Results From Our Poll About the “Botax”
December 14, 2009 - Rhys Branman, MD
Over 40 people responded to our poll since it was posted 2 weeks ago. Thanks for participating! Almost half of you agreed that a tax on cosmetic surgery would discriminate against women. Written responses said the following: "Will negatively impact the industry." "Largely a tax on the middle class. Nixes Obama's pledge not to raise our taxes." "A fair tax to pay for an elective "luxury" procedure." The fact that most respondents sided with the discrimination argument shouldn't be too surprising, as I think that is the most controversial and interesting aspect surrounding the whole "Botax" issue. Terry O’Neill, President... 
A British cosmetic clinic is showing off their surgery results in a 2010 calendar, with employees posing as models. They say "the calendar is tongue-in-cheek, but tasteful. It features girls from across our company of all ages and they all look amazing." Thinking about gifting cosmetic surgery? Dr. Mark Berman of the AACS has some advice for you: "Make sure you’ve discussed the idea in the past so it doesn’t come as a surprise.” Read: 'Tis the season for gifting cosmetic surgery 
Allergan and Medicis are showing increased profits this quarter, and analysts are partially attributing the growth to third quarter BOTOX® and Dysport® sales. According to CNN Money , revenues for Dysport® manufacturer Medicis last quarter are 30 percent above last year’s figures. "We are encouraged by the positive physician and patient response to DYSPORT” said Medicis CEO Jonah Shacknai. While other products may have played a role, Dysport® sales were a major factor. Yet, the new drug still didn’t manage to hurt sales of BOTOX®, the only competitor on the market right now. Aided by a 3 percent increase in... 