For Immediate Release: April 15, 2002

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - Today's approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Botox® for cosmetic use confirms the findings of numerous clinical studies that the drug is safe and effective for wrinkle reduction. Of the individuals whose decision to have Botox® injections would be influenced by FDA approval, 72 percent would be more likely to try it, according to a national survey of people's attitudes conducted for ASPS.

Of the respondents whose attitudes would change with FDA approval, 75 percent of women and 67 percent of men said they would be more likely to try Botox®. Those in the 55-64 age range would be 88 percent more likely to try it, and those 45 to 54 years old would be 80 percent more likely. Respondents in the West region of the U.S would be 84 percent more likely to try Botox®, followed by the Northeast region where 79 percent of respondents would be more likely.

"The FDA approval, obviously, makes a difference to people who may have contemplated the procedure, but needed reassurance from the organization charged by the government to promote and protect the public health," notes ASPS President Edward Luce, MD, Cleveland. "This survey supports what plastic surgeons have observed for years- more and more people are taking charge of their health and appearance."

The survey of 1,000 U.S. adults performed for ASPS by an independent research firm asked whether the FDA approval of Botox® would change their likelihood to try the procedure. Overall, twelve percent of respondents felt that FDA approval would influence their attitude toward the wrinkle reducing agent.

Botox® is a proven method to smooth and eliminate forehead lines, frown lines, crows feet and neck bands with 855,846 people receiving Botox® in 2001. Botox® works by relaxing targeted muscles. Typically the effects of Botox® last three to six months and must be repeated to maintain results.

"Many safe non-surgical as well as surgical procedures are available to the public for all comfort levels," notes Dr. Luce.

The ASPS encourages anyone interested in minimizing signs of aging to discuss treatment options with their board-certified plastic surgeon. Together, they can develop a comprehensive program to accomplish both short- and long-term goals. Treatment options may include the following the procedures:

• Eyelid Surgery: Eyelid surgery corrects drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes by removing excess fat, skin and muscle.

  Eyelid surgery was the third most popular surgical procedure with more than 238,000 patients having the procedure in 2001, according to ASPS. Men made up 19 percent of the total. Forty-four percent of all eyelid surgery patients were ages 51-64.

• Facelift: A facelift improves sagging facial skin, jowls and loose neck skin through the removal of excess fat, muscle tightening and skin redraping.

  Facelifts were the fifth most commonly performed procedure on women. Nearly 118,000 people had facelifts in 2001, according to ASPS. Ninety percent of patients were women.

• Forehead lift: A forehead lift minimizes forehead creases, furrowed forehead and frown lines, drooping eyebrows and hooding over eyes by removing excess tissue, altering muscles and tightening forehead skin.

  Nearly 75,000 people had forehead lifts in 2001, according to ASPS. Women were the majority (88 percent) of forehead patients.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With more than 6,000 members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises 90 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.