More Than 6 Million Women Had Procedures in 2000, Says American Society of Plastic Surgeons
More than 6.3 million women chose to have cosmetic plastic surgery in 2000, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) announced today as it released its expanded 2000 statistics, the most comprehensive survey of cosmetic plastic surgery to date.
ASPS statistics now represent patients having procedures performed by member surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery as well as other physicians certified by American Board of Medical Specialties' boards.
"Plastic surgery has taken its place in the continuum of care people use to maintain or enhance their appearance," said Walter Erhardt, MD, ASPS president. "As the numbers of procedures continue to increase, the need to check doctors' medical credentials becomes paramount. One of the most important steps a person can take in preparation to having a procedure is to select a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery."
Women comprise 86 percent of all cosmetic plastic surgery procedures performed in 2000. The five most popular invasive surgical procedures for women in 2000, were liposuction, eyelid surgery, nose reshaping, breast augmentation and facelift. The top five female non-surgical procedures in 2000 were chemical peel, sclerotherapy, microdermabrasion, Botox® injection and laser hair removal.
"Women are taking advantage of all the advances in cosmetic plastic surgery to the degree with which they are comfortable," said Dr. Erhardt. "Plastic surgery, as an option, has become part of the lifestyle choices Americans make to achieve their desired look."
Of invasive surgical procedures performed in 2000, liposuction, the technique to remove fat from the body while improving body contour, continues to be the most popular female procedure with 302,236. Eyelid surgery, which corrects drooping upper lids and puffy bags below the eyes, was second with 269,873 women having the procedure done. Nose reshaping to change the shape or size of the nose was third with 238,970. Breast augmentation and facelift were fourth and fifth. Breast augmentation was performed on 212,500 women in 2000, while 118,682 facelifts were performed on women last year.
Chemical peel was the most popular non-surgical procedure performed on women in 2000 with 948,340 performed. The procedure involves a chemical solution being applied to the face to remove damaged outer layers of skin, allowing new, healthier skin to emerge. Sclerotherapy, a vein removal procedure, was second with 840,125. Microdermabrasion, a procedure that blasts fine aluminum oxide particles to exfoliate the skin and smooth fine lines and wrinkles, was third with 782,265.
The fourth and fifth most popular female non-surgical procedures in 2000 were Botox® injection and laser hair removal. Botox® injection, where the Botulinum toxin is injected into muscles near facial wrinkles to smooth and soften lines, was performed on 692,807 women in 2000, and 602,854 women had laser hair removal last year.