Hispanics lead minority groups in cosmetic surgery!

This week, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) released their 2006 Plastic Surgery Statistics. This survey highlighted several interesting trends in American plastic surgery.

The study noted that the number of cosmetic procedures in this country is at an all time high at 11.5 million! And that women receive 92% of these procedures. The study also showed that across the nation, Hispanics accounted for 9.7% of these procedures, African-Americans for 6.6%, and Asians at 4.7%.

Although, I think that the exact numbers may vary depending on where you are located, I think that the overall trend is correct. In my Miami plastic surgery practice, we are seeing a growing demand in cosmetic surgery and non-invasive procedures, especially from the Hispanic and the African-American communities.

I think that part of this is cultural- plastic surgery is VERY popular throughout South America and we are blessed to have many Latin Americans live here in South Florida. We also have patients who fly in for their procedures and to enjoy beautiful South Florida while they recover. Lastly- the word is out- cosmetic techniques have proven to be safe and effective! As these procedures have evolved, they have produced better, longer-lasting results with minimal down time. I think that this has opened the doors to busy professionals and other people who in the past would not have considered themselves candidates for cosmetic surgery.

It's important to note that these communities do have very particular needs- every procedure (esp those for skin tone correction and tightening) need to be approached with the individual's skin type, color, and thickness in mind. Educating patients on their options is as important as always- that's why all our staff and all our office literature is multilingual! Thank God I'm from Ecuador. Adios!

62% of Americans Approve of Cosmetic Surgery: An All- Time High!

The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) released its 10th Consumer Attitudes Study. This is a study that takes the pulse of the nation on cosmetic surgery.

In asking 1000 Americans ages 18 and above about their attitudes and perceptions of cosmetic surgery, the survey found a continuation of a ten year trend. 62% of Americans approve of cosmetic surgery! This is an all time high and is an 8% increase from last year.

The study also found that 61% of men and 63% of women approve of cosmetic surgery. Females are 16% more likely to consider plastic surgery than men. This is consistent with the 2006 statistics just released by ASAPS which show that 92% of those who received cosmetic procedures in 2006 were women! In a related survey (see post below) the most common cosmetic surgery for women was breast augmentation- this is the first time this has happened since they started this survey. I think American women are satisfied with the beautiful results we can achieve with aesthetic breast surgery and the safety of these procedures.

As Americans learn more and more about the safety and effectiveness of cosmetic surgery, we can expect the popularity of plastic surgery to continue to grow!

The 2006 Plastic Surgery Statistics Are In!

(Click graph above to enlarge!)

Hello all! 2006 was another great year for aesthetic plastic surgery. The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) has just released their 2006 statistics. The survey noted that in 2006, there were nearly 11.5 million surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures performed in the United States! This was a 1% increase since 2005. Since 1997, surgical procedures have increased 123% and nonsurgical procedures have increased 749%!

These results are a testament to the continued popularity of aesthetic plastic surgery in America. The study also highlighted some very interesting trends. They noted that in 2006, surgical procedures actually decreased by 9 percent. Nonsurgical procedures (such as Botox, dermal fillers, and laser therapy) increased by 3 percent. We have seen this increased demand in noninvasive techniques in our center- their popularity continues to grow because of their proven safety record and their effectiveness. There’s a lot you can do today with just a syringe, a peel, or a laser these days!

Surgical Procedures- Break down by men and women.

The survey noted that women account for 92 percent of these aesthetic procedures.

The Top 5 Plastic Surgery Procedures for Women are:

1. Breast augmentation
2. Liposuction
3. Eyelid Surgery
4. Tummy Tuck
5. Breast Reduction

For the first time since the beginning of this survey- breast augmentation proved more popular than liposuction! This was due in part to the FDA approval of silicone gel breast implants in late 2006 (the use of silicone gel implants increased by 18% from 2005). We have seen this at our center as well. We have A LOT of women requesting silicone gel implants because of their softer feel and natural results.

Men accounted for 8% of all cosmetic surgery.

The Top 5 Plastic Surgery Procedures for Men are:

1. Liposuction
2. Rhinoplasty
3. Eyelid Surgery
4. Breast Reduction for a fatty chest (gynecomastia)
5. Facelift

Top 5 Nonsurgical Procedures are:

1. Botox
2. Hyaluronic Acid (Juvederm, Restylane)
3. Laser Hair Removal
4. Microdermabrasion
5. Laser Skin Resurfacing

Because of the safety and effectiveness of the surgical and nonsurgical techniques, we can expect continued growth through 2007 and beyond! Stay tuned!