How much do you really know about plastic surgery?

According to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, “more than 11 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures were performed by board-certified plastic surgeons, dermatologists and otolaryngologists.” 90.6 percent of these procedures were performed on women, totaling over 10.3 million invasive and non-invasive surgeries.

ASAPS data indicates the following procedures were the top five most performed in 2013:

ASAPS also collected data on the top five nonsurgical procedures of 2013:

  • Botulinum Toxin
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Hair Removal
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Photo Rejuvenation

A recent study published in JAMA Dermatology is one step forward in proving that minimally invasive energy-driven or laser procedures have, “essentially no risk of serious adverse events,” according to Science Daily. Procedures like these are used to decrease the aging of the face.

According to a recent study conducted by NYU Langone Medical Center, facial transplantation is also safer and more feasible than once believed, said Science Daily. This type of surgery is one the far end of surgical procedures, with only 20 performed since 2005, according to John Hopkins Medicine. Compared to the minimally invasive surgeries listed above, facial transplants are extremely rare and detailed procedures that have lifelong successes and risks.

With both of these studies on opposite sides of the plastic surgery spectrum, it’s clear that significant strides have been made in the field. If both of these procedures are becoming safer, then the future of the top-performed plastic surgeries have a fighting chance at becoming safer and less surgical as time goes on.

According to the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, there are currently about 6,300 active ABPS board certified plastic surgeons. These surgeons “have graduated from an accredited medical school, and complete at least 5 years of additional training in approved programs, and then must pass written and oral exams.”

Dr. Lett, of The Lett Center, is a board certified plastic surgeon.