Plastic surgery is more popular than ever, according to the latest report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. A total of 17.5 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2017, a 2 percent increase from the previous year. Here, San Antonio plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Young breaks down the top procedures and interesting trends revealed in ASPS’ latest report.

Top Surgical Procedures

Approximately 1.8 million cosmetic surgical procedures were performed in 2017, a 1 percent increase from the previous year. The top five were:

1. Breast augmentation – 300,378 procedures (3 percent increase)
2. Liposuction – 246,354 procedures (5 percent increase)
3. Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) – 218,924 procedures (2 percent decrease)
4. Eyelid surgery – 209,571 procedures (no change)
5. Tummy tuck – 129,753 procedures (2 percent increase)

Top Minimally Invasive Procedures

Minimally invasive procedures outpaced surgical procedures in 2017. There were a total of 15.7 million minimally invasive procedures, a 2 percent increase from 2016. The top five were:

1. Botulinum toxin type A – 7.2 million procedures (2 percent increase)
2. Soft tissue fillers – 2.7 million procedures (3 percent increase)
3. Chemical peels – 1.4 million procedures (1 percent increase)
4. Laser hair removal – 1.1 million procedures (2 percent decrease)
5. Microdermabrasion – 740,287 procedures (4 percent decrease)

Non-surgical Fat Removal and Skin Tightening Procedures Rise

Speaking of minimally invasive, more people are looking for non-surgical methods to remove unwanted deposits of fat and tighten saggy skin. Non-surgical treatments that eliminate fat and tighten skin increased nearly 20 percent over the previous year. Among the most popular procedures in this category is CoolSculpting, which uses fat freezing technology to permanently destroy fat cells. CoolSculpting is popular for many reasons. First, it doesn’t involve surgery, anesthesia, incisions or needles. Unlike liposuction and other surgical body contouring procedures, CoolSculpting doesn’t require downtime. The final slimming results typically become visible several months after treatment.

Breast Reduction and Brazilian Butt Lift Surge

Both breast reduction and Brazilian butt lift experienced noticeable increases in 2017. Breast reduction, which resizes overly large breasts and the nipple-areolar complex, increased 11 percent from the previous year. Brazilian butt lift, which enhances the shape and size of the buttocks using unwanted fat from another body area, increased 10 percent in 2017.

1.3 Million Procedures Were Performed on Men

The number of men seeking plastic surgery is increasing. There were more than 1.3 million cosmetic procedures performed on men in 2017. The ASPS report revealed that younger men are gravitating towards body contouring procedures. Liposuction increased 23 percent among men, tummy tucks increased 12 percent and male breast reduction increased approximately 30 percent over the past five years.

While younger men are concerned about sculpting their bodies, older men are more concerned about taking years off their facial appearance. According to ASPS, dermal fillers performed on men increased nearly 99 percent, while Botox almost quadrupled since 2000!

Discuss your cosmetic concerns and goals with a board certified plastic surgeon. To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Young, please call (210) 496-BODY (2639) or email our office today.

 

The recovery period plays an important role in the success of any plastic surgery procedure. Following your doctor’s post-op recovery orders not only ensures you heal properly and as quickly as possible, it also reduces your risk of complications. To help you prepare for your recovery, San Antonio plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Young shares his top tips to keep in mind as you prepare for your recovery.

Take Plenty of Time Off Work

After surgery, you will need to get plenty of rest and refrain from your normal activities to allow your body to heal. This is important as returning to work too soon or resuming exercise before your doctor tells you to do so can sabotage the beauty of your results and lead to serious complications. The initial recovery period for most surgical procedures takes one to two weeks, during which you must refrain from exercising, bending and lifting items heavier than 10 pounds.

Prepare Your Recovery Space Ahead of Time

Immediately after your procedure, you will be groggy and low on energy. It is a good idea to prepare your recovery space before your surgery so it is ready once you come back home. Fill your bed or sofa with soft, fluffy pillows, clean bed sheets and blankets. Have must-have items like water (and plenty of it!), prescription medicine, hair ties and ice packs. It is also a good idea to have entertainment essentials such as books, DVDs, a tablet and your smartphone within your reach.

Enlist Help from a Loved One

Taking care of children or pets will be difficult during the first days of recovery. We recommend you ask a loved one to help with chores, including picking up your children from school, and walking and feeding pets. This way, you can focus on resting as much as possible.

Ask Questions!

Your plastic surgeon is invested in your recovery and overall wellbeing. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your plastic surgeon and their staff if you have any questions regarding your recovery. Your surgeon will be more than happy to listen to your concerns and make any modifications or recommendations that may be necessary to make your recovery more comfortable.

Please keep in the mind that these are general instructions. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions to follow based on your unique case. To learn more about what to expect during the recovery period, or a specific cosmetic procedure, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Young. Call (210) 496-BODY (2639) or email our office today.