According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world, cosmetic procedures in total were up 5% in 2012 as compared with 2011. This increase was mostly comprised of increases in facial rejuvenation procedures, especially facelifts, eyelid surgeries and minimally-invasive fillers. Why so much emphasis on the face in particular last year? Perhaps the economic recovery and increase in consumer confidence has led to a desire to restore a youthful appearance and improve one’s aesthetic appeal and confidence as well.
Additionally, the workforce is no longer just a younger person’s game; older men and women are having to put off their retirement or enter the job market and compete with younger applicants, and believe that looking more youthful helps level the playing field.
This could also be the reason why people want to improve their facial appearance with minimally invasive rejuvenation methods like fillers (Botox, Juvederm, etc.) that require less down time than other more invasive procedures with longer recovery times.
Also of note: Female cosmetic breast surgeries such as breast augmentation and breast lifts as well as body contouring procedures (e.g., tummy tucks) were among the most popular aesthetic procedures provided in 2012, however treatment of male breast development (Gynecomastia) increased by 5%, the biggest increase over last year among both male and female breast procedures. This may be largely attributed to a growing awareness and acceptance of these body contouring options.
In our office we have also seen significant increases in both the number of patients interested in cosmetic surgery as well as procedures performed as plastic surgery grows in popularity and as more folks take advantage of affordable financing options. Our patients seek plastic surgery for a number of reasons, including the endeavor to restore a youthful and refreshed appearance, to look as good as they feel, while still maintaining a balanced and natural overall result.