Cosmetic surgery survey of american society of oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery members and a 6-year comparison

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the current cosmetic practices of American Society of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery members using a survey and compare those results with a similar survey that was performed 6 years prior, and to determine the types and breadth of cosmetic procedures that are currently performed within the field of ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Methods: A 49-question survey was sent to members of American Society of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery by post mail and/or electronic mail in 2007. The questions covered surgeon demographics, cosmetic practice design, and preferences for aesthetic procedures and commercial equipment and products. Frequencies and percentages of responses were obtained for each question individually. Responses to similar questions in a 2001 survey were compared with those in the current survey.

Results: Two hundred fifty-seven members of 488 responded (53%). Eighty-two percent of respondents (208 of 253) performed some type of cosmetic procedure. Fifty-five percent of respondents reported that less than 25% of their practice consisted of cosmetic procedures and services. Thirty-one percent of respondents reported that 25% to 75% of their practice was cosmetic.

Conclusions: A slightly higher percentage of respondents reported that more of their practice consisted of cosmetic procedures and services compared with 6 years ago; however, the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.895). A lower percentage of respondents injected Botox cosmetic (p = 0.02), offered ablative laser skin resurfacing (p < 0.001), and performed rhytidectomy (p < 0.001) in 2007 compared with 2001.