The number of cosmetic surgery procedures continues to grow, according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. From 2011 to 2012, the rise was 5 percent — up to 14 million procedures. And the trend has continued. But fewer women are opting for breast augmentation, the statistics show.

Even reconstructive surgery was up during the period covered in the statistics by about 1 percent.

Overall, the demand for cosmetic procedures continues to grow — and the growth is driven by the very strong demand for minimally invasive procedures like Botox and dermal fillers while the demand for invasive plastic surgery remains strong but stable or slightly declining. The plastic surgeons’ organization notes that some who start with less invasive cosmetic procedures may later opt for more invasive surgery if it becomes necessary.

Botox and so-called soft tissue fillers remains the most sought-after of all minimally invasive procedures in the United States. About 6 million people got Botox during the covered period, up about 6 percent. Doctors and other medical professionals who have been through recognized Botox training can administer Botox as part of their regular practices, at spas and at other locations. The injections can treat wrinkles as well as misaligned eyes, underarm sweating and more.

While most invasive surgeries showed a decline, breast surgeries took the sharpest hit. The decline in breast augmentation and breast lifts for women went down a moderate 2 percent while breast reductions for men went up a strong 5 percent in 2012.

The most performed invasive procedures continue to be breast augmentation and body contouring, although both declined. Yet more and more consumers are choosing to get rid of wrinkles with facial rejuvenation procedures like Botox and dermal fillers so they can maintain or restore the much-sought-after youthful appearance.

These statistics prove that medical professionals who choose to start offering minimally invasive cosmetic procedures like Botox are getting into a field with rising demand. And that’s a great place to be.

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