US Reports 3% Increase in Plastic Surgery Procedures in 2013

by Kurt Doyle

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has released its annual report on procedural statistics. It revealed that there were 15.1 million cosmetic surgery procedures (both minimally invasive and surgical performed in the United States in 2013. This represents a 3 percent increase from 2012. Reconstructive plastic surgeries also increased, up 2 percent from the previous year to 5.7 million.

In a press release, ASPS President Dr. Robert X. Murphy said, "The demand for plastic surgery remains strong, with our statistics showing increases in both cosmetic surgical and minimally-invasive procedures. Facial rejuvenation procedures were especially robust last year, with more Americans opting for facelifts, forehead lifts, eyelid surgery, fillers and peels. With new devices and products hitting the market each year, there are more options and choices available to consumers wanting to refresh their look or a little nip and tuck."

New technological advances have contributed to the increases in cosmetic surgery. In 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved several new plastic surgery devices and products. These included a hyaluronic acid facial filler designed to treat mid-face volume loss, as well as two form-stable silicone gel breast implants. This means that all three U.S. based breast implant manufacturers now have form-stable implants on the market.

Minimally-Invasive Cosmetic Procedures

Minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures saw a 3 percent increase, with Botulinum toxin type A injections by far the most popular, accounting for 6.3 million out of a total 13.4 million procedures. Botulinum toxin injections, including Botox, Dysport, and facial fillers, continue to become more and more popular. They have now risen 700 percent since 2000. Hyaluronic acid was the filler that saw the biggest rise in popularity, increasing by 18 percent from 2012.

Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

Surgical cosmetic procedures saw a 1 percent increase over 2012, with breast augmentation continuing to be the most popular procedure. Silicone implants were used in 72 percent of breast augmentations, with saline implants accounting for only 28 percent. The ASPS report included, for the first time, two procedures that have gained popularity recently: butt implants and neck lifts. Butt implant procedures were up 16 percent from 2012, while neck lifts rose by 6 percent.

Reconstructive Procedures

Reconstructive plastic surgeries, which improve function and/or appearance to abnormal structures. Tumor removal was the most common, but Dr. Murphy was encouraged by the increase in breast reconstruction surgeries, saying: "It's promising to see breast reconstruction rates rising. Less than 20 percent of breast cancer patients undergo breast reconstruction because they are not always informed of their options, although studies show that reconstruction greatly improves quality of life. In 2012, we launched a multi-year breast reconstruction awareness campaign to educate, engage and empower women to make informed decisions about their healthcare following breast cancer diagnosis. We hope that these efforts will continue to increase awareness regarding the benefits of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction."

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