New Trends in Cosmetic Surgery

by

Mary Jo

Cosmetic surgery has enjoyed a long and illustrious history not only in the United States but also around the world. Recently, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons released results surrounding the rising numbers of individuals choosing cosmetic surgical procedures since the year 2000. Everything from breast lifts to Botox to tummy tucks, cosmetic surgical procedures are growing in popularity around the world. Medical tourists are able to enjoy a wide selection of minimally invasive, surgical, and reconstructive cosmetic surgical procedures in the future as trends continue to attract the attention of baby boomers, all socioeconomic demographics and genders both domestically and abroad.

Top Five Cosmetic Surgical ProceduresWhile techniques and methods used in a variety of cosmetic procedures are continually advancing, 2008 saw a large increase in injectable and noninvasive treatments such as Botox, as well as breast augmentation procedures. Studies have shown that over 10 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in the year 2005 alone, a nearly 40% increase since the turn of the new century. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the global market now exceeds USD 30 billion, with a sustainable compound annual growth rate in the range of 25%.According to recent statistics, the top trends in cosmetic surgery include:Breast augmentationBreast liftDermabrasionTummy tuckBotox treatmentsLaser skin resurfacingWho Is Having Plastic Surgery?The trend seems to be showing a desire to minimalize and reduce the effects of aging, and this desire does not seem to be limited to baby boomers. Individuals as young as 25 and 30 years old are engaging in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox and laser skin resurfacing as well as dermabrasion.Statistics also show that men are among the growing number of individuals seeking cosmetic and plastic surgery, especially for minimally invasive treatments. In a mere six years, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons noted a 202% increase in the number of men requesting Botox injections and a 49% increase in the number of men opting for laser skin resurfacing treatments.In addition, cosmetic and plastic surgery is no longer limited to the Beverly Hills crowd, and minorities and middle-class citizens throughout the country are enjoying nearly 24% of cosmetic procedures performed in the United States alone.The growth of medical tourism has given consumers more options than ever before in the type and cost of plastic surgery and cosmetic surgical procedures. Some of the most popular destinations, which include Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand and India, offer procedures that save medical travelers tens of thousands of dollars.Why Cosmetic Surgery?The increase of technology and minimally invasive surgical techniques and procedures has made cosmetic surgery increasingly attractive to a wide range of demographics not only around the states, but the world. The 21st century has seen a large portion of society seeking to reduce the damage and destruction caused by a multitude of factors, including overexposure to the sun, poor nutrition, obesity, and the damaging effects of polluted environments.Customer demand and the availability of a wide range of plastic and cosmetic surgical techniques such as laser technologies and injectable and noninvasive treatments have taken much of the fear and uncertainty out of cosmetic procedures such as face lifts, tummy tucks, and breast reductions and augmentations.Cosmetic Surgical CostsThe increased availability and cost reduction of many cosmetic techniques and procedures have made them increasingly attractive to consumers, both domestically and abroad. A brief overview of just several of these procedures and their costs are illustrated below.Breast augmentation may cost anywhere from USD 4,000 to USD 6,000 in the US, but roughly USD 3,500 to USD 3,900 in Thailand. Those opting for the procedure in India will pay about 75% less there than in the US.A breast lift costs between USD 4,000 and USD 7,000 in the US, though in India, the same procedure costs about USD 2,700 and those traveling to Argentina may expect to pay 40-80% less than costs incurred in the US.Tummy tucks range from between UDA 5,500 to USD 7,500 in the US, 50% less in Argentina, and about USD 3,700 in India.As with any surgical procedure, it is advised that consumers take the time to research various facilities and surgeons and ensure that both their doctor and facility of their choice has received adequate accreditation from governing boards of plastic surgeons and foundations in their country of origin.More about Cosmetic Surgery Abroad

Mary Jo is an RN who has worked in health tourism for over 35 years. She has done international medical management consulting for a major health care organization. Prior to joining PlacidWay (http://www.placidway.com) she worked for the nation’s leading healthcare IT company as an implementation consultant for Electronic Medical Records.

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