While cosmetic procedures that involve a scalpel dropped in 2008 from 2007 levels, they were still extremely popular. During that same period of time the so-called minimally invasive procedures such as the injection of Botox and Juvederm to get rid of facial wrinkles became even more popular, however. It isn’t clear whether the increase in the minimally invasive procedures was from people putting off having a facelift due to economics, or whether Botox and Juvederm are just continuing their meteoric rise in popularity from earlier years.

In 2009, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, procedures dropped by only 2%, despite the lingering recession. The most popular surgical procedure performed by ASAPS was breast augmentation. Liposuction was the second most popular. One rather surprising statistic is that rhinoplasty increased by 74% in 2009. In 2009, men made up 9% of the customer base for plastic surgery. People age 65 and older accounted for only 7% of the procedures.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, another professional association in the cosmetic surgery industry, reported that liposuction was the most common procedure according to their statistics for 2009. Eyelid surgery is increasing in popularity, and tummy tucks are quite popular as well. Age-wise, the average Botox recipient is 47, while the average woman wanting breast augmentation is 36.

As for other trends in cosmetic surgery, the International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine believes that cosmetic surgery “vacations” will be less popular as consumers learn more of the risks involved in traveling for surgery and the importance of follow-up care. Globally, the number of overweight and obese people is increasing, and any procedure involving body contouring is likely to increase in popularity worldwide. Non-invasive fat removal techniques, such as Smartlipo laser liposuction are in clinical trials and could become very popular once approved.

A procedure called cryolipolysis is in clinical trials now and the preliminary results are looking positive. This procedure involves freezing fat cells, which the body then naturally breaks down and eliminates.

One area of research on the horizon is that of fat stem cells. They could play a role in tissue engineering, and could result in anti-aging drugs that can forestall more invasive cosmetic procedures. A topical version of Botox that can penetrate skin and affect the muscles without the use of needles is another possibility within the next few years.

A non-invasive cosmetic technique that seemed to come from nowhere in 2009 and explode in popularity is eyelash lengthening. The FDA approved Latisse, a topical drug that results in longer, darker eyelashes. It’s based on a glaucoma drug called Lumigan, a drug whose side effect of eyelash growth is being exploited for those wanting naturally longer lashes.
Recession-proof? It’s done quite well despite the economic downturn. As an industry, cosmetic surgery has experienced some declines during the recession that began in 2008, but the popularity of minimally-invasive techniques and the promise of new procedures within the next few years will probably result in rapid growth in the industry as a whole as the economy recovers steam.

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