Interest in cosmetic surgery is increasing as consumers gain confidence in the economy, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
New statistics from the ASPS show that 13.1 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in the United States last year, an increase of 5% over 2009. The increase reflects growth in both surgical procedures such as breast augmentation and minimally-invasive procedures such as injections of Botulinum toxin type A and soft-tissue fillers. The ASPS statistics come from an annual survey of physicians who perform cosmetic procedures, as well as an online national database for plastic surgery procedures.
"There’s some pent up demand for cosmetic surgical procedures," Dr. Phillip Haeck, ASPS president, said in a statement. "People have waited a couple of years or more to have procedures, until their finances were at least somewhat back in order. But all indications are [that] more consumers are again willing to spend more to look better."
There are a number of factors potentially driving the increase in cosmetic surgery, Dr. Haeck said, from the improved economy to aging baby boomers seeking aesthetic procedures to stay competitive in the workplace.
Minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures showed the biggest increases in 2010 with nearly 11.6 million procedures performed, up from about 11 million the previous year. As in previous years, Botulinum toxin type A led the pack with 5.4 million procedures. Soft-tissue fillers were also popular with 1.8 million procedures. Rounding out the top five minimally-invasive procedures in 2010 were chemical peels, laser hair removal, and microdermabrasion.
"Injectables have remained robust despite the economy," Dr. Haeck said. "Botox and Dysport injections are up 12%, while, interestingly, fat injections are up 14%, which could reflect how a patient’s own fat is being used in more creative ways to rejuvenate the face and body."
While the number of surgical procedures increased in 2010, the same types of procedures remained popular. The top five surgical procedures in 2010 were breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, liposuction, and abdominoplasty.
The ASPS also reported figures on reconstructive plastic surgery procedures. In 2010, more than 5.3 million reconstructive procedures were performed, up 2% from the previous year. Tumor removal led the list with 4 million procedures. Laceration repair, scar revision, hand surgery, and breast reconstruction were also in the top five.