Even in the midst of a sluggish economy, many Americans were still going under the knife to improve their appearance. The latest statistics from the American Society for Generation X Outdoes Baby Boomer Generation for Plastic SurgeryAesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) show that Generation X — not the baby boomer generation — accounted for about 43 percent of all procedures performed in 2010. Baby boomers made up about 28 percent of all procedures performed in 2010, almost half the amount of Generation X candidates. The trend may be attributed to the “glamorizing” of plastic surgery procedures and the increase of ads and media images that portray cosmetic surgery as a socially acceptable choice.

Generation X patients were primarily focused on personal improvement and maintenance procedures. Treatments like Botox, VelaShape body contouring, non-invasive fat reduction procedures, and laser treatments were at the top of the list for many Generation X patients. Experts say that both Generation X patients and baby boomers were also very interested in anti-aging therapies and treatments. Wrinkle fillers, skin resurfacing treatments, and skin tightening treatments are just some of the popular treatments that can make subtle changes to the appearance.

Nonsurgical and non-invasive procedures continue to be among the most-coveted procedures for patients on a budget and are expected to remain so through 2012. As more people become comfortable with getting Botox and wrinkle fillers, undergoing liposuction, or trying out new procedures like Zeltiq, doctors around the country might see an influx of new, even younger, patients. Patients with high disposable incomes may be good candidates for packages of procedures which can be much easier to market and promote online and offline.

According to Denise Mann, editorial director of the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery, All About Facial Rejuvenation and Breast Implants 4 You, the prediction for 2012 is that more plastic surgeons will be focusing on correcting minor flaws and targeted “trouble” areas. Zeltiq CoolSculpting, a non-invasive fat reduction procedure, is expected to be among the most popular procedures in 2012.

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