NEWS — MARCH 2006
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
Aesthetic / Cosmetic:
Leading Cosmetic Procedures Reported By The AACS
The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) has published its 2005 Procedural Data report, based on a survey of U.S.-based AACS members that was completed in December 2005. For the sixth year in a row, liposuction proved to be the nation’s top cosmetic surgical procedure with Botox injections being the top non-surgical cosmetic procedure. Liposuction leads among surgical options.
Of all the procedures tracked by the AACS, 70% are non-surgical, and 30% surgical. Liposuction, blepharoplasty, facelift, and forehead lift lead the surgical category , while the most popular non-surgical procedures were Botox injections, Restylane/Hylaform injections, chemical peels, and fat injections. The Increased popularity of non-invasive procedures is attributed to how quickly services are provided, averaging 10-20 minutes for completion.
The report includes data on the prevalence of various cosmetic surgery procedures, with a breakdown among men and women. Price ranges are also included. For information about the report and procedure price ranges, visit AACS.
Medical Spa:
Conventional and Alternative Treatments
Two new facilities illustrate the variety of approaches that can be taken to operate a medical spa. Offering a full complement of cosmetic procedures, Skin Solutions (Oklahoma City OK) celebrate its opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony in early March. Services include Botox injections and other fillers, chemical and laser peels, laser hair removal, leg and spider vein removal, microdermabrasion, and tattoo removal.
SIA Spa (Kenwood OH) was established in early December 2005 in a effort to combine health and relaxation services. Among the offerings are ayurvedic therapies (diet, herbs, meditation, oils, yoga, etc.) and conventional medical spa treatments such as Botox injections, facial peels, manicures, massage, and pedicures. Exotic decor and indoor fountains create a calm atmosphere, which is reinforced by staff members who present quiet demeanors and oft speaking voices. The combination of ayurvedic, body, and cosmetic treatments fits SIA Spa's health and wellness focus, as well as meeting spa-goers' increasing demand for mind-body services, a trend that industry watchers have tracked in recent years.
Careful attention in the planning stages is evident at many levels in the way SIA Spa is operated. Cosmetic procedures are performed by board-certified plastic surgeons, and laser photo facials are provided by registered nurses. To heighten the ayurvedic experience, treatments are provided on special teak massage tables, with imported oils from India which are custom-blended for individual clients. In the near future, member services may be added for individuals who want regularly scheduled visits for meditation, nutritional counseling, or yoga. For more information, visit SIA Spa.
Telemedicine
Telehealth Devices Help Reduce Hospital Visits
Since November 2005, a telehealth program operated by Warren County Health Services' home care division has been effective in reducing hospital visits by 75% for homebound patients who use a simple vital sign monitoring device. The unit connects to an ordinary phone line, which automatically calls a home care nurse if the patient answers affirmatively to any of several health questions. A federal grant provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA; Rockville MD) is funding telehealth / telemedicine programs in Essex, Warren, and Washington counties in upstate New York. The Office for the Aging in Washington County purchased ten telehealth units with a portion of the FDA funds. Another funding source, the Department of Health's Telemedicine Demonstration Program, supplied $108,600 to Warren County which purchased 31 more devices to eliminate charges for patients. Telehealth program administrators are also negotiating with private insurers for additional reimbursement options to cover equipment costs. For more information, visit TIE.
