Annual plastic surgery statistics reflect the changing face of plastic surgery

New data released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) show continued growth in cosmetic procedures over the last year, and a shift in the types of procedures patients have chosen since the start of the new millennium. According to the annual plastic surgery procedural statistics, there were 15.9 million surgical and minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the United States in 2015, a 2 percent increase over 2014.

Since 2000, overall procedures have risen 115 percent, but the types of procedures patients are choosing are changing.

"While more traditional facial procedures and breast augmentations are still among the most popular, we're seeing much more diversity in the areas of the body patients are choosing to address," said ASPS President David H. Song, MD, MBA, FACS. "Patients have more options than ever, and working closely with their surgeon, they're able to focus on specific target areas of the body to achieve the look they desire."

Lifts Lead the List
It used to be that the term plastic surgery was nearly synonymous with facelifts, and while they remain a popular option among patients, other types of lifts are surging.
Since 2000, ASPS statistics show considerable growth in:

• Breast lifts, up 89 percent (99,614 in 2015, up from 52,836 in 2000)
• Buttock lifts, up 252 percent (4,767 in 2015, up from 1,356 in 2000)
• Lower body lifts, up 3,973 percent (8,431 in 2015, up from 207 in 2000)
• Upper arm lifts, up 4,959 percent (17,099 in 2015, up from 338 in 2000)

Top 5 Cosmetic Surgical and Minimally-Invasive Procedures
While procedures like upper arm lifts and lower body lifts have shown substantial growth, for the first time since at least 2000, facelifts slipped out of the top 5 most-performed procedures last year, giving way to tummy tucks.
Of the 1.7 million cosmetic surgical procedures performed in 2015, the top 5 were:

• Breast augmentation (279,143 procedures, down 2 percent from 2014, up 31 percent from 2000)
• Liposuction (222,051 procedures, up 5% from 2014 but down 37 percent from 2000)
• Nose reshaping (217,979 procedures, unchanged from 2014, down 44 percent since 2000)
• Eyelid surgery (203,934 procedures, down 1 percent from 2014, down 38 percent since 2000)
• Tummy tuck (127,967 procedures, up 9 percent from 2014 and 104 percent since 2000)

Among the 14.2 million cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures performed in 2015, the top 5 were:

• Botulinum Toxin Type A (6.7 million procedures, up 1 percent from 2014 and 759 percent since 2000)
• Soft Tissue Fillers (2.4 million procedures, up 6 percent from 2014 and 274 percent since 2000)
• Chemical Peel (1.3 million procedures, up 5 percent from 2014 and 14 percent since 2000)
• Laser hair removal (1.1 million procedures, unchanged from 2014, but up 52 percent since 2000)
• Microdermabrasion (800,340 procedures, down 9 percent from 2014 and 8 percent since 2000)

"The number of available providers, lower costs and the less-invasive nature of these procedures obviously appeal to a much broader range of patients," said Dr. Song. "However, we urge anyone who is considering a minimally-invasive procedure to consult with a board-certified, ASPS-member surgeon."
Many of these minimally-invasive procedures are performed by a variety of providers, and not all of them have the expertise or rigorous training of ASPS-member surgeons. "It may not be surgery, but there is still a lot at stake," said Dr. Song. "Before you undergo any procedure, do your homework and make sure you're putting yourself in the hands of only the most most qualified and highly-trained expert available."

Bottoms Up!
New ASPS stats showed that 2015 was another year of the rear, as procedures focusing on the derriere dominated surgical growth. Buttock implants were the fastest growing type of cosmetic surgery in 2015, and, overall, there was a buttock procedure every 30 minutes of every day, on average.
Here are the top procedures related to the bottom in 2015:

• Buttock augmentation with fat grafting (14,705 procedures, up 28 percent from 2014 to 2015)
• Buttock lift (4,767 procedures up 36 percent from 2014 to 2015)
• Buttock implants (2,540 procedures up 36 percent from 2014 to 2015)

For the First Time, Men Account for More than 40 Percent of Breast Reduction Surgeries
There were 68,106 breast reduction surgeries in the United States in 2015, and for the first time men accounted for more than 40 percent of those procedures.

