Investing in self-improvement will still be a priority for many in 2009 according to recent predictions made by the leadership of the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety. The most prevalent prediction: a continued growth in consumers who elect to enhance personal appearance with cosmetic injections. \u201cDespite an economic downturn in the worldwide economy, the growth of injectables is unlikely to decrease in 2009,\u201d said Roger Dailey, MD, an oculoplastic surgeon from Portland, Oregon. In a tight economy, trendy products and leisure travel are often hard hit. \u201cAs we have seen in previous recessions, people are investing in \u2018self\u2019 more so than disposable goods. They are willing to cut back on luxury vacations, but not on Botox\u00ae or fillers,\u201d said Dr. Dailey. Cosmetic injections collectively numbered nearly 4.5 million procedures in 2007* and are generally less expensive than more invasive surgical procedures.<\/p>\n
Among other predictions:
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Safety will continue to take the spotlight with a greater focus on injectors, qualifications and proper use of injections
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 States will adopt stricter regulations of providers for cosmetic injections, highlighting the importance of qualified injectors
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Awareness for the importance of FDA approved brands will grow as the result of further investigations into importation and use of non-approved injectables
\nCoalition members agree that the problem of untrained and unqualified injectors remains an issue, however, there is hope that their campaign will continue to raise consumer awareness. \u201cWith the economy weak, some patients and doctors alike will be looking to cut corners,\u201d said Dr. Dailey. \u201cThis will lead a segment of these populations to wander into some fringe activity like counterfeit injectables, or lower-priced, unqualified providers.\u201d \u201cSafety issues will be in the news and state medical boards will start to impose regulations concerning supervision of non-physician injectors,\u201d says Ira D. Papel, MD, Baltimore, Maryland. \u201cThese types of actions and an emphasis on appropriate physician credentials are important messages for consumer safety.\u201d<\/p>\n
New Cosmetic Injectables Introduced
\n\u201cNew cosmetic injectables will present greater options, but require a more concerted effort to educate consumers on safety and choice in 2009,\u201d says Jeffery Kenkel, MD, a plastic surgeon in Dallas, Texas. Regarding the introduction of new injectables in 2008 and those anticipated in 2009, the Coalition predicts:
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Continued demand for safe and effective cosmetic treatment options will increase the number of consumer options including cosmetic injections
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Emphasis on consumer education by injectable companies, qualified physicians and in media will specifically highlight consumer safety and choice, and identify the risks of non-FDA approved or counterfeit products
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Focused research and physician training resulting in greater predictability of results and fewer adverse outcomes, with existing and new cosmetic injectable drugs and devices<\/p>\n
The Coalition, charged with educating consumers on safe choices in cosmetic injections and eradicating the use of counterfeit and illegally imported cosmetic injectables, suggests all consumers follow these steps to ensure safe and effective treatment: Investing in self-improvement will still be a priority for many in 2009 according to recent predictions made by the leadership of the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety. The most prevalent[…]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[67,107,59],"class_list":["post-767","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-medical-aesthetics","tag-botox-injections","tag-cosmetic-fillers","tag-dermal-fillers"],"aioseo_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Doctor: <\/strong>Ask your doctor or injector for qualifications. Choose a doctor who specializes in treating all cosmetic concerns of the face, such as a board certified plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon or dermatologist. Examinations and procedures should take place in a licensed and properly equipped medical facility. Establish a positive and on-going relationship with your doctor and follow-up as directed. A nurse or physician\u2019s assistant may perform your injection if you elect, but a licensed physician must prescribe the treatment.
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Brand:<\/strong> Ask specifically for the brand name of the injectable recommended for you, the approval status of regulatory agencies in the country where you will be treated (the FDA in the United States) and about any potential outcomes and the likelihood of adverse events. If your doctor does not offer, ask specifically to see the packaging and identifying marks that can verify authenticity, including the serial and lot number (which as a matter of proper procedure must be recorded in your medical chart). For reference, images of all US FDA approved brand logos and packaging are available at: http:\/\/www.injectablesafety.org\/html\/ataglance.php<\/a>.
\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Safety:<\/strong> If you suspect your injector is not properly trained, is not following proper procedure or is injecting you with a non-branded, non-approved or unsafe substance, do not accept treatment. Follow-up by anonymously reporting suspected illegal activity to your local FDA field office that can be found at http:\/\/www.fda.gov\/consumer\/updates\/oci072307.html<\/a>.
\nTo learn more about the benefits of cosmetic injections, the uses for approved cosmetic injectables, to plan for your treatment, see video of live, appropriately administered injectables and more, visit http:\/\/www.injectablesafety.org<\/a> and http:\/\/www.realself.com\/injectable-safety-campaign<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"