Rolling Meadows, Ill. (PRWEB) May 26, 2015 -- Dermatologic surgeons performed nearly 9.5 million medically necessary and cosmetic procedures in 2014, according to survey results released today by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
With increases in skin cancer treatments and several cosmetic categories, 2014 totals were 21 percent higher than two years ago but remained steady overall compared to 2013 figures.
For the fourth year in a row, skin cancer treatments ranked as the most-performed procedure (3.08 million) by ASDS members – confirming both the growing incidence of the disease as well as member expertise of its treatment.
Dermatologic surgeons in 2014 also performed 6.4 million cosmetic treatments – ranging from injectable wrinkle-relaxers and soft-tissue fillers to laser/light/energy-based procedures and body sculpting.
“Sustained growth in a wide range of procedures performed by ASDS members provides evidence of the public’s recognition that we are the experts in the health, function and beauty of the skin,” said ASDS President George J. Hruza, MD, MBA. “ASDS members are trained in the best techniques and latest technologies to provide patients the top-notch care they deserve.”
Most popular cosmetic procedures
The top cosmetic treatments in 2014 were:
- Laser/light/energy-based procedures: 2.06 million
- Wrinkle-relaxing injections (such as Botox): 1.75 million
- Soft-tissue fillers (such as Juvederm): 1.01 million
Laser hair removal continued to rate among the fastest-growing procedures, registering more than 632,000 in 2014 for a 27 percent jump from last year and 51 percent spike since 2012.
“Consumers interested in laser hair removal treatments have become increasingly aware that the safest, most effective way to achieve their desired outcome is by seeing a board-certified dermatologist,” Hruza said.
ASDS members are experts in minimally invasive cosmetic treatments that are reflective of consumer concerns. Respondents to the 2015 ASDS Consumer Survey on Cosmetic Dermatologic Procedures indicated for the third year in a row that excess weight is their top cosmetic concern. Body sculpting treatments including cryolipolysis – commonly known as “fat-freezing” – have surged 53 percent since 2012 to 208,000 in 2014.
More than half of consumers also reported they are bothered by wrinkles around the eyes and on other areas of the face; skin texture and/or discoloration; and sagging skin. Those concerns are successfully addressed with wrinkle-relaxing injections, soft-tissue fillers, a variety of laser/light devices and chemical peels.
Skin cancer still tops list of procedures
As skin cancer rates continue to rise, dermatologic surgeons provide expert diagnosis and treatment while remaining committed to educating the public about prevention methods.
Of the 3.08 million skin cancer procedures performed by ASDS members in 2014, 207,000 were for melanoma, a 9 percent increase over 2013. Treatments for non-melanoma also increased slightly.
ASDS is at the forefront of researching the best treatments for skin cancer. Earlier this month, an ASDS Board-appointed expert group of dermatologic surgeons released the first-ever consensus recommendations for the treatment and management of basal cell carcinoma, the most frequently occurring form of skin cancer.
The ASDS panel agreed that surgical approaches typically provide the best outcomes, with Mohs Micrographic Surgery recommended as the “treatment of choice” – taking into consideration cure rates, recurrence rates, aesthetic and functional outcomes, and cost effectiveness.
“The comprehensive approach ASDS members take toward the management and prevention of skin cancer – from offering patients the most advanced treatment options to promoting sun-safe behavior and screenings – speaks to the collective resolve of our membership,” Hruza said. “A diagnosis of skin cancer can be a frightening time in people’s lives, but patients understand they can count on ASDS members to effectively guide them through the treatment process.”
About the Society’s Procedural Survey Statistics
Data were collected for the 2014 experience and generalized to represent all ASDS members. The survey was conducted Jan. 2 to Feb. 6, 2015, for data reported in 2014. The survey link was sent to 3,980 practicing members. Survey results are reported based on 826 physicians, or a 21 percent response rate.
About ASDS
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery is the largest specialty organization exclusively representing dermatologic surgeons who have unique training and experience to treat the health, function and beauty of your skin. ASDS members are pioneers in the field. Many are involved in the clinical studies that bring popular treatments to revitalize skin and fill and diminish wrinkles to the forefront. Their work has helped create and enhance many of the devices that remove blemishes, hair and fat, and tighten skin. Dermatologic surgeons also are experts in skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment. As the incidence of skin cancer rises, dermatologic surgeons are committed to taking steps to minimize the life-threatening effects of this disease. For more information, visit asds.net.
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Contact:
Jay Schwab
Communications Manager
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
jschwab(at)asds(dot)net
847-956-9143
Jay Schwab, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, http://www.asds.net, +1 847-956-9143, [email protected]
SOURCE American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
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