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In
the aftermath of September 11, Americans will continue to reevaluate their
priorities; some will focus on personal improvement and, perhaps for the first
time, consider cosmetic surgery as an option.
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New surgical and skin care techniques offering improved results for darker
skin will increase cosmetic procedures among ethnic minorities in the U.S.
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Non-surgical "pick-me-ups" such as injectable wrinkle treatments (including
Botox® and the newer Myobloc®) and skin resurfacing with peels and lasers that
require little or no downtime will be the fastest growing segment of the
cosmetic surgery market.
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The trend toward "short scar" and "minimal incision" cosmetic surgery will
continue as more plastic surgeons adopt these newer techniques in response to
patient demand.
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Current fashion interest in midriff-baring tops and low-riding jeans will
increase the popularity of abdominal contouring procedures such as Lipoplasty
(liposuction), tummy tuck and, for those wanting a more sculpted abdominal
musculature, "abdominal etching."
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The popularity of thong lingerie and swimwear will stimulate an increase in
cosmetic surgery of the buttocks, including lipoplasty for contouring of full
buttocks and buttock augmentation for adding curves to flat buttocks.
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Advances in the formulation of silicone gel will encourage renewed interest in
its potential U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as a safe and
effective breast implant filling material.
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The interface between plastic surgery and anti-aging treatments involving
nutritional and other "wellness" therapies will increase as plastic surgeons
respond to consumer interest in alternative medicine.
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Fat from lipoplasty procedures will be further investigated as an important
source for stem cells, opening the door to a new era in aesthetic surgery
utilizing patients' own "manufactured" tissue for a variety of cosmetic
enhancements.
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Additional states will mandate accreditation of office-based surgical
facilities as consumers demand the highest safety standards for ambulatory
surgery. |
