More than 17 million cosmetic procedures performed last year in USA

Chicago – A procedural survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery says more than 17 million cosmetic surgery procedures were performed in the United States in 2009.

The total number of procedures from this first-time study far surpasses any number that has previously been reported in the U.S. This is the first nationwide survey of its kind done by the AACS. In addition to the annual polling of its own members, the AACS also surveyed random physicians across the country to find out who is performing cosmetic surgery procedures.

The total number of procedures performed by AACS members has increased by eight percent since 2008.

“The cosmetic surgery industry continues to grow at a rate many people never thought it would reach,” said AACS President Mark Berman, MD. “With the aging of the baby boomer generation, I don’t think we’ve come close to hitting the ceiling yet. That 17 million is only going to expand.”

Among AACS member practices, the biggest increase in invasive procedures in the last five years are in blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and rhinoplasty (nose). For less-invasive procedures, the biggest increase over that five-year period is in laser resurfacing, chemical peels and fillers.

For AACS members, rhinoplasty surgeries jumped from 12,460 in 2008 to 21,730 in 2009, a 74 percent increase. Facelifts were also up this year, from 20,478 in ’08 to 34,455 in ’09, a 44 percent spike.

“As the economy recovers slowly but surely, we are seeing patients come back and feel better about doing some things for themselves that maybe they’d been putting off for a while,” Berman said.

Feel free to contact us for more information about cosmetic surgery procedures in Argentina.

Society more open than ever about cosmetic surgery

Consumer survey results indicate ‘having work done’ not taboo anymore

Chicago – Cosmetic surgery is everywhere these days: TV, magazines, Internet and more. And according to new data, society is indeed more comfortable talking about cosmetic surgery than ever before.

In a survey released today by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, 71 percent of respondents think society is less judgmental about cosmetic surgery than it was just five years ago. Furthermore, about 62 percent said society’s attitude toward cosmetic surgery made them feel more comfortable about getting a procedure.

Before and after a tummy tuck surgery

“This is a confirmation of what many of us have felt for a long time – that cosmetic surgery has become mainstream,” said Dr. Mark Berman, AACS President-Elect. “A variety of factors have contributed to the normalization of our industry, but the bottom line is that people are not afraid to talk openly about cosmetic surgery anymore.”

According to the survey, the most accepted invasive procedures are breast augmentation (42.4%), facelift (32.2%) and tummy tuck (32.1%). Among non-invasive procedures, the most accepted are laser hair removal (61.9%) and Botox (61.6%). Additionally, 52 percent of respondents said they would tell family about having invasive cosmetic surgery.

Before and after a breast augmentation surgery

About 20 percent said they would consider getting cosmetic surgery in the future, while about 22 percent were unsure if they would. Respondents under the age of 40 were nearly twice as likely to consider having a procedure in the future.

“It’s been a long road but thanks to the hard work of so many, cosmetic surgery is rightfully gaining acceptance in our society,” said Dr. Patrick McMenamin, AACS President. “We’ve reached a point where people are no longer quiet about having a cosmetic procedure and that is important to all of us.”

Before and after a facelift surgery (rhytidectomy)

Source: American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery

Plastic Surgeons Respond to Proposed Cosmetic Surgery Tax

Surprise Addition to Healthcare Bill is Arbitrary, Difficult to Administer

Arlington Heights, IL and New York, NY – Democratic leaders in the Senate unveiled their proposal for overhauling the health care system, which included a new 5% tax on elective cosmetic procedures. Senate Democrats argue that the tax, which was a surprise addition to the sweeping 2,074-page bill, will generate $5.8 billion over the next 10 years to be put towards the bill’s estimated $849 billion price tag. However, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) oppose this tax as discriminatory, arbitrary and ineffective.

“Elective surgery taxes discriminate against women, given that 86 percent of cosmetic surgery patients are female, of which 91 percent are between the working ages of 19-64,” said Michael McGuire, MD, ASPS President. “Moreover, contrary to popular belief, cosmetic surgery is no longer an exclusive luxury afforded by the very wealthy, but rather a mainstream and reasonable option most common amongst the working middle-class.”

