New Survey Results from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Demonstrate Broad Scope of Practice for Dermatologic Surgeons

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., May 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- New statistics released today by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) demonstrate the broad scope of practice and breadth of experience of dermatologic surgeons. In addition to more than 2.6 million skin cancer treatments in 2011, ASDS members continue to be a leading provider of a diverse range of cosmetic and other medical procedures among patients across the country.

An estimated 8 million medically necessary and cosmetic procedures were performed in 2011 by ASDS members in the United States, according to the 2011 ASDS Survey on Dermatologic Procedures. Among the top procedures:

• Skin cancer treatments (estimated 2.6 million total; 2.49 million for non-melanoma)
• Injectable neuromodulators (1.2 million, including nearly 1 million BOTOX® and 275,000 Dysport® procedures)
• Laser/light procedures (1.6 million, including 378,230 facial redness and/or vessels procedures)
• Soft-tissue fillers (830,800 procedures, including Restylane®, JUVEDERM® and RADIESSE®)
• Laser hair removal (480,000 procedures)

Overall, the total number of cosmetic and medical procedures rose from 7.8 million in 2010 to more than 8 million in 2011.  The majority of procedures were performed in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Texas.

"These findings show that patients continue to choose dermatologic surgeons for their unique training and experience to treat the health, function and beauty of skin through both cosmetic and medically necessary procedures," said Susan Weinkle, M.D., president of the ASDS. "There are no other physicians with training and experience and our focus on the skin."

First introduced in the United States by a dermatologic surgeon in 1991, BOTOX  – among other injectable neuromodulators – continues to be utilized by the majority of ASDS members. In fact, 81 percent of members performed more than 1.2 million injections with BOTOX and Dysport.

"We've had an increase in patients visiting our practices because of the use of injectable neuromodulators," said Dr. Weinkle. "Once in the office, they become educated on the breadth of treatment options we employ to restore and maintain the health and vitality of the skin and its underlying tissues."

Other cosmetic procedures that have gained popularity include soft-tissue filler procedures, which were performed by 77 percent of ASDS members. The most common procedure performed was JUVEDERM (69 percent), followed by Restylane (63 percent), RADIESSE (51 percent) and Sculptra® (41 percent).

Survey data also revealed that the total number of laser/light procedures jumped from 1.38 million in 2010 to 1.6 million in 2011.  The top laser and light procedures – performed by about 74 percent of ASDS members – include: facial redness (378,230); liver spots, also called lentigines or lentigos (282,130); photo rejuvenation (248,200); and phototherapy (161,960). Members also performed nearly 100,000 tattoo removals and 100,000 acne scar procedures.

"Thanks to research breakthroughs and clinical advances, dermatologic surgeons are able to recognize the special needs of skin through every stage of life and use a wide variety of surgical and non-surgical methods to treat patients," said Dr. Weinkle.

Of the more than 151,000 body sculpting procedures performed by ASDS members, non-invasive treatment of fat and cellulite was the most common with about 74,000 procedures. Cryolipolysis accounted for 12 percent of body sculpting procedures for a total of 55,000 procedures, followed by tumescent liposuction with 16,800 procedures.

As the incidence of skin cancer rises, dermatologic surgeons demonstrate their commitment to skin cancer awareness and prevention as well as their expertise in diagnosis and treatment. In fact, 93 percent of ASDS members performed skin cancer treatments, including 133,000 melanoma and 2.49 million non-melanoma treatments. ASDS members treated approximately the same number of skin cancer patients in 2011 as the year before despite efforts to encourage the public to minimize exposure to the sun's harmful effects.

"ASDS members continue to see more and more patients with skin cancer; however, it's reassuring to know that we were able to help treat millions of patients to minimize the life-threatening and disfiguring effects of this disease," said Dr. Weinkle.

About the ASDS Survey on Dermatologic Procedures

Data were collected for the 2011 experience and generalized to represent all ASDS members. The survey was conducted by Perception Solutions between January 18 and February 19, 2012. The survey link was administered via the web and fax to 3,700 practicing ASDS members. Survey results are reported based on 563 physicians, or a 15 percent response rate.

About the ASDS

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) 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 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 are also 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 www.asds.net.

Infographics available for use in color or black and white: https://www.asds.net/_NewsPage.aspx?id=5557  

SOURCE American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS)