hartford residents had never undergone a skin examination.

Despite dermatologists' repeated warnings about the dangers of tanning, Dr. James added that respondents in last-place Pittsburgh scored significantly worse than the overall average when asked if people look more attractive with a tan. Specifically, 81 percent of Pittsburgh respondents agreed with this statement compared to 72 percent of the general public.

"We're hoping the results of this survey will draw attention to the public's need to change its attitudes toward tanning, which is the first step in changing behavior," said Dr. James. "Our data show that most people are concerned about skin cancer, but they still need to modify their attitudes, behavior and knowledge to reduce their risk."

To minimize your risk of skin cancer, the Academy recommends that everyone Be Sun Smart®:

Generously apply a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed skin. "Broad-spectrum" provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing, and applying sunscreen.
Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.
Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun.
Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you've been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

Monday, May 3, is Melanoma Monday® and the official launch of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month®. Visit www.melanomamonday.org to take the Academy's "Suntelligence" survey, as well as to find out how to perform a skin self-exam, download a body mole map or find free skin cancer screenings in your area.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.

The "Suntelligence" survey was conducted for the Academy by RH Research of Chicago from January 12 to January 31, 2010. A total of 7,116 respondents completed the online survey; more than 200 completes were conducted in each of the 26 selected MSAs (metropolitan statistical area) and an additional 1,123 completes were conducted in the U.S. outside of the MSAs. The survey's margin of error was +/-1.2 percent for national data and +/-6.9 percent for results stratified by MSA.

SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology

Poll: What Do Women Really Think About Their Hair?

YONKERS, N.Y., April 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Love it or hate it, your hair can make you feel sexy one day and frumpy the next. According to a new survey featured in the May 2010 issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, many of us try to spend our way to better tresses, snapping up expensive collections of shampoos and styling products and shelling out for haircuts and other salon services. The average woman spends about $195 a year on haircuts and $260 on color alone. But over one-third are trying to save money by going to the salon less often.

“There really is such a thing as a bad hair day—44% of the women have had a mood affected by a bad hair day and 26% have actually shed tears after a hair cut. And sometimes it’s not just a day. The biggest complaints women have about their hair is the thickness and the color,” said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart. “The good news is that hair products can be found at rock-bottom prices and at-home hair color kits have improved greatly. Find out where to shop, which products to opt for and more in our ‘Mane Event’ feature.”

Hairy Issues

•Women are generally happy with their hair, as 19% love it, 41% like it, 5% dislike it, 4% hate it and 30% are neutral.
•Still, many women take steps to change their hair: 49% have naturally straight hair but 10% of them style it curly; 23% have naturally curly hair but 19% of them style it straight.
•Biggest complaint women have about their hair is the thickness (23%), with 17% who feel their hair is too thin or too fine. Other top complaints involve the Type (14%) and the Color (10%).
•Women pay on average $39 for a haircut and $65 on salon color, although nearly two thirds of women have taken steps to save money on their hair in the last 12 months.
•A majority of women (53%) regularly color their hair.
•Women spend on average 15 minutes or less styling their hair and wash it 4 times a week.

Color To Dye For: Top Colorists Share the Best Tips to Get Great Color at Home

1. Choose the Right Color. If you’re a first-timer looking for the right hue, ask your hairdresser’s opinion, browse hair color Web sites like Clairol’s and L’Oreal’s, and choose a semi-permanent color.

2. Avoid Allergic Reactions. Hair color contains chemicals, so in addition to a strand test to check color, it’s important to perform a patch test to make sure you’re not allergic to an ingredient.

3. Prep Yourself. Before you jump in and do the dye job, you should take a few important prep steps. Read and reread package directions.

4. Glop it On. Apply the dye according to directions, making sure to aim the applicator at your head and away from the shower curtain, bath mat, and walls. And set a timer.

5. Fix Mistakes. If your results aren’t what you expected, call the hotline number on the box or check the company site. If that doesn’t help, don’t be shy about turning to a pro.

ShopSmart Hair Poll Methodology:

The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted a telephone survey of a nationally representative probability sample of telephone households. 1,031 interviews were completed among women aged 18+. Interviewing took place over January 28 – February 1, 2010. The margin of error is +/-3.1% points at a 95% confidence level.

3 Best Hair Color Kits

Clairol Textures & Tones

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About ShopSmart magazine:

Launched in Fall 2006 by Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, ShopSmart draws upon Consumer Reports’ celebrated tradition of accepting no advertisements and providing unbiased product reviews. The magazine features product reviews, shopping tips on how to get the most out of products and “best of the best” lists. ShopSmart is ideal for busy shoppers who place a premium on time. ShopSmart has a newsstand price of $4.99 and is available nationwide at major retailers including Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Borders, Kroger, Safeway and Publix. ShopSmart is available by subscription at www.ShopSmartmag.org.

Rosacea Sufferers Perceived as Unhealthy, Insecure, Less Smart

BARRINGTON, Ill., April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- From job interviews to first dates, creating a positive and lasting first impression often goes a long way. For women with symptoms of the common skin condition rosacea, just how much does the appearance of their skin affect how people perceive them? A unique digital perception survey, developed in partnership with the National Rosacea Society (NRS) and Galderma Laboratories, contrasted images of women with signs of mild to moderate papular/pustular rosacea (an inflammatory skin condition characterized by redness, bumps and blemishes) and images of women with clear skin. The survey was taken by 1,009 members of the general population and 502 women with rosacea, equaling 1,511 survey respondents in total. In the survey, adults were asked to give their opinions of women based solely on photographs of their faces: half of the photographs featured the women with clear skin and half of the photographs were digitally enhanced to simulate rosacea symptoms on their faces. The survey found that based on first impressions of the images, when it comes to attributes such as confidence, attitude and intelligence, women with rosacea symptoms were consistently ranked differently than their clear-skinned counterparts.

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The results, which are part of the national educational campaign Rosacea SKINsights sponsored by Galderma Laboratories, also reveal the lengths that women with rosacea would go to if they could get rid of their rosacea forever, and highlight the low awareness and complicated diagnosis path for this common condition. On average, women with rosacea waited at least seven months before receiving a correct diagnosis, and only half of respondents had ever heard of the condition upon the time of diagnosis. This reveals the high level of misunderstanding and confusion that surrounds rosacea, a chronic disorder primarily of the facial skin, often characterized by flare-ups and remissions.

Rosacea's Impact on Health and Personality Traits

According to survey results, women with rosacea are more likely than women without the skin condition to be perceived by others among the general population as looking unhealthy (11% vs. 2%) and tired (43% vs. 32%). Survey respondents also formed personality judgments about women with pustular/papular rosacea, describing them as more likely to be insecure (33% vs. 13%) and shy (34% vs. 18%) than their counterparts. In contrast, women with clear skin were more commonly perceived as having positive social characteristics such as confidence (49% vs. 27%) and happiness (54% vs. 36%).

The appearance of rosacea also influenced survey respondents' perceptions of important personal characteristics that could negatively impact how rosacea sufferers are viewed in the workplace. Compared to women with clear skin, women with rosacea symptoms were considered to be less intelligent (36% vs. 43%) and not as successful (18% vs. 32%).Women with rosacea symptoms were also perceived to be more stressed (40% vs. 23%) and more likely to have entry level positions (22% vs. 11%).

Women with Rosacea Perceived as Less Lucky in Love

Career and personality traits were not the only perceived source of disparity between women with rosacea and those without – survey results show that Americans thought that women with rosacea were less lucky in love, including less likely to be in a relationship (64% vs. 81%) and less likely to go on weekend dates (14% vs. 22%).One in five women (19%) with rosacea surveyed would even rather have clear and smooth skin than an eternally fulfilling love life.

The Lengths Rosacea Sufferers Would Go To for Clear Skin

The women with rosacea who participated in the survey judged rosacea as the negative focal point of their faces. In order to achieve clear skin, women with rosacea said they would be willing to forgo wearing make-up (33%), exercising (22%) and watching television for one year (21%).They would also give up eating chocolate (44%) and dating (25%) for one year if that meant that they did not have to deal with their skin condition on a daily basis. Lastly, despite today's challenging economic environment, women with rosacea would pay an average of nearly $6,000 and 14 percent would reduce their income by 10 percent for five years, to have clear and smooth skin forever. Nine percent would choose clear skin over being financially well-off for life.

"The survey results confirm that rosacea can have a strong impact on people professionally, socially and romantically," said Samuel Huff, Executive Director of the National Rosacea Society. "The National Rosacea Society urges people to educate themselves about this widespread, yet often misunderstood disease, and encourages anyone who thinks they may have rosacea to see a dermatologist to receive a timely diagnosis and appropriate therapy."

"Unfortunately, many people with rosacea do not recognize the symptoms and often mistake their rosacea for another skin condition; therefore they are not taking advantage of the effective medical solutions that are available," said Dr. Doris Day, dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of Dermatology at the New York University Langone Medical Center. "Without proper treatment, rosacea flare-ups can progressively worsen so it is critical to visit a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Your skin's appearance can be a prominent factor in how you perceive yourself and how others perceive you, so it is very important that everyone takes control of their skin and puts their best face forward."

Rosacea Awareness Month Resources

The National Rosacea Society annually designates April as Rosacea Awareness Month to increase recognition of the signs and symptoms of rosacea and to help people understand that rosacea is a medical condition that can get progressively worse without treatment. People who suspect that they may have rosacea or those who would like to learn more about this common condition are encouraged to learn the facts on rosacea at www.rosaceafacts.com, which is a site dedicated to arming people with the facts on rosacea, including symptoms and triggers, and providing them with additional resources about the condition.

About Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic disorder primarily of the facial skin, often characterized by flare-ups and remissions. It typically begins any time after age 30 as a redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead that may come and go. Over time, the redness tends to become ruddier and more persistent, and visible blood vessels may appear. Bumps and pimples are a symptom, and in severe cases the nose may grow swollen and bumpy from excess tissue. Although rosacea can affect all segments of the population, individuals with fair skin who tend to flush or blush easily are believed to be at greatest risk. While there is no cure for rosacea and the cause is unknown, medical therapy is available to manage its signs and symptoms. Individuals who suspect they may have rosacea are urged to see a dermatologist or other knowledgeable physician for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

About the National Rosacea Society

The National Rosacea Society (NRS) is the world's largest organization dedicated to improving the lives of the estimated 16 million Americans who suffer from this widespread but poorly understood disorder. Through education and advocacy, its mission is threefold: to raise awareness of rosacea, to provide public health information on the disorder, and to encourage and support medical research that may lead to improvements in its management, prevention and potential cure. Since 1992, the NRS has made a difference in the way rosacea patients are treated and the way this widespread disorder is perceived and understood. Information and materials are available on the society's Web site at www.rosacea.org.

About Galderma

Galderma, created in 1981 as a joint venture between Nestle and L'Oreal, is a fully-integrated specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated exclusively to the field of dermatology. The Company is committed to improving the health of skin with an extensive line of products across the world that treat a range of dermatological conditions. With a research and development center in Sophia Antipolis, France, Galderma has one of the largest R&D facilities dedicated exclusively to dermatology. Leading worldwide dermatology brands include Differin®, MetroGel® 1%/Rozex®, Clobex®, Tri-Luma®, Loceryl®, Vectical® Ointment, Epiduo™ Gel and Cetaphil®. For more information on Galderma, visit www.galdermausa.com.

About the National Rosacea First Impressions Survey

Kelton Research conducted two separate national online surveys, one with a sample of N=1,009 nationally representative adults age 18+ and one with a sample of N=502 women ages 18+ who had been diagnosed with rosacea. Both groups took the survey which was fielded between December 10th and December 28th, 2009. Quotas were set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of each audience. Each respondent answered questions about several pictures of people with or without rosacea. The overall margin of error for the general population in this study is +/-3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. for the women with rosacea it is +/- 4.4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. Margins for subgroups are slightly higher.

The survey was sponsored by Galderma Laboratories and developed in partnership with the National Rosacea Society.


SOURCE National Rosacea Society; Galderma Laboratories, L.P.

