ASPS Survey Taps Top Markets for Regional Plastic Su...( Patient Profiles Outlined in Midd...),Health

Patient Profiles Outlined in Middle America and on Both Coasts

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Regional trends in plastic surgery patients and procedures differ and they do not always match that of national trends, according to a recent survey conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). ASPS Member Surgeons located in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. (including Baltimore, Md.) were surveyed on how their practices compared to the 2006 ASPS national procedural data.

Upon closer examination in these major metropolitan areas, ASPS found a higher percentage of male patients as well as younger patients compared to national figures. This survey also reported increases in ethnic groups; however, nationally the ASPS reported slight decreases in certain ethnic groups from 2005 to 2006.

Additionally, all four markets reported an increase in the following trends over the past three years: couples/families having surgery together, patients seeking minimally invasive procedures in lieu of surgery, and massive weight loss patients seeking body contouring procedures.

Since 1992, the ASPS has been the source of the most comprehensive and reliable cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery national statistical trends in the U.S. This is the first time the ASPS has conducted a regionally focused survey.

"We took the pulse in these large regional markets to see who the typical plastic surgery patient is compared to what we've found nationally," said Michael McGuire, MD, ASPS Vice President of Communications. "We discovered interesting nuances between the cities. For instance, while breast augmentation ranked 1st in all four markets, surprisingly a higher percentage of ASPS Member Surgeons in the Midwest -- Chicago -- ranked this procedure the highest as opposed to Los Angeles with its appearance-driven stereotype."

Key Differences in Procedures:*

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