Popularity of Buttock Augmentation & Non-Surgical Fat Reduction Procedures in 2014

The statistical data for the number and type of plastic surgical procedures performed in 2014 will be published by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) next month. Early releases reveal that buttock augmentation procedures and non-surgical fat reduction procedures were trending higher in 2014, however liposuction and breast augmentation still remain ­­the most popular procedures.  

Buttock augmentation is a relatively new procedure that involves the reshaping, enlarging and enhancement of the buttocks and gluteal area. Many people view an uplifted, curvier and rounder butt profile as a symbol of femininity and sensuality. Fat grafting techniques, such as the Brazilian Butt Lift use the patient’s own fatty tissue, however buttock implants are also popular. The number of buttock augmentation procedures rose by an astonishing 86% in 2014.

Non-surgical fat reduction procedures were also quite popular last year. In-office procedures utilizing devices such as CoolSculpting and VASERshape freeze or melt body fat without surgery, however the results are not the same as results from surgery.  A total of more than 130,000 non-surgical fat reduction procedures were performed in the past year which is a 43% rise over the number of this type of procedure in 2013.

A combined total of over 10 million cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures were performed by board-certified surgeons in the United States in 2014. This number may increase in 2015 if the FDA approves the use of ATX-101, an injectable used to reduce small pockets of fat in the area under the chin (double chin/neck fat). Look for details in another blogpost as soon as more information is available.

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

Technological advances in elective cosmetic surgery have resulted in safer procedures that are less invasive and have a faster recovery time than ever before. Non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments are available for people who do not need, have the time, or want to commit to a full cosmetic surgical procedure.

Dermal Fillers

Through the administration of injectable fillers on areas of the face, neck and hands, creases and folds are plumped or filled and volume and fullness is added.

Botox® Cosmetic

A prescription medicine that is injected into muscles resulting in the smoothing of frown creases and fine lines. Treatments can also help eliminate crow’s feet and prevent or soften wrinkles.

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Though the use of acupuncture needles over a series of treatments, the body’s healing energies are stimulated and circulation is improved resulting in a reduction of deeper lines, a lifting effect and an overall radiance. 

Minimally invasive facial procedures are generally temporary, however results can be maintained by regular treatments. Although these less invasive treatments cannot achieve the same results as surgical cosmetic procedures, they may help to delay the time before a surgical procedure is desired.


Do you have experience with any of these treatments? Share your thoughts!

How to Choose the Perfect Plastic Surgeon

When considering Plastic Surgery, choosing a surgeon is one of the most important decisions. There are several factors that you should consider before selecting the person who will perform your procedure.

Make Sure the Surgeon is Board-Certified

Verify that your potential surgeon is currently certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. While the U.S. government requires that plastic surgeons have certification, they don’t require that a surgeon be specifically trained in all of the procedures offered in the surgeon’s practice.  As an example, the title of cosmetic surgeon doesn’t automatically mean that they are properly trained in liposuction or nasal reconstructive surgery.  This may be due to the different skills required to master each area of cosmetic surgery. One key to finding someone with the most experience performing the procedure you intend to undergo, is to inquire how they were trained and how many times they have performed the specific procedure.

Check State Medical Records

Reviewing the medical license record of your surgeon could be the make or break decision in the selection process. Through your state’s medical board, you can verify the medical license and have access to any disciplinary actions against the surgeon.  Each state treats obtaining this information differently, meaning that acquiring these records could be as easy as going online or requesting the information by mail.

Ask To See Results of Other Surgeries

The result of your surgery will be one you will enjoy, or have to live with for a long while. To ensure that your aesthetic expectations are met, ask your potential surgeon to share testimonials as well as before and after photos of patients who have had similar surgical procedures.  This will give you a sense of what the outcome will most likely be after the procedure. Ask to talk to other patients as a point of reference to help you to get a firsthand perspective on any side effects and what the recovery process may be like. When this isn’t possible due to patient/doctor confidentiality or privacy, you may access online message boards for information.

Ask Questions

Be sure to ask every question you have about the surgery or procedure. Your surgeon’s ability, or inability to answer will be a great tool to assist you in making the selection of your surgeon. Here are a few questions that you may consider asking:

• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?  Are there options for other treatments?

• Who will assist in the procedure? What are their qualifications and training?

• What is involved in the procedure? How is it performed?

• What are the risks or complications of this procedure?

• Who will administer sedation?  What are their qualifications and training?

• How long will the procedure or surgery last? How long will sedation effects last?

• What are the emergency plans? To which hospital would I be taken?

• What is the recovery period? What kind of post-operative care is involved? 

• Will post-operative clothing or medicine be necessary?

• What is the realistic result of this procedure? 

In the end, it’s all about having the surgery done for yourself! Do your research and obtain opinions from several specialists so that you are not only knowledgeable about the procedure, but have also developed a strong trust and comfort level with your surgical team. 

What other things do you look for when selecting a plastic surgeon?  Leave some tips in the comments below!