Can Evolence Kickstart Sluggish Aesthetics Market?

In a recent article profiling several Twin Cities area plastic surgeons and cosmetic providers, the St. Paul Pioneer Press suggested that the aesthetics giant Allergan may be hurting because of the sluggish economy.

Edina plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Gryzkiewicz (also the chairman of the emerging trends committee for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons) told the St. Paul paper that "This is a luxury item," he said. "If people can't afford it, they then put it off."

A patient who has had Botox treatments at a Minnesota medical spa, both for headache relief and the occasional cosmetic treatment says she's not quitting cosmetic treatments forever, but is definitely slowing down and postponing other new treatments. But later in the article, Eden Prairie dermatologist Dr. Jane Lisko says she hasn't seen demand fall off in her practice.

Analysts say that Botox has driven the aesthetics market due to its minimal invasiveness, versatility and non-permanence. While the 1990's witnessed the popularity of face lifts for the treatment of wrinkles due to aging, today’s market is exhibiting a far greater interest in Botox and fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, and Radiesse.

Manufacturers continue both to churn out new treatments and to heavily promote old ones. Two local Twin Cities companies are also getting into the game - Lifecore Biomedical in Chaska and Gel-Del Technologies in St. Paul. Gel-Del announced earlier this summer that it had completed clinical trials of a new hyaluronic acid injectable called CosmetaLife, which may be available by 2009.

Evolence, a newly approved injectable from OrthoNeutrogena, has some in the financial industry excited about the possible growth of the market. The Pioneer Press talked with Dr. Steven Hopping, president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, who remarked that "If JJ is involved, it's very important," said , who practices in Washington, D.C. "There will be a big marketing campaign."

Kristin Meyer for Real Beauty News

• Update November 2009: Evolence didn't kickstart the market.  J&J has stopped selling and manufacturing Evolence.

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