Facial Plastic Surgeon in Irvine Discusses Recently Released AAFPRS Statistics

IRVINE, CA--(Marketwire - Apr 10, 2012) - The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) recently released its annual statistics report outlining the top facial plastic surgery procedures performed in 2011 as well as a discussion on the increase in reliance on social media for finding information about cosmetic surgery. The AAFPRS statistics show that rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery are the two most popular surgical procedures, followed by facelifts and ablative skin resurfacing. While most facial cosmetic procedures saw a decrease from 2010, Irvine facial plastic surgeon Dr. Ali Sepehr says he believes the decrease merely represents a plateau in demand as patients have become more familiar with the recent advancements in aesthetic procedures and continue to research procedures they are considering.

Thanks to a surge in new techniques and technologies in facial plastic surgery, AAFPRS studies show that many procedures skyrocketed in demand following 2008, with facelifts reaching a record of an average of 65 procedures performed per surgeon in 2009. While the total number of procedures is down 6% from 2010, the total is up 36% from 2008, and findings show the average cost of both surgical and non-invasive procedures went down this year as well. The AAFPRS survey also shows that 63% of all facial procedures performed in 2011 were cosmetic versus reconstructive, a trend Dr. Sepehr attributes to the growing emphasis placed on aesthetic beauty. However, Dr. Sepehr says despite the recent dip highlighted by the study, Irvine rhinoplasty procedures and other facial enhancements are still in high demand as patients at his practice continue to request procedures to help them enhance their facial symmetry and overall appearance.

"As with any trend there is possibility for things to go to the extremes, and that may be what we witnessed in 2008, with people getting too many procedures. We have found that clients today are much more aware of the benefits of being conservative, which has decreased the overall number of facial plastic surgery procedures. However, our practice has not seen a similar dip in numbers, because we have always tried to advise clients with a more conservative philosophy to look good for their years, and natural rather than unnaturally younger," says Dr. Sepehr.

Despite a slight drop off in popularity of facial plastic surgery last year, Dr. Sepehr says he has seen a consistent demand for cosmetic enhancements at his Irvine facial plastic surgery practice, and is encouraged by the participation on social media platforms such as Facebook from patients seeking further education about procedures. With 42% of patients finding most of their information about plastic surgery from social media, he says he hopes patients continue to use the Internet to expand their knowledge and awareness of aesthetic enhancement. Dr. Sepehr says he still stresses the importance of consulting with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and urges patients to consider all options available before undergoing any procedure, as there is no substitute for the skill and experience of a qualified practice.

"Social media is today's word-of-mouth and has accelerated the spread of information regarding positive experiences patients have had with botox, fillers, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, face lifts, and brow lifts. However, it is important to take information regarding new techniques with a grain of salt and not expose oneself to fad treatments because they can lack effectiveness or even put a patient at risk. That is why, at The OC Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, we only offer treatments with tried and true track records," says Dr. Sepehr.

Regardless of their aesthetic goals, Dr. Sepehr says he always strives for the highest quality care for patients and will continue to offer safe and effective treatment in promoting self-confidence and the enjoyment of life. He says he is excited about the future of facial aesthetic enhancements and what they will bring to patients' lives: "The future of facial plastic surgery is exciting, because as new, effective, and safe technologies are adopted into practice, the combinations of surgical and non-surgical techniques that become available will yield the best and most natural looking results, which is what leads to improved self-esteem and quality-of-life for our clients."

About Ali Sepehr, MD

Dr. Ali Sepehr attended the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned both his undergraduate degree and medical degree. He completed a residency in Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of California, Irvine, as well as a Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Toronto. Dr. Sepehr is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is also a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners and has been awarded the 2010 Reuther Kris Conrad Merit Award for his work in facial plastic surgery.

Located at 16300 Sand Canyon Avenue Suite 201 in Irvine, CA, Dr. Sepehr's practice, the OC Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, can be reached at (949) 371-6963. He can also be contacted online via the website orangecountyfacialplasticsurgery.com or the Ali Sepehr, M.D. Facebook page.