Minimally Invasive Facial Rejuvenation: Maximizing Practice Revenue With Dermal Fillers

The use of dermal fillers, especially semipermanent collagen stimulators, for minimally invasive facial rejuvenation has grown exponentially. In addition, combination approaches to cosmetic treatment are emerging. This study evaluated practice revenue from patients treated with poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)(Sculptra Aesthetic, Medicis, a division of Valeant Pharmaceuticals) or calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)(Radiesse, Merz Aesthetics, Inc). The additional revenue generated from conversion to other services and procedures also was analyzed. The results of this study indicate that treatment with PLLA generates higher revenue per patient and a broader scope of additional services and procedures being requested, resulting in 70% more total revenue per patient. Based on these data, profitability is likely to be greater with PLLA because the majority of conversion services can be administered by nursing staff and require minimal consultation time, unlike with CaHA. Because of differences in treatment practices, the additional revenue and profitability with PLLA observed in this study could be an underestimate for some cosmetic practices.