Top plastic surgeons from around the world gathered in Chicago in September to talk about new trends and the future of plastic surgery.
The providers gathered at Plastic Surgery The Meeting 2018, an educational and networking event, to discuss what procedures patients are looking for and to talk about new techniques to meet the demands of consumers.
Plastic surgery is an increasingly popular industry. More than 17.5 million minimally invasive and surgical procedures were performed in 2017, and 2018 is expected to match, if not beat, last year’s number.
To get an understanding of what plastic surgeons see in the field, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons polled 253 board-certified plastic surgeons in August 2018. It asked questions about the participants’ perspective on the current and future state of plastic surgery trends and procedures in America.
The survey showed that the most popular procedures include breast augmentation, tummy tucks and liposuction. These procedures are expected to be the three most in-demand plastic surgery procedures in the coming year.
Those surveyed also responded that Botox remains the top requested minimally invasive procedure; in 2017 there were more than 7.2 million Botox injections performed. Other minimally invasive procedures that are in high demand include dermal fillers, laser hair removal, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, non-surgical skin tightening and non-invasive fat-reduction procedures.
Although plastic surgery is in high demand, it is not for everyone. More than 60 percent of plastic surgeons who responded to the ASPS survey shared that they declined potential patients because the surgeon felt as if the patient “clearly didn’t need” the procedure or the doctor “didn’t think it would help them.”
Providers who attended the conference also voiced their desire to advance the art and science of plastic surgery.
“Plastic surgery is not just about fixing flaws. A large part of it involves restoring form and function, too,” said Dr. Gregory W. Chernoff, a triple-board-certified facial, plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Indianapolis and Santa Rosa, California.
To keep up with the increasing demand for plastic surgery and to advance the field, plastic surgeons attending the conference could review new, cutting-edge research and updated techniques that will improve patient care, increase safety and enhance outcomes for both patients and plastic surgeons.
During the ASPS survey, responding plastic surgeons also identified new consumer trends they have seen in their practices.
One of those trends is an increase in plastic surgery among family members. More than 30 percent of participating plastic surgeons surveyed reported that they saw an increased number of consultations involving a parent and child. They also saw increased numbers of couples coming in for plastic surgery consultations (32 percent), as well as siblings seeking out surgical procedures (24 percent).
“In many cases, one family member will have a procedure, and another family member sees the results and wants the procedure, too,” Chernoff said.
Another point revealed by the survey was that more individuals are comfortable with having plastic surgery and talking about it. Sixty-seven percent of survey participants reported that more of their patients were seeking surgery earlier and talking about their procedures with family and friends.
“More people than ever before are sharing information about plastic surgery procedures,” Chernoff said.
Although more people are having plastic surgery, people want to look natural after having it. Seventy-eight percent of patients want a more natural look compared to the 15 percent who want a sculpted look.
“Many people choose a softer, more natural look over chiseled features,” Chernoff said.
Source:
New Trends Survey Shows Plastic Surgeons Eager for Future Advances to Meet Growing Consumer Demands. 26 September 2018.