Changing Faces of Plastic Surgery

Tough economic times may have caused a decline in some areas of cosmetic surgery, but procedures among ethnic patients are up. According to statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), ethnic cosmetic procedures increased 11% in 2008, with more than 3 million performed, while procedures among Caucasians dropped 2%. Cosmetic procedures among Hispanics, the largest and fastest-growing ethnic group in the U.S., experienced the greatest growth: up 18%.

"We're seeing a rise in Hispanics opting for cosmetic procedures that coincides with the growth we're seeing in the nation's population," said ASPS president John Canady, M.D. "Less social stigma, as well as, advances in procedures, allow patients to maintain their ethnic look. While the majority of patients continue to be Caucasian, the profile of the typical patient is changing."

Hispanics comprised 10% of the 12 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures performed in 2008, with nearly 1.3 million procedures; African Americans made up 8% with 910,000 procedures, up 10%; and Asians accounted for 7% with 866,000 procedures, up 5%.

The most commonly requested cosmetic minimally invasive procedures for all ethnic groups were Botox, injectable fillers and chemical peel.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 6,700 physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94% of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States.