Survey: 83 percent of Women Wear the Wrong Size Swimsuit

Whether it’s a revolution or simply a revelation, women have discovered they are wearing the wrong sizes when it comes to bras, jeans and now, swimsuits. In fact, according to a recent survey of more than 1,000 women conducted by Lands’ End®, eight out of ten surveyed (83 percent) confessed to having worn the wrong size swimsuit. They also believe other women wear the wrong size suit as well; 71 percent believe the majority of women wear the wrong size suit. This could explain why respondents have experienced swimsuit-sizing mishaps such as saggy bottoms (65 percent), cleavage overflow (58 percent), behind busting out/seat creep (56 percent) and muffin top (54 percent).

“With so many advances in swimsuit design, high-performance fabrics and a full range of available sizes, there is no reason why any woman should experience muffin top or saggy bottoms,” said Suzanne Bryant, vice president of design, Lands’ End. “At Lands’ End, we know it’s critically important to have a proper-fitting swimsuit so women can feel and look great on the beach or by the pool. As a result, we offer hundreds of styles that provide solutions for every shape with design details to fit and flatter. And, we offer a full range of sizes including regular, petite (short) and long (tall) torso, mastectomy, D-DDD cup sizes and plus sizes.”

Sizing Up Swimwear Option

The survey also found more than half of respondents (54 percent) purchase swim bottoms in a size that is too big hoping for more coverage while a third (34 percent) have squeezed into a suit that is too small because a larger size was not available. It’s not surprising that women are compromising when it comes to finding their true size since an overwhelming majority of survey respondents (79 percent) stated they fell in love with a swimsuit style, but it was not available in their size.

“Women are not one size fits all especially when it comes to swimwear,” stated Bryant. “At Lands’ End, we offer a large variety of sizes in every swimsuit style and this year we have more options than ever before. In addition, we offer several collections of swim separates to help women mix and match sizes and styles.”

Swimwear Beyond the Numbers

According to Bryant, it’s more than a numbers game when it comes to finding a figure-flattering swimsuit. Body shape, style preference, color and pattern play a key role as well. Seven out of ten survey respondents agree and believe the biggest swimsuit mistake women make is purchasing the wrong style suit for their body shape. Bryant suggests using resources such as the Lands’ End body shape icons to easily search out swimsuits that are designed to flatter differing body shapes. This season, the company has introduced a new “circle” icon to the mix offering a total of five body shape icons: Inverted Triangle, Star, Triangle, Circle and Rectangle. The icons help women easily seek out swimwear to complement their proportions and specific body shapes.

Another consideration is color. This season’s preferences go beyond basic black. In fact, Deep Sea Blue (26 percent) ranked as the number one swimsuit color choice by survey respondents followed by Black (18 percent), Blackberry (18 percent), Mango Orange (12 percent), Brown (10 percent), Kelly Green (9 percent), Slate Gray (6 percent) and Yellow (1 percent).

When it comes to swimsuit silhouettes, the tankini still reigns. More than half (54 percent) will most likely purchase a tankini, followed by a one-piece (39 percent) and only 7 percent plan to purchase a bikini.

Shopping for Swimsuits

This season, seven out of ten women (70 percent) plan to purchase a new swimsuit and will do so in a variety of ways; by shopping in stores (79 percent), surfing the Internet (68 percent), shopping by catalog (46 percent) and looking through magazines (28 percent).

Women are really resourceful when it comes to shopping for swimwear,” said Bryant. “They tend to do their homework both online and offline and enjoy receiving expert advice.”

Women would love to turn to swimwear experts. The survey found 39 percent would select a swimwear designer to help them pick out a great swimsuit before their best friend (19 percent).

Lands’ End offers several ways to shop for swimsuits. The company offers advice from dedicated Swim Fit Experts that can either chat online at www.landsend.com or on the phone at 1-800-675-4853. A variety of Lands’ End swimsuit styles can also be found online at www.landsend.com or at the 294 Lands’ End Shop at Sears locations.

Additional Survey Highlights Include:

Slather on the Lotion – In addition to sunblock, women are slathering on moisturizer. When asked what women do to get ready for swim season, 80 percent moisturize their skin.
Sizing Up Men – Women don’t believe men buy the wrong swimsuit size (67 percent).
In a Crunch – More than half of women (53 percent) do stomach crunches to get ready to wear a swimsuit.
Tune in to the Tunic – 53 percent of those surveyed believe a Tunic Cover-up is the most important swimwear accessory.
Call the Pros – Almost nine out of ten survey respondents (89 percent) would love a complimentary professional swimsuit fitting to help them find their ideal size.
Hands to Toes – When getting ready for swimsuit season two-thirds (66 percent) of women get a manicure and pedicure.
Take a Wild Guess – While 12 percent of survey respondents stated they “take a wild guess” at their swimsuit size, 47 percent base it on their bra or dress size.
Mixed Up – More than seven out of ten women have worn the wrong swim top or bottom size because they were not sold as mix-and-match separates.
How it Measures – Two-thirds (66 percent) of women have never taken their measurements with 43 percent stating they don’t know how to do so.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Survey Reveals Consumers' Attitudes Toward Cosmetic Skincare

COSTA MESA, Calif., March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Almost three-quarters (74%) of American consumers surveyed would prefer a non-surgical procedure over liposuction even if it meant more treatments were needed. According to a survey commissioned by The Patient's Guide, a family of online publications dedicated to specific skin concerns and treatments, 48% of consumers are more interested in results when considering a body contouring procedure than cost (21%), safety (11%), length of recovery (10%), and surgery (10%).

"This year we'll see significant advances in body contouring including treatment of fat and cellulite," said Dr. Eric Bernstein, Director of Laser Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology Centers, Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania. "Technology is so fast moving in medicine and especially with lasers, that to stay up to date, the web is the only option. Online information about these technologies and where to receive them is critical to matching patients with effective treatments."

As the 68th Annual American Academy of Dermatology Meeting gets underway this week, The Patient's Guide conducted an online survey to assess the attitudes of its audience in anticipation of the new advancements in cosmetic skincare that will be unveiled.

"The findings from the survey indicate that American consumers are deeply invested in common skincare concerns and treatments," said Jasson Gilmore, Chief Executive Officer of The Patient's Guide. "The Patient's Guide will continue to provide consumers with the most up-to-date information targeted for their specific concerns, and we're particularly excited to share the breaking news that comes out of the Annual AAD Meeting this month."

The Patient's Guide survey, conducted online on three sites operated by The Patient's Guide – Wrinkles.org, TattooRemoval.net, and Body-Contouring.com – revealed compelling insights about the consumers' preferences on cosmetic treatments.

Among key survey findings:

While consumers are most interested in non-surgical body contouring options (51%), than minimal surgery options (35%), and surgical options (14%), more consumers (69%) would not opt for a non-invasive fat removal procedure if it cost more than a surgical procedure such as liposuction.
Most consumers searching for tattoo removal options fall into the 31-40 age range (66%), and got a tattoo of someone else's name (54%) when they were between 18-24 years old (54%).
Interestingly, most consumers are interested in removing their tattoo because they broke up with someone (48%).
The majority of consumers surveyed are most concerned with wrinkles (54%) than age spots (14%), sagging skin (17%), facial veins (12%), and enlarged pores (5%).
Consumers are most interested in injections (43%) as a treatment for wrinkles.
About The Patient's Guide

The Patient's Guide's mission is to provide consumers with the most accurate medical information to enable them to make educated decisions about treatment. Each month over one million visitors go to The Patient's Guide, a family of 25 web publications, each dedicated to a specific condition or treatment. Visitors rely on the information The Patient's Guide provides because the information is written by the field's leading experts.

Survey Reveals Complex Attitudes Toward Hair Removal

March 31, 2009 – Pleasanton, CA – Almost all (96%) American women shave unwanted hair on their legs, underarms and bikini line every week – with most (70%) doing so at least once and up to four times a week – totaling up to 48 hours a year. According to a survey commissioned by TRIA Beauty, women devote so much time and energy to this aspect of their beauty regimen because the overwhelming majority (91%) wish their unwanted hair “was just gone forever.”

The TRIA Beauty survey, conducted online by Zoomerang, revealed provocative insights and attitudes about hair removal, suggesting it’s one of the least enjoyable yet most important elements of a woman’s beauty regimen, regardless of age.

“We commissioned the survey to learn more about the complex relationship a woman has with body hair,” said Drake Stimson, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing for TRIA Beauty. “The findings are consistent with our own research that indicates removing unwanted body hair is an essential part of looking and feeling beautiful and that women invest a great deal of time removing unwanted hair, but that the current methods are not very appealing.”

Among key survey findings:

Majority of women (93%) “Feel more beautiful” when their unwanted hair has been removed and “enjoy the silky smooth feeling” of their skin (97%)
More than eight out of ten women (84%) say unwanted hair on legs and underarms
affects their choice of clothes – especially Southern women (93%)
Most women agree that shaving is “an endless chore” (86%), “inconvenient” (77%) –
yet an essential part of their beauty routine (82%)
Most women (88%) agree waxing is painful – yet 20% of women wax regularly
Northeast women feel the strongest about the importance of managing unwanted body hair; slightly more than half (60%) of Midwestern women agree
“It’s ironic that most women still resort to such ancient tools as hot wax and metal blades to manage such an important aspect of beauty,” said Stimson. “We are delighted to bring that part of their beauty regimen into the 21st century with effective at-home laser hair removal that eliminates the need to shave or wax while providing smooth, beautiful skin.”

Zoomerang Methodology

Zoomerang randomly sampled 1,000 women age 18-49 via an online questionnaire. Respondents from the West, Midwest, Northeast and South were pooled and are representative of the U.S. population. Zoomerang is a pioneer of independent, online surveys that provide sophisticated functionality and professional solutions to thousands of organizations around the world. Zoomerang's customers have created and sent more than 100 million online surveys including customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction and market research surveys. Zoomerang’s customized surveys recruit and select custom groups of survey respondents to satisfy customers’ individual needs.

Society More Open Than Ever About Cosmetic Surgery

CHICAGO, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cosmetic surgery is everywhere these days: TV, magazines, the Internet and more. And according to new data, society is indeed more comfortable talking about cosmetic surgery than ever before.

In a survey released today by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, 71 percent of respondents think society is less judgmental about cosmetic surgery than it was just five years ago. Furthermore, about 62 percent said society's attitude toward cosmetic surgery made them feel more comfortable about getting a procedure.

"This is a confirmation of what many of us have felt for a long time – that cosmetic surgery has become mainstream," said Dr. Mark Berman, AACS President-Elect. "A variety of factors have contributed to the normalization of our industry, but the bottom line is that people are not afraid to talk openly about cosmetic surgery anymore."

According to the survey, the most accepted invasive procedures are breast augmentation (42.4%), facelift (32.2%) and tummy tuck (32.1%). Among non-invasive procedures, the most accepted are laser hair removal (61.9%) and Botox (61.6%). Additionally, 52 percent of respondents said they would tell family about having invasive cosmetic surgery.

About 20 percent said they would consider getting cosmetic surgery in the future, while about 22 percent were unsure if they would. Respondents under the age of 40 were nearly twice as likely to consider having a procedure in the future.

"It's been a long road but thanks to the hard work of so many, cosmetic surgery is rightfully gaining acceptance in our society," said Dr. Patrick McMenamin, AACS President. "We've reached a point where people are no longer quiet about having a cosmetic procedure and that is important to all of us."

The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery is a professional medical society whose members are dedicated to patient safety and physician education in cosmetic surgery. Most members of the AACS are dermatologic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, general surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons – all of whom specialize in cosmetic surgery. AACS is an organization that represents all cosmetic surgeons in the American Medical Association through its seat in the AMA House of Delegates.

SOURCE American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Study Shows Women are More Prone to Facial Wrinkles Than Men

Findings from a new study published in the November/December issue of Aesthetic Surgery Journal (ASJ), a publication of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), suggest that gender-specific differences in the perioral skin (skin surrounding the mouth) account for more and deeper skin wrinkling in women than in men.

New York, NY (Vocus/PRWEB ) December 15, 2009 -- Findings from a new study published in the November/December issue of Aesthetic Surgery Journal (ASJ), a publication of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), suggest that gender-specific differences in the perioral skin (skin surrounding the mouth) account for more and deeper skin wrinkling in women than in men. The study, conducted by a team of plastic surgeons from the Netherlands, was presented at the annual meeting of the European Association of Plastic Surgeons last May in Barcelona, Spain.

