ASDS survey: Laser, light therapy top cosmetic procedure category in 2014

The top cosmetic procedures for the fourth year were those using lasers, lights and energy-based devices, according to survey results from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

“Lasers and other energy sources have become very good for many indications with minimal downtime and minimal pain associated with the procedures,” George J. Hruza, MD, MBA, president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), said in a press release. “Hair removal, tattoo removal, sun-damage repair, wrinkle and scar improvement, brown spot and broken blood vessel fading, fat reductions and skin tightening are all indications that can be effectively treated with laser and energy sources.”

George J. Hruza

According to the ASDS Survey on Dermatologic Procedures, there were more than 2.7 million procedures performed in 2014 involving lasers, lights and energy-based devices, according to the release.

The top treatment areas included hair removal (633,000), facial redness (428,000), photo rejuvenation (329,000), photodynamic therapy (311,000) and age spots (224,000), the release stated.

Tattoo removal was one of the fastest-growing procedures, with 109,641 performed, a 74% increase since 2012. Hruza reported that the development of picoscecond lasers, which are more effective and less painful than previous lasers, might be the reason that more consumers are considering tattoo removal procedures.

The figures released were from a survey conducted Jan. 2 to Feb. 6, 2015 for data reported in 2014, and generalized to represent all ASDS members, the release stated. A survey link was sent to 3,980 practicing ASDS members, and the results are based on responses from 826 physicians.

Reference: www.ASDS.net