More Than 6 Million Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Patients Treated in 2002, American Society of Plastic Surgeons Reports

4/15/2003

From: Theresa Hill or Kathleen Corcoran, 847-228-9900 ext. 350 both of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., April 15 -- The number of reconstructive plastic surgery patients increased 8 percent in 2002 from 2001 to more than 6.2 million, according to new statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Reconstructive surgery is performed on abnormal structures of the body, caused by birth defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, injury, infection, tumors or disease.

"The more than 6 million people who received reconstructive plastic surgery demonstrate how plastic surgeons continue to serve patient needs despite lower insurance reimbursements and increased medical liability costs," says ASPS President James Wells, MD, Long Beach, Calif. "Luckily for our specialty many plastic surgeons are able to meet all patients needs by balancing both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in their practices."

"Reconstructive plastic surgery is the root of plastic surgery," explains Dr. Wells. "The goal of any reconstructive procedure is to restore and improve function to the face and body that have been damaged due to injury, trauma, disease or birth defect. A plastic surgeon is a care-giver, wound-care expert, artist and highly-trained surgeon who performs both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures."

The top five reconstructive plastic surgery procedures in 2002 were tumor removal up 10 percent from 2001 with more than 4 million patients, followed by laceration repair down 10 percent with 397,960 patients, scar revision up 6 percent with 241,045 patients, hand surgery down 11 percent with 209,594 patients and breast reduction up 2 percent with 101,526 patients.

Breast reconstruction, the recreation of a breast removed due to cancer or other disease, was performed on 74,090 patients with 50 percent of them having the procedure at the same time as mastectomy.

"Breast reconstruction is one of the most rewarding surgical procedures plastic surgeons perform," adds Dr. Wells. "Unfortunately, according to a recent study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery(r) the likelihood that African American, Hispanic and Asian women have breast reconstruction after mastectomy is significantly lower than Caucasian women. This is most disconcerting because breast reconstruction plays an important role in a patient's emotional healing after a mastectomy."

One of the most important steps a person can take in preparation for any reconstructive plastic surgery procedure is to carefully research and select a plastic surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). ABPS is the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify a surgeon in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body. Careful selection of the plastic surgeon can greatly enhance the possibility of a successful surgical outcome. Anyone injured in an accident should be sure to ask the emergency room physician for a plastic surgeon certified by the ABPS.

ASPS 2002 statistics represent patients having procedures performed by member plastic surgeons certified by the ABPS as well as other physicians certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties-recognized boards. In depth statistics are available in the News Room of the ASPS Web site, www.plasticsurgery.org/news_room/index.cfm.

--- Total Patients Reconstructive Procedures: 6,234,797

Most Common Reconstructive Procedures

Tumor Removal: 4,439,463 Laceration Repair: 397,960 Scar Revision: 241,045 Hand Surgery: 209,594 Breast Reduction: 101,526

------ ASPS, founded in 1931, is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world and the foremost authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS represents physicians certified by the ABPS or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. For referrals to ABPS-certified plastic surgeons in your area and to learn more about cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, call ASPS at 888-4-PLASTIC (888-475-2784) or visit www.plasticsurgery.org.