ASPS Survey Taps Top Markets for Regional Plastic Surgery Data

Patient Profiles Outlined in Middle America and on Both Coasts
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Regional trends in
plastic surgery patients and procedures differ and they do not always match
that of national trends, according to a recent survey conducted by the
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). ASPS Member Surgeons located in
Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. (including Baltimore, Md.)
were surveyed on how their practices compared to the 2006 ASPS national
procedural data.
Upon closer examination in these major metropolitan areas, ASPS found a higher
percentage of male patients as well as younger patients compared to national
figures. This survey also reported increases in ethnic groups; however,
nationally the ASPS reported slight decreases in certain ethnic groups from
2005 to 2006.
Additionally, all four markets reported an increase in the following trends
over the past three years: couples/families having surgery together, patients
seeking minimally invasive procedures in lieu of surgery, and massive weight
loss patients seeking body contouring procedures.
Since 1992, the ASPS has been the source of the most comprehensive and
reliable cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery national statistical
trends in the U.S. This is the first time the ASPS has conducted a regionally
focused survey.
"We took the pulse in these large regional markets to see who the typical
plastic surgery patient is compared to what we've found nationally," said
Michael McGuire, MD, ASPS Vice President of Communications. "We discovered
interesting nuances between the cities. For instance, while breast
augmentation ranked 1st in all four markets, surprisingly a higher percentage
of ASPS Member Surgeons in the Midwest -- Chicago -- ranked this procedure the
highest as opposed to Los Angeles with its appearance-driven stereotype."
Key Differences in Procedures:*
-- Eyelid surgery among women ranked significantly higher among respondents in
Los Angeles (33%) than in Dallas (12%).
-- Male breast reduction ranked significantly higher among respondents in
Dallas (88%) than in Los Angeles (42%).
-- Laser hair removal ranked significantly higher among respondents in
Washington, D.C./Baltimore (34%) than in Chicago (6%).
Conversely, with certain procedures these markets revealed similarities but
differed in comparison with national statistics. For instance, tummy tuck
ranked in the top three in these markets among women but ranked 5th
nationally. Breast reduction in women ranked in the top two in these markets,
but ranked 5th nationally. Among men, nose reshaping ranked either 3rd or 4th
in these markets but ranked 1st nationally. Also among men, liposuction ranked
1st in these markets but ranked 3rd nationally.
Key Findings in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery:
-- Scar revision ranked significantly higher among respondents in Los Angeles
(70%) than in Chicago (22%).*
-- A higher percentage of respondents in Chicago (16%) and Washington,
D.C./Baltimore (21%) reported a decrease in plastic surgery patients in the
last three years with lawnmower injuries than in Dallas (4%) and Los Angeles
(6%).
-- All four markets reported a decrease in plastic surgery patients with
fireworks injuries in the last three years.
-- The highest percentage of respondents reporting a decrease in plastic
surgery patients with dog bite injuries in the last three years was Chicago
(34%).
"We're so pleased to see a decrease in these terrible, preventable injuries
that often involve children," said Dr. McGuire. "The data is promising, but
more research needs to be done so we can better understand trends in both
reconstructive plastic surgery as well as cosmetic procedures."
Key Findings in Patient Demographics:
-- A significant percentage of respondents in Chicago (56%), Dallas (67%) and
Los Angeles (67%) reported an increase in Hispanic patients in the last three
years. Nationally, ASPS reported a 1% decrease from 2005 to 2006.
-- A significant percentage of respondents in Washington, D.C./Baltimore (60%)
reported an increase in African American patients in the last three years.
Nationally, ASPS reported a 1% decrease from 2005 to 2006.
-- Ethnic patients represented a significantly higher mean percentage in Los
Angeles (40%) than in both Chicago (26%) and Dallas (28%).
-- The average percentage breakdown of male patients among the four markets
was 21%. Nationally, ASPS reported male patients comprised 10% of total
cosmetic plastic surgery patients in 2006.
-- More than 50% of ASPS Member Surgeons in all four markets reported an
increase in males seeking cosmetic plastic surgery in the last three years.
-- On average the highest percentage of patients were 31 to 45 years old
(31%). Nationally, the highest percentage of patients fell in the 40 to 54 age
group (45%).
Visit www.plasticsurgery.org for referrals to ASPS Member Surgeons and to
learn more about cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of
board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With more than 6,000 members,
the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on
cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 90
percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded
in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of
Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
*ASPS Member Surgeons in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Washington,
D.C./Baltimore were asked to choose the most common procedures in their
practices from the list of the 2006 top five procedures reported nationally by
ASPS in various categories.
SOURCE American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Society of Plastic Surgeons Public Relations, +1-847-228-9900,
media@plasticsurgery.org