Survey: Recession affects 53 percent women with their decision on facial plastic surgery

American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryOct 3 2009

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) will announce the results of a survey conducted with Dermik Laboratories, a business of sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC, which found that 53 percent of women who are considering facial plastic surgery say the economy has affected their decision to move forward with anti-aging procedures or treatment options. As a result, slightly more than 30 percent of women considering facial plastic surgery in the near future have looked for less costly procedures or treatment alternatives. The survey will be presented today at the Academy's Annual Fall meeting and will be available on a live Web cast at www.aafprs.org.

When women considering facial plastic surgery explore less costly procedures, 50 percent responded they will choose a facial injectable treatment over topical treatments, including prescriptions, and laser resurfacing. Nearly three out of four (73%) of women considering facial plastic surgery are exploring an injectable MAT over the next two years.

The survey revealed that women considering facial plastic surgery showed that a physician administered procedure that treats wrinkles, lines and folds and provides gradual results lasting two years are preferred (92%) over immediate results that last for 12 months (8%).

Additional top drivers of injectable treatment decisions are:

• The physician's training and expertise with the treatment/procedure
• How long the results will last
• That the product works gradually and lasts a long time, rather than works immediately and lasts a short time

"The survey results suggest that facial plastic surgeons may want to broaden their non-surgical offerings and advise patients of additional options, in light of the current economic climate," said Donn R. Chatham, M.D. President, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. "These findings also illustrate that as facial plastic surgeons, it is important to continue to remain up-to-date on the latest injectable treatments available that will give our patients gradual long lasting results."

Additional survey results found:

• When looking at sectors in treatment decisions for lines, wrinkles or folds, 60% of women considering facial plastic surgery prefer longer lasting results over 40% for price.
• Close to 60% of women considering facial plastic surgery have delayed/postponed their procedures due to the economy.
• Close to 75% of women considering facial plastic surgery who say they will delay facial plastic surgery one year or more due to the economy.

Survey Design

• The research was conducted online using Synovate's Global Opinion Panel, the interview length was 10 minutes.
• Qualified respondents were 204 females considering facial plastic surgery, age 30-69 with a household income of at least $50,000 who are considering Medical Anti-Aging Treatment (MAT) in the next two years. Medical Anti-Aging Treatments include: prescription topical drugs, non-surgical procedures, injections and surgical procedures.
• Respondents are geographically represented (from all regions in the US)
• The survey took place between May 8-18, 2009.