New York, NY (December 29, 2001) 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.

New surgical and skin care techniques offering improved results for darker skin will increase cosmetic procedures among ethnic minorities in the U.S.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

Additional states will mandate accreditation of office-based surgical facilities as consumers demand the highest safety standards for ambulatory surgery.

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The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is the leading organization of plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) who specialize in cosmetic surgery of the face and the entire body. Toll-free referral line: 1-888-272-7711. Web site: www.surgery.org.

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