2009 Prompted More Plastic Surgery & More Discussion Among Professionals

The world may have been dealing with the effects of a recession in 2009, but that didn't stop Britons from having breast implants, liposuction, Botox, and other cosmetic procedures. Industry professionals found the demand for their services grew throughout the year, and even exceeded that of previous years.

Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Procedures Increase in 2009

iBreast reduction surgery, facelifts, Botox, and other cosmetic treatments all saw an increase in popularity throughout 2009. While surgical procedures such as breast implants and rhinoplasty increased by 50% in December, minor cosmetic procedures such as Botox increased by 30% in the same month. This works out to a 9% increase in surgical treatments for the year and up to a 30% increase for non-invasive treatments. Surgeons found the most popular treatments included liposuction surgery and other procedures related to weight loss and looking slimmer.

Professionals found there were several reasons for the growth experienced in the number of surgical and non-surgical treatments being performed. Transform, Britain's largest plastic surgery chain, found the growth they experienced in December was due mostly to a discount they offered to patients receiving multiple treatments.

Other professionals noted patients in the educational and banking sectors waited until December to have procedures done because they had more time to recover. Lastly, some professionals noted their patients had treatments done in December in order to touch up their looks in time for a big party or family gathering.

More Procedures Increased the Emphasis on Health and Safety

Plastic surgeons used the surge in procedures such as breast implants and breast reduction surgery to highlight several important areas in the industry. Health, safety, and regulations were a huge part of discussions in 2009. In fact, many leading professionals including psychologists, prominent surgeons, members of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons spoke out to patients and others in their industry.

One of the main topics in 2009 included regulations. Some professionals feel the UK should adopt French standards and prohibit the advertising of breast implants and other procedures. Others, however, feel advertising is completely acceptable, so long as it isn't done so in an unhealthy way (targeting youth, for example).

Discussions over who should be allowed to perform plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures as well as the assessment and education of the patient were also the center of discussion. With passionate members on both sides of these arguments, no agreements were reached, but the groundwork has been laid for more great analysis of the situation throughout 2010 and beyond.

Professionals may have been performing more breast implants, breast reduction surgery, and other cosmetic procedures in 2009, but they have also maintained their focus on improving their industry as a whole. And, with so many important issues on the table, these trends are sure to continue well into 2010 and beyond leaving professionals and patients looking and feeling better.