Plastic surgery trends are constantly changing. Here in New York, Dr. Leonard Grossman sees dozens of patients and potential patients seeking various treatments to enhance their appearance or correct a physical imperfection. On any given year, one specific type of cosmetic surgery treatment will be more popular than another. Sometimes, it’s liposuction that leads the way as America’s most popular procedure, while other times, it’s rejuvenating treatments like Botox that are most sought after. Now, it’s all about the lifts – buttocks and neck lifts to be precise.
According to a new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 15.1 million cosmetic surgery procedures were sought in the United States in 2013 –up three percent from the previous year. Though the two most popular procedures continue to be breast augmentation and Rhinoplasty, butt augmentation, butt lifts and neck lifts are on the rise.
The report explains that almost 10,000 buttocks augmentation procedures took place in 2013, representing an increase of 16 percent from 2012. Many of these so-called “Brazilian Butt Lifts” were done here in New York by one of our own, Dr. Leonard Grossman. Additionally, the report shows that neck lifts have also become very popular recently, with over 55,000 neck procedures having been performed in 2013.
So what exactly accounts for the rise in these particular procedures? According to ASPS President, Dr. Robert Murphy, it’s all because of technology.
“The demand for plastic surgery remains strong, with our statistics showing increases in both cosmetic surgical and minimally-invasive procedures,” explained Dr. Murphy. “… With new devices and products hitting the market each year, there are more options and choices available to consumers wanting to refresh their look or a little nip and tuck.”
These advancements have made it easier for patients to have the surgeries they want, and they have also allowed for better results. Laser technology increases precision, meaning that patients will have less scarring, less overall tissue damage, and faster recovery times.
According to the statistics provided in the report, reconstructive surgery procedures have also increased by two percent last year, with a total of 5.7 million reconstructive surgeries taking place in the United States. Reconstruction surgeries are extremely popular because they can correct deformities following a devastating accident and even natural birth defects, such as cleft palates in children or a deviated septum in adults.
Breast reconstruction surgeries were particular popular last year, especially among cancer patients.
“It’s promising to see breast reconstruction rates rising,” added Dr. Murphy. “Less than 20 percent of breast cancer patients undergo breast reconstruction because they are not always informed of their options, although studies show that reconstruction greatly improves quality of life.”
The rise in the number of reconstructive plastic surgery procedures also demonstrates the advancements in technology and the fact that the stigma surrounding these treatments is decreasing exponentially. Dr. Grossman has treated patients who have sought both cosmetic and reconstructive treatments, minimally invasive and invasive alike. It’s important that patients understand they have a greater number of options these days and can turn to an experienced plastic surgeon for the superior results they seek and deserve.
