According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, over 11.5 million surgical and non-surgical procedures were performed during the year 2006 in the United States alone.

Here are the top five of each type of method, surgical and non-surgical.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures

1. Liposuction – 403,684
2. Breast augmentation – 383,886
3. Eyelid surgery – 209,999
4. Abdominoplasty – 172,457
5. Breast Reduction – 145,822

Cosmetic Non-Surgical Procedures

1. Botox – 3.1 million
2. Hyaluronic Acid – such as Hylaform, Restylane – 1.5 million
3. Laser hair removal – 1.4 million
4. Microdermabrasion – 993,071
5. Laser Skin Resurfacing – 556,172

I will be on the lookout for the statistics for 2007 when they are published next year. I wonder if the numbers will rise.

What do you think?

Post from: Aging Fabulous

I have read rave reviews of Juvéderm™, with most users being pleased with both the smooth look they get and the longer lasting results.

Unlike BOTOX® Cosmetic, Juvéderm™ is a gel made of hylauronic acid that provides volume under the skin, in a sense filling in the lines. Whereas BOTOX® Cosmetic, freezes or relaxes the muscles to relax deeper lines.

From the official Juvéderm™ website, here is their description:

As we age, our skin changes. Over time, the natural volume of youthful skin begins to diminish as wrinkles and folds form. But, with Juvéderm™ injectable gel, you don’t have to just sit back and let it happen! Recently approved by the FDA, Juvéderm™ injectable gel is a “next-generation” dermal filler. The smooth consistency gel helps to instantly restore your skin’s volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds, like your “smile lines” or “parentheses” (nasolabial folds—the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth).

Juvéderm™ is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration. Your healthcare professional eases Juvéderm™ injectable gel under the skin to provide a smooth, natural look and feel—so everyone will notice (but no one will know)! In fact, studies show superior results of Juvéderm™ compared to a collagen-based dermal filler.* And, almost 90% of all study volunteers who were treated with both Juvéderm™ injectable gel and another dermal filler* preferred Juvéderm™! In addition, Juvéderm™ injectable gel is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that is proven to be safe and effective for persons of color.

The procedure, performed in a physicians office, lasts just about 15 minutes. The results last most users 6 months or more. The average cost per treatment is anywhere from $350 – $500.

If you have used Juvéderm™, please share your results. We promise to keep your name and any personal information confidential, and will only share your experience.

Post from: Aging Fabulous