10 Cosmetic Surgery predictions for 2003

[Guest guest]

Oh, goodie. More implants.

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10 COSMETIC SURGERY PREDICTIONS FOR 2003 From the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)

NEW YORK, Dec. 26 /PRNewswire/ --

* The anticipated FDA-approval of Restylane® (hyaluronic acid) in 2003

will mark the beginning of a wave of new super-substances for the

temporary treatment of lines, depressions and wrinkles.

* Looking for a piece of the Botox® pie, medical entrepreneurs will

step up the marketing of products claiming similar effects, often at

less cost. Many of these may not have undergone rigorous evaluation

for safety and effectiveness.

* Rising confidence in the safety of breast implants will lead to a

further increase in the number of breast augmentations.

* Facial rejuvenation surgery will continue evolving toward complete

restoration of youthful facial volume and contour. It will become

harder for people to tell who has had "work" done.

* New technologies such as 3-D computer imaging will help patients

visualize results as procedures are customized and surgical plans are

individually tailored. However, patients will need to be reminded that

surgeons cannot guarantee computer-generated results.

* Increased television coverage of cosmetic surgery will encourage many

viewers to consider procedures for themselves, but may also foster

unrealistic expectations about results. Additionally, people may be

lulled into a relaxed attitude about surgery that leads them to

overlook the importance of procedure-specific training, experience, and

credentials.

* More states will pass regulations covering office-based cosmetic

surgery. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)

supports regulations that require doctors performing any cosmetic

surgical procedure in an office-based facility to have privileges to

perform the same procedure in an accredited hospital. Additionally, as

advocates for patient safety, ASAPS already requires its members to

operate in accredited facilities.

* As Americans continue the fight against obesity, more people will

undergo bariatric surgery such as stomach stapling. Subsequent to

massive weight loss, large numbers of them will complete their physical

transformation by turning to plastic surgical procedures such as tummy

tucks, body lifts, thigh lifts and upper arm reduction to get rid of

loose, hanging skin.

* Despite the resurgence of "grunge" apparel, tattoos and body piercing

will fall from favor among many young people. The numbers of those who

turn to cosmetic procedures to remove tattoos and close piercing holes

will increase.

* More people will consider aesthetic plastic surgery in combination with

diet, exercise and skin care as a total program to maximize well-being

and manage the aging process.

SOURCE American Society for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryWeb Site: http://www.surgery.org