Study: Dermatologists ‘Pioneers’ of Injectables
Rolling Meadows, Ill. (PRWEB) September 30, 2014 -- A first-of-its-kind scientific study reveals that dermatologists are the groundbreaking innovators in five of five categories of anti-aging injectable treatments for the face.
The evidenced-based study – “Who are the Pioneers? A Critical Analysis of Innovation and Expertise in Cutaneous Non-Invasive Procedures” – is examining all published research to determine which medical specialties have made the most advances in cosmetic treatments. The first study segment released today focuses on botulinum toxins and four types of soft-tissue fillers.
This first unbiased analysis of all existing scientific research will help consumers decide which specialist might be best for facial injectable treatments, said study author Omar A. Ibrahimi, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Connecticut Skin Institute in Stamford, Conn., and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
“Consumers can be significantly confused because some cosmetic procedures are administered by physicians who are not board-certified dermatologists, and some are even offered by non-physicians,” said Ibrahimi. “This study is important because expertise and innovation often are judged by who has made the largest contributions to scientific research.”
He said the thorough analysis of all peer-reviewed medial research on facial injectables finally answers the question of who are the innovators and the pioneers.
“The answer for facial injectables is clearly dermatologists,” said Ibrahimi. “These data show the overwhelming majority of pioneering research in wrinkle-relaxers and fillers has been done by dermatologists. They are the leading innovators. Patients will know they are in the best hands with a dermatologist.”
This first study segment includes botulinum toxins to ease facial lines (i.e., Botox, Dysport and Xeomin) as well as four types of soft-tissue fillers to smooth wrinkles and add facial volume. These include hyaluronic acid fillers (i.e., Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero and Voluma), calcium hydroxyapatite filler (i.e., Radiesse), poly-l lactic acid filler (i.e., Sculptra) and collagen fillers (i.e., Zyderm and Zyplast).
According to the scientific analysis, dermatologists are considered the pioneers in 10 of 10 measures using two scoring systems.
The overall project is using a ranking system for research studies. Those considered to be more valuable generally are cited more frequently by subsequent publications, Ibrahimi said. He and co-authors first sought to identify the most important research studies on injectable procedures, then analyzed the findings to determine the specialties whose members published the most significant research.
Two scoring systems then were applied. Weighted scoring rated the most highly cited articles as more valuable than the lowest cited ones; citation scoring divided the total numbers evenly between first, last and corresponding authors.
According to the scientific analysis, dermatologists are considered the pioneers for facial injectables in 10 of 10 measures – using both the citation and weighted scoring. The innovation gap between dermatologists and the next closest provider is more than 50 percent in eight results. In five of 10, the margin is more than 100 percent and for Sculptra, the margin is 500 percent.
Other providers include physicians in other specialties, including plastic surgery, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) and internal medicine. Some research done by non-physicians – including industry, undergraduates and post-doctoral researchers – fell into an “other” category and was noted.
Ibrahimi said he believes it is important to educate the public on the contributions of dermatologists – compared to that of other providers – to help safeguard patient safety and optimize outcomes.
“Dermatologists are the best specialists for facial injectables,” he said.
Ibrahimi said work continues to analyze the data on who is considered the pioneers for other non-invasive cosmetic procedures. His full study – funded by an ASDS Cutting Edge Research Grant – is expected to be released in 2015.
About ASDS
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) is the largest specialty organization exclusively representing dermatologic surgeons who have unique training and experience to treat the health, function and beauty of your skin. ASDS members are pioneers in the field. Many are involved in the clinical studies that bring popular treatments to revitalize skin and fill and diminish wrinkles to the forefront. Their work has helped create and enhance many of the devices that remove blemishes, hair and fat, and tighten skin. Dermatologic surgeons also are experts in skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment. As the incidence of skin cancer rises, dermatologic surgeons are committed to taking steps to minimize the life-threatening effects of this disease. For more information, visit asds.net.
Website: http://www.asds.net
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Contact:
Beth Bales, Communications Manager
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
847-956-9143
Beth Bales, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, http://www.asds.net, +1 847-956-9143, [email protected]
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