At the 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), Allergan Aesthetics, a leading medical-aesthetics pharmaceutical company, presented 12 abstracts related to their development of differentiated treatments to address key aesthetic concerns. One of these presentations showcased detail from a 4,000-subject study. DERMASCOPE spoke with Sara Sangha, head of United States aesthetics medical affairs at Allergan Aesthetics to get the full breakdown of Allergan Aesthetics’ presentation and their ongoing commitment to inclusivity.
MAXIMUM DIFFERENCE
The Maximum Difference study conducted by Allergan Aesthetics is the largest of its kind in the United States, involving subjects across ethnic, racial, and gender groups and highlighting key aesthetic concerns by client segments. This study aimed to identify how clients’ differing ethnic groups and cultural backgrounds affect their interest in certain aesthetics treatments.
According to the findings of the Maximum Difference study, interest in professionally administered aesthetics treatments for face and body vary among demographic groups and differ from what current aesthetic paradigms suggest. Additionally, the study found that underlying anatomical and cutaneous differences in different cultural backgrounds may explain why some ethnic groups, as well as age subgroups within the same ethnic group, cite certain issues more often as a concern.
“These findings are significant because they can be used by healthcare professionals to honor patient diversity, customize consultations, and address specific needs with cultural sensitivity,” Sangha told DERMASCOPE. “This can translate into improved outcomes and greater patient satisfaction.”
DIVERSITY IN AESTHETICS
The results of the Maximum Difference study can serve as a tool for skin and medical professionals to tap into underpenetrated markets for aesthetics treatments and services. Additionally, as diversity, equity, and inclusion remain essential in the daily work of all skin professionals, it is paramount that the industry as a whole creates a standard of care that allows people of all skin types and aging patterns to feel confident and safe in receiving treatments.
“Allergan Aesthetics is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all people feel empowered to seek desired aesthetics treatment,” says Sangha. “In a world that is increasingly diverse, we as an industry need to understand that the expression of individuality and aesthetics treatment go hand in hand.”
Allergan Aesthetics is committed to accessible and equitable aesthetics treatments. Through intentional inclusion efforts, such as including patients and investigators of diverse backgrounds in clinical research, Allergan Aesthetics leads the industry in reflecting and meeting the needs of diverse patients. In addition to Allergan Aesthetics’ everyday efforts and equitable practices, they hosted the Aesthetics Diversity Summit, an event that provided practitioners with mentorship, networking, and educational opportunities, as well as the potential to be included as principal investigators for clinical trials among diverse patient populations.
With the recent surge in interest in aesthetics among many demographics, Allergan Aesthetics is taking steps to innovate by investing in research that addresses unmet patient needs, further empowering industry practices and standards.
“Inclusion plays a large role in advancing skin care science,” Sangha explains. “While visible signs of aging may seem similar, genetic influences can vary greatly across racial and ethnic backgrounds.”
THE FUTURE OF AESTHETIC MEDICINE
“Allergan Aesthetics is constantly innovating to create the products and technologies that drive what’s next in aesthetic medicine.” Sangha tells DERMASCOPE. Not only are they currently investigating clinical programs for onabotulinumtoxinA for masseter treatment and trenibotulinumtoxinE (BoNT/E) for the treatment of moderate to severe glabellar lines, among other studies, but Allergan Aesthetics also leverages their best-in-class Allergan Medical Institute (AMI) team to educate and train aesthetics specialists. Allergan Medical Institute focuses on best practices and clinical education tailored to a specialist’s experience level to educate about administering products from the Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.
Through equitable and diverse research studies and practices, a fundamental commitment to leading the industry in meeting the needs of all patients, creating opportunities for industry professionals to learn about and practice inclusivity in clinical trials, and providing professionals access to top notch, personalized education, Allergan Aesthetics is providing the next generation of aesthetic medicine talent with the resources they need to better meet the needs of current and future consumers.
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