Cosmetic Plastic Surgery for Baby Boomers Shifts to Lifts

ASPS Reports Significant Increases in Skin Removal and Lift Procedures

While cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures continue to see an increase among all age groups, baby boomers are adding skin and body lift procedures in increasing numbers, according to statistics released today by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Since 2005 for people ages 40 to 54, thigh lifts increased 27 percent, lower body lifts increased 24 percent, upper arm lifts increased 23 percent, thread (face) lifts increased 22 percent, breast lifts increased 11 percent, and tummy tucks increased 7 percent. Similar increases in the same procedures since the previous year were also reported for the age group 55 and older. In fact, the combined age groups experienced a 12 percent increase in these cosmetic procedures from 2005 to 2006.

“Baby boomers are experiencing the unavoidable—loss of skin elasticity with age,” said Roxanne Guy, MD, ASPS president. “In thirty year-olds, the need for more invasive procedures can be delayed by using injectable fillers and lasers. Not so for treating the loose skin boomers are experiencing.”

A recent AC Neilsen survey found that baby boomers not only want to look younger, but also feel younger. The study showed the boomers perception reflects a new middle age in their sixties resulting from their forties being considered the new thirties. The desire to match their perception of age with how they look is important to baby boomers.

A Harris Interactive consumer survey conducted for ASPS in 2006 found similar results. For instance, the ASPS survey of 800 women ages 35 to 69 found that the majority would prefer their face to look 13 years younger. The survey also found women were most likely to be extremely or very concerned about wrinkles and sagging skin. The majority (81 percent) of respondents were 40 to 64 years old.

Close to 5 million total cosmetic procedures were performed on women and men ages 40 to 54 in 2006, who made up 45 percent of total patients. Patients ages 55 and older in 2006 made up 26 percent of total patients with 2.8 million total cosmetic procedures.

ASPS procedural statistics are collected through the first online national database for plastic surgery procedures, Tracking Operations and Outcomes for Plastic Surgeons (TOPS). This data, combined with an annual survey sent to American Board of Medical Specialties certified physicians most likely to perform plastic surgery, results in the most comprehensive census on plastic surgery procedures.

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