Injectables may help delay plastic surgery

August 31, 2011

Injectables may help delay plastic surgery

The popularity of nonsurgical cosmetic procedures including injectables such as Botox, Dysport, Juvederm and Restylane, as well as skin rejuvenation procedures including chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser skin resurfacing, has skyrocketed in recent years.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the number of nonsurgical cosmetic procedures performed each year increased by 228 percent between 1997 and 2010.

Certain procedures have fueled the increase. ASAPS reports that injectables have become so common that the number of individuals receiving them each year has increased more than 500 percent since the late 1990s.

Experts say that the popularity of these nonsurgical options may have something to do with their cost. Unlike many traditional plastic surgery procedures, which can cost thousands of dollars, most nonsurgical procedures cost hundreds.

ASAPS reports that Americans spent nearly $10.7 billion on cosmetic procedures in 2010. Approximately 62 percent of that was on surgical procedures, while 18 percent was on injectables, 16 percent was on skin rejuvenation and 4 percent was on other treatment options.

A Texas-based plastic surgeon says that many patients choose injectables and other non-surgical procedures to delay going under the knife.

"While Botox Cosmetic and other nonsurgical treatments can be effective, their benefits are temporary. However, they do offer an excellent way to postpone plastic surgery for patients who are not yet ready for that option."

Many patients say that the cost and results provided by treatments such as Botox injections as well as the quick recovery they offer make these nonsurgical procedures worth their cost.

"My lids, I ... borrowed from my retirement fund because it was that important to me," 60-year-old Rosemary Davis, who recently underwent eyelid surgery and a brow lift in anticipation of her daughter's wedding, told the Detroit Free Press.

Davis, who does not plan to have any additional surgical procedures, said that she will continue to get chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments to keep her youthful appearance.

"That's not where I want to spend my money," she said about potentially expensive surgical procedures.

Others who want to avoid having time march forward in the form of sagging skin may consider the right balance of surgical and nonsurgical procedures as well.

Experts suggest speaking to a licensed, board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the right procedures for your situation. 


The mission of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) includes medical education, public education and patient advocacy. Plastic Surgery News Briefs are summaries of current stories found through various news and magazine outlets that relate to or mention plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. The views expressed in these news articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ASAPS, but are merely published as an educational service to our members and the general public. For additional information on these subjects and other plastic surgery related topics, please go to www.surgery.org

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About ASAPS
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), is recognized as the world’s leading organization devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body.  ASAPS is comprised of over 2,600 Plastic Surgeons; active members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the complete spectrum of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. International active members are certified by equivalent boards of their respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and must meet stringent membership requirements.

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