When Choosing Aesthetic Treatments, Patients Often Start With Physician-Dispensed Cosmeceuticals and Then Progress

TORONTO, Oct. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Millennium Research Group (MRG), the global authority on medical technology market intelligence, the most likely treatment pathway for new aesthetics patients is to start with physician-dispensed cosmeceuticals and then go on to chemical peels and further to facial injectables. Cosmeceuticals often serve as a comfortable intermediate phase between basic skin care routines and actual cosmetic procedures for those initially uncomfortable with the idea of more invasive aesthetic treatments.

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Cosmeceuticals can be a gateway to more invasive treatment options, and physicians play a large role in helping patients decide on a treatment regimen. Manufacturers of cosmeceuticals who offer the right products and proper support to physicians can help them drive growth in their practices, and develop physician loyalty.

For example, there is a price point at which patients balk at the initial purchase of a package of cosmeceuticals. Physicians prefer to dispense packages containing three to five products, specifically incorporating sunscreen, cleanser and moisturizer to provide a range of treatments at a reasonable initial cost. This, along with availability of marketing materials, free samples or trial sizes, and reliable clinical data, were what physicians identified as essential to establishing brand loyalty.

"This market is currently seeing some significant changes," said Senior Analyst Carmen Chan. "More manufacturers are offering their products directly to customers, using online resources. Physicians, who have long served as the gatekeepers for cosmeceutical use, are seeing a hit to their revenues. These new channels might generate increased sales for the manufacturer at the cost of the physician relationships that provide patients with the information and encouragement they need to try the other aesthetic treatments these manufacturers offer."

The results come from a new MRG survey report, From Cosmeceuticals to Invasive Aesthetic Treatments: An Analysis of Patient Treatment Pathways in the US, part of its Physician Forum series. Physician Forum survey reports are produced in response to specific market events and trends that are expected to have significant effects on utilization and sales of medical devices. The survey report is now available.

The results are based on surveys that were conducted in July 2013 and included over 450 patients who are currently purchasing physician-dispensed cosmeceuticals, receiving aesthetic treatments, or both. In-depth interviews were also conducted with dermatologists who provide such services to patients.

Millennium Research Group's From Cosmeceuticals to Invasive Aesthetic Treatments: An Analysis of Patient Treatment Pathways in the US survey report provides information about cosmeceutical use and the perceptions of various cosmeceutical brands.

About Millennium Research Group
Millennium Research Group (www.MRG.net), a Decision Resources Group company (www.DecisionResourcesGroup.com), is the global authority on medical technology market intelligence and the leading provider of strategic information to the healthcare sector. The company provides specialized industry expertise through multiclient market research, ongoing Marketrack™ projects, customer loyalty tracking, facility-level procedure forecasting, and customized solutions.

About Decision Resources Group
Decision Resources Group is a cohesive portfolio of companies that offers best-in-class, high-value information, and insights on important sectors of the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Please visit Decision Resources Group at www.DecisionResourcesGroup.com.

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SOURCE Millennium Research Group