Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures For Ethnic Patients Up 13 Percent In 2007

Main Category: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Article Date: 25 Mar 2008 - 12:00 PDT

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Almost a quarter (2,626,700) of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed on ethnic patients in 2007, up 13 percent from last year, including Hispanics, African Americans and Asian Americans, according to statistics released today by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Since 2006, cosmetic plastic surgery procedures increased in the following demographic categories: up 8 percent (1,011,000) in Hispanics, up 8 percent (847,800) in African Americans, and up 26 percent (767,800) in Asian Americans.

"A key take-away from this data is that the plastic surgery patient profile is changing," said ASPS President Richard A. D'Amico, MD. "The majority of patients remain Caucasian women, but it is noteworthy that cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed on almost as many Hispanic patients as male patients."

Increases in these demographic categories are considerably higher when compared to ASPS data from 2000. Cosmetic plastic surgery procedures increased 173 percent in Hispanics, 129 percent in African Americans, and 246 percent in Asian Americans.

The most commonly requested surgical procedures for ethnic patients are consistent with last year. African-American patients requested nose reshaping, liposuction and breast reduction; Asian-American patients requested nose reshaping, breast augmentation and eyelid surgery; Hispanic patients requested breast augmentation, nose reshaping and liposuction.

ASPS procedural statistics are collected through the first online national database for plastic surgery procedures, Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons (TOPS). This data, combined with the annual survey sent to American Board of Medical Specialties certified physicians most likely to perform plastic surgery, results in the most comprehensive census on plastic surgery procedures.

To view the entire 2007 National Clearinghouse of Plastic Surgery Report, visit the ASPS web site, http://www.plasticsurgery.org. Visitors can also find information on procedures and referrals to ASPS Member Surgeons.

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 90 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.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons