Plastic Surgery Statistics Show New Consumer Trends

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL--(Marketwired - Feb 26, 2015) - The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) today released its annual plastic surgery procedural statistics, reporting that 15.6 million cosmetic procedures, including both minimally-invasive and surgical, were performed in the United States in 2014, an increase of 3 percent since 2013. In addition, 5.8 million reconstructive surgery procedures were performed last year, up 1 percent.

"The demand for plastic surgery continues to grow as medical advancements are made and technology improves resulting in a wider array of options for patients," said ASPS President Scot Glasberg, MD. "Today, more than ever, patients are empowered with choices to achieve the results they are seeking. Through open communication and a mutual understanding of expectations, patients work closely with their surgeon to determine the procedures most appropriate for them to achieve their optimal outcomes."

A Rear View

The use of fat in minimally invasive procedures is up 2 percent from 2013 to 2014. One procedure for which fat injections are an option, is buttock augmentation. 

New ASPS statistics show that the butt is not taking the backseat anytime soon. Buttock implants and lifts are among the fastest growing procedures over the past year. The top surgical procedures performed on patients' buttocks were:

• Buttock augmentation with fat grafting (11,505 procedures, up 15 percent from 2013 to 2014)
• Buttock implants (1,863 procedures, up 98 percent from 2013 to 2014)
• Buttock lift (3,505 procedures, up 44 percent from 2013 to 2014)

Top 5 Cosmetic Minimally-Invasive and Cosmetic Surgical Procedures

Minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures increased 4 percent, with more than 13.9 million procedures in 2014. The top five minimally-invasive procedures were:

1. Botulinum Toxin Type A (6.7 million procedures, up 6 percent from 2013 to 2014)
2. Soft Tissue Fillers (2.3 million procedures, up 3 percent from 2013 to 2014)
3. Chemical peel (1.2 million procedures, up 7 percent from 2013 to 2014)
4. Laser hair removal (1.1 million procedures, up 3 percent from 2013 to 2014)
5. Microdermabrasion (881,905 procedures, down 9 percent from 2013 to 2014)

"Subtlety has been the keyword I've heard from patients over the past year," says Dr. Glasberg. "Minimally invasive procedures typically produce subtle aesthetic results and for many people, that is all they want or need at the time."

Cosmetic surgical procedures rose 1 percent, to nearly 1.7 million procedures in 2014. The top five surgical procedures were:

1. Breast augmentation (286,254 procedures, down 1 percent)
2. Nose reshaping (217,124 procedures, down 2 percent)
3. Liposuction (210,552 procedures, up 5 percent)
4. Eyelid surgery (206,509 procedures, down 4 percent)
5. Facelift (128,266 procedures, down 4 percent)

Closing the Loop for Breast Cancer Patients

Breast reconstruction may be performed using several plastic surgery techniques, depending on which is most clinically appropriate for the patient, and is important to restore the breast to near normal shape, appearance and size following a lumpectomy or mastectomy. The number of breast reconstruction procedures increased, with more than 102,200 procedures performed in 2014, representing an increase of 7 percent.

"It's encouraging to see a significant rise in breast reconstruction rates, because studies show that reconstruction can greatly improve a patient's quality of life and self-image," said Dr. Glasberg. "But, not all breast cancer patients undergo breast reconstruction, in some cases because they are not informed of all of their reconstructive options."

"In 2012, ASPS 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 and mastectomy. Our hope is that these efforts will continue to increase awareness of breast reconstruction options for women due to breast cancer treatment," said Dr. Glasberg.

Let's Hear It for the Men

According to ASPS's 2014 procedural statistics, the number of men having plastic surgery continues on the rise.

"Male plastic surgery rates have significantly increased since 2000 and the notion that cosmetic procedures are just for women no longer exists," said Dr. Glasberg. "Men are seeking to regain a more youthful look, improve their self-image and feel better about their appearance. It is great that plastic surgeons have procedures to meet and often exceed their expectations."

The top malefocused procedures were:

• Pectoral implants (1,054 procedures -- increased 208 percent from 2013 to 2014)
• Male breast reductions (26,175 procedures in 2014 -- increased 29 percent since 2000)

Just like many women, a growing number of men want to feel comfortable in their own skin, confident in all life's situations and are finding plastic surgery to be a good option. 

About the ASPS Annual Procedural Statistics

ASPS members may report procedural information through the first online national database for plastic surgery procedures, Tracking Operations and Outcome for Plastic Surgeons (TOPS). This data, combined with an annual survey sent to American Board of Medical Specialties' certified physicians most likely to perform these procedures, results in the most comprehensive census on plastic surgery.

More Resources

• STATS REPORT: 2014 National Clearinghouse of Plastic Surgery Statistics
• INFOGRAPHIC: 2014 National Plastic Surgery Statistics Infographic

About ASPS

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the world's largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons. Representing more than 7,000 Member Surgeons, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. ASPS advances quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice and research in plastic surgery.