Briefing Papers

Briefing Paper: Cosmetic Surgery Tourism

Cosmetic surgery tourism is a price-driven phenomenon that has experienced increased growth over the past decade. Although there are many skilled and qualified plastic surgeons practicing all over the world, ASPS cautions that it may be difficult to assess the training and credentials of surgeons outside of the United States.

Briefing Paper: Plastic Surgery for Ethnic Patients

More than 4.9 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed on ethnic patients in 2020, and 32 percent of all cosmetic plastic surgery patients were Asian, Black or Hispanic. As plastic surgery becomes more mainstream, ethnic patients are becoming increasingly aware of what options are available to people with their skin types and facial features.

Briefing Paper: Plastic Surgery for Teenagers

Teenagers who want to have plastic surgery usually have different motivations and goals than adults. They often have plastic surgery to improve physical characteristics they feel are awkward or flawed, which, if left uncorrected, may affect them well into adulthood. Teens tend to have plastic surgery to fit in with peers. Adults tend to have plastic surgery to stand out from others.