American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) member dermatologists performed more than 12.5 million medically necessary and cosmetic procedures in 2018 – 7.5% more than 2017 and a 60% increase since 2012.

Now in its seventh year, the 2018 ASDS Survey on Dermatologic Procedures revealed skin cancer treatments are persistently the most-performed procedure with more than 3.5 million treatments performed by ASDS members confirming the growing incidence of the disease as well as member expertise in treatment.

Additionally, sun damage treatments were up 29% this year and a striking 63% in just two years. Both skin cancer and skin aging are magnified by increased ultraviolet light exposure, which damages the DNA of skin cells playing a role in these conditions, a media release from ASDS explains.

Members also performed nearly nine million cosmetic treatments in 2018, a more than 7% increase over 2017 results. Body sculpting saw the largest increase up 43% from last year with more than 623,000 treatments, injectable soft-tissue fillers and laser / light /energy- based treatments grew 78% and 74%, respectively, in the last 7 years.

“From skin cancer treatments to cosmetic procedures, patients continue to entrust ASDS members with their skin health and beauty needs,” ASDS President Murad Alam, MD, MBA says, in the release. “Our annual procedures survey reinforces our members’ expertise, their innovative techniques and the quality care board-certified dermatologists provide.”

More than 9,500 patients are diagnosed with skin cancer in the US each day, per the Skin Cancer Foundation. Dermatologic surgeons are supporting the solution by providing gold standard treatments and a steadfast commitment to create awareness and support prevention education.

ASDS members performed more than 3.5 million skin cancer treatments in 2018. Melanoma – the deadliest type of skin cancer – was up over 19% over last year. This data underscores the need for sun protection education, especially for younger patients. Fostering sun-safe behaviors earlier in life – such as wearing sunscreen daily and reducing ultraviolet light exposure – will to lead to healthier skin for a lifetime.

ASDSA, the advocacy arm of the Society, has been championing this cause with its SUNucate model legislation, which has passed in 22 states and allows children to use over-the-counter sunscreen at school and camps without a physician’s note or prescription, the release continues.

“Reducing incidence of skin cancer takes a comprehensive approach,” Dr Alam says. “From prevention to treatment, ASDS members offer leading techniques and procedures. They consistently advocate for sunscreen use in schools, educate patients on early detection and promote sun-safe behaviors through community education and free skin cancer screenings.”

The top cosmetic treatments in 2018 were:

  • 3.4 million procedures using laser, light and energy-based devices – Treats a variety of skin conditions including facial redness, excess hair, age spots, sun damage, scars and birthmarks.
  • 2.1 million neuromodulators – Injectable wrinkle-relaxers to smooth fine lines on the face.
  • 1.6 million soft-tissue fillers – Restores fullness to the face, plump lips and raise depressed scars.
  • 623,000 body sculpting treatments – Procedures ranging from “fat-freezing” to injectables that help remove stubborn fat and tighten skin.
  • 497,000 chemical peels – A solution applied to the skin causing it to exfoliate and eventually peel off, revealing new, smoother skin.

Injectable treatments to smooth or fill lines continue to lead cosmetic procedures with over 3.7 million treatments performed by ASDS members. Wrinkle-relaxing injections have grown by 42% in the last seven years with fillers increasing 78%.

Body treatments gain increasing popularity, rising over 43% from 2017 and growing over four times since 2012. In the last seven years, both cryolipolysis, also known as “fat-freezing,” and radio frequency treatments have increased over three times. For 2018:

  • Deoxycholic acid – a treatment that reduces fat below the chin – rose more than 43%.
  • Microfocused ultrasound – used to tighten skin – increased 38%.
  • Tumescent liposuction – a minimally invasive technique pioneered by an ASDS member that uses local anesthesia to permit fat removal – grew 17%.

Skin conditions treated with laser / light / energy-based procedures have risen 74% since 2012. For 2018, wrinkles, sun damage and facial redness lead the types of conditions treated with over 2.2 million treatments performed.

The survey also reported other ground-breaking treatments which include non-surgical options supporting hair rejuvenation such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with over 72,000 procedures. A collagen induction therapy called microneedling is becoming more popular, showing a 45% increase over 2017 data with more than 262,000 treatments performed. Thread lifts – an innovative treatment wherein temporary sutures visibly lift the skin around the face – are gaining awareness with nearly 33,000 procedures performed, per the release.

“The coupling of scientific research and technology are driving innovative options for consumers seeking non-invasive cosmetic treatments,” Dr Alam continues. “ASDS board-certified dermatologists offer medical guidance the public can trust, helping each unique patient choose the right procedures for the health and beauty of their skin.”

[Source(s): American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, PR Newswire, PRWeb]