The 5 Most Common Types of Plastic Surgery

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Here’s an economic indicator you might not have considered: plastic surgery.

Cosmetic procedures overall, as well as surgical and nonsurgical procedures individually, broke new records in 2015, according to annual statistics released this week by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

The trade group’s president, Dr. James C. Grotting, cites the economy among contributing factors in a news release:

“Our industry’s growth is considerable, but not at all surprising. It reflects a healthy and robust economy wherein many people can afford to, and want to invest in themselves.”

Grotting goes on to cite employment as well: “Remaining competitive in the workforce is certainly a common factor.”

Americans spent more than $13.5 billion on surgical and nonsurgical procedures in 2015. That represents an increase of $1.5 billion from 2014, and the largest amount Americans have spent on cosmetic procedures during any one calendar year since the ASAPS started tracking annual statistics in 1997.

When counting surgical and nonsurgical procedures separately, last year was still a record-breaker. Surgical procedures amounted to more than $8 billion for the first time ever, while nonsurgical procedures such as Botox injections amounted to more than $5 billion for the first time ever.

Surgical procedures accounted for 58 percent of all cosmetic procedure expenses in 2015.

The most common surgical procedures of the year were:

  1. Liposuction (396,048 procedures)
  2. Breast augmentation (305,856 procedures)
  3. Tummy tuck (180,717 procedures)
  4. Eyelid surgery (169,708 procedures)
  5. Breast lift (148,967 procedures)

Last year was also the first that the ASAPS’ annual statistics report included data on fat grafting, or fat transfers, which debuted as the ninth most common surgical procedure. The procedure most commonly involved transferring fat to the face (48,059 procedures), buttocks (18,487) or breast (18,135).

Nonsurgical procedures accounted for the other 42 percent of cosmetic procedure expenses last year.

The most common nonsurgical procedures of the year were:

  1. Botulinum toxin, the generic name for the main ingredient in Botox injections (4,267,038 procedures)
  2. Hyaluronic acid (2,148,326 procedures)
  3. Hair removal (1,136,834 procedures)
  4. Chemical peel (603,305 procedures)
  5. Microdermabrasion (557,690 procedures)

What do you make of last year’s record-breaking increase in how much Americans spend on cosmetic procedures? Share your thoughts in a comment below or let us know on Facebook.

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