NEWS - JANUARY 2009
COSMETIC SERVICES
In the United States, invasive cosmetic procedures are typically performed by medical professionals who are board-certified in plastic surgery. For non-invasive cosmetic enhancements, regulations vary from state to state. Laser procedures, for example, may be performed by certified technicians, estheticians, physicians, or registered nurses.
The types of physicians who offer cosmetic services is growing. A recent press release issued by the American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery (AAAMS) described the wide range of doctors who seek additional training in order to perform aesthetic procedures: Anti-aging physicians, dermatologists, gynecologists, internists, obstetricians, and plastic surgeons. In 2008, 100 physicians completed AAAMS coursework and/or certification in procedures such as aesthetic facial analysis, BOTOX® injections, chemical peels, dermal fillers, and liquid facelifts. A new session of Aesthetic Medicine 101 is scheduled to take place March 26 - 27, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. For more information, visit: http://www.theaaams.com.
Class-Action Settlement Gives Free High-End Cosmetics To Consumers
In mid-January 2009, an Associated Press story announced that big U.S. retailers will be distributing free cosmetics to consumers who purchased specific products from late May 1994 through mid-July 2003. The class-action settlement results from a 2003 California federal court case that alleged anti-trust law and price fixing violations at stores such as Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom. An estimated $175 million of Estee Lauder, L'Oreal, and other brands will be distributed at the rate of one product per shopper while supplies last, starting January 20th, 2009.
For details, visit: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/01/13/ap5915408.html.
New Cosmetic Labeling Requirements In China
With the goal of implementing standards comparable to those applied in Europe and the United States, new labeling requirements are being established in China for locally produced and imported products, to become effective before June 2010. In addition to disclosing ingredient lists, labels (in Chinese) will identify names and addresses for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and/or legally registered agents in China as well as batch numbers, expiration and production dates, storage requirements, etc.
For more information, visit: http://eng.sfda.gov.cn/eng/ or http://www.premiumbeautynews.com.
Older Americans Seek Body Contouring Fixes
According to a recent article available through Newsday, plastic surgeons are performing more body contouring procedures (e.g., liposuction, tummy tucks, etc.) on patients who are over 50 years of age.
Another trend is an increase in the number of men seeking cosmetic surgery services, especially minimally invasive procedures. Some men want to improve their appearances to keep up with the women in their lives who've had facial procedures done. Others try to improve their odds to more successfully compete with younger colleagues in the workplace by eliminating puffy eyelids and/or bags from under the eyes.
To read the article, visit: http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/saturday/act2/ny-tips5993461jan10,0,1112892.story.
For past news, visit the Archive.