NEWS — FEBRUARY 16, 2004
COSMETIC SURGERY, DERMATOLOGY & MEDICAL SPAS
Botox Research Indicates An Interesting New Use...
At the American Academy Of Dermatology meeting held in Washington D.C. earlier this month, new study findings were presented that suggest Botox can reduce excessive sweating. The research was conducted by scientists at the St. Louis University School Of Medicine. Patients with hyperhidrosis (abnormal sweating) received underarm injection of Botox and an estimated 75% of treated patients reported decreased sweating when tested one-month later. Botox may be an effective treatment to complement antiperspirant use and/or surgery.
New Medical Spas Enter The Market In Portland, Oregon...
As reported in The Oregonian in early February, the Petroff Center (Portland OR) is a large medical spa that combines cosmetic and standard facial treatments. Procedures such as facelifts can be performed in the Center's Level I ambulatory surgery center by a board-certified plastic surgeon. In operation since September 2003, the Petroff Center is a "state-of-the-art facial plastic surgery facility" with an interior design that's intended to help patients feel conformable. The specific business goal is to differentiate the Center from similar types of facilities and become the best provider of cosmetic facial services in the area. Two other medical spas also recently opened in Southwest Portland. Another facial plastic surgeon is adding space to his practice to supplement facelift procedures with body wraps and massage, in response to patient demand.
New York City Officials May Consider Cosmetic Surgery Taxes...
One of 70 tax options being evaluated by officials in New York City focuses on Botox, breast, and cosmetic procedures. A report issued by the Independent Budget Office based the cosmetic surgery option on the fast growth that's been demonstrated from 1997 through 2001. Preliminary estimates suggest annual tax revenues of $63.0 million could be generated. One stumbling block is that medical procedures are not currently subject to New York sales tax. Discretionary spending on high-priced coffee drinks is another possibility, although a similar proposal has already been rejected by voters in Seattle, Washington. More traditional food and beverage taxes could generate between $18.0 and $97.0 million annually, depending upon the percentage rate that's imposed. Budget projections are short an estimated $2.0 billion in fiscal year 2006 and $3.0 billion in fiscal year 2007.
Photo Therapies Demonstrate Good Cosmetic Results...
As recently described in the Archives Of Dermatology, photodynamic therapy is increasingly being used as a non-invasive option for patients with nodular basal cell carcinoma. Researchers at the University Of Manchester (Salford, England) conducted a study that suggests good clinical results and other benefits can be achieved by using photodynamic therapy instead of excision surgery. Although the tumor-free rates were similar with both, patients and physicians were more satisfied with cosmetic results. After two years, an estimated 97% of patients described outcomes as "excellent" or "good", compared with 75% of those who underwent surgery.
In medical spas, photomodulation uses a light emitting diode system to shrink pores and help skin renewal. Reduced signs or photodamage reportedly result in brighter, smoother skin, as well as more even-looking pigmentation on the chest and neck.
Study Reports Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure Levels...
Researchers in Denmark used dosimeters to measure ultraviolet radiation exposure for a group of 285 volunteers over a three-year period. Not surprisingly, the results show that sun exposure increases UV radiation doses. More specifically, people who spent a lot of time at the beach, gardening, or sunbathing had high exposure levels. Girls tended to have greater UV radiation exposure than boys. Among participants, half of UV exposure occurred between noon and 7:00 p.m.
