2009 in Review: Cosmetic Surgery Industry Gained Popularity and Insight

Instead of focusing purely on the economic recession and its ill effects, Britons were boosting their confidence with a boob job, rhinoplasty, Botox, and other cosmetic procedures. Plastic surgeons noted that the number of treatments performed in 2009 was significantly higher than in 2008, particularly when December was taken into consideration. Professionals also engaged in a number of important industry-related conversations that could change the way the entire industry works.

Popularity of Cosmetic Surgery and Treatments Increase in 2009

More men and women were visiting local UK plastic surgery clinics in 2009 for everything from a boob job and rhinoplasty to Botox than in 2008. Cosmetic surgery providers noted a 50% increase in invasive procedures over the average monthly numbers for December. They also noticed an overall hike of 9% over 2008 levels.

Providers focusing on non-surgical treatments experienced an increase in the number of treatments given, which equalled to 30% growth over 2008 numbers and performed 30% more procedures in December than the average they performed in any other month. Of all the procedures performed throughout the year, providers named liposuction surgery and other weight related treatments as being the most popular.

When questioned as to the causes behind this growth, providers had identified a few excellent factors. Transform, Britain's leader in cosmetic procedures and facilities found giving a discount directly to patients who underwent two procedures in December quite effective.

Other reasons for the growth include patients who prepared for their holiday parties by having treatments a short time before the event date. Many patients from the banking and educational systems increased December's numbers because patients could take more time off to recover.

Discussions and Debates Provide Possible Improvements For the Plastic Surgery Industry

The growth in popularity of the plastic surgery throughout 2009 helped to spur on a number of industry related discussions and debates on safety, education, and regulations. Psychologists and members of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons published a number of consumer-oriented articles in medical journals. These pieces covered some of the biggest topics in the industry and gave less familiar patients some insight into the world of cosmetic procedures.

One of the hottest topics of the year included the formation of regulations. The ethics and need for advertising on various mediums was hotly debated. And, while some experts embraced the idea of advertising and seen it as an opportunity to boost profits and educate the public, other professionals felt the UK should follow France's lead and ban advertisements for rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and other plastic surgery procedures.

The industry's experts also debated the concept of certification, licensing, and who should be allowed to perform these types of procedures. Then, to ensure patients understood the seriousness of a boob job or other cosmetic procedure, industry leaders discussed techniques to ensure patient safety and the importance of patient assessment prior to treatment.

It's too difficult to say for sure how many rhinoplasty, boob job procedures, and other cosmetic treatments will be performed throughout 2010, but they will continue to stay popular if 2009 was any indication. And, combined with a number of quality discussions, the industry will be able to continue improving the safety and efficiency of various procedures to ensure everyone is happy with the results.