What Specialties Perform the Most Common Outpatient Cosmetic Procedures in the United States?

In a study from 2008 using data from 1995 to 2003, it was found that dermatologists performed the most outpatient cosmetic procedures in the United States, accounting for 48% of such procedures, with plastic surgeons following at 38%. The majority of these procedures were performed on white, female patients aged 40 to 59, with chemical peels and soft tissue fillers being the most common. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons had significantly more experience in cosmetic procedures than other physicians. The study also noted that patients aged 30-39 underwent many procedures, with mammoplasty, liposuction, hair transplant, and epilation being popular. Women typically underwent procedures post-childbearing, while men sought hair transplants for androgenic alopecia. The document highlighted an increase in dermatologists performing invasive procedures and predicted a growing role for dermatologists in outpatient cosmetic services.