“The aim of this study is to obtain new insight into the perception that women wrinkle earlier and more severely than men,” said the study’s lead author, Emma C. Paes, M.D., from the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery at the University Medical Center in Utrecht, Netherlands. “If we understood the reasons for differences in wrinkling between women and men, then we might be able to develop better strategies for the treatment of perioral wrinkles.”

Skin surface replicas of the upper lip region in 10 male and 10 female cadavers (age range 75-93) were used to define the amount and depth of perioral wrinkling. To provide additional data, 3 full-thickness lip resections were taken from each of 15 male and 15 female fresh cadavers and were investigated in a blinded fashion.

The study found that all of the following could be contributing factors to the presence of more and deeper perioral wrinkles in women:

Women’s perioral skin contains fewer sweat glands and sebaceous glands (microscopic glands in the skin that secrete an oily/waxy matter, called sebum, to lubricate skin and hair), which could influence the natural filling of the dermis (skin).
Women’s perioral skin contains fewer blood vessels and, therefore, is less vascularized compared to men, which could accelerate the development of wrinkles.
In women, the closer attachment of the muscular fibers surrounding the orifice of the mouth to the dermis may cause an inward traction, thereby creating deeper wrinkles.


Current treatments for perioral wrinkles include the use of lasers, botulinum toxin injections, and injectable or implantable wrinkle fillers as well as older methods such as dermabrasion and chemical peels. Despite these many options, the effective treatment of wrinkles in the perioral region still remains a challenging problem.

“We think it's important to consider the reasons why a particular treatment may or may not be effective,“ said Dr. Paes. “Sometimes one has to go back to the basics instead of just moving forward. In the end, having more basic knowledge about a problem can speed up the process of finding the right solution.”

About ASAPS
The 2400-member American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), founded in 1967, is the leading organization of ABMS-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery. With ASAPS active members certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Canadian active members certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and International members certified in their countries of origin, ASAPS is at the forefront of innovation in aesthetic plastic surgery. Toll-free referral line: 888.ASAPS.11 (272.7711). Web site: www.surgery.org.

About ASJ
The Aesthetic Surgery Journal is the peer-reviewed publication of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and is the most widely read clinical journal in the field of cosmetic surgery, with subscribers in more than 80 countries.

Media Contact:
Adeena Babbitt
212-921-0500

Monday, August 31, 2009

ASPS Survey: Our Attitudes About Beauty Change As We Age

New Survey from the Two Leading Plastic Surgery Societies Reveals Surprising Answers

New York, NY and Arlington Heights, IL (Vocus/PRWEB ) August 3, 2009 -- What people find beautiful about themselves may be different than what they find appealing in another person. That's just one finding from a recent consumer survey conducted on the BeautyforLife website (a joint venture of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery). Visitors were asked ''What aspect of physical beauty do you find most appealing in another person?'' In their 20s, 30s, and 40s, respondents look for a fit, well proportioned body; youthful skin ranked at the top for respondents in the 50s and 60s. When considering ''Which part of your body are you most concerned about?'' respondents ranked their abdomen/hips number one in their 30s. But surprisingly, respondents listed the face, not their body, as the most popular choice in the 20s, 40s, 50s and 60s.

For more information about Derma Health Institute, see:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com

"It is always important to understand what our patients are most concerned about at different stages of their lives. We want to be equipped to help our patients make the right decisions to maintain their beauty at every age -- no matter which type of cosmetic medical procedure they are interested in," said ASAPS President Renato Saltz, MD.

Additional results were revealed when answering ''Which part of your body are you most concerned about?'' While respondents primarily chose their face, significantly more respondents are concerned about their abdomen/hips than their breasts (chest) -- with the disparity increasing throughout the decades:

30s - 37% chose abdomen/hips as their top concern while only 18% chose breasts
40s - 32% selected abdomen/hips and only 10% breast
50s - 25% chose abdomen/hips compared to 7% breast
60s - 23% indicated concern about their abdomen/hips, while only 7% selected breast
Community members were also asked to consider ''The most important reason to maintain your physical appearance.'' ''To boost self-confidence'' was the top choice across all decades, with ''To attract potential partners'' a close second for the 20s. In the 30s and 40s, the second-most popular choice shifted to ''To increase professional opportunities,'' which remained the number two choice in the 50s, but by a much smaller percentage. In the 60s, increasing professional opportunities fell to third behind ''To help make friends.''

"The survey on the BeautyforLife website has provided interesting data about patients' attitudes, motivation and perception. Our goal is to provide useful tools for prospective patients to help them first decide if a cosmetic medicine procedure is right for them and then to provide information on how to choose an appropriate provider," said Dr. Richard D'Amico, past president of ASPS.

Another question asked members to contemplate ''The most important factor in maintaining beauty.'' While adherence to a healthy diet, regular exercise and skin care were popular choices, approximately one in five members felt that a cosmetic medical procedure was most important in the 50s and 60s.

This survey was conducted by The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, via their Beauty for Life program -- a series of patient education tools, including the interactive website www.BeautyforLife.com -- designed to help people look and feel their best throughout their lives. More detailed survey results are available at by contacting the organizations.

To access the Beauty for Life survey results: http://www.surgery.org/private/download/BFLUserSurvey.pdf.

About ASPS
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 6,700 physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. For more information, please visit the ASPS website at www.plasticsurgery.org.

About ASAPS
The 2,400-member American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is the only plastic surgery organization devoted entirely to the advancement of cosmetic surgery. ASAPS is recognized throughout the world as the authoritative source for cosmetic surgery education. U.S. members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Canadian members are certified in plastic surgery by The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

For more information about Derma Health Institute, see:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com

Friday, July 31, 2009

Survey: Women are at Their Happiest at Age of 28

Researchers discovered women feel most confident and happy with their love life and body shape shortly before they reach 30.

It is also the period in their life when they enjoy the best sex – but the happiness is relatively shortlived, because by the time they have turned 30 they start worrying about growing old and developing grey hair and wrinkles.

A spokesman for home hair colour brand Clairol Perfect 10, which carried out the study of 4,000 women, said: "Everything in life hits its peak at some point, and nearly reaching your thirties isn't so bad now.

"The age of 28 has been pinpointed as the time in a woman's life their hair looks the best, body shape is at its peak and confidence is at an all-time high.

