In 2008, the latest year in which statistics are available, the American Society of Plastic Surgery reported more than 10 million cosmetic procedures, surgical and non-surgical in the United States.
Non-surgical procedures accounted for 83% of procedures, with surgical procedures accounting for the other 17%.
Non-surgical procedures include injection of Botox, laser hair removal, injection of hyaluronic acid, chemical peels, and laser skin resurfacing. Altogether, these accounted for approximately 8 million procedures.
Women accounted for 92% of these procedures. In 2008, the number of cosmetic procedures for women in the U.S. decreased by 11%. This drop is mostly accounted for by the decline in the U.S. economy during that time period. For men and women combined, the drop in 2008 over 2007 was 12%.
For women, the top five surgical procedures in 2008 were:
1. Breast augmentation
2. Liposuction
3. Eyelid surgery
4. Abdominoplasty (the so-called tummy tuck)
5. Breast reduction
According to AmericanHealthandBeauty.com, trends in breast augmentation include more requests for larger implants.
The physical factor determining how large implants can be and still look natural is the base diameter of the breast where it meets the chest. But with very large or “extreme” implants, the look is unnatural even on a very large frame.
The largest implants usually contain saline rather than silicone. Expandable saline implants have a valve attached that allow more saline to be added without additional surgery. Usually around 50 cc of saline is added each time as the skin and natural breast tissue gradually stretches.
Two companies, Allergan and Mentor make 1000 cc (1 liter) breast implants, and there are women who choose implants that big for a more extreme, exaggerated figure.
These super-sized implants can cause problems, however, including back pain, higher risk of rupture, as well as higher risk of rippling and capsular contracture (hardening around the implant).
Another recent trend has been a return to silicone breast implants since they were re-approved by the FDA in 2006 after having been off the market for 14 years due to concerns over their safety. Since then, silicone implants have regained more than half the market in breast implants. Women prefer them because they feel more natural than those filled with saline.
One “trend” that is becoming accepted wisdom among doctors and patients is that breast augmentation should not be considered a permanent procedure.
The longer implants are in place, the greater the chance for rupture, capsular contraction (development of scar tissue), and other complications, so women today are advised that more surgery will be likely over the course of several years or decades.
The three most common reasons for breast augmentation revision are changing the size of the implants, improving the natural appearance and feel of the breasts,and correction of capsular contraction.

