Local Organization Reports Plastic Surgery on the Rise

Plastic surgery has been on the rise across the nation over the past three years, according to statistics released Wednesday by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, an Arlington Heights-based organization. 

In 2012, 14.6 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in the United States—which is up 5 percent since 2011. In addition, 5.6 million reconstructive plastic surgery procedures were performed last year, up 1 percent, according to a ASPS press release. 

"For the third consecutive year, the overall growth in cosmetic surgery continues to be driven by a significant rise in minimally-invasive procedures, while surgical procedures remain relatively stable," said ASPS President Gregory Evans in the news release. "We are aware, however, that patients who begin with less invasive treatments with a plastic surgeon may opt for more invasive, surgical procedures once required."

Botox and More

Facial rejuvenation procedures, both surgical and minimally-invasive saw the most growth in 2012.

Face lifts and eyelid surgeries were up, while 2012 marked the highest number ofbotulinum toxin type A, which includes Botox, injections performed to date, according to the news release 

Other facial rejuvenation procedures like soft tissue fillers, laser skin resurfacing and microdermabrasion also saw sizable increases with 509,000 more procedures completed in 2012, which is up 9 percent over 2011. 

The top minimally-invasive procedures increased by 6 percent in 2012 with more than 13 million procedures in 2012. The top five minimally-invasive procedures were:

• Botulinum toxin type A (6.1 million procedures, up 8 percent)
• Soft tissue fillers (2 million procedures, up 5 percent)
• Chemical peel (1.1 million procedures, up 2 percent)
• Laser hair removal (1.1 million procedures, up 4 percent)
• Microdermabrasion (974,000 procedures, up 8 percent)

Cosmetic Surgical Procedures Decline

Cosmetic surgical procedures decreased 2 percent, with nearly 1.6 million procedures in 2012. The top five surgical procedures were:

• Breast augmentation (286,000 procedures, down 7 percent)
• Nose reshaping (243,000 procedures, no change)
• Liposuction (202,000 procedures, down 1 percent)
• Eyelid surgery (204,000 procedures, up 4 percent)
• Facelift (126,000 procedures, up 6 percent)

Cosmetic breast surgeries for women, such as breast augmentation and breast lifts dropped by two percent last year, with 89,000 procedures completed nationwide. 

"Female cosmetic breast surgeries such as breast augmentation, as well as body contouring procedures like tummy tucks, were some of the most popular procedures performed in 2012, although they saw declines," Evans said. "Facial rejuvenation procedures to eradicate wrinkles, refresh, or tighten sagging skin experienced growth, as more consumers chose to maintain or restore a youthful appearance with these procedures."

Reconstructive breast reduction rates continue to rise, with more than 68,000 procedures performed last year, which is up 8 percent over 2011. Male breast reduction rose by 5 percent with nearly 21,000 male breast reductions performed. 

"Although breast reduction has many physical and psychological benefits for women with overly large breasts, obstacles remain in acquiring insurance coverage," said Dr. Evans. "It's promising to see gains in this and other beneficial, medically necessary surgeries."

Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive plastic surgery, which is meant to improve function and appearance, increased by 1 percent in 2012. The top five reconstructive procedures were:

• Tumor removal (4.2 million, up 1 percent)
• Laceration repair (291,000, down 4 percent)
• Maxillofacial surgery (209,000, up 7 percent)
• Scar revision (171,000, down 2 percent)
• Hand surgery (123,000, up 3 percent)

Source: American Society for Plastic Surgeons