Cosmetic Procedures Up in All Ethnic Groups Except Caucasians in 2008
Largest Increase in Hispanics, Up 18%, New ASPS Plastic Surgery Statistics Show

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. - 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 today by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), ethnic cosmetic procedures increased 11 percent in 2008, with more than 3 million performed, while procedures among Caucasians dropped 2 percent. Cosmetic procedures among Hispanics, the largest and fastest growing ethnic group in the U.S., experienced the greatest growth; up 18 percent.

"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, MD. "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."

Mexican-American Raquel Laurent, 41, recently had an injectable filler and light laser skin resurfacing to refresh her appearance during these tough economic times. "I've always been interested in cosmetic procedures. And, like many people, I'm more willing to invest in something that lasts many months compared to say a vacation. How you look and feel is important, no matter what your ethnicity."

It's no coincidence Laurent opted for the benefits of cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures. In fact, overall, minimally-invasive procedures were up 5 percent in 2008, ASPS statistics show. Minimally-invasive procedures with the largest increases included injectable fillers and facial rejuvenation procedures.

"Laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels can provide tremendous results when done by a board-certified plastic surgeon familiar with ethnic skin," cautions ASPS Member Surgeon Tripti Burt, MD, who performed Laurent's procedures. "However, in the wrong hands, these procedures can lead to pigment irregularities and scarring."

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

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