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Breast Reduction May Lead to Cancer Detection in Patients

There may be some new added benefits to breast reduction surgery. Testing tissue and fat removed during the procedure may lead to increased cancer detection, reports a new study presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery 2009 conference, Oct. 23-27, in Seattle. Two-hundred-two cases were evaluated. Cancerous or pre-cancerous cells were found in 12.4 percent of patients. Age was significantly associated with negative pathologic findings. The rate of cancer was 6.2 percent in women 40 years or older and 7.9 percent in women 50 years or older. None of the lesions were identified on pre-operative mammograms. The authors suggest that increased testing in breast reduction patients can help to identify at-risk patients, especially in breast reduction patients over 40.

By the Numbers:

Nearly 90,000 women had breast reduction surgery in 2008, up 5 percent since 2000, reports the ASPS.

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

Plastic Surgery 2009 news briefs

Cleavage Rejuvenation, Do-It-Yourself Lasers, Botox® Breast Lift – Hype or Reality?

Whether their effectiveness is fact or fiction, less invasive cosmetic procedures such as cleavage rejuvenation, do-it-yourself (DIY) cosmetic therapies, and using Botox® to “lift” the breasts are making headlines, but are they safe? Plastic surgeons will discuss if these, and more, are cutting edge new discoveries or just “buyer beware” marketing hype at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery 2009 conference, Oct. 23 – 27, in Seattle. Cleavage rejuvenation involves injecting a non-allergenic filler into the cleavage to alleviate wrinkles. DYI cosmetic therapies include hair removal devices, lasers, even fillers that some patients are ordering off the Internet. With a Botox Breast Lift, the toxin is injected into the chest muscles, temporarily paralyzing them, and causing the back muscles to compensate. The patient, in turn, is forced to standup straighter, thereby creating a lifted appearance in the breasts. Plastic surgeons are concerned that these may be some of the procedures consumers are turning to in the weak economy. A new procedure called Awake-Breast Augmentation, where the patient is awake during surgery and gives feedback regarding her preferred size of implant, will be examined. Additionally, the latest information on cosmetic gynecology, laser liposuction, cellulite, new fillers such as Selphyl (being touted as a new blood-based injectable), and more will be discussed.

By the Numbers:

* More than 10.4 million cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures were performed in 2008, according to the ASPS.

* Laser hair removal (1 million procedures) was among the top 5 minimally-invasive procedures and more than 400,000 patients had laser skin resurfacing in 2008.

* Cosmetic breast procedures totaled nearly 400,000 procedures last year.

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Patients Honored for Giving Back

Ceremony at American Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting

Seattle – An injured Iraqi citizen, a port wine stain patient, a breast reconstruction patient and a skin cancer patient will be named honorees of the Patients of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity awards by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) at Plastic Surgery 2009, October 24, 4:30 p.m., at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center in Seattle.  These unselfish individuals endured numerous reconstructive plastic surgeries and use their experiences, strength and determination to help others in need.

The Patients of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity program is supported by Ethicon, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company. Continuing in the spirit of giving, Ethicon will donate, on behalf of each of the honorees, $5,000 to four non-profit organizations providing reconstructive plastic surgery services to people in need.

“ASPS Member Surgeons are humbled by the achievements of their patients,” said ASPS President John Canady, MD. “It is so impressive to see our patients doing such good things for so many people.”

Uday Hattem, New York – As a citizen of Baghdad, Iraq, Hattem signed on as a translator for the U.S. Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In May, 2003, Hattem ventured out for supplies for the troops when he encountered a group of insurgents who shot him at close range in the face, neck, and arm and left him for dead. He suffered facial deformities losing his right eye, cheek, palate, and partial mandible. In a twist of fate, the founder of Global Medical Relief Fund (GMRF) met Hattem in an Iraqi hospital and sought aid from doctors in the United States. Hattem arrived in New York after receiving a Certificate of Honor for his heroism. He underwent microsurgical reconstruction of the cheek and orbit followed by facial flap rotation for soft tissue coverage. He also required bone grafts, nasal reconstruction, as well as numerous skin, cartilage, and fat grafts to improve the color and contour mismatch on his face. Grateful for all he’s been given, Hattem gives back to those in need by actively participating in the GMRF efforts to bring Iraqi children injured during war to the United States.

