New York, NY February 20, 2002

Nearly 8.5 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed in 2001, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) announced today as it released the largest survey to date of U.S. physicians performing cosmetic surgery. The number of cosmetic procedures increased 48% compared to the previous year's total of 5.7 million.

ASAPS also released 5-year data for procedures performed 1997-2001 by multiple specialists, including plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery; head and neck surgeons certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology; and dermatologists certified by the American Board of Dermatology. More than 14,000 questionnaires were mailed nationwide to a random sampling of physicians most likely to perform several or more of the 30 top cosmetic procedures. Results of the survey were used to project national data on the number of cosmetic procedures performed in 2001 by more than 23,000 physicians.

"ASAPS is the sole provider of this extensive 5-year data for cosmetic procedures performed by physicians in multiple specialties," says Malcolm D. Paul, MD, president of the 35-year-old American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the only plastic surgery organization devoted exclusively to cosmetic surgery education and research.

Procedures up 304% over 5 years
Cosmetic procedures increased 304% from 1997 to 2001. Almost all cosmetic procedures made substantial gains, but the greatest increases were among nonsurgical procedures. The clear winner was botulinum toxin injections (Botox, Myobloc®). The number of procedures rose 2356% over 5 years, with more than 1.6 million procedures in 2001. "Many people, especially those with early signs of aging, choose to consult with a plastic surgeon first about noninvasive procedures such as Botox," says Dr. Paul. "When the time is right, many of these same individuals will go on to have a surgical procedure offering more extensive and longer-lasting results."

Among the top five cosmetic surgeries in 2001, lipoplasty (liposuction) showed the greatest increase, rising 118% since 1997. Next was breast augmentation, increasing 114% over 5 years. Other procedures showing big 5-year gains were breast lift (up 203%), breast reduction (up 140%) and tummy tuck (up 109%).

Most popular procedures in 2001
The five most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in 2001 were lipoplasty (385,390) eyelid surgery (246,338), breast augmentation (216,754), nose reshaping (177,422) and facelift (117,034). The top five nonsurgical procedures were botulinum toxin injection (BotoxÒ, MyoblocÒ) (1,600,300), chemical peel (1,361,479), collagen injection (1,098,519), microdermabrasion (915,312) and laser hair removal (854,582).

Procedures for men, Baby Boomers and ethnic groups
The number of cosmetic procedures performed on men rose to over 1 million and was 12% of the total, compared to 11% in 2000. Baby boomers age 35-50 had 44% of all cosmetic procedures, with botulinum toxin injections being the most popular procedure. Among surgical procedures, lipoplasty and eyelid surgery were the most frequent choices of 35-50 year old Baby Boomers.

Those 18 years old and younger accounted for only 3.5% of cosmetic procedures. Among this age group, noninvasive procedures including chemical peel, laser hair removal and microdermabrasion were the most popular. The most frequently performed surgical procedure was nose reshaping. Men and women 65 and older had 5% of procedures, with eyelid surgery as the top surgical procedure in this age group.

Ethnic minorities accounted for 17% of all cosmetic surgery procedures: Hispanic, 7%; African-American, 5%, Asians, 4%, and other non-Caucasians, 1%.

ASAPS members performed highest number of procedures per doctor
Among all physician groups surveyed, members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery performed the highest average number of cosmetic procedures per doctor (576 procedures) in 2001. Ninety-three percent (93%) of ASAPS members operated in an accredited surgical facility (a requirement for ASAPS membership as of July 2002). ASAPS members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and specialize in cosmetic surgery of the face and the entire body.

Majority of Americans approve of cosmetic surgery
An ASAPS consumer survey conducted in February 2002 showed that 55% of Americans approve of cosmetic surgery. Among women, 34% would consider having cosmetic surgery, while 19% of men say they might have cosmetic surgery now or in the future.

"The steep increase in cosmetic procedures since 1997 reflects Americans' recognition that cosmetic surgery performed by a qualified plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility is safe, effective and, for many people, contributes substantially to the quality of life," says Dr. Paul.