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. “Despite an economic downturn in the worldwide economy, the growth of injectables is unlikely to decrease in 2009,” said Roger Dailey, MD, an oculoplastic surgeon from Portland, Oregon. In a tight economy, trendy products and leisure travel are often hard hit. “As we have seen in previous recessions, people are investing in ’self’ more so than disposable goods. They are willing to cut back on luxury vacations, but not on Botox® or fillers,” said Dr. Dailey. Cosmetic injections collectively numbered nearly 4.5 million procedures in 2007* and are generally less expensive than more invasive surgical procedures. Among other predictions:

* Safety will continue to take the spotlight with a greater focus on injectors, qualifications and proper use of injections

* States will adopt stricter regulations of providers for cosmetic injections, highlighting the importance of qualified injectors

* Awareness for the importance of FDA approved brands will grow as the result of further investigations into importation and use of non-approved injectables

Coalition 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. “With the economy weak, some patients and doctors alike will be looking to cut corners,” said Dr. Dailey. “This will lead a segment of these populations to wander into some fringe activity like counterfeit injectables, or lower-priced, unqualified providers.”

“Safety issues will be in the news and state medical boards will start to impose regulations concerning supervision of non-physician injectors,” says Ira D. Papel, MD, Baltimore, Maryland. “These types of actions and an emphasis on appropriate physician credentials are important messages for consumer safety.”

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Cosmetic Injections A Worthwhile Investment.