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The American Society of Plastic Surgeons just released its statistics for 2008, and they show a possible shift in the popularity of certain cosmetic surgery procedures, most notably with breast augmentation.  According to the new figures, breast augmentation procedures have exceeded liposuctions for the first time.

341,144 liposuction procedures were performed in 2008, while breast implants far exceeded that figure with a surprising 355,671 procedures. Eyelid surgeries numbered at a lower, but relatively strong 195,104 procedures.

President of the ASPS, Dr. Alan Gold MD tells, “for the first time in the twelve years these statistics have been collected, liposuction is a runner up in popularity to breast augmentation. He went on to predict that “this turnabout will generate discussions in the medical community and the public at large.”   “Changes in fashion, i.e. décolletage baring styles, might be a factor in bringing about this change” he theorized.

The new data also shows an overwhelming female component – 92 percent of the 10.2 million cosmetic procedures were had by women.

Here are the top five surgical procedures for 2008:

* Breast Augmentation
* Liposuction
* Eyelid Surgery
* Rhinoplasty
* Abdominoplasty

and the top five non-surgical procedures included:

* Botox
* Laser Hair Removal
* Hyaluronic acid wrinkle fillers (Juvederm, Restylane)
* Chemical Peel
* Laser Skin Resurfacing

Solta Medical, the new parent company of Thermage and Fraxel, has announced plans to open an ‘Aesthetic Center’ that will function as both a research and development hub and a physician training facility.  The activities within the center will focus on (and hopefully advance) all of the innovative AED technologies that have been merged under the Solta Medical name.

The Solta Medical Aesthetic Center will incorporate a biomedical engineering lab and an in-house clinic, both of which will allow physicians to take part in ongoing product research.  In the company press release, dermatologist Vic Narurkar MD says, this “will allow the company’s optics and biomedical engineers to share data and receive immediate clinical feedback about their work in new product development and existing product enhancement.”

The grand opening is scheduled to coincide with the 67th annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in San Francisco, which will bring together physicians and industry professionals for in-depth discussion on topics like laser skin resurfacing and skin tightening.

All of these new developments and collaborations in the field create an environment in which it is not unreasonable to expect some exciting new technological advancements in the cosmetic surgery and dermatology industry.

An NBC news affiliate in Santa Rosa, California recently aired this brief segment on Dr. Steve Weiner and his use of Fraxel re:pair laser therapy.

Dr. Weiner, who conducted a year-long study on the laser, claims that his patients see “dramatic results in just days.”  He adds, [Fraxel re:pair] gives you a very natural result without the associated risks of surgery, there’s no general anesthesia, there’s no scars behind the ear and the recovery time is down to about 5 to 7 days.”

Fraxel Repair is intended to smooth out lines, wrinkles, scars and sun damage in one session that may require as little as 30 minutes.  For more information on Fraxel repair with Dr. Stacy, see our Fraxel Repair before and after photos or call us at 425-413-8864.