As the U.S.
economy slowly recovers, the number of Americans spending money to improve
their appearance by going under the knife is increasing.
In 2010, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 13.1 million
plastic surgery operations (both surgical and non-surgical) were executed 2010 - up 5 percent in 2009.
Likewise, more than 5.3 million reconstructive plastic surgery operations
were conducted last year, up 2 percent from the year before.
The ASPS report established a trend toward more invasive operations.
Facelifts, for example, grew 9 percent, with almost 113,000 procedures
completed in 2010. The procedures have not received any significant increase
since 2007.
More breast augmentation patients choose silicone over saline implants. Breast
augmentations grew 2 percent, with silicone implants being utilized in 60
percent of the processes.
More significantly, are the gain in procedures on account of massive weight
loss. Breast lifts, lower body lifts, upper arm lifts, and thigh lifts, all
done on drooping skin due primarily to previous obesity, all indicated 3-9%
growths in frequency.
The report said that all surgical contouring procedures, including breast
lifts, lower body lifts and thigh lifts, enjoyed increase in 2010.
ASPS President Dr. Phillip Haeck said in a statement: ?There?s some pent up
demand for cosmetic surgical procedures. People have waited a couple of years
or more to have procedures, until their finances were at least somewhat back in
order. But, all indications are, more consumers are again willing to spend more
to look better.?
Here are the top 5 surgical procedures in 2010:
1. Breast Augmentation
2. Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping)
3. Eyelid Surgery
4. Liposuction
5. Tummy Tuck
And here are the top 5 non-surgical procedures:
1. Botox injections
2. Soft tissue fillers
3. Chemical Peel
4. Laser Hair Removal
5. Microdermabrastion