SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 23, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Findings from a survey of 369 physicians in the aesthetic medicine field in Canada, Italy, Germany, and France show that Restylane(R) is the most-used dermal filler and is top of mind among the physicians surveyed. Since 1996, Restylane, a hyaluronic acid dermal filler, has been used in millions of treatments in more than 70 countries to correct the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds). The survey was conducted to obtain insights from plastic surgeons and dermatologists on the use of facial filler products that are available in different countries (i.e., Canada, Italy, Germany, and France). It focused on the physicians' personal perspectives around and experiences with dermal fillers, and on the perception of beauty in their countries.
"With so many cosmetic dermal fillers entering the U.S. marketplace, consumers and physicians are interested in knowing which products are used most frequently," said Jonah Shacknai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Medicis. "Understanding physician practices in other marketplaces, some of which have had experience with dermal fillers for upwards of five to ten years, provides an additional piece of information for consideration to help make an informed choice."
A Closer Look at Leadership and International Usage
Physicians have a variety of injectable options at their disposal to correct nasolabial fold wrinkles, ranging from collagen derivates to hyaluronic acids. When it comes to selecting a dermal filler for correcting nasolabial fold wrinkles, the vast majority of physicians surveyed (80 percent) preferred hyaluronic acid to collagen (7 percent) and fat (6 percent). In terms of product preference among various hyaluronic acid products, almost three times as many physicians surveyed selected Restylane(R) (62 percent) versus the next option, Juvederm(TM) (22 percent).
Physicians surveyed who use Restylane(R) in their practice reported that on average 57 percent of procedures they perform for nasolabial fold wrinkle correction involve this brand. More than one-third (34 percent) of these physicians use Restylane(R) almost exclusively, utilizing the brand in almost all nasolabial wrinkle fold correction procedures (90 to 100 percent).
"In my practice, I have been using hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers since 2003, when they first became available," stated Patricia Wexler, MD, a renowned dermatologist based in New York City. "I consider Restylane(R) to be the leading choice for my practice."
The Science of Beauty
Is there science in beauty? The survey revealed the factors physicians feel contribute most to making a person beautiful. There were several factors considered, including youthfulness, symmetry of features, and overall beauty. Thirty-nine percent of physicians surveyed feel that "younger appearance" is the main factor that makes a person beautiful, however there were some standouts when broken down by country:
* "Younger appearance" is the highest in France with 61 percent of
physicians surveyed selecting that response
* Italy found "symmetry of features" to be more important than the
other contributing factors with 44 percent making that selection
* "Originality of appearance" is most important to the German
physicians, with 34 percent of the vote
What did not vary among countries, or among physicians, is agreement (98 percent) with the statement that "after receiving a cosmetic procedure, patients feel more confident regarding their appearance."
Survey Methodology
The multinational survey was conducted by SRBI via 10- to 12-minute phone conversations reaching 369 dermatologists and plastic surgeons with a minimum of two years practicing medicine and regular use of facial fillers in their practices in Canada, Italy, Germany, and France. Participants were recruited through a sample of physicians compiled using pharmaceutical company sales data and professional registries. Participant use of specific brands of facial fillers was not part of the recruitment criteria.
SRBI is a full-service global strategy and research organization specializing in public policy and opinion surveys, banking and finance, telecommunications, media, energy, transportation, insurance, and health care. SRBI has an established track record of providing high quality, timely, and cost effective research and analysis. In addition to its headquarters in New York City, SRBI has offices in Washington D.C., Florida, New Jersey, and West Virginia.
About Medicis Aesthetics, Inc.
Medicis Aesthetics Inc., a subsidiary of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation, markets the number one selling dermal filler in the U.S., Restylane(R), as well as Perlane(R), which was approved by the FDA in May.
Restylane(R) was the first cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal-sourced hyaluronic acid (bacterially derived) hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance in the human body that provides volume and fullness to the skin. More than 4 million treatments have been performed with Restylane(R) in more than 70 countries since the first product was introduced in 1996(1), and it is the most-studied cosmetic dermal filler in the world.
Founded in 1988, Medicis is the leading independent specialty pharmaceutical company in the U.S. focusing primarily on the treatment of dermatological and podiatric conditions and aesthetics medicine. The Company is dedicated to helping patients attain a healthy and youthful appearance and self-image. Medicis has leading branded prescription products in a number of therapeutic categories, including acne, eczema, fungal infections, psoriasis, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and skin and skin-structure infections. Medicis was founded and is headed by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jonah Shacknai, and its stock is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:MRX). For more information about Medicis, please visit the Company's Web site at www.medicis.com.
Important Safety Considerations of Restylane(R)
Restylane(R) restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds). After your treatment, you might have some swelling, redness, pain, bruising, and tenderness. This will normally last less than seven days. Although rare, red or swollen small bumps may occur. If you have had facial cold sores before, an injection can cause another outbreak. In rare circumstances, the doctor may inject into a blood vessel, which can damage the skin. To avoid bruising and bleeding, you should not use Restylane(R) if you have recently used drugs that thin your blood or prevent clotting. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18, you should not use Restylane.
Restylane(R) should not be used by people with previous bad allergies, particularly to certain microorganisms known as gram positive bacteria; by people with previous bad allergies to drugs that have required in-hospital treatment; or by people with bleeding disorders. Restylane should not be injected anywhere except the skin or just under the skin.
The use of Restylane(R) at the site of skin sores, pimples, rashes, hives, cysts, or infection should be postponed until healing is complete. Use of Restylane in these instances could delay healing or make your skin problems worse.
Restylane(R) is available only through a licensed practitioner. For complete product and safety information, visit www.RestylaneUSA.com.
(1) http://www.q-med.com/DynPage.aspx?id=741&mn1=198&mn2=207 (accessed June 12, 2007)