London: The number of cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK continues to increase, according to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
Highlights:
· 28,921 surgical procedures were carried out by BAAPS members, up 31.2% from 2005, when 22,041 were performed
· Liposuction has now gone up from being the 8th most popular procedure in 2005 (when 2,099 were carried out) to 3rd place at 3,986 in 2006, an increase of almost 90%
· Women had 26,469 procedures in 2006, up from 19,601 the previous year
· The majority of cosmetic surgery was carried out on women (92%) and men maintained a similar number of procedures compared to 2005: 2,452
The top procedure for women continues to be breast augmentation, with 6,156 carried out
Rhinoplasty continued to be the top procedure for men, with 525 undertaken by BAAPS
Anti-ageing procedures (facelifts, eyelid surgery and brow lifts) continued to show a steady rise in popularity, increasing by 44%, 48% and 50%, respectively.
Mr. Douglas McGeorge, consultant plastic surgeon and President of the BAAPS comments: These figures reflect the growing acceptance of aesthetic surgery, particularly in the areas of body contouring and anti-ageing. I attribute at least some of this trend to the continued media coverage which provides the public with an idea of what surgical procedures can achieve, as well as technological advances that improve safety and reduce costs. At the BAAPS we are committed to continue educating people considering plastic surgery by providing independent and serious advice that promotes sensible decision-making.
The figures in full:
A total of 28,921 procedures were carried out in 2006 by BAAPS members in their private practices, compared to 22,041 in 2005. The 2006 results indicate that surgical numbers continue to grow, with a 31.2% rise over the previous year.
The top surgical procedures for men & women in 2006 were, in order of popularity:
Breast augmentation: 6,156 up 9% from last year
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery): 5,065 up 48%
Liposuction: 3,986 up 90%
Face/Neck Lift: 3,281 up 44%
Breast Reduction: 3,219 up 19%
Abdominoplasty: 2,743 up 47%
Rhinoplasty: 2,678 up 18%
Otoplasty (ear correction): 943 down 20%
Brow lifts 868 up 50%
Women had 92% of all cosmetic procedures in 2006 (26,469 up from 19,601in 2005). The top five surgical procedures for women in 2006 were: breast augmentation (6,133), blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery (4,559), liposuction (3,474), face/neck lift (3,091), and breast reduction (3,042).
Men had 2,452 cosmetic procedures in 2006. The top five surgical procedures for men in 2006 were: rhinoplasty (525), eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty (506), liposuction (494), ear correction or otoplasty (397), and face/neck lift (190).
Mr. Rajiv Grover, consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS Council member responsible for the UK national audit of cosmetic surgery says: Judging by the dramatic rise in certain procedures, it is clear we are becoming a more body-image conscious society. However, it is important to note that liposuction and tummy tucks are not a treatment for weight management or obesity: they are body contouring procedures for patients near or already at their ideal body weight.
He adds:
When considering cosmetic surgery it is essential to be selective in choosing the right surgeon as the results of good surgery may be long lasting but no procedure is without some risk. When performed under the right circumstances, aesthetic surgery can have a very positive psychological impact and improve quality of life.
About BAAPS
BAAPS www.baaps.org.uk, based at the Royal College of Surgeons, is a not-for-profit organisation, established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit. Members undergo thorough background screening before they can join. Information about specific procedures and surgeons contact details can be found on the web site, or by contacting their advice line at 020 7405 2234. Further materials can be posted to members of the public seeking specialised information.