Results Of Study Show That People Feel Non-Physician Owned Medical Spas Are Unsafe

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Article Date: 19 Apr 2007 - 12:00 PDT

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The IAPAM's 2007 Aesthetic Medicine Consumer Study gives physicians the necessary facts to decide whether or not to add aesthetic procedures to their traditional practice. The study surveyed women across the U.S., ages 21-60 on their perception of various aesthetic medicine procedures. As an apparent reaction to the unregulated medical spa industry, 78% of women rated medical credentials as very important when choosing an aesthetic treatment provider. "The results clearly indicate most women are concerned about their safety when choosing aesthetic procedures, which is a huge opportunity for physicians who wish to expand their practice with aesthetic treatments," says Jeff Russell, Executive-Director of the IAPAM.

The results of the full study serve as a basis for much of the content for the upcoming IAPAM's Aesthetic Medicine Symposium (http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com). The Study took place during March 2007, so it is the most current information available on aesthetic medicine. The results give the members of the IAPAM unprecedented insight to what aesthetic procedures the public actually wants, what concerns them the most, and how they choose an aesthetic practitioner.

Another interesting find was that most women surveyed prefer to have cosmetic medical treatments in a medical environment versus a spa-like environment. "It was surprising to find that women don't want cosmetic treatments done in spas; this again shows physicians the demand exists for them to incorporate aesthetic procedures into their practices," says Russell.

The goal of the study was to provide guidance for the physician members of the IAPAM who are interested in integrating aesthetic medicine procedures, into their practice. "Most physicians are tired of declining reimbursements and increasing work hours, and have considered adding aesthetic medicine procedures including Botox® and dermal filler injections, laser hair removal, leg vein treatments, physician-directed skin care products and medical-grade chemical peels to their practice. This study is the first to confirm consumer demand exists and that the public wants most of these procedures done by a physician, " says Russell.

With safety and medical credentials seen as key factors when choosing aesthetic procedures, it appears physicians are the natural choice. For more information regarding the IAPAM 2007 Aesthetic Medicine Consumer Study, please contact the IAPAM at 1-800-219-5108, or visit http://www.theiapam.com/study

About the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary association of physicians and supporters which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits. IAPAM membership is open to licensed medical doctors (MDs), and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs).

The IAPAM puts on a 2 day Symposium which provides the most current, comprehensive aesthetic medicine training program for today's leading physicians. The Symposium combines clinical hands-on training of the most profitable advanced skin care procedures with proven strategies to successfully integrate aesthetic medical procedures into your practice, along with the ability to earn physician CME's. For more information on the Symposium: http://www.aestheticmedicinesymposium.com

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