PARIS, January 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey of more than 2,900 women(2) demonstrates that a variety of cultures share a common desire to invest in aesthetic medicine despite a sagging economy. The Merz Aesthetics "Face Value" Beauty Survey, conducted by Harris Interactive among women(2) from France, Italy, Spain, Russia and the United Kingdom, revealed that 45% would agree that aesthetic procedures are a necessity, not a luxury, for which many are willing to sacrifice. In addition to cutting back on groceries, 31% of women(1) said they would seek out a second, or better paying, job to have another facial injectable treatment. Others would be willing to go so far as to forgo vacations (32%) or new clothes, shoes or accessories (39%).

Martin Zugel, Ph.D., chairman of the management board of Merz Pharmaceuticals, will present some of the survey findings during today's breaking news session at the International Master Class on Aging Skin (IMCAS).

"When it comes to beauty, four in five women(2) (80%) think beauty is under each person's control and can be shaped or enhanced. More than half of women(2) (57%) disagree that beauty is in the genes and cannot be created," said Dr. Zugel. "What's more, many women(2) are excited to try the newest aesthetic procedures, including facial injectables, and some see them as a necessary part of their beauty regimen."

"As a plastic surgeon, I was delighted by how many women(2) see the positive effects of investing in the creation of beauty," said Benjamin Ascher, M.D., IMCAS Congresses Scientific Director, Lecturer and Clinical Assistant, Paris Academy and Member of the French Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery. "This interest in putting their most beautiful face forward demonstrates how comfortable women are with accentuating their own attributes."

The survey also found that more than half of women(2) (53%) have wrinkles and, of those who do, more than three in five (62%) report that they have sought treatment for their wrinkles. Additionally, more than half of women who have had a facial injectable treatment (57%) report a positive life change as a result.