Chicago Plastic Surgeon on ASAPS Study and Most Popular Procedures

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - May 16, 2012) - According to the most recent study from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), more than 9 million cosmetic procedures were performed. Liposuction was the most common procedure performed, having increased nearly 13% from the previous year, followed by breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, blepharoplasty, and breast lift. At his Chicago plastic surgery practice, the Aesthetic Institute of Chicago, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Braithwaite says both liposuction and breast augmentation have been the most popular procedures since the beginning of 2012.

The ASAPS report also shows an increase in the total number of surgical procedures from 2010-2011, a fact Dr. Braithwaite says holds true at his practice as well: "Compared to previous years, we have seen an increase in both consultations as well as surgical procedures. Much of the increase in popularity at our practice might be attributed to the mild winter and spectacular spring we have had in Chicago, which typically motivates patients to get a jumpstart on their plans for enjoying the warmer weather ahead."

Despite liposuction claiming the top spot for the first time in three years, the Chicago plastic surgeon says breast augmentation is still the most popular procedure at his office, and believes its continued popularity centers on the impact the results can have on a patient's body image and overall self-confidence. He adds that breast augmentation results can be extremely satisfying when performed properly, as the recovery period is typically very brief and well-tolerated, and patients are able to enjoy the results for years.

In addition to the continued growth in the number of breast augmentation procedures performed annually, Dr. Braithwaite says he believes the ASAPS statistics also point to the continued success and growth of non-surgical cosmetic enhancement. According to the study, non-surgical procedures accounted for 82% of the total, and have increased 365% since 1997, when these statistics were first collected. In terms of non-surgical treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic or injectable dermal fillers, Dr. Braithwaite says he expects further innovation and discovery to fuel their popularity and growth, along with one other added bonus for the consumer: "New and improved neurotoxins and dermal fillers will become available, expanding treatment options for patients wanting non-surgical procedures. With increased competition amongst manufacturers, I expect we're likely to see lower prices down the road."

About Brian M. Braithwaite, MD

Dr. Brian Braithwaite earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He completed a general surgery residency at the Keesler Medical Center, and a plastic surgery residency at the University of Louisville. After completing his training, Dr. Braithwaite became a staff plastic surgeon at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, and eventually became the Chief of Plastic Surgery at Bethesda. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

The Aesthetic Institute of Chicago is located at 601 West Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60661, and can be contacted at (312) 361-8108. Dr. Braithwaite and his team can also be found online at www.drbraithwaite.com and their Chicago Plastic Surgery Facebook page.