Cosmetic Surgery On Rise As Safety, Efficacy Of Procedures Increase

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical, have risen in popularity as evidenced by makeovers seen on "Oprah" and reality shows such as "Extreme Makeover." And, of course, we cannot overlook the success of the television series, "Nip/Tuck."

Nearly 11.5 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States in 2006, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

Statistics show an increase in procedures that transfer one's own fat from one part of the body to another using an instrument called a cannula, a closed-end tubular device made from stainless steel. It looks much like a large needle and is commonly used to extract tissue during liposuction and fat-transfer procedures. Tulip Biomed, Inc. makes a disposable cannula the company says is more effective and safer than non-disposable devices.

"Industry statistics, as well as our own research, show that while nonsurgical procedures are on the rise, so are the number of plastic surgeons eager to obtain instrumentation that fit their medical needs, improve procedural outcome, decrease post-trauma effect and, at the same time, reduce liability concerns," said Richard Burgoon, COO, Tulip Biomed, Inc.

Americans spent just under $12.2 billion on cosmetic procedures; $7.6 billion for surgical procedures, such as liposuction and breast augmentation; and $4.5 billion for nonsurgical procedures, such as transferable fat injections and Botox.

James Stuzin, MD, President, ASAPS, commented, "...Furthermore, as the safety and efficacy of the nonsurgical procedures on the market continue to improve, the number of those procedures performed by board-certified plastic surgeons continues to rise year after year."

The overall number of procedures increased 446 percent since ASAPS first began collecting data in 1997. Contributing to this rise are the aging Baby Boomers who are acutely aware of wrinkles and bulges, spending millions of dollars on maintaining a youthful appearance.

Industry professionals will be able to view these devices at six professional meetings: American Academy for Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Complementary Facial Fat Grafting and Purse String Facelifting, Practical Anatomy Workshop and Surgical Education, Association of Plastic Surgery Assistants, Advances in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, QMP Third Aesthetic Surgery Symposium.