4/02/07

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

Since 2005 for people ages 40 to 54, thigh lifts increased 27%, lower body lifts 24%, upper arm lifts 23%, thread (face) lifts 22%, breast lifts 11%, and tummy tucks 7%. 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% increase in these aesthetic procedures from 2005 to 2006.

"Baby boomers are experiencing the unavoidable—loss of skin elasticity with age," says 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%) of respondents were 40 to 64 years old.

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

[ASPS, March 22, 2007]