Over 32,400 cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK in 2007

Feb 4 2008

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (www.baaps.org.uk), the not-for-profit organisation established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit, today announced the results of their annual audit for 2007.

Highlights:

• 32,453 surgical procedures were carried out by BAAPS members, up 12.2% from 2006, when 28,921 were performed
• Facelifts had the largest increase among all procedures, rising by 36% (4,468 procedures carried out) from 2006, keeping its place as the 4th most popular procedure
• Women had 29,572 procedures in 2007, up from 26,469 the previous year
• The majority of cosmetic surgery was carried out on women (91%), while male surgery increased by 17.5% with 2,881 surgical procedures carried out (2,452 procedures in 2006)
• The top procedure for women continues to be breast augmentation, with 6,497 carried out
• Rhinoplasty continued to be the top procedure for men, with 716 undertaken by BAAPS members, a 36% increase from last year – but by far the most impressive percentage rise was in the number of male abdominoplasty procedures (or ‘tummy tucks), which went up by 61%
• Liposuction for men increased by 18% and is now the 2nd most popular procedure for males, taking over the spot from eyelid surgery (now 3rd most popular)
• Male breast reduction has risen by 27% with 224 procedures achieved in 2007 (177 procedures in 2006)
• The number of women having facelifts increased by 37%, making it now the 3rd most popular procedure for females (pushing Liposuction down to 4th most popular)
• Other Anti-ageing procedures (eyelid surgery and brow lifts) continued to show a steady rise in popularity for both men and women, increasing by 13% and 11% overall

According to Mr. Douglas McGeorge, consultant plastic surgeon and President of the BAAPS;

“This year’s audit clearly reflects the UK’s continued acceptance of aesthetic surgery, particularly in the area of anti-aging. Wide media coverage has helped to educate the public about the latest advances and choices available, but it is crucial that people do their research carefully when choosing a provider. At the BAAPS we are committed to continue educating those considering cosmetic plastic surgery by providing independent advice that promotes sensible decision-making.”          

The figures in full:

A total of 32,453 procedures were carried out in 2007 by BAAPS members in their private practices, compared to 28,921 in 2006. The 2007 results indicate that surgical numbers continue to grow, with a 12.2% rise over the previous year.

The top surgical procedures for men & women in 2007 were, in order of popularity:

• Breast augmentation:                 6,497 – up 6% from last year
• Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery):  5,706 – up 13%
• Liposuction:                               4,572 – up 15%
• Face/Neck Lift:                         4,468 – up 36%
• Breast Reduction:                      3,402 – up 6%
• Rhinoplasty:                              3,021 – up 13% 
• Abdominoplasty:                        2,799 – up 2%
• Otoplasty (ear correction):         1,024 – up 9%
• Brow lifts                                     964– up 11%

Women had 91% of all cosmetic procedures in 2007 (29,572, up from 26,469 in 2006). The top five surgical procedures for women in 2006 were: breast augmentation (6,487), blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery (5,148 – up 13% on last year), face/neck lift (4,238, an impressive rise of 37%), liposuction (3,990 – up 15%), and breast reduction (3,178).

Men had 2,881 cosmetic procedures in 2007.  The top five surgical procedures for men in 2007 were: rhinoplasty (716), liposuction (582), eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty (558), ear correction or otoplasty (418), and face/neck lift (230 – rise of 21%).

According to Mr. Rajiv Grover, consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS Secretary responsible for the UK national audit of cosmetic surgery;

“This year we have recorded a dramatic rise in facial plastic surgery. 10 years ago, there may not have been much choice between a face cream and a facelift, but more recently non-surgical procedures such as botox and fillers have introduced a large number of patients to gradual facial rejuvenation, and the effects of these less invasive treatments can sometimes be limited once jowling or loose skin has developed, so this could explain why more patients now feel ready for the surgical option.”

According to Nigel Mercer, consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS President-Elect;

“When considering aesthetic surgery it is essential to be selective in choosing the right surgeon as the results of good surgery may be long lasting, but no procedure is without some risk. When performed under the right circumstances, aesthetic surgery can have a very positive psychological impact and improve quality of life.”