More Americans Seeking Cosmetic Surgery: 22 Percent Increase in Procedures in 2004; Recent Study Exposes Patient Motivations, Trends and the Future of Facial Plastic Surgery

NEW YORK -- Americans continue to turn to facial plastic surgery to enhance appearance and smooth the lines of time according to a recent study released by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).  Facial plastic surgeons report a 22 percent increase overall in cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures compared to last year.

The annual study, which reports the latest trends in facial plastic

surgery gathered from board certified AAFPRS members, shows that overall the

most sought after procedures from 2003 to 2004 were filler injections, up 115

percent, and Botox, up 107 percent.  In addition to these two large increases,

there have been significant increases in procedures among men.  Laser

resurfacing and forehead lifts both increased almost 300 percent, while Botox

injections were up 210 percent.

The survey reveals that non-surgical procedures are a major priority for

many patients who are looking to refresh their complexions or maintain their

youthful appearance.  Approximately 220,400 chemical peels and 262,600 filler

injections took place in 2004*.  At the same time, however, invasive

(surgical) procedures are also on the rise.  Approximately 130,400 men and

women underwent blepharoplasty in 2004* and 107,400 patients

did undergo rhinoplasty.

"This year's AAFPRS survey clearly illustrates that many patients are

opting for less invasive procedures, but also shows that more and more men and

women are also undergoing surgeries like rhinoplasty and face/neck

liposuction," said Dr. Steven Pearlman, president of the AAFPRS.  "By looking

at these statistics, it is evident that facial plastic surgery has become a

norm.  However not all elective procedures are for everyone and a consultation

with a board certified facial plastic surgeon will help determine the best

procedure(s) for each patient."

When it comes to why patients elect facial cosmetic surgery, AAFPRS

surgeons report that men and women consistently cite the same reasons for

their decision.  Looking younger is the primary motivation for both genders.

Men were also likely to report receiving facial cosmetic surgery for work

related reasons (22 percent).  Facial plastic surgeons also said that 23

percent of women opt for surgery to "look less tired" and "to look/feel

better" (17 percent). Over half of all patients (54 percent) have had multiple

procedures in the same year.

Several noticeable trends were confirmed by the Academy's survey.  Nearly

half of the surveyed surgeons have seen facial plastic surgery given as a gift

in the past year.  Another significant trend worth noting is the increase in

teens undergoing cosmetic surgery (37 percent of surgeons identified this as a

trend).  Nearly equal in popularity are couples that chose to refresh their

appearance together at 35 percent.  Medical spas also continue to rise in

popularity with 14 percent of surgeons saying they perform non-invasive

procedures in this setting.

As reported in previous years, women tend to be the most likely candidates

for facial cosmetic surgery -- nearly eight in ten facial cosmetic procedures

(78 percent) were performed on women.  The most common surgical procedures for

females were eyelid surgery, nose surgery and facelifts, while non-surgical

procedures included Botox, filler injections, microdermabrasion, and chemical

peels.  Botox for women showed a 92 percent increase from last year.

Not surprising, the majority of surgeons say that patients are not

requesting specific celebrity features when they come in for cosmetic surgery,

but rather view themselves as individuals and do not identify with

celebrities. However, when asked, some men specifically desire Brad Pitt's

features (7 percent), particularly his nose, as well as George Clooney's

appearance (3 percent).  Women most desire Angelina Jolie's lips (11 percent),

while three percent mention features of Nicole Kidman, particularly her cheeks

and nose.

What does the future hold for facial plastic surgery?  Responding surgeons

predict that more fillers will be introduced to the market and a heightened

focus on patient safety will continue to be a focal point in the industry in

the years to come.  Forty-eight percent of surgeons agree that the popularity

of facial plastic surgery in reality television will subside.  Finally, more

than one-third (37 percent) of doctors feel that overall patients are getting

younger.

"Each year this study is conducted, we gain more and more insight not only

about the most popular procedures, but also a better understanding of what

patients are truly seeking and thinking when it comes to facial plastic

surgery," says Pearlman.  "AAFPRS surgeons are face specialists who are

dedicated to helping patients feel better about themselves and information

from member survey's like this certainly benefit the patient."

Source: AAFPRS

* = The survey is based on those who responded and projections reflect

2,000 active AAFPRS members.