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Record Number of Cosmetic Procedures Performed in 2009

by Wendy Travis

A recent survey from the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery shows that the number of cosmetic procedures being conducted is on the rise. In 2009, more than 17 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States alone. While the type of procedure varied greatly, the large number of patients seeking cosmetic enhancements is increasing as more procedures are becoming available and safer. The survey was reported by Medical News Today in March of this year.

This study represents the first of its kind by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. In this data, the AACS provided nationwide results, and included random surveys of doctors across the country to find out who is performing cosmetic procedures. The results of the survey suggest that the field of cosmetic surgery is continuing to grow at an exponential rate. Many experts expect the number to continue to rise, based on the fact that more baby boomers are entering the age where cosmetic procedures become more common.

The Baby Boomer Connection

Another recent report issued by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery explains at least part of the increase in cosmetic procedures. It explains that the baby boomer generation has now reached their 50s and 60s; a time when many people attempt to fight the effects of aging with a trip to their doctor's office or medical spa. While this generation is entering their senior years, they’re not all together interested in making that obvious.

With the help of both invasive procedures like blepharoplasty and non-invasive options like Botox and dermal fillers, they no longer have to accept the fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin that often accompany this season of life. The report states that the average age of blepharoplasty is 52.3 years, while the average ages for Botox and dermal fillers are 46.6 and 46.8, respectively. It stands to reason that demand for this procedure would go up, as the population in this age bracket continues to increase, thanks to the baby boomer generation.

Procedures on the Rise

The plastic surgery procedures that saw the biggest percentage growth from 2008 to 2009 included:

Blepharoplasty (eyelid lift)
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
Rhinoplasty (nose job)

In fact, the AACS showed a jump in rhinoplasty procedures, from 12,460 in 2008, to 21,730 in 2009. This 74% increase may indicate that rhinoplasty procedures are not only becoming more effective; they are also becoming more accepted in our society today. These numbers were taken from AACS members, who also showed an increase in other types of facelift procedures.

Non-Invasive Procedures

The demand for non-invasive cosmetic procedures has also increased, as patients are seeing more dramatic results with much less discomfort and downtime than accompanies invasive cosmetic surgeries. The non-surgical treatments that saw the biggest percentage growth last year included:

Wrinkle fillers are typically administered by injection and require almost no downtime afterward. Depending on the depth of resurfacing techniques, there may be almost no downtime or a recovery phase that could last a number of weeks. Deeper treatments will results in more dramatic results as well.

If the AACS statistics prove anything, it’s that the public’s interest in personal cosmetics is not hindered very much by a down economy. The 8% growth in cosmetic procedures performed in 2009 is likely to be dwarfed by the increase in 2010, as new technology, continued baby boomer interest, and more procedural options are likely to keep the industry chugging along into the future.