There are few constants in today’s world, but data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) suggest that decades-long trends in plastic surgery continue their upward trajectory. In fact, plastic surgery is more popular — and more common — than ever before. Here, experienced Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Charles S. Lee, MD reviews the latest statistics.
Rising Interest
A May 2020 consumer survey by ASPS found that nearly half of Americans who had not previously undergone a plastic surgery procedure were receptive to doing so in the near future. Patients who had at least one procedure in the past are even more likely to choose a second one, according to the organization.
ASPS followed that up with a survey of their own members, and discovered that nearly two-thirds of plastic surgery practices saw an increase in virtual or “telemedicine” consultations in the spring. Based on these interactions with patients, ASPS members reported heightened interest in the following procedures: injectables such as dermal fillers, followed by Botox, breast augmentation, soft tissue fillers, liposuction and tummy tuck.
Prospective patients may still have some of the traditional fears associated with surgical procedures, such as pain, scarring and the possibility of a disappointing or unnatural-looking result. But extrapolating from the ASPS data, it seems clear that most Americans are confident that doctors are taking the necessary steps to keep patients safe and offices immaculate. This is certainly the case at Enhance® Medical Center, where high standards of safety and hygiene are a priority.
Top Procedures
Meanwhile, the ASPS reported that the top 10 plastic surgery procedures in 2019 were:
1. Breast augmentation (299,715)
2. Liposuction (265,209)
3. Eyelid surgery (211,005)
4. Nose reshaping (207,284)
5. Facelift (123,685)
6. Tummy tuck (123,427)
7. Breast lift (113,188)
8. Dermabrasion (77,366)
9. Neck lift (54,852)
10. Breast reduction (46,340)
Body contouring surgeries accounted for six of the top 10 procedures. In addition, injectables represent another strong upward trend line, rising at a pace slightly faster than the increase in surgical procedures. This includes Botox (Botulinum toxin type A), one of the very first injectables.
In 2019 there were 7.69 million Botox injections, the highest number ever. Dermal fillers were next with 2.72 million procedures, with chemical peels at 1.38 million, laser hair removal at 1 million and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments at 685,755.
Patients are now more likely to seek injections of dermal fillers before choosing surgical options. For example, many use dermal fillers to make subtle changes to the shape and profile of the nose before choosing rhinoplasty. And these injectables are increasingly used to improve the appearance of skin around the eyes before blepharoplasty or brow lift is chosen.
To learn more about plastic surgery procedures, schedule a personal consultation with Charles S. Lee, MD, or contact the Beverly Hills office of Enhance® Medical Center today.
