The latest plastic surgery stats are out

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFRS) has just released results of the latest survey for the number of non-invasive cosmetic procedures. The numbers rose 47 percent. The results are not unllike last year's as consumer continue to choose to have less invasive procedures. The economy continues to play a large role in the growing trend. Not only are consumers having less-costly procedures, but 80 percent of physicians surveyed say patients are making these choices in order to remain competitive in the workplace. People are making more informed choices and deciding how to best spend their hard-earned dollars.

The increase in non-invasive procedures administered by facial plastic surgeons was seen across the spectrum of treatments with the greatest increase being poly-l-lactic acid (up 71 percent). Other increases include chemical peels (up 52 percent), hyaluronic acid (up 48%) and Botox® (up 45 percent.)

The survey also showed that 77 percent of physicians agree that patients are more educated about plastic surgery options. With more people wanting to look younger, feel better and take an active role in their health, patients are researching different physicians and treatments to find the best one suited to meet their personal needs. Awareness of various procedures, appropriate physicians, best results and recovery times play an important role in the decision-making process.

In 2009, women continued to be the most likely candidates for facial plastic surgery making up 84 percent of all surgical and non-surgical procedures. However, men and women are equally split when it comes to reconstructive procedures.

Surgical Procedures
The surgical procedures with the largest increases over the past year were ablative skin resurfacing (up 57 percent), revision surgery (up 18 percent) and facelifts (up 14 percent). Decreases were seen in lip augmentation (down 52 percent) and rhinoplasty (down 13 percent).

Other Facial Plastic Surgery Trends
The facelift is the most common procedure performed on Caucasian patients, African Americans and Hispanics are most likely to have rhinoplasty while Asian Americans get blepharoplasty most often. Overall, 80 percent of AAFPRS members who participated in the survey feel that the future holds more cosmetic surgery for ethnic populations.

In addition, more facial plastic surgeons will offer wellness and lifestyle techniques to enhance the patient experience and to provide a more comprehensive approach.

Find the Right Surgeon
The AAFPRS reminds patients and professionals that when a patient requests any facial procedure above the neck, to first seek surgeons who are qualified, trained and experienced in performing those procedures and ensure that patients trust their face to a facial plastic surgeon.

A random selection of AAFPRS members across this country include:

David Michael Butler, MD, FACS
1301 20th Street Suite 300 Santa Monica, CA 90404
Tel: (310) 829-7792

Stephen F. Bansberg, MD
5777 East Mayo Boulevard Phoenix, AZ 85054
Tel: (480) 301-8000

J. David Kriet, MD, FACS
KUMC Dept. of Oto/HNS 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS 3010 Kansas City, KS 66160-0001
Tel: (913) 588-6731

Stephen W. Perkins, MD
Meridian Plastic Surgeons 170 W 106th St. Indianapolis, IN 46290-1004
Tel: (317) 575-0330

Brian P. Maloney, MD, FACS
6111 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE Bldg E, Suite 201 Atlanta, GA 30328-4577
Tel: (770) 804-0007

Edmond Y. Yeganeh, MD
330 Borthwick Ave Suite 304 Portsmouth, NH 03801-4174
Tel: (603) 431-3477

To find a qualified surgeon near you, check the AAFPRS website and use the interactive map. You can find a list of surgeons near you.  AAFPRS websote. click here.