More Than 6.2M Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Procedures In 2003; American Society of Plastic Surgeons Reports Statistics

3/9/2004

From: Theresa Hill, LaSandra Cooper, or Brian Hugins, all of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 847-228-9900 or media@plasticsurgery.org

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., March 9 -- More than 6.2 million reconstructive plastic surgery procedures were performed in 2003. Interestingly, while the number of overall reconstructive procedures did not change in 2003, patients turning to board-certified plastic surgeons for treatment increased by 11 percent, according to statistics released today by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

ASPS, a non-profit organization, supports members in their efforts to provide the highest quality patient care through education, research and advocacy. Founded in 1931, the ASPS is the only organization with more than a decade of plastic surgery statistics.

"By combining the artistry and healing skills of the plastic surgeon with science, technology and procedural advances, we can transform injuries and defects to their former or an enhanced form," said Rod Rohrich, MD, ASPS president. "Board-certified plastic surgeons have trained for years to acquire their unique skill set, which enables them to perform a wide breadth of procedures from hand surgery, to burn and wound care, to cleft lip and palate, craniofacial and birth defect repair to reconstruction of injuries resulting from trauma or accidents."

The top five reconstructive surgeries performed in 2003 were tumor removal (4,463,500), laceration repair (406,184), scar revision (232,114), hand surgery (199,787) and breast reduction (113,140).

Of note, breast reduction procedures increased 11 percent, in part due to ASPS' successful public education campaign letting women who suffer painful physical symptoms from overly large breasts know that breast reduction is a viable option.

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy decreased eight percent over 2002 and 15 percent over the past three years. According to the American Cancer Society, early detection of breast cancer due to mammograms has increased significantly, which could indicate that more women are diagnosed with the breast cancer before they require surgery.

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 physicians for a plastic surgeon certified by the ABPS.

ASPS offers the most valid, reliable statistics on plastic surgery procedures. In 2003, statistics were collected through the first online national database for plastic surgery procedures called Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons (TOPS). This data combined with the annual survey sent to more than 16,000 boarded physicians in specialties most likely to perform plastic surgery procedures resulted in the most authoritative source for plastic surgery procedures.

ASPS is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and the foremost authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. With nearly 5,000 members, more than any other cosmetic surgery organization, ASPS is the definitive voice of the plastic surgery specialty. Viewed throughout the world as the pinnacle of information for new techniques, advances and plastic surgery trends, the society represents 94 percent of all the board-certified plastic surgeons in the U.S. Ninety-four percent of all ASPS members perform cosmetic plastic surgery and 89 percent of all ASPS members perform reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS, founded in 1931, represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.