Video: Cosmetic Procedures Up In All Ethnic Groups Except Caucasians In 2008

25 Mar 2009 16:35 Africa/Lagos

Video: Cosmetic Procedures Up In All Ethnic Groups Except Caucasians In 2008

Largest Increase In Hispanics, Up 18%, New ASPS Plastic Surgery Statistics Show



ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., March 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Tough economic times may have caused a decline in some areas of cosmetic surgery, but procedures among ethnic patients are up. According to statistics released today by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), ethnic cosmetic procedures increased 11 percent in 2008, with more than 3 million performed, while procedures among Caucasians dropped 2 percent. Cosmetic procedures among Hispanics, the largest and fastest growing ethnic group in the U.S., experienced the greatest growth: up 18 percent.


To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/plasticsurgery/37338/


"We're seeing a rise in Hispanics opting for cosmetic procedures that coincides with the growth we're seeing in the nation's population," said ASPS President John Canady, MD. "Less social stigma, as well as, advances in procedures allow patients to maintain their ethnic look. While the majority of patients continue to be Caucasian, the profile of the typical patient is changing."


Mexican-American Raquel Laurent, 41, recently had an injectable filler and light laser skin resurfacing to refresh her appearance during these tough economic times. "I've always been interested in cosmetic procedures. And, like many people, I'm more willing to invest in something that lasts many months compared to say a vacation. How you look and feel is important, no matter what your ethnicity."


It's no coincidence Laurent opted for the benefits of cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures. In fact, overall, minimally-invasive procedures were up 5 percent in 2008, ASPS statistics show. Minimally-invasive procedures with the largest increases included injectable fillers and facial rejuvenation procedures.


"Laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels can provide tremendous results when done by a board-certified plastic surgeon familiar with ethnic skin," cautions ASPS Member Surgeon Tripti Burt, MD, who performed Laurent's procedures. However, in the wrong hands, these procedures can lead to pigment irregularities and scarring."


Hispanics comprised 10 percent of the 12 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures performed in 2008, with nearly 1.3 million procedures; African Americans made up 8 percent with 910,000 procedures, up 10 percent; and Asians accounted for 7 percent with 866,000 procedures, up 5 percent.


The most commonly requested cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures for all ethnic groups were Botox(R), injectable fillers, and chemical peel.


The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 6,700 physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic 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.


Video: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/plasticsurgery/37338
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

CONTACT: ASPS Public Relations, +1-847-228-9900,
media@plasticsurgery.org


Web Site: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/

Facing the Facts - What You Need to Know about Facial Plastic Surgery

Facing the Facts - What You Need to Know about Facial Plastic Surgery

NEW YORK, February 26 / PRNewswire — Our faces are our calling cards. They identify who we are, show our emotions and are connected with three out of the five senses that deliver outside information to our brains. But what happens when what you see in the mirror does not reflect your true identity?

If you have considered undergoing a facial plastic surgery procedure for cosmetic or medical reasons, you are not alone. In fact, 85 percent of American adults would undergo a cosmetic procedure if given the chance, says the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). Furthermore, 80 percent of those surveyed said they would rather trust their faces to the surgical expertise of a facial plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery of the head, face and neck than a general plastic surgeon.

Last year Americans underwent 2.3 million facial plastic surgery procedures and approximately 38,000 revision surgeries. Some procedures were purely cosmetic to enhance appearance or fight the signs of aging, while others were more medical, including surgeries to correct breathing problems.

Highly publicized tales of surgeries-gone-wrong - both invasive and non-invasive - have reinforced the importance of research to properly identify a highly experienced board-certified surgeon. With the vast number of surgeons in practice today, it is more important than ever to make informed decisions when considering an elective procedure such as cosmetic surgery.

Trust your face to a facial plastic surgeon
By doing your homework ahead of time, you can find a facial plastic surgeon whom you trust to maximize the benefits of your chosen treatments. A facial plastic surgeon will discuss your treatment options and make recommendations to correct any issues.

AAFPRS facial plastic surgeons are required to have training in their specialties. Many complete their four-year specialized residencies in the specialty of otolaryngology - head and neck surgery which includes facial plastic surgery. Many also acquire further clinical training or year-long fellowships in facial plastic surgery.

The AAFPRS is a leading source for researching surgeons and their expertise in your area, as well an educational resource for navigating through the many types of procedures that are performed. It is the world's largest association of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons, with more than 2,700 members who concentrate on the face, head and neck.

Referrals from family and friends who have undergone cosmetic procedures can be a great place to start your research. Another option is to obtain a recommendation from a trusted physician or health-care professional. Once you find a surgeon, ask how many procedures the surgeon has performed, and if the surgeon operates in an accredited facility. The surgeon needs to be one to whom you would trust your face.

The AAFPRS Web site, www.facemd.org, offers information and brochures about different surgeries, and includes a listing of board certified facial plastic surgeons nationwide.


Press Contact:
Marjorie Wolfe
Behrman Communications
mwolfe@behrmanpr.com

212.986.7000

Video: Women in the Workforce Link Cosmetic Surgery to Success

WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE LINK COSMETIC SURGERY TO SUCCESS

ASPS, Nearly 15-Million U.S. Working Women Considering Cosmetic Procedures

Arlington Heights, February 10, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Faced with news of increasing layoffs, straining economic times, and a belief that hiring is based on looks, millions of American women are looking at cosmetic medical procedures to give them a competitive edge in the workplace. In a new telephone survey* compiled by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) of 756 women between the ages of 18 and 64, many reveal cosmetic plastic surgery procedures now appear to be an important rung on the success ladder.

13 percent (more than 1 out of 10 of the 115-million working-age women) say they would consider having a cosmetic medical procedure specifically to make them more confident and more competitive in the job market.

An astounding 3 percent (nearly 3.5-million working women) say they've already had a cosmetic procedure to increase their perceived value in the workplace.
73 percent (almost three out of four or, 84-million working women) believe, particularly in these challenging economic times, appearance and youthful looks play a part in getting hired, getting a promotion, or getting new clients.
80 percent (four out of five or 92-million working women) think having cosmetic medical procedures can boost a person's confidence.

Insurance Broker Janice Axelrod, a baby-boomer, recently had a chemical peel and fat transfers from her abdomen to her face. "Time has given me the professional knowledge. But time can take away the youthful sparkle of my appearance if I let it. When you look good, you feel confident. That gives me a competitive edge and something my clients have come to expect from me," says Axelrod.

ASPS Member Surgeon Loren Schechter, MD performed Axelrod's cosmetic procedures at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois. He says "Not only do the women believe youthful looks help in the workplace... they're acting on that belief."

John Canady, MD, president of ASPS says, "Consumers need to remember that while cosmetic procedures might help them in the job market, they're still medical procedures." Canady says women still need to proceed with caution. "Patient safety is ASPS' number one concern. Women need to do their homework. Go to the ASPS website at www.plasticsurgery.org to find an ASPS Member Surgeon in your area."

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 6,700 physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic 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.

* Survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation. Results have a +/- 3% error range.

Press Contact:
ASPS Public Relations
847 228 9900