Botox still hot despite cool economy

OMAHA, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Keeping up one's looks appears to be trumping a weak economy, as U.S. doctors report the demand for Botox injections hasn't been pinched.

Roughly three of four plastic surgeons who responded to an American Society of Plastic Surgeons survey reported demand for the minimally invasive wrinkle-erasing drug either remained steady or increased slightly, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.

However, the survey found the demand fell for more invasive and expensive cosmetic enhancements such as breast augmentation or nose jobs.

Still, makers of aesthetic treatments say they're prepared for a challenging 2009, the Journal said. While established patients are maintaining their beauty regimens, luring new patients is tricky in the current economic environment, pharmaceutical houses said.

Allergan said sales for its dermal-filler Botox were up 18 percent through September but the company reduced its 2008 Botox sales guidance, citing "subdued demand."

Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp., makers of Botox rival Restylane, recently began offering a $100 consumer rebates.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger, a dermatologist in Omaha, offered a suggestion about why he's seen an increase in the number of patients seeking dermal fillers over the past few months.

"Things are so bad (in financial markets) that investments aren't even worthwhile anymore, so people are investing in themselves," Schlessinger told the Journal.