Mere decades ago, cosmetic surgery was a taboo subject that most people would never admit to undergoing. Today it is a booming business that helps people look their best. In 2013, the plastic surgery industry saw a fourth consecutive year of growth, proving that both appearance and self-esteem remain high priorities to many American citizens.
The Statistics
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of cosmetic surgical procedures went up 3% in 2013 over 2012. These numbers, which total 15.1 million procedures in all, include both minimally invasive office visits as well as full surgical procedures. Full reconstructive surgeries also went up in 2013, with a 2% overall increase. According to the same source, the top surgical procedure is breast augmentation, with 290,000 people opting for the operation. In 2013, the rate of breast augmentations alone went up 1%. The two procedures that increased the most were eyelid surgery and facelifts, which both increased by 6%.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Lower costs and easy accessibility have led to more Americans seeking minimally invasive transformations. During 2013, more than 13.4 million of these procedures were completed in the United States alone. This led to an overall increase of 3% since 2012. The top minimally invasive treatments in 2013 included Botox, soft tissue fillers, and chemical peels. Botox injections alone have increased by 700% since 2000. Laser hair removal and microdermabrasion are also in the list of top five treatments. Most of these treatments can be completed quickly in an office setting or even a medical spa.
New Treatments
Some experts are chalking up the high demand of cosmetic surgery in the United States to the growing number of procedures available. New devices are continually approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, prompting citizens to seek these safe and effective treatments. Some of the most recent new devices, such as form-stable silicone gel breast implants, are encouraging for those who previously wished for breast augmentation, but were wary of side effects. Hyaluronic acid facial filler is another new treatment that Americans are enjoying, as the product helps fill in mid-face areas that have lost volume due to the aging process. Its popularity has increased by 18% within the last year.
Facial Rejuvenation
Robert X. Murphy, MD, is the president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He says that the industry has seen a particular boom regarding facial rejuvenation techniques, such as facelifts and fillers. Peels, forehead lifts, and many other facial treatments are also quite popular. Dr. Murphy attributes this popularity to the number of treatments that continue to be added to the market on an annual basis, as well as the growing desire to refresh one’s look. Consumers have more choices than ever in the plastic surgery sector, enabling them to select the best procedure for their time constraints and budgets.
More technological advances and accessible options are sure to help fuel the demand for cosmetic procedures in the United States. Some insurance agencies are even beginning to cover the costs for these popular surgeries and treatments.
