For the second year in a row, the number of cosmetic procedures performed in America increased, illustrating that an uncertain economy isn’t deterring patients. A total of 13.8 million cosmetic procedures, both invasive and minimally invasive, were performed in 2011, a 5 percent increase over 2010. Reconstructive surgeries were also up 5 percent to 5.5 million procedures, according to reports released this week from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Somewhat surprisingly, facelifts saw a 5 percent increase (119,000 procedures) for the first time since 2004, yet eyelid surgery saw a 6 percent decrease. The top five surgeries included facelifts, as well as breast augmentation (307,000 procedures), nose reshaping (244,000), liposuction (205,000) and eyelid surgery (196,000).
Among minimally invasive treatments, Botox injections lead with 5.7 million procedures, followed by fillers (1.9 million), chemical peels (1.1 million), laser hair removal (1.1 million) and microdermabrasion (900,000). Laser hair removal saw the biggest jump, up 15 percent, since 2010.
“While the rate of economic recovery in the U.S. is still uncertain, 2011 proved to be a good year for plastic surgery,” said ASPS President Malcolm Z. Roth, MD. “Consumer confidence was up, auto sales rose 10 percent, so it is not surprising that we would also see increased demand for plastic surgery procedures.”
Were you one of those patients who helped increase the 2011 numbers, or will 2012 be the year you opt for a cosmetic procedure? Let us know!