"The security of your job, having a steady income, being in a relationship and having strong friendships all help create the perfect point in our lives when everything comes together.

"Reaching and surpassing your twenties no longer triggers the downward spiral of your looks and self-confidence.

"And a little time put aside in hectic schedules for self-pampering and the odd beauty product can help keep you feeling young and looking your best."

The survey of 25-65 year olds recorded the age at which women were most content in 12 key areas of their life.

According to the results, women are happiest in their career at 29 and most content with their relationships one year later at 30, despite having the best sex at 28.

But all is not lost for the over 30s, as women feel most content with their financial situation at 33 and at ease with their home and family life at 32.

The research found two thirds of women feel they age more quickly than men, and the women polled rated their appearance a measly five out of 10.

It also emerged that 56 per cent of women worry about losing their looks as they get older. But drinking from the fountain of youth doesn't come cheap as the average woman will spend £600 every year, or more than £49 a month, on beauty products in a bid to stay looking young.

The research also found women spend over five days a year on their beauty routine – an average of 22 minutes every day.

Psychologist Corinne Sweet added: "Having a good hair day is essential to success both at work and in love, as many women still feel their hair is their crowning glory

"Considering it was found that women have six bad hair days a month, anything women can rely on to improve their hair at home, in the minimum of time with guaranteed results can mean a huge lift in well-being, confidence and self-esteem.

"This can help women feel they are in the driving seat in their lives, despite the challenging times of modern life and always being on the go."

New Survey Reveals High Expectations for Aesthetic Injections

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans aren't willing to give up aesthetic injections and interest is growing, whether as a means to stay competitive in today's job market or simply to maintain a youthful image, the demand and want is strong. At the time of a recent Kelton Research* survey more than 40 percent of respondents were interested in receiving aesthetic botulinum toxin injections within the next six months.(1)

Despite clear interest, many expressed reluctance to having a botulinum toxin injection. In fact, one-third of those who had not yet received the treatment were worried that it would prevent them from being able to make natural facial expressions.(1)

Sixty-three percent of survey respondents who would ever consider receiving botulinum toxin injections cited that a guarantee of natural-looking results would influence their decision, demonstrating a desire for retaining a natural-looking face, and more natural-looking expressions following injection.(1)

Other top factors included more affordable costs, longer-lasting and faster-acting results.(2)

The poll found that of the respondents who had never undergone botulinum toxin injections, 36% said that their concern about no longer having a natural look had prevented them from receiving the treatment in the past.(1) Almost 60 percent of those surveyed who had not ever received an injection stated that they'd be likely to if the cost of treatment was more affordable.(1) And, of the respondents who had botulinum toxin injections, three in ten reported not seeing noticeable results for at least a week(1) and thirty percent of polled respondents said that having immediate results, such as within 24-48 hours, would positively influence their decision to undergo treatment.(2)

According to Florida dermatologist Dr. Susan Weinkle, patients want value and rapid results at a fair price. "My patients are looking for a treatment that will not make them look obvious or overdone and they want these natural looking results fast."

They are in luck: after extensive testing and clinical results, a new Botulinum Toxin A is now on the market. Dysport(TM) has been approved by the FDA for use in the United States for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines - the vertical lines between the eyebrows - in adult men and women 65 or younger.

The benefits of Dysport(TM) include:

• Duration - results lasting up to four months
• Demonstrated efficacy with four repeat treatments (proving results following each treatment)
• Demonstrated safety with 12 repeat treatments
• No evidence of neutralizing antibodies
• Clinical trials included both subjects who have and have not previously been treated with a Botulinum Toxin. There was no difference in results among the two groups
•Large patient population - 4,800 treatments in 2,900 patients (with an ethnically diverse population)

*About the 2009 Botulinum Toxin survey:

Sample: 600 U.S. adults ages 25-60 with a household income of $50,000 or more, including 570 females and 300 botulinum toxin users and 300 aware of at least one nonsurgical aesthetic procedure or treatment.(2)

References:

1. Kelton Research. Botulinum Toxin Survey NewsWorthy Analysis. February--March 2009. Data on file, Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation.

2. Kelton Research. Botulinum Toxin Survey Topline Report. February--March 2009. Data on file, Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation.

Important Safety Information

Dysport(TM) is an acetylcholine release inhibitor and a neuromuscular blocking agent indicated for the temporary improvement in appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines associated with procerus and corrugator muscle activity in adult patients.

Botulinum toxin effects may spread beyond the site of local injection to produce systemic symptoms of botulism such as swallowing and breathing difficulties that can occur within hours to weeks of injection. The risk of symptoms is probably greatest in children treated for spasticity, but symptoms can also occur in adults, particularly in those patents who have underlying conditions that would predispose them to these symptoms. In clinical trials, the most frequently reported adverse effects (>2%) are headache, nasopharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infection.

Dysport(TM) is not recommended for children or pregnant women. Re-treatment with Dysport(TM) should be administered no more than every three months.

SOURCE Medicis Aesthetics Inc

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Most People Think They Look Younger Than They Actually Are

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Age may just be a number according to a recent survey conducted by American Laser Centers, the largest provider of non-invasive aesthetic services in the U.S. http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com

The majority of people surveyed (55%) think they look younger than their actual age, while only 9 percent of respondents said they think they look older. More women (58%) than men (48%) think they look younger than their age.

In addition, women appear to be more interested in looking younger than men as 64 percent of women surveyed said they would like to look younger than their actual age compared to 51 percent of men who said they would like to look younger.

The survey also uncovered that the desire to look younger begins after age 25. While 70 percent of people surveyed in the 18-24 age range would like to look "about their age" the trend shifts as you enter the 25-29 age range with more than half of the respondents (51%) expressing they would like to look younger. This trend continued to strengthen as the age of the person surveyed increased. Interestingly, half of all people surveyed (50%) would choose to look like they were in their "20s" if they had a choice.

At 83 percent, Baby Boomers strongly expressed that they would like to look younger than their age, however, many appear to be doing just that as 62 percent said they think they look younger than their age. About one third (31%) of all Baby Boomers surveyed believe they look approximately 10 years younger than their actual age.

