Hi everyone, it’s a new year and of course with that comes new possibilities, new ideas, and new trends for plastic surgery. I’m putting together some of my predictions for 2011 from both a very local level to a global level. Let me know if you agree or would like to offer up an alternative prediction.

Let’s start first with where 2010 went. Like many plastic surgeons, we  had to adapt to the economic state. Quite understandably, patients want to spend less, take less time off from work, and want immediate results. This led us to really innovate ways of saving money on surgery like expanding options for surgery under local anesthesia. We also incorporated more non-surgical services like injectables and lasers into our treatments than ever. This has been a real benefit to the practice as well as to our patients who are really reaping the benefits from these new techniques and products.

But enough with the looking back. So what’s going to happen in 2011? Well, we haven’t pulled out of this recession yet. Because of this, I think there is still going to be a real emphasis on value. This means even more use of non-surgical services in new and different ways. Plastic surgeons are going to continue to push the boundary in those areas to create more alternatives to surgery and therefore more cost saving opportunities for patients.

Another big trend that we’re going to see is imaging. Knowing what to expect has always been a difficult thing to do in this field because every patient has a unique goal with a unique body/face and will get a unique result. However, we’ve recently taken a big, BIG step in addressing this issue. We’ve purchased the first 3D imaging system in San Diego for cosmetic surgery, the Canfield Vectra 3D Imager. This new system allows us to take 3D pictures of a patient and simulate procedures on the patient’s actual 3D image. We are really excited to bring this amazing technology to San Diego and to our patient base.   Eventually, within 3 to 5 years, 3D imaging will become common place in plastic surgery. For now, it remains a precious and rare technology.

In 2011, I expect more patients to be looking for treatments at a younger age. These are not the patients that are looking for a whole overhaul, but rather people who are noticing small things and want to address them earlier. I’ve always advocated that “maintenance” procedures like Botox and fillers and lasers help to prevent the big surgeries later in life. Patients are getting more and more knowledgeable all the time, and are following the advice of experts who realize that small amounts of maintenance sustain a youthful and natural appearance.

The last trend that I expect to see is increased attention to field of genital rejuvenation. This has traditionally been a bit of a taboo subject, but changing times have made this a more common topic of discussion with patients. The simple fact is that more and more women are looking this up on the web, talking about it in chat rooms, and asking me about this in consultations.  Here’s the reality: childbearing changes the female anatomy.  Big surprise, right?  It is commonplace to seek opinions for tummy tucks, breast lifts, liposuction, and more. However, the genitalia are historically ignored either out of naiveté or unwillingness to bring it up. There are great, simple procedures such as labiaplasty and vaginoplasty to rejuvenate the genitalia, greatly benefiting the patient and her partner. And yes, these procedures really work.  This fact is being understood more by patients and I think this trend will continue.

Chime in if you have any predictions or feedback. We’re excited for 2011 and hopefully you are too!

-Dr. Lee