Orange County Plastic Surgeon Weighs in on New Breast Enlargement Statistics

    IRVINE, CA, May 13, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Breast augmentation was the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure of 2009, according to statistics just released by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). While some experts expected surgical procedures like breast augmentation to lose popularity in response to the sagging economy, ASAPS member and Orange County breast enlargement and reconstruction surgeon Dr. Andrew Smith (www.asmithmd.com) says that there are good reasons breast augmentation has managed to maintain its strong popularity.

"For many women, breast augmentation can improve self-confidence significantly," notes Dr. Smith. "Some people will make the mistake of seeing this procedure as relatively 'superficial', which explains why they would expect to see the number of women considering augmentation drop drastically during tough economic times. But the procedure's attraction is much more than skin deep, which I think is why I keep seeing so much interest."

According to the ASAPS, breast augmentation accounted for 311,957 cosmetic surgery procedures in 2009 alone, marking a jump of over 208 percent since 1997 and placing it ahead of runner-up liposuction's tally of just over 283,000. Many surgeons like Dr. Smith expect to see breast augmentation maintain its popularity over the next few years as well.

"What I tell my patients in Orange County is that plastic surgery should be about accomplishing their cosmetic goals within the boundaries of what's comfortable for them physically, emotionally and financially," Dr. Smith says. "No matter what the economy may be, women still want to feel feminine and happy with the way they look."

Breast augmentation is just one of the many cosmetic plastic surgery procedures Dr. Smith performs. He also offers other cosmetic breast surgeries as well as breast reconstruction for women who have lost a breast to mastectomy. In addition, people choose Dr. Smith's practice for body contouring and facial plastic surgery procedures including face lifts and eyelid surgery.

"While there's some news out there that people are 'scaling back' on cosmetic procedures, I have been fortunate to see an increasing number of patients, and I recently moved to an expanded office to provide a higher level of service," adds Dr. Smith. "For women and men considering a cosmetic surgery procedure in Orange County, my practice offers a personal approach and a caring atmosphere."

Andrew Smith, MD, FACS (www.asmithmd.com) is a board-certified plastic surgeon whose patients come from Orange County and all over California. Dr. Smith earned his medical doctorate from George Washington University and has years of experience in addition to residency training in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

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