Allergan Aesthetics Launches Skin Quality Index To Standardise Aesthetic Terminology, New SQI Framework Aims To Bridge Patient-Provider Communication Gap

Allergan Aesthetics, part of AbbVie, has introduced the Skin Quality Index (SQI), a standardised framework designed to improve communication between patients and healthcare providers in aesthetic medicine. The initiative is backed by extensive global research published in Dermatologic Surgery, which identified significant inconsistencies in how skin quality is described across clinical and patient settings.

"Advancing the science of aesthetic medicine requires a deeper understanding of how patients and providers talk about skin quality," said Dr. Stephanie Manson Brown, vice president, head of clinical development, scientific innovation and skincare research & development, Allergan Aesthetics. "The Skin Quality Index reflects our commitment to deepening that understanding by establishing a shared language that can support more meaningful research, inform innovation, and further the field of aesthetic medicine."

The research highlighted a clear disconnect in terminology: while patients tend to use similar language among themselves, their descriptions often differ from those clinicians use. This mismatch can create challenges during consultations and affect treatment planning. The SQI aims to resolve this issue by establishing a unified vocabulary of 15 consensus terms, organised across four key dimensions of skin health.

By creating a shared language, the SQI is intended to enhance clarity in discussions, enabling healthcare providers to better understand patient expectations and tailor treatment strategies accordingly. At the same time, it empowers patients to more clearly articulate their concerns and actively participate in decisions about their aesthetic care.

"The Skin Quality Index is a groundbreaking innovation that represents a paradigm shift in how we approach patient consultations and treatment planning in aesthetics," said Dr Shannon Humphrey, board-certified dermatologist and primary investigator of the study. "The data clearly demonstrated the need for a standardised vocabulary. By providing a shared language, the Skin Quality Index empowers patients to articulate their concerns more effectively, enables physicians to better understand and address those concerns, and ultimately will lead to more personalised and successful treatment outcomes."

To support adoption, Allergan Aesthetics has launched educational tools for both patients and clinicians, including a dedicated microsite and an interactive quiz developed in collaboration with NewBeauty. These resources are designed to increase awareness and facilitate the practical use of the SQI framework in clinical settings.

The underlying research followed a structured three-phase methodology. It began with an analysis of more than 900 publications spanning over 20 years, followed by expert advisory panels of U.S. healthcare providers to establish standardised definitions. The final phase included patient focus groups and surveys involving over 1,000 patients and 200 providers, confirming how terminology varies in real-world interactions and reinforcing the need for a unified approach.