A total of 27,456 breast reduction surgeries (Gynecomastia) were performed on men, representing a 5 percent increase over the previous year and a 35 percent growth since 2000.

"As plastic surgery is becoming more common and accepted in men, we're seeing more of them undergo procedures to tighten and tone problem areas, like the breasts," said Dr. Song. "This procedure is often done in younger men who face genetic challenges with the size and shape of their breasts, and when appropriate, surgery can make a big difference in their lives."

More Breast Cancer Patients Aware of Reconstruction Options
In 2012, ASPS launched a national Breast Reconstruction Awareness Campaign to educate, engage and empower women to make informed decisions about their healthcare following breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy. We're happy to report that in 2015, the number of reconstruction procedures increased another 4 percent to more than 106,300, and since 2000, the numbers are up a remarkable 35 percent.
"That's encouraging, and we hope to continue to get the word out to all women who are facing breast cancer, so they will be well aware of all their reconstructive options from the outset of diagnosis," said Dr. Song.

Breast reconstruction may be performed using several plastic surgery techniques, depending on which is most clinically appropriate for the patient, and is important to restore the breast to near normal shape, appearance and size following a lumpectomy or mastectomy.

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News Source:
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

New plastic surgery statistics reveal focus on face and fat

New data released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reveals that Americans want to put their best face and body forward as their annual plastic surgery procedural statistics show a three percent growth in cosmetic procedures over the last year. According to ASPS statistics there were 17.1 million surgical and minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the United States in 2016. The data also shows new cosmetic trends in both facelifts and fat.

Patients Use Own Fat to Fill and Sculpt

From body fat reduction to harvesting fat to enhance other parts of the body, the data shows new cosmetic procedural trends related to the role of fat in body shaping.

"One trend we are seeing with fat involves an increase in fat grafting procedures. Plastic surgeons harvest a patient's unwanted fat from their abdomen using liposuction and then inject it to lift and rejuvenate other areas such as the face, buttock and even the breast," said ASPS President Debra Johnson, MD. "Because the material injected is the patient's own fat the results typically last longer than fillers."

• Minimally invasive cosmetic fat injections increased 13%
• Buttock augmentation using fat grafting increased 26%
• Breast augmentation using fat grafting increased 72%

Newer, non-invasive fat reduction and skin tightening procedures are gaining popularity among patients:

• Injection-based procedures that target fat pockets in specific areas such as under the chin, increased 18%
• Non-invasive fat reduction procedures that use special technology to "freeze" fat without surgery increased 5%
• Non-invasive skin tightening procedures that target fat and tighten sagging areas increased 5%

"These newer, non-invasive procedures appeal to a broad range of patients," said Dr. Johnson. "Even though they aren't surgeries, patients still need to take these procedures seriously. Before undergoing any procedure, consult with a board-certified, ASPS-member surgeon who will ensure that it's performed to the highest medical standards."

It's All About that Face

Facelifts, which dropped from the top five most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in 2015, made a comeback in 2016, according to the new stats.

"Patients are captivated by instant improvements to the face. It's evident in the popularity of apps and filters that change how we can shape and shade our faces," said Dr. Johnson. "While there are more options than ever to rejuvenate the face, a facelift done by a board-certified plastic surgeon can give a dramatic, longer-lasting result which is why I am not surprised to see facelifts back in the top five most popular cosmetic surgical procedures."

Top 5 Cosmetic Surgical and Minimally-Invasive Procedures

This year overall cosmetic surgical procedures grew at a slightly higher rate of four percent compared to minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures, which grew by three percent. While body procedures are still popular, three of the five top cosmetic surgical procedures focused on the face.
Of the nearly 1.8 million cosmetic surgical procedures performed in 2016, the top 5 were:

1. Breast augmentation (290,467 procedures, up 4 percent from 2015)

2. Liposuction (235,237 procedures, up 6 percent from 2015)

3. Nose reshaping (223,018 procedures, up 2 percent from 2015)

4. Eyelid surgery (209,020 procedures, up 2 percent from 2015)

5. Facelifts (131,106 procedures, up 4 percent from 2015)

Among the 15.5 million cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures performed in 2016, the top 5 were:

1. Botulinum Toxin Type A (7 million procedures, up 4 percent from 2015)

2. Soft Tissue Fillers (2.6 million procedures, up 2 percent from 2015)

3. Chemical Peel (1.36 million procedures, up 4 percent since 2015)

4. Laser hair removal (1.1 million procedures, down 1 percent from 2015)

5. Microdermabrasion (775,000 procedures, down 3% from 2015)

Labiaplasty Gains Popularity

For the first time ASPS stats include data on labiaplasty, which the organization began tracking in 2015. The plastic surgery which rejuvenates the labia by lifting and/or injecting fat or filler into the area, increased by 39 percent in 2016, with more than 12,000 procedures.

