NEW YOU, the official Magazine of Cosmetic Surgery has found that the trend in today’s economy is to have less invasive procedures, according the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) 2009 Procedural Census. From 2008 to 2009, less-invasive cosmetic surgery procedures increased by 19%. Compare that to a 3% growth for more traditional surgical cosmetic surgery procedures.
The Top 5? Put aside your guesses; here are the facts:
The Top 5
1. Botox
Well, that’s no surprise. Botox’s popularity is part of a larger trend: The trend to intervene earlier in the aging process with subtle improvements and changes, according to Michael J. Will, MD, DDS, a board-certified oral maxillofacial surgeon and general cosmetic surgeon in Ijamsville, Md.
“Using these less invasive tools, you can help ward off, in a sequential fashion, the aging process and effects of gravity over the full lifespan,” he says.
AACS Cosmetic surgeons performed 434,552 Botox procedures in 2009, a 157 percent increase since five years prior. The number one less invasive choice for men and women, Botox comes in at an average price of $420 a treatment—a huge increase from the $13 a treatment it was in 2008. More than 56 percent of Botox patients are between ages 40 and 59. The average age for Botox, which is used to temporarily diminish frown and other deep lines, has increased more than for any other less invasive procedure.
2. Fillers
Fillers, used to address volume loss and other facial aging concerns, are gaining popularity, fast. AACS member practices reported doing 302,807 filler procedures in 2009—that’s up 245 percent for men and women since 2005 (550 percent for men only).
The latest average price, according to the AACS report? $708.
Dr. Will is confident that filler use will continue to increase, as manufacturers develop longer lasting options.
“Not long ago, hyaluronic acid fillers lasted four to six months. Now they last as long as a year,” he says.
Compared to a facelift, the price tag for fillers, at least in the short term, is more attractive to many who are looking for a quick fix, Dr. Will adds.
3. Chemical Peels
In 2009, AACS member practices reported performing nearly 163,000 chemical peel procedures. The average price for the procedure has gone down $111 since the year prior to $561 in 2009.
According to Heidi Waldorf, MD, a dermatologist, associate clinical professor at Mount Sinai Medical School in New York and the director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai, New York City, the resurgence in the popularity of chemical peels is a combination of a recognition that not every problem needs a highly technical answer, and chemical peels tend to be more affordable than many other options in facial rejuvenation.
“Although I still use the standard TCA and Jessner peels, I also love the Vitalize peel by Skin Medica,” she says. “It’s a modified Jessner with retinoic acid that is safe for all skin colors all year round.”
4. Laser Hair Removal
Ringing in at number four, laser hair removal procedures at AACS practices topped 151,000 in 2009, a 26 percent decrease from the year prior. AACS surgeons report that they charge an average price of $318 for laser hair removal, which involves using a laser to remove unwanted hair. The procedure is popular especially among the younger set, with an average age of 38.3.
5. Microdermabrasion
Cosmetic surgeons reported performing more than 132,000 microdermabrasion procedures in 2009. The lunch-hour facial rejuvenation and scar revision procedure costs an average $137 at AACS member practices.
Overall, the buzz term in cosmetic surgery today, according to Dr. Will: Less is more.
“The goal would be re-establish a youthful appearance without resulting in the over-operated or overdone appearance,” he says. “Consumers are looking for the newest, least invasive and tested procedures that are affordable and have a proven efficacy.”
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Cosmetic Surgery is a sub specialty of medicine and surgery that uniquely restricts itself to the enhancement of appearance through surgical and medical techniques. It is specifically concerned with maintaining normal appearance, restoring it, or enhancing it beyond the average level toward some aesthetic ideal.
Useful information, many thanks to the author.