Dramatic Rise In Ethnic Plastic Surgery In 2005

Main Category: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Article Date: 18 Mar 2006 - 4:00 PDT

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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. â€" The number of ethnic patients who chose to enhance their appearance or minimize the signs of aging through cosmetic plastic surgery took a substantial jump in 2005, with nearly 2.3 million procedures performed â€" an increase of 65 percent from 2004, according to statistics released today by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Hispanics continue to lead all ethnic groups with more than 921,000 cosmetic procedures performed, up 67 percent from 2004; followed by African Americans with 769,000 procedures, up 67 percent; and Asians with 437,000 procedures, up 58 percent.

"We are seeing a significant increase in the number of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures across all ethnic groups," said ASPS President Bruce Cunningham, MD. "The increase can be, in large part, attributed to greater exposure to the benefits of plastic surgery, a growing acceptance of the specialty, and increased economic power within these ethnic groups. Ethnic patients are reading about plastic surgery in their favorite magazines or newspapers and watching the latest advances regularly on the nightly news â€" plastic surgery is now primetime."

Hispanics comprised 9 percent of the 10.2 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in 2005. The most commonly requested surgical cosmetic procedures for Hispanics were nose reshaping, breast augmentation, and liposuction.

African Americans made up 8 percent of the total cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in 2005. The most commonly requested surgical procedures for African Americans were nose reshaping, breast reduction, and liposuction.

Asians made up 4 percent of the total cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in 2005. The most commonly requested surgical procedures for Asians were nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, and breast augmentation.

The most commonly requested minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures for all three ethnic groups were Botox®, injectable wrinkle fillers, and chemical peel.

To obtain a full report of the 2005 National Clearinghouse of Plastic Surgery Statistics, which includes trending data on gender, age, geography, surgeons fees and more, contact ASPS Public Relations.

Since 2003, statistics have been 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 more than 17,000 board-certified physicians in specialties most likely to perform plastic surgery, results in the most comprehensive census on plastic surgery procedures.

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The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With more than 6,000 members, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises 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.

Contact: LaSandra Cooper
lpc@plasticsurgery.org
American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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