2009 Cosmetic Surgery Trends

The economic recession has caused many people to cut spending in different areas of their lives; however, despite the economy taking a plummet on everyday consumer splurging, cosmetic surgery only experienced a two percent decline over the past year.

In 2008, roughly 10.3 million surgical and non-surgical procedures were performed. As for 2009, statistics show a drop to 10 million cosmetic surgeries, as reported by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Women are among the top plastic surgery enthusiasts according to these numbers – making up 90 percent of the average cosmetic surgeries performed.

The most popular surgical procedures among women in 2009 were:
Breast augmentation
Liposuction
Eyelid surgery
Abdominoplasty
Breast reduction

The most popular surgical procedures among men in 2009 were:
Liposuction
Rhinoplasty
Eyelid surgery
Breast reduction to enlarged male breast (gynecomastia surgery)
Hair transplantation

Since 1997, the ASAPS has been compiling a yearly report of cosmetic surgery national data bank statistics. Even with a decrease in the total amount of surgeries performed last year, since the collection of these annual numbers, cosmetic procedures have more than doubled in popularity.

Through tough financial times, Americans are still interested in cosmetic enhancement to improve their quality of life. The most popular plastic surgery procedures among both men and women in 2009 include breast augmentation (311,957), liposuction (283,735), eyelid surgery (149,943), rhinoplasty (138,258), and abdominoplasty (127,923). The top five non-surgical cosmetic treatments were Botox ® injections (2,557,068), hyularonic acid (Juvederm ®, Hylaform, Perlane ®/Restylane ®) (1,313,038), laser hair removal (1,280,031), microdermabrasion (621,943), and chemical peels (529,285).

Botox was the leader in non-surgical procedures, as it was the top cosmetic procedure performed in 2009, having a one percent increase within the last year. It is no surprise that several cosmetic surgery consumers are opting for non-surgical treatments and less invasive surgeries, due to reasonable pricing options and required less downtime.

According to a recent ASAPS report, Renato Saltz, MD, the Aesthetic Society President has said, "Plastic surgery is feeling the effects of the recession, just like many other sectors of the marketplace. However, repeat patients and those putting off surgery, are likely the reason for the small growth in non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Growth in demand will likely return as the recession eases and baby boomers’ offspring begin to explore surgical options." 

Although not making up a majority of surgeries performed in 2009 – butt augmentation went up 37.3 percent within the past year and the butt lift procedure went up 24.6 percent. Non-surgical treatments that have risen in numbers includes Fraxel ® laser resurfacing treatment (8.4 percent increase), microdermabrasion (11.6 percent increase), Sculptra ® (23.8 percent increase), and noninvasive skin tightening (6.6 percent increase), such as Thermage ® – one of the latest radiofrequency treatments.

Although, plastic surgery is often associated with the upper class market and celebrities, non-surgical cosmetic options have opened the doors to a variety of income levels.

“Twenty years ago people thought only movie stars and rich women had plastic surgery; now people in every income bracket know someone who has had a plastic surgery procedure or would consider plastic surgery for themselves. Even in this difficult economic time, people are willing to invest in the things that improve their quality of life,” said Saltz.

A billion dollar marketplace that only sees a two percent decrease in average cosmetic surgery procedures is proof that even when money is tight, Americans are still willing to splurge on enhancements.

“Feeling good about the way they look is high on the list of priorities for many Americans,” said Saltz.

According to the 2009 Consumer Attitudes Survey conducted by the ASAPS, 37 percent of women surveyed said they would consider cosmetic surgery, and 19 percent of men are considering future enhancements. Among that group, 59 percent of women and 51 percent of men approve of plastic surgery.

Find a doctor on PlasticSurgery.com, and learn which procedures may be right for you.