THURSDAY, Feb. 21 (HealthDay News) -- Plastic surgery is increasing in the United States, with 14.6 million cosmetic plastic procedures carried out in 2012, up 5 percent since 2011, according to a report published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Researchers from the ASPS reviewed the number of procedures performed in 2012 to identify recent trends in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
According to the report, in 2012 there were 14.6 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures (including both minimally-invasive and surgical) and 5.6 million reconstructive plastic surgery procedures, up 5 and 1 percent, respectively, since 2011. In 2012 there was a 6 percent increase in minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures, to more than 13 million, with the top five procedures being Botulinum toxin type A, soft tissue fillers, chemical peel, laser hair removal, and microdermabrasion. In contrast, cosmetic surgical procedures decreased by 2 percent, to nearly 1.6 million procedures. The top five surgical procedures included breast augmentation, nose reshaping, liposuction, eyelid surgery, and facelift. The most growth in 2012 was observed in facial rejuvenation procedures. Female cosmetic breast surgeries decreased in 2012, while male breast reduction increased by 5 percent. Reconstructive plastic surgery and reconstructive breast reduction continued to rise, up 1 and 8 percent, respectively, in 2012.
"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," ASPS president Gregory Evans, M.D., said in a statement. "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."
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