24% of 45-50 year olds think they look like they are in their late thirties
38% of 51-54 year olds think they look like they are in their mid forties
30% of 55-60 year olds think they look like they are in their mid forties
33% of 61-63 year olds think they look like they are in their early fifties

Surprisingly, the top reasons people surveyed think they've stayed or become better looking as they've aged have less to do with their physical body and more to do with maturity and mindset:

66% cited a healthier self image
50% cited they are more stylish
46% care less about what people think
28% cited weight loss
15% cited a cosmetic procedure
6% cited weight gain
6% cited plastic surgery

There were approximately 575 total respondents to the independent electronic survey. Complete results can be downloaded at www.americanlaser.com/survey/survey.pdf.

American Laser Centers is the largest and most successful provider of laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation and cellulite reduction therapy, with more than 220 locations in the United States. The company has performed more than two million aesthetic treatments since its founding in 2002. American Laser Centers offers clients laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, body contouring and cellulite reduction therapy treatments using state-of-the-art-technology under a doctor-supervised regimen. American Laser Centers is proud to offer the industry's only written two-year guarantee for laser hair removal. For a complete list of offerings, visit www.americanlaser.com.

SOURCE American Laser Centers

Monday, April 13, 2009

American Women Weigh In On a Hairy Situation

TRIA Beauty Survey Reveals Complex Attitudes Toward Hair Removal

PLEASANTON, Calif., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Almost all (96%) American women shave unwanted hair on their legs, underarms and bikini line every week -- with most (70%) doing so at least once and up to four times a week -- totaling up to 48 hours a year. According to a survey commissioned by TRIA Beauty, women devote so much time and energy to this aspect of their beauty regimen because the overwhelming majority (91%) wish their unwanted hair "was just gone forever."

For more information about Laser Hair Removal at Derma Health Institute, go to:http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=171

The TRIA Beauty survey, conducted online by Zoomerang, revealed provocative insights and attitudes about hair removal, suggesting it's one of the least enjoyable yet most important elements of a woman's beauty regimen, regardless of age.

"We commissioned the survey to learn more about the complex relationship a woman has with body hair," said Drake Stimson, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing for TRIA Beauty. "The findings are consistent with our own research that indicates removing unwanted body hair is an essential part of looking and feeling beautiful and that women invest a great deal of time removing unwanted hair, but that the current methods are not very appealing."
Among key survey findings:
  • Majority of women (93%) "Feel more beautiful" when their unwanted hair has been removed and "enjoy the silky smooth feeling" of their skin (97%)
  • More than eight out of ten women (84%) say unwanted hair on legs and underarms affects their choice of clothes -- especially Southern women (93%)
  • Most women agree that shaving is "an endless chore" (86%), "inconvenient" (77%) -- yet an essential part of their beauty routine (82%)
  • Most women (88%) agree waxing is painful -- yet 20% of women wax regularly Northeast women feel the strongest about the importance of managing unwanted body hair; slightly more than half (60%) of Midwestern women agree

"It's ironic that most women still resort to such ancient tools as hot wax and metal blades to manage such an important aspect of beauty," said Stimson. "We are delighted to bring that part of their beauty regimen into the 21st century with effective at-home laser hair removal that eliminates the need to shave or wax while providing smooth, beautiful skin."


For more information about Laser Hair Removal at Derma Health Institute, go to:http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=171

About TRIA LHRS

The new TRIA Laser Hair Removal System features proprietary software technology that results in shorter treatment sessions -- twice as fast as the original device -- for virtually hair-free results. The new TRIA Laser is priced at $795, a significant cost savings as compared to in-office laser hair removal treatments. A single laser hair removal session can cost $795 in the office; TRIA Laser Hair Removal System gives you a lifetime of hair removal for the price of a single in-office treatment.

TRIA Laser is currently sold on QVC and QVC.com, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, STUDIO at Fred Segal, Bliss Spas, select physician offices and at www.triabeauty.com.
About TRIA Beauty

TRIA Beauty, formerly known as SpectraGenics, is a leader in light-based therapeutic beauty systems that incorporate clinically-proven aesthetic technologies for at-home personal care regimens. In 1993 Robert Grove, Ph.D., and a team of dermatologists and engineers developed the first diode laser for hair removal utilized by physicians in their medical practices. These devices are still considered the gold-standard among dermatologists and plastic surgeons. In 2003, these individuals assembled an internationally renowned team of experts in the field of aesthetic lasers to begin the development of its flagship laser hair removal system and future innovations in home-use energy-based beauty products.

Zoomerang Methodology

Zoomerang randomly sampled 1,000 women age 18-49 via an online questionnaire. Respondents from the West, Midwest, Northeast and South were pooled and are representative of the U.S. population. Zoomerang is a pioneer of independent, online surveys that provide sophisticated functionality and professional solutions to thousands of organizations around the world. Zoomerang's customers have created and sent more than 100 million online surveys including customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction and market research surveys.

Zoomerang's customized surveys recruit and select custom groups of survey respondents to satisfy customers' individual needs.

Source: TRIA Beauty

Liposuction No Longer the Most Popular Surgical Procedure

NEW YORK, March 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Over 10.2 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in the United States in 2008, according to statistics released today by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The Aesthetic Society, after collecting multi-specialty procedural statistics since 1997, says the overall number of cosmetic procedures has increased 162 percent since the collection of the statistics first began.

The most frequently performed nonsurgical procedure was Botox injections and the most popular surgical procedure was breast augmentation.

"For the first time in the twelve years these statistics have been collected, liposuction is a runner up in popularity to breast augmentation. There is no doubt that this turnabout will generate discussions in the medical community and the public at large," Alan Gold, MD, Aesthetic Society president, reflected. "Changes in fashion, i.e. decolletage baring styles, might be a factor behind this change."

