Highlights:

· 16,367 cosmetic procedures carried out by BAAPS members in 2004

· Cosmetic procedures up 18% on previous year (based on average procedures per surgeon)

· While the majority of cosmetic surgery continues to be carried out on women (92%), the number of men having cosmetic surgery increased from 822 in 2003 to 1,348 this year

· Women had 15,019 procedures in 2004, up from 9,916

· The top procedure for women was breast augmentation, with 3,731 carried out by BAAPS members in 2004

· Rhinoplasty was the top procedure for men, with 362 undertaken by BAAPS members

According to Mr. Adam Searle, consultant plastic surgeon and President of the BAAPS;

“People today want to look as good as they feel, and are willing to invest in improving their quality of life. These figures reflect the growing popularity of cosmetic surgery, and reaffirm more than ever our commitment to educate the public on the procedures available, how to find reputable practitioners, and how to make safe and sensible decisions regarding their care.”

The figures in full:

A total of 16,367 procedures were carried out this year by BAAPS members in their private practices, compared to 10,738 in 2003. 2004 results indicate that surgical numbers continue to grow, with an 18% change over the previous year: in 2003, respondents averaged 112 procedures, and this year averaged 137 each.

The top five surgical procedures for men & women in 2004 were, in order of popularity:

· Breast augmentation (3,734)

· Breast Reduction/Mastopexy (2,470)

· Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery (2,273)

· Rhinoplasty (1,682)

· Face/Neck Lift (1,604)

· followed by abdominoplasty, liposuction, otoplasty (pinning back prominent ears), and brow lifts

Women had 92% of all cosmetic procedures (15,019 in 2004, up from 9,916 in 2003). The top five surgical procedures for women in 2004 were: breast augmentation (3,731), breast reduction/mastopexy (2,417), blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery (1,993), face/neck lift (1,511), and abdominoplasty (1,465).

Men had 1,348 cosmetic procedures, an increase of 526 from 2003. The top five surgical procedures for men in 2004 were: rhinoplasty (362), otoplasty (295), blepharoplasty (280), liposuction (130), and face/neck lift (93).

According to Mr. Douglas McGeorge, consultant plastic surgeon and President-Elect;

““Contributions to the popularity of plastic surgery include advancements in technology and procedures, and people’s growing acceptance of improving their looks. We live in a young society. An increasing number of men and women approach the BAAPS in recognition that cosmetic surgery should be performed by a qualified surgeon. All patients should be properly counselled to ensure procedures are safe and effective.”

The 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.

For more information, please visit www.baaps.org.uk

© 2005 HealthNewsDigest.com