(PRWEB) December 29, 2005 -- Cosmetic plastic surgery continues to be popular with nearly 11.9 million Americans choosing cosmetic procedures last year. As its popularity rises, so does the demand for quicker, less invasive fixes. 2006 will be another exciting year for cosmetic surgery...
?Exciting advances are continually at the forefront of plastic surgery,? says Dr. Sam Speron, plastic surgery expert and consumer advocate. ?But consumers should be fully advised of risks before consenting to any procedure. Anyone considering cosmetic surgery should fully investigate all options and do their homework. Several non-invasive procedures are available to patients, and 2006 will see an increase in the popularity of these options. As plastic surgeons, we must become involved and seek safe therapies that may help our patients achieve the look they desire. Patients always want to hear about the latest and greatest??
Sam will reveal his 10 cosmetic surgery predictions for this year to your audience:
? Silicone gel breast implants will be approved by the FDA. Once approved, these devices, due largely to their more natural feel and appearance, will dominate the US market. Gel implants have dominated global markets for the past 15 years.
? Cosmetic surgery among racial and ethnic minorities in the United States will continue to increase. Current statistics report that minority populations? account for 20 % of all cosmetic procedures performed.
? News stories about ?discount injectables? bought offshore will alert patients to avoid ?too good to be true? discounts and make sure that their safety is protected by choosing a physician with appropriate training, credentials and judgment.
? As States continue to watch New Jersey?s negative experience with the cosmetic surgery tax, they will abandon proposals to tax aesthetic surgery procedures as potential sources for revenue.
? As the popularity of nonsurgical and minimally invasive procedures continues to grow, surgeons and manufacturers will develop new techniques and products that advance the science, produce even better results and lessen recovery time.
? Men will represent a growing segment of the aesthetic surgery market. According to a recent consumer survey commissioned by ASAPS, 59 % of men approve of cosmetic surgery and 21 % would consider having cosmetic surgery. 79 % of American men surveyed said they would not be embarrassed if people in addition to their family and close friends knew they had undergone cosmetic surgery.
? Large - scale clinical studies will be implemented to validate the safety and effectiveness of minimally-invasive treatments such as barbed sutures (the so-called lunch-hour face lift) and fat melting without surgery.
? Cosmetic surgery ?vacations? will take a more serious turn as educated consumers understand the safety and risk issues associated with surgical procedures. Surgery performed by board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeons, in accredited facilities where follow-up care is available will continue to be the best value.
? Following the trend in increased consumer sophistication regarding healthcare choices, board certification of practitioners, and accreditation of surgical facilities will play an even more important role in choosing a cosmetic surgeon.
? The growth and popularity of cosmetic fillers will dramatically increase as products continue to evolve and new players enter the market.