The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery conducted its annual Procedural Survey and the most notable finding is the shift toward non-invasive laser treatments. During the past three years, cosmetic surgeons have seen a significant increase in both males and females electing to have laser resurfacing.
Laser resurfacing is performed with a carbon dioxide laser that delivers short bursts of high-energy laser light to minimize wrinkles and lines on the face. In addition, laser hair removal has jumped to the overall number two most performed non-invasive cosmetic procedure.
For instance, laser resurfacing has seen an approximate $450 decline in price since 2002 and as long as these procedures are effective and affordable, their demand will continue to remain steady, Dr. Patrick McMenamin, AACS president says in a statement.
The survey also finds:
- In 2008, cosmetic surgeons saw a 29 percent increase in female clientele, but a 2 percent decline in male patients.
- The top three most performed invasive cosmetic procedures last year include: liposuction, blepharoplasty and breast augmentation.
- The most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures were Botox injections, laser hair removal and hyaluronic acid, a hydrator used to draw "active" ingredients deeper into the skin.
