The demand for non-surgical cosmetic treatments has grown considerably in recent years. It appears German dermatology departments now also increasingly seem to offer many of these methods. In 2001 we evaluated the use of different non-surgical cosmetic techniques in German dermatology departments through means of a national questionnaire. Information was requested from 85 departments, of which 63.5% responded. The outcome revealed that 96.3% of the participating departments have lasers at their disposal to treat cosmetic skin lesions, 79.6% carry out injections with botulinum toxin, 59.3% perform chemical peels and 37% perform tissue augmentation with injectable fillers. Overall, the ratio between desired and adverse effects as well as the economic benefit of all evaluated methods was judged as positive by the interviewees. In a comparison of all evaluated modalities, the therapeutic index was considered most favourable with botulinum toxin and most unfavourable with injectable filling agents. With regard to cost-effectiveness, soft tissue augmentation was judged best, while chemical peels alongside lasers were regarded as least advantageous in this respect. Further evaluated topics were indications, substances, organisation and other issues. In summary the survey confirmed that a large number of German dermatology departments employ non-surgical cosmetic procedures matching the international upward trend of cosmetic dermatology.
