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Plastic Surgeon in Fremont, CA Discusses Recent ASAPS Statistics and Increased Popularity of Cosmetic Enhancements

Posted on January 25, 2012 in Uncategorized

According to the most recent study by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure, with over 318,000 performed in 2010. As the overall demand for plastic surgery has increased by almost 9%, Dr. Eric Okamoto, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Fremont, CA, says he has also seen significant growth in the popularity of surgical procedures at his practice. Dr. Okamoto discusses the most popular cosmetic enhancements such as breast augmentation and liposuction in Fremont and their likelihood to further increase in demand.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reports in its latest statistics that breast augmentation is the most popular surgical procedure performed. The ASAPS study also states that demand for plastic surgery has increased by 9% in the past year, bringing the total number of cosmetic procedures performed in 2010 to 9.5 million. At his Fremont plastic surgery practice, Dr. Eric Okamoto says the popularity of procedures has continued to rise as more and more patients take advantage of recent developments in surgical techniques and technology.

According to the ASAPS study, there were over 318,000 breast augmentation procedures performed in 2010, making it the most popular surgical procedure followed by liposuction, eyelid surgery, and tummy tuck. Dr. Okamoto says breast augmentation’s status at the top of the most performed surgical procedures is likely due to the numerous options available to patients seeking a natural, enhanced appearance. “It is truly a life-changing event for most women who generally find an immense boost to their self-confidence. When performed in an accredited surgery center environment with hospital-grade standards under the care of board-certified anesthesiologists and professional ancillary health personnel, breast augmentations can be accomplished extremely safely and efficiently.”

Dr. Okamoto says the growth in popularity of cosmetic surgical procedures is most likely a result of the recovering economy and a more competitive job market. He adds that many patients are undergoing cosmetic enhancements in order to give them an aesthetic edge over other job applicants. Also, a similar study released by ASAPS shows that over half (51%) of all Americans now approve of plastic surgery, indicating a further shift in perspective regarding cosmetic procedures. Considering each of these factors, most importantly the fact that more Americans have expressed approval of plastic surgery, Dr. Okamoto says the field will only continue to grow and progress.

About Eric Okamoto, MD

Dr. Eric Okamoto completed his undergraduate program at Stanford University and received his medical degree from the University of California Los Angeles. He completed his residency training at Stanford and the University of Wisconsin. He is double board-certified in Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat) and Plastic Surgery and has been serving the Fremont – East Bay community since 1983. Dr. Okamoto is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, the Double Boarded Society, and several other professional organizations.

Located at 39380 Civic Center Drive, Suite B in Fremont, CA, Dr. Okamoto’s practice can be contacted at (866) 514-7155 or online via the website drokamoto.com or facebook.com/drokamoto.

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Tell me about Sculptra

Posted on March 25, 2011 in procedure information

There are many reasons where I think about the use for Sculptra. Although the most common application is to restore age-related facial volume loss in key areas where the face literally shrinks, it is also useful to augment chins and cheeks for those who have always been underserved in these zones. The best things about Sculptra are that it can be easily administered in the office, that it creates changes that slowly evolve, that it lasts for years, and that it is very safe. For anyone interested about learning more about this very effective treatment, you can read about it on my website www.drokamoto.com under the “non-surgical” tab, or click here. There you will find a fuller disclosure about Sculptra with some photographic before/after results.

Although it has been used to fill facial deficiencies for decades, Sculptra only recently achieved FDA approval in 2009 for cosmetic use. Since then it has gained a wider public audience. In my experience the most common user is someone who wants to turn back the clock in a subtle manner and in an office setting. The typical areas that need filling are cheeks, around the mouth and chin, and in the temples. I also often fill out the hollowing in the lower lid area with full knowledge that this is an injection that requires more care and expertise. Usually a set of three injections separated six weeks apart is required to reach the desired endpoint, but it can be as few as two injections and sometimes four or more. The rate of improvement depends upon two things: (a) the amount of Sculptra used for each session; and (b) the amount of volume that each injection creates because, unlike Restylane and Juvederm which simply fill, this is an agent that grows collagen rendering a lasting effect for years. Therefore, when someone picks Sculptra for cosmetic improvement, it becomes a work in progress since it is difficult to know how much total Sculptra will be needed and how long it will take to achieve the desired look.

Sculptra injections have become one of the most popularly requested treatments in my office. It is difficult for me to predict how each individual will react to it, but the ultimate results are generally worth the effort. Sometimes facial volume restoration is the only thing that is needed to regain youthfulness. Having the capability to accomplish this as an office procedure is very handy. I like it and endorse it.