New York Plastic Surgery Trends in 2013

Plastic surgery continues to grow in popularity in New York and across the country, a new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has found. More than 15 million plastic surgery procedures were performed in the United States in 2013, including both non-invasive and surgical procedures. Reconstructive surgery procedures are also on the rise, increasing 2% between 2012 and 2013.

Top surgical procedures

The top five surgical cosmetic procedures performed in 2013 include:

• Breast augmentation
• Nose surgery (rhinoplasty)
• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
• Liposuction
• Face lift

Rhinoplasty and liposuction continue to make the top list, even though the total number of procedures performed decreased slightly between 2012 and 2013. One reason less patients are seeking liposuction could possibly be the introduction of less invasive fat removal procedures like CoolSculpting, which uses a cooling device to eliminate unwanted pockets of fat.

Most popular minimally-invasive procedures

Less invasive cosmetic treatments are also continuing to enjoy a rise in demand. The top five procedures in this category include:

• Botulinum toxin type A (Botox or Dysport)
• Soft tissue fillers (Radiesse, Juvederm Perlane)
• Chemical peels
• Laser hair removal
• Microdermabrasion

While these procedures are effective in enhancing the appearance without much discomfort or downtime, none of the treatments are considered permanent solutions. Patients need touch-up sessions periodically to maintain the results of these procedures.

Reasons behind the surge

Innovations in plastic surgery technology may be driving the trend. This may be particularly true in regards to breast augmentation, which continues to be the most popular surgical cosmetic procedure performed today. Recent approval of new “form stable” breast implants by the FDA may be a contributing factor. Form stable implants more effectively mimic the teardrop shape of the breast for a natural result.

New formulas in injectable therapies are also playing a role in the increasing popularity of non-invasive cosmetic treatments. In addition to wrinkle relaxers like Botox and Dysport, dermal fillers offer the ability to enhance facial contours. Formulas are now smoother and more effective for restoring lost volume in the cheeks and along the jawline. Treatments are also lasting longer than ever, making fillers a more cost-effective cosmetic solution today.

New treatments coming to the forefront

The new report also found that some relatively new plastic surgery procedures are gaining popularity with American patients.

Nearly 10,000 butt lift procedures were performed in 2013, which marked a 16% increase in the procedure from 2012. That increase may be attributed to new techniques that offer better results, such as fat transfer. Another reason could be the many celebrities, such as Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez, flaunting their enhanced derrieres, which others want to mimic.

Neck lifts are another treatment growing fast in popularity, increasing 6% from 2012. As the neck is one of the first visible areas to belie a person’s age, new procedures to improve the aesthetic quality of the neck have been in demand. Neck lifts can be performed alone, or in conjunctions with procedures like a face lift or liposuction for more dramatic results.

Reconstruction numbers good news for breast cancer survivors

Surgeons performing New York plastic surgery may also be pleased to note the increase in reconstructive procedures in 2013, including breast reconstruction. Currently, only about 20% of patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer seek out reconstruction procedures. However, research shows that women who opt for reconstruction surgery tend to enjoy a higher quality of life after recovering from breast cancer.

Successful cosmetic surgery begins with choosing one of the best plastic surgeons in New York for your procedure. Dr. Thomas Loeb has offered his high level of training and expertise to NYC patients for many years and has earned an international reputation as a top cosmetic surgeon. To learn more about treatment options offered by Dr. Loeb, contact his office at 212-327-3700 to schedule your personal consultation.