"As cosmetic procedures become more common we are seeing more diversity in the areas of the body that patients are choosing to address," said Dr. Johnson. "A decade ago plastic surgeons might have seen a patient every seven to ten years when they needed a major procedure like a facelift or tummy tuck. Now patients have ongoing relationships with their plastic surgeons and feel more comfortable discussing all areas of their body that they may be interested in rejuvenating."

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News Source:
American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Who is appropriately qualified to perform cosmetic surgery? 'Confusing jargon' contributes to misperceptions

Do you know what makes a "plastic surgeon" different from a "cosmetic surgeon"? If you're considering surgery to improve your appearance, the answer has important implications for choosing an appropriately qualified physician, according to a report in the February issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

"Our study shows that the public, and the ultimate consumer, is confused by the titles 'plastic surgeon' or 'cosmetic surgeon,'" according to senior author Rod J. Rohrich, MD, of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas. "The results demonstrate the need to eliminate confusing medical marketing in order to have a transparent system, where informed patients are assured a safe and aesthetically acceptable outcome." Dr. Rohrich is Editor-in-Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Some 'Cosmetic Surgeons' Aren't Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons
The researchers designed an internet survey to assess public perceptions of aesthetic or cosmetic surgery, or "surgery to improve one's appearance." A representative sample of 5,135 respondents completed the survey.

The results showed some misperceptions about the qualifications needed to perform cosmetic surgery. Incorrectly, 87 percent of respondents believed that surgeons must have special credentials and training to perform these procedures, or to advertise themselves as aesthetic/cosmetic/plastic surgeons.

More than half of respondents were unsure about the training needed to become a "Board-certified" plastic or cosmetic surgeon. In fact, surgeons need at least six years of residency training to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), compared to just one year for certification by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). The ABPS certification is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, while ABCS certification is not.

Most respondents stated their discomfort with specialists other than plastic surgeons performing surgery to improve their appearance. Less-educated respondents and those with lower incomes were more likely to believe that surgeons must be Board-certified in plastic surgery in order to perform aesthetic/cosmetic surgery.

The demand for cosmetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures has risen dramatically in recent years, creating a financial motive for physicians to performed aesthetic surgery. Dr. Rohrich and coauthors write, "In fact, a growing number of physicians without training in plastic and reconstructive surgery are performing surgery to improve one's appearance, often at the expense of patient safety and outcomes."

The survey identifies several factors contributing to confusion about which doctors are appropriately qualified to perform surgery to improve one's appearance, including "problematic medical marketing, recognized and unrecognized boards, and varying categorization of surgeons." The ASPS has developed a "Do Your Homework" campaign to educate the public on how to identify providers who can safety perform aesthetic/cosmetic/plastic surgery procedures.

"With the current system, physicians can capitalize on confusing jargon to convince patients that they are appropriately qualified to perform the procedures they advertise their expertise in," Dr. Rohrich and colleagues write. They outline an action plan to help patients make a more informed decision about the provider they want to perform their aesthetic/cosmetic surgery -- focusing on "increasing patient education, eliminating misconceptions, and, ultimately, improving patient safety."

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News Source:   
Wolters Kluwer Health

More than $16 billion spent on cosmetic plastic surgery in 2016

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A new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reveals that Americans spent more than ever before -- $16 billion -- on cosmetic plastic surgery and minimally-invasive procedures in 2016. The new report also breaks down the national average cost of surgical and minimally-invasive procedures.

Among the more popular cosmetic surgical procedures and their related costs were:

• Breast augmentation (290,467 procedures): national average cost of $3,719
• Liposuction (235,237 procedures): national average cost of $3,200
• Nose reshaping (223,018 procedures): national average cost of $5,046
• Tummy tuck (127,633 procedures): national average cost of $5,798
• Buttock augmentation (18,489 procedures) national average cost of $4,356

Among the more popular minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures and their related costs were:

• Wrinkle treatment injections (botulinum toxin type-A, such as Botox®, Dysport®) (7 million procedures): national average cost of $385
• Hyaluronic acid fillers (2 million procedures): national average cost of $644
• Chemical peel (1.3 million procedures): national average cost of $673
• Microdermabrasion (775,014 procedures): national average cost of $138
• Laser treatments (Intense Pulsed Light) (656,781 procedures): national average cost of $433

The national average cost of breast augmentation surgery decreased 2.7 percent from 2015. The cost for liposuction increased 6.1 percent and nose reshaping increased 5.6 percent. Botulinum toxin type A injections increased by less than 1 percent from 2015, while hyaluronic acid costs increased 5 percent and chemical peels increased 5.7 percent compared to 2015.

Cost factors for most cosmetic surgeries include the type of surgery chosen, location of surgery, surgeon's experience and insurance coverage. Fees generally do not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses.

"The most important consideration for patients should be choosing a board-certified, ASPS-member surgeon," said ASPS President Debra Johnson, MD. "Before you undergo any procedure, make sure you're putting yourself in the hands of only the most qualified and highly trained plastic surgeons. The cost of any procedure is not nearly as important as doing your homework and selecting a surgeon whose primary focus is your safety."

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News Source: 
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Bullies and their victims more likely to want plastic surgery

School bullies and their victims are more likely to want cosmetic surgery, according to new research by the University of Warwick.

Professor Dieter Wolke -- and colleagues in the Department of Psychology and Warwick Medical School -- have discovered that teenagers who are affected by bullying in any way have a greater desire than others to change their bodies by going under the knife.

Almost 2800 adolescents -- aged 11 to 16 -- in UK secondary schools were screened for their involvement in bullying, through self and peer assessment.

A sample group of around 800 adolescents -- including bullies, victims, those who both bully and are bullied, and those who are unaffected by bullying -- was analysed for emotional problems, levels of self-esteem and body-esteem, and the extent of their desire to have plastic surgery.

They were asked to complete established questionnaires -- such as the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale.

The results showed that adolescents involved in bullying in any role were more interested in cosmetic surgery, compared to those uninvolved in bullying. Desire for cosmetic surgery was highest in victims of bullying, but was also increased in bullying perpetrators.

11.5% of bullying victims have an extreme desire to have cosmetic surgery, as well as 3.4% of bullies, and 8.8% of teenagers who both bully and are bullied -- this is compared with less than 1% of those who are unaffected by bullying.

Girls want to go under the knife more than boys. Of the sample group, 7.3% of girls had an extreme wish to have plastic surgery, compared with 2% of boys.

The researchers state that perpetrators of bullying want to have plastic surgery to improve their appearance and increase their social status. .

Victims of bullying, on the other hand, want to go under the knife because their psychological functioning is affected by being picked on -- giving them lower self-esteem, more emotional problems and a desire to change their appearance.

Between 2014 and 2015, 15.9 million surgical and minimally invasive procedures were performed in the United States. Almost 230,000 of those procedures were performed on 13-19 year olds.
Rates of cosmetic surgery are similarly increasing in the United Kingdom and across the world.
Young people could have less of a desire for plastic surgery if mental health issues arising from bullying are addressed, according to the authors.

The researchers suggest that cosmetic surgeons screen potential patients for a history of bullying, and any related psychological issues.

Professor Wolke and his co-authors comment:
"Being victimized by peers resulted in poor psychological functioning, which increased desire for cosmetic surgery. For bullies, cosmetic surgery may simply be another tactic to increase social status [...] to look good and achieve dominance.
"The desire for cosmetic surgery in bullied adolescents is immediate and long-lasting.
"Our results suggest that cosmetic surgeons should screen candidates for psychological vulnerability and history of bullying."
The research, 'Adolescent Desire for Cosmetic Surgery: Associations with Bullying and Psychological Functioning', is published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

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News Source:
University of Warwick