Breast Augmentation Most Sought Plastic Surgery in 2008

According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation was the most popular plastic surgical procedure in 2008, with 356,000 procedures performed. Though this is an 11 percent drop from the previous year, breast augmentation still managed to creep ahead of liposuction, which was at the top of the list in 2007. As cosmetic surgery takes a hit due to the county's economic crisis, many men and women who would normally undergo liposuction are finding exercise a less expensive option, causing liposuction dropped 22 percent since last year. Breast augmentation, on the other hand, cannot easily be replaced by diet, exercise or other non-surgical options.

Though, over all, the economy has hurt the plastic surgery industry, some women are seeking breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures to remain competitive in the job market according to Dr. Alan Gold, the society president, saying "A number of women are now looking at breast augmentation after childbearing years..(p)eople are more focused on the aging-related changes that allow them to keep competitive in the job market.”

According to the study, women still seek cosmetic procedures at a far greater number than men, accounting for over 90% of all procedures performed. Women most commonly seek breast augmentation, followed by liposuction, eyelid surgery, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and breast reduction respectively.

The most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure, according to the study, was Botox injections.

For more information on surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as Botox, liposuction or breast augmentation, Murrieta plastic surgeon Dr. Eichenberg offers procedure information as well as before and after photos on his website.