Cosmetic Surgery Took a Hit From Recession in 2009

Plastic Surgery

By: OSD Staff

Published: 4/29/2010

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Surveys show decline in surgical cosmetic procedures, but uptick in reconstructive plastic surgery.


Cosmetic surgery volumes declined last year amid the economic recession, according to 2 reports from the nation's leading plastic surgery societies.

Overall, cosmetic procedures declined at a rate of about 1% to 2% from 2008 to 2009, depending on which survey you look at. According to statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the volume of surgical cosmetic procedures fell 17%, while non-surgical procedures fell nearly 1%. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons paints a somewhat rosier picture, with surgical procedures declining 9% and minimally invasive procedures rising 1%, according to its statistics.

Reconstructive plastic surgery was a bright spot in the ASPS report, which showed volumes in this category rising 5% in 2009. Tumor removal, laceration repair and scar revision led the surge in this sub-specialty.

The top 5 surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures in 2009 were the same in both reports, albeit in different order. Surgical procedures:

  • Breast augmentation (No. 1 according to both surveys)

  • Liposuction

  • Eyelid surgery

  • Rhinoplasty

  • Abdominoplasty

    Non-surgical:

  • Botox injection (No. 1 in both surveys)

  • Soft tissue fillers, such as hyaluronic acid

  • Laser hair removal

  • Microdermabrasion

  • Chemical peel

    Both plastic surgery societies acknowledge that the recession has taken its toll on the industry, but they don't believe the downward trend will be long-lasting. "Growth in demand will likely return as the recession eases and baby boomers' offspring begin to explore surgical options," said ASAPS President Renato Saltz, MD, in a release on the society's findings.

    Colette Klein, RN, director of the Plastic Surgical Center of Rapid City (S.D.), says she's seen case volumes at her facility go "in spurts" during this recession, with an uptick in reconstructive surgeries balancing out the decline in cosmetic cases in 2009. "Now we're up in both areas this quarter," she says.

    Meanwhile, ASPS President Michael McGuire, MD, notes the 69% rate of growth in cosmetic procedures over the past 10 years. "The largest contributor to the increase in procedures over the past decade has been the advent of injectable wrinkle fighters and other minimally-invasive procedures," says Dr. McGuire. "These are the procedures that patients are opting for despite the economy."

    Irene Tsikitas

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