The Botox/Breast Implant Recession Is Over: Allergan, Others See Sales Up

(MoneyWatch)  The recession is over, if sales of cosmetic drugs and surgeries in Q4 2009 are to be believed. Beauty procedures -- such as Botox and breast implants -- were up during the last three months of the year, according to Leerink Swann's MEDACorp survey panel. The increase is the first since 2007:

... procedures for botulinum toxins like Allergan's (AGN) Botox and facial fillers like Medicis Pharmaceutical's (MRX) Restylane increased the most year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2009, each up 8.1%. Procedures for breast implants increased 3.5% and laser work was up 1.6%.

The results were reflected in Allergan's Q4 earnings, too. Revenue at the Botox-maker was up from $4.4 billion to $4.5 billion. Here's a breakdown of sales of their individual products:

• Brand: Sales in Q4'09, Q4'08 Botox: 347.7, 329.2 Skin care: 64.5, 32.7 Breast aesthetics: 77.8, 70.9 Facial Aesthetics: 66.0, 55.8 Latisse: 26.0, NA
• Source: Company disclosures.

This could be a sign of economic recovery (at least among the rich). This time last year, Allergan was laying people off, and in 2008 Medicis CEO Jonah Shacknai (maker of Restylane and Dysport) saw a "definite downturn" in business despite rosy predictions that the rich would keep on spending.

Image via Flickr user Axel Hecht, CC.

• Related:
• FDA Warning Letter Slams Beauty Expert Quoted In Women's Magazines
• Medicis Employees Should Look Anxiously at Allergan Layoffs
• Q&A With Medicis CEO Jonah Shacknai, Who Sees a "Definite Downturn" in Vanity Pharma