TRENDS AND DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

Top surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures among men and women in 2008:
Surgical # procedures Nonsurgical # procedures ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Breast Augmentation: 355,671 Botox 2,464,123 Lipoplasty (liposuction) 341,144 Laser Hair Removal 1,280,964 Eyelid Surgery 195,104 Hyaluronic Acid 1,262,848 Rhinoplasty 152,434 (including Hylaform, Abdominoplasty 147,392 Juvederm, Perlane/Restylane) Chemical Peel 591,808 Laser Skin Resurfacing 570,880 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top cosmetic procedures for WOMEN:
Surgical # procedures Nonsurgical # procedures ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Breast augmentation 355,671 Botox 2,239,024 Lipoplasty 309,692 Hyaluronic Acid 1,200,420 Eyelid surgery 166,426 (including Hylaform, Abdominoplasty 143,005 Juvederm, Perlane/Restylane) Breast Reduction 139,926 Laser Hair Removal 1,101,255 Chemical Peel 554,492 Laser Skin Resurfacing 532,008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------


Women had almost 92 percent of cosmetic procedures. The number of procedures (surgical and nonsurgical) performed on women was over 9.3 million, a decrease of over 11 percent from the previous year. Surgical procedures decreased 15 percent; nonsurgical procedures decreased by 11 percent. Since 1997, surgical procedures increased 104 percent, while nonsurgical procedures have increased 233 percent.

Top cosmetic procedures for MEN:
Surgical # procedures Nonsurgical # procedures ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Liposuction 31,453 Botox injection 225,099 Rhinoplasty 30,174 Laser hair removal 179,708 Eyelid Surgery 28,678 Hyaluronic Acid 62,428 Gynecomastia 19,124 (including Hylaform, Hair transplantation 18,062 Juvederm, Perlane/Restylane) IPL laser treatment 46,887 Microdermabrasion 39,824 ------------------------------------------------------------------------


Men had over 8 percent of cosmetic procedures. The number of procedures (surgical and nonsurgical) performed on men was over 800,000 a decrease of over 21 percent from the previous year. Surgical procedures decreased 18 percent; nonsurgical procedures decreased 22 percent. Since 1997, surgical procedures have decreased over 15 percent while nonsurgical procedures have increased 239 percent.

Frequency of cosmetic procedures by AGE GROUP: ________________________________________________________________________ % of Age # procedures Top surgical Top nonsurgical total procedure procedure ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 45% 35-50 4.6 million Liposuction Botox 26% 51-64 2.7 million Eyelid Surgery Botox 22% 19-34 2.2 million Breast augmentation Laser Hair Removal 6% 65 and over 634,667 Eyelid Surgery Botox 2% 18 and under 160,283 Rhinoplasty Laser Hair Removal

Racial and Ethnic Distribution

Racial and ethnic minorities accounted for 20 percent of all cosmetic procedures in 2008. Hispanics again led minority racial and ethnic groups in the number of procedures: Hispanics, 8 percent; African-Americans, 6 percent; Asians, 4 percent; and other non-Caucasians, 2 percent.

Location and Fees

Over fifty-three percent (53 percent) of cosmetic procedures in 2008 were performed in office-based facilities; 26 percent in freestanding surgicenters; and 19 percent in hospitals. Americans spent just under $12 billion on cosmetic procedures; $7.2 billion was for surgical procedures, and $4.6 billion was for nonsurgical procedures.

About the ASAPS Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank

ASAPS, working with an independent research firm, compiled the 12-year national data for procedures performed 1997-2008. A paper-based questionnaire was mailed to 16,000 Board-Certified physicians (6,000 Dermatologists, 6,000 Otolaryngologists, and 4,000 Plastic Surgeons). A total of 894 completed and valid responses (461 Plastic Surgeons, 277 Dermatologists, and 156 Otolaryngologists) were received in time for tabulation.

Final figures have been projected to reflect nationwide statistics and are based exclusively on the Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons; Otolaryngologists; and Dermatologists. The findings have been aggregated and extrapolated to the known population of 23,600 physicians who are Board Certified in these specialties. Though the confidence intervals change by procedure, depending on the grouping's sample size and the response variance, the overall survey portion of this research has a standard error of +/- 3.21% at a 95% level of confidence.

SOURCE American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The 2400-member American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is the leading organization of plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) who specialize in cosmetic surgery of the face and body. Toll-free referral line: 1-888-ASAPS-11 (272-7711). Web site: www.surgery.org.

Record Number of Patients Seek Laser Skin Treatments

The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery 2008 Procedural Survey shows an increase in cosmetic laser treatments Chicago, IL (March 16, 2009) /PRNewswire/ — New trends reveal that laser technology is steering the future of the cosmetic surgery industry. The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), a leader in the cosmetic surgery industry, conducted its annual Procedural Survey and the most notable finding is the shift towards non-invasive laser treatments.

To view the video, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/article_info.php?articles_id=127

Over the past three years, cosmetic surgeons have seen a significant increase in both males (456%) and females (215%) electing to have laser resurfacing. Laser resurfacing is performed with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser that delivers short bursts of high-energy laser light to minimize wrinkles and lines on the face. In addition, laser hair removal has jumped to the overall number two most performed non-invasive cosmetic procedure.

"Cosmetic surgery technology is advancing at the speed of light," states AACS President Patrick McMenamin, MD. "As we learn more about the cosmetic uses for lasers, the more patients benefit from effective results and quicker recovery time. It is an exciting time for both cosmetic surgery patients and physicians."

Although the economy is struggling, these laser procedures seem to be recession resistant. For instance, laser resurfacing has seen an approximate $450 decline in price since 2002. "As long as these procedures are effective and affordable, their demand will continue to remain steady."
Other notable findings from the survey include:

- In 2008, cosmetic surgeons have seen a 29% increase in their female clientele. Despite the economy, women are continuing to invest in their appearances. In addition, cosmetic surgeons have seen a 2% decline male patients proving that when times are tough, cosmetic surgery is the one of the first things men delete from their wish lists. - The top three most performed invasive cosmetic procedures in 2008 include: liposuction, blepharoplasty and breast augmentation; while the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures were Botox® injections, laser hair removal and hyaluronic acid. The 2008 Procedural Data is based on a survey of U.S.-based AACS members completed in December 2008. The entire report, conducted by RH Research, is available by contacting the Academy.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery is a professional medical society whose members are dedicated to patient safety and physician education in cosmetic surgery. Most members of the AACS are dermatologic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, general surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, or ocular plastic surgeons — all of whom specialize in cosmetic surgery. AACS is an organization that represents all cosmetic surgeons in the American Medical Association through its seat in the AMA House of Delegates.

To view the video, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/article_info.php?articles_id=127