2009 Procedures Topped 17 Million, Says AACS

More than 17 million cosmetic procedures were done in the United States last year, according to a recent survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

The survey, which was conducted differently than in previous years, posted numbers higher than ever seen before.  To gather data for the survey, the Academy polled AACS members and random physicians across the United States.

AACS members have seen an 8% increase in cosmetic procedures during the past two years, despite the economic recession.

During the past five years, these are the procedures the Academy says have increased markedly:

• Eyelid surgery
• Abdominoplasty
• Rhinoplasty
• Chemical peels
• Wrinkle fillers

“As the economy recovers slowly but surely, we are seeing patients come back and feel better about doing some things for themselves that maybe they’d been putting off for a while, said AACS president Mark Berman MD.