Modern Trends in Hospital-based Cosmetic Surgery Utilization Across Racial and Ethnic Groups

Abstract

Background: Historically, cosmetic surgery has been primarily utilized by White patients. However, in recent decades, the population in the United States has become increasingly diversified. It is unknown how these national demographic changes have affected the racial and ethnic distribution of those utilizing cosmetic surgical services. This study seeks to quantify the changes in the demographics of these patients.

Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database from 2010-2023 was queried using Current Procedural Terminology codes to generate a dataset inclusive of five common cosmetic surgery procedures. National demographic information was obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau to assess trends in population demographics. A logistic regression analysis was used to identify changes over time.

Results: The proportion of cosmetic surgery procedures utilized by non-White patients increased by 10% each year on average (p < 0.001). This increase was found to be significantly greater than their relative growth in the population by an average of 8% annually (p < 0.001). The proportion of White patients undergoing cosmetic surgery procedures declined by 19.9%. For White patients, this decline occurred at a rate 7% greater than their relative population (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Recent trends in the cosmetic surgery patient population have shown a rise in minority patients undergoing surgery that surpasses their relative increase in the national population. As the cosmetic surgery population is becoming more diverse, it is becoming increasingly important for surgeons to be cognizant of cultural and socioeconomic factors that may impact surgical decision-making, patient satisfaction, and surgical outcomes.