Abigail Hardin, Clinton, Miss. – Hardin, currently a student at the University of Alabama, was born with a right cheek capillary vascular malformation – port wine stain.  She received several laser treatments throughout her childhood to try to alleviate the malformation. Based on her life experiences, she recently published a children’s book entitled “Look at me; I’m just like you” about a hippopotamus named Lucy who has a port wine stain on her cheek. Lucy is the subject of peer ridicule and teaches her classmates to accept and respect other children with facial and functional deformities. Hardin travels to schools to read her book to school children, giving both teachers and students the opportunity to increase their awareness of the self-esteem and emotional issues facing children perceived as “different.” Hardin also started a foundation called Open My Eyes whose sole purpose is to fund projects that promote character-development in children. A percentage of the sales of her book will go to support the ongoing mission of her foundation.

Janet Smith, Canton, Ohio – Smith was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma of her left breast and underwent lumpectomy. After chemo and radiation therapy, she developed inflammatory carcinoma invading the skin and lymph nodes. This was followed by 10 cycles of chemo, and she was given a poor prognosis. A latissimus dorsi flap was unsuccessful, and she was left with an extensive chest wall wound which had to be covered with skin grafts. She recently developed inflammatory disease in the right breast and underwent a right mastectomy with advancement flap for closure. Her spirits remain high throughout her numerous surgical procedures and therapies. Next to her family, music is her joy. She volunteers with the music program at McKinley Senior High School teaching children the gift of music. Smith leads the FACES of Stark County, an agency of parents who have been successful navigating the various systems for their own children and now help other parents find appropriate services for their children.

Jane Escher, Easton, Md. – Escher was diagnosed, at age 82, with an aggressive basal cell carcinoma on her nose, a cancer she successfully fought twice before. She sought the expertise of a MOHS’ surgeon, but the cancer was more widespread than initially believed, and she was left with a large nasal defect that ended up requiring a forehead flap reconstruction.  Not wanting to miss work, Escher returned to work within a week, even though her reconstruction was not completely finished.  She is an outreach nurse for the Shore Regional Breast Center giving uninsured women access to life-saving cancer screenings. Escher is an inspiration to everyone around her, especially her young cancer patients, as they are inspired seeing an elder woman tackle the difficulties of skin cancer and reconstructive surgeries. She is a senior citizen who never let cancer slow her down in her quest to care for others as a nurse at the underserved Shore Regional Breast Center.

For more information about reconstructive plastic surgery do not hesitate to contact us.

Prophylactic Mastectomy: More women choosing to remove healthy breast after cancer diagnosis

A new study of New York State data finds that the number of women opting for surgery to remove the healthy breast after a cancer diagnosis in one breast is rising, despite a lack of evidence that the surgery can improve survival. The study also finds that despite extensive press coverage of women who choose to have both breasts removed because of a strong family history of cancer, the rate of this surgery is relatively low and has changed little in the last decade. The study appears in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society.

Prophylactic mastectomy, the removal of a noncancerous breast, is one method for reducing a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer; however, there is little information available on the prevalence of prophylactic mastectomies for preventing breast cancer among high-risk women or on the prevalence of the surgery to prevent tumors in the healthy breast among women whose cancer is limited to one breast.

Researchers led by Stephen B. Edge, M.D., FACS, of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY, examined the frequency of prophylactic mastectomies in New York State between 1995 and 2005 using mandated statewide hospital discharge data combined with data from the state cancer registry. They identified 6,275 female New York residents who underwent prophylactic mastectomies. Eighty-one percent of the women had been diagnosed with cancer in one breast, while 19 percent had no personal history of breast cancer.

The researchers found that the number of prophylactic mastectomies increased during the time period, particularly among women with cancer in one breast. Over the 11-year study period, the prevalence of these contralateral mastectomies more than doubled. The prevalence of bilateral prophylactic mastectomies among women with no personal history of breast cancer increased only slightly.

“These data from New York are the only data on a large population of women that examine the use of bilateral prophylactic mastectomy,” said Dr. Edge. “These data demonstrate that prophylactic mastectomy is an uncommon procedure that is performed most commonly on women with a personal history of breast cancer. Although the total number of prophylactic mastectomies performed per year was small, it appears that the use of the surgery is increasing.” In addition, he noted that women with breast cancer should have careful counseling regarding benefits and risks before proceeding with prophylactic mastectomy of the other breast.

For more information about prophylactic mastectomy and/or breast reconstruction surgery do not hesitate to contact us.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons Hosts 78th Annual Meeting

Showcases Latest Research, Novel Procedures & Emerging Trends; Seattle, Oct. 23-27

Arlington Heights, Ill. – Whether in a quest for beauty or out of necessity, millions of Americans will have plastic surgery this year. To stay ahead of the demand, the hottest topics, technologies, and research will be presented at Plastic Surgery 2009, the annual scientific meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Oct. 23-27, in Seattle. The meeting, held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, will be attended by more than 5,000 doctors, medical personnel and exhibitors in the field of plastic surgery.

“Plastic Surgery 2009 is the complete plastic surgery experience featuring the latest information on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery techniques,” said ASPS President John Canady, MD. “New discoveries on facial aging, novel uses for Botox® to treat chronic pain, concerns about do-it-yourself cosmetic treatments and more will be explored. Amazing reconstructive surgery breakthroughs that will one day allow U.S. soldiers with artificial limbs to feel sensation will be revealed.”

Opening Ceremonies
Keynote speaker and accomplished teacher, writer, and orator, Atul Gawande, MD, will discuss his unique perspective on the practice of medicine and healthcare reform, during Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The annual Patients of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity awards honoring inspirational reconstructive plastic surgery patients who’ve overcome traumatic illness or injury will also be recognized for their courage and altruism.

Breast Reconstruction Art Exhibit
Created to raise awareness about the many forms of breast reconstruction, the Out of the Shadows…Into the Light art exhibit will be held on Sunday, Oct. 25 – Tuesday, Oct. 27. The exhibit shares the stories of breast cancer patients, through plaster sculptures of their busts, representing various stages of breast cancer. The creator will discuss how she created art from tragedy.

Special Media Event
Hot Topics in Plastic Surgery is one of the most popular panels at Plastic Surgery 2009. For the first time, ASPS is bringing Hot Topics presentations straight to the media during its Hot Topics Overview/Webinar for the Media on Monday, Oct. 26, from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. During this dynamic hour, journalists can get answers to questions regarding the latest technologies and procedures and engage in conversation with the experts.

Exhibit Hall
The Exhibit Hall, open Saturday, Oct. 24 – Monday, Oct. 26, will showcase more than 300 companies, featuring products and devices including the latest breast implants, injectable wrinkle fighters, cosmetics/skin care, and body contouring technologies. This array of exhibitors will bring plastic surgeons up-to-date on cutting-edge products and technologies to better care for patients.

Closing Ceremonies
Closing Ceremonies on Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. will feature recognized heart and lung transplant surgeon, the Honorable William H. Frist, MD, who will discuss the future of healthcare in America. He will present his vision of increased availability and affordability of quality healthcare.

Studies, panels, and courses presented at Plastic Surgery 2009 include:

* Hot Topics in Plastic Surgery
* Rejuvenation of the Upper Eyelid – Is Less Really More
* Breast Augmentation with Liposuctioned Fat: A Fifty Patient Study Over Five Years
* Achieving Predictable Outcomes in Buttock Rejuvenation
* Not All Facelifts Created Equal – New Ways to Reshape the Face
* Non-Surgical Rejuvenation – Lasers
* Facial Aging and the Mid-Facelift
* Five Year Outcome of Surgical Treatment of Migraine Headache
* Military Plastic Surgery – A Global Update
* The Efficacy of Botox in the Treatment of Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
* Composite Tissue Allotransplantation (Face Transplants) – Have We Achieved Liftoff
* The Impact of Breast Reduction on Low Back Compressive Forces and Function
* Functional and Structural Repair of Peripheral Nerve Injury by Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
* Breast Reconstruction Managing Flap Reconstruction
* Carcinoma and Hyperplasia in Breast Reduction Surgery: Increased Sampling Leads to Increased Detection
* Inter-Relationships of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Body Mass Indices in the Massive Weight Loss Population