ASDS Survey Finds Skin Cancer, Cosmetic Procedures Jump 22 Percent in 2013

ASDS members performed 9.5 million treatments, up from nearly 8 million in 2012. The survey found that increases were seen across the board in all categories, including skin cancer treatments and a wide range of cosmetic procedures.

Skin cancer once again topped the list of procedures, reflecting continued concern for and awareness of this disease. ASDS members performed 3.04 million skin cancer treatments in 2013, up 13 percent over 2012.

In increasing numbers, patients also continued to see dermatologic surgeons for a wide range of cosmetic procedures.

"We're not surprised to see such a jump. From medical procedures to treat skin cancers to cosmetic procedures, patients trust dermatologic surgeons with the health, function and beauty of their skin," said ASDS President Mitchel P. Goldman, M.D. "While we know our numbers are up significantly this year in part because our membership has grown, the survey shows patients also continue to specifically seek out dermatologic surgeons for treatments. Consumers trust the expertise of ASDS members, our unique training and our wide-ranging experience with the best techniques and latest technologies."

The top cosmetic treatments for 2013 are:

• Laser/light/energy-based procedures: 2.25 million, up 34 percent over 2012
• Wrinkle-relaxing injections (such as Botox): 1.8 million, up 20 percent
• Soft-tissue fillers (such as Juvederm): 995,000 procedures, up 8.6 percent

As the incidence of skin cancer continues to rise, dermatologic surgeons continue to demonstrate their commitment to skin cancer awareness and prevention as well as their expertise in diagnosis and treatment.

Of the 3.04 million skin cancer treatments performed by ASDS members in 2013, nearly 190,000 were for melanoma, a 27 percent increase over 2012. Treatments for non-melanoma increased 12 percent.

“Since skin cancer treatments increased 13 percent from 2012 and instances of the disease continues rise, patients need to stay vigilant about any suspicious lesions or changes in their skin,” Dr. Goldman said. “The new data highlights the importance of skin cancer awareness and prevention. Three million skin cancer treatments were performed by ASDS members in 2013, and nearly 190,000 were for melanoma, a 27% increase over 2012. Treatments for non-melanoma increased 12%.”

Another trend that the statistics revealed was a rise in non-surgical treatments. Some of the most popular treatments were laser-based procedures, such as surgical scar removal and tattoo removal. Wrinkle-relaxing injections, such as Botox, and soft-tissue fillers like Juvederm, were also among the top cosmetic procedures.

“Minimally invasive procedures that our members offer are often a perfect solution for patients,” Dr. Goldman explained. “Dermatologic surgeons use cutting-edge technology for medical as well as cosmetic purposes, such as removing wrinkles, age spots, and tattoos. In fact, tissue tightening, laser resurfacing, and the removal of surgical scars and tattoos showed increases between 75 and 90 percent.”

Dr. Goldman is a board certified dermatologist and Diplomate of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery with a distinctive insight into the performance of both aesthetic and medically necessary dermatologic treatments. As incoming president of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and director of the landmark Goldman, Butterwick, Fitzpatrick, Groff & Fabi: Cosmetic Laser Dermatology center in San Diego, Dr. Goldman strives to produce excellent patient care while utilizing the most advanced non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments