Statement by Dr. Rod Rohrich, professor and chairman of plastic surgery at UT Southwestern, on ASPS survey of Dallas plastic surgery trends

Media Contact: Russell Rian
214-648-3404
russell.rian@utsouthwestern.edu

Statement by Dr. Rod Rohrich, professor and chairman of plastic surgery at UT Southwestern, on ASPS survey of Dallas plastic surgery trends

DALLAS – Dec. 17, 2007 – Following are comments by Dr. Rod Rohrich, professor and chairman of plastic surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and a past president of the national American Society of Plastic Surgeons, regarding the society’s survey on Dallas plastic surgery trends.

“Dallas has always been one of the leading areas for cosmetic surgeries.
“The national and local priorities reflected in the survey suggest people want to invest in themselves and in their appearance. It also suggests many people feel they need help getting to their final goals beyond the routines of nutrition and exercise.

“We experienced many of the same local trends – increases in requests for breast augmentation for women, breast reductions among men, tummy tucks, liposuction, nose reconstructions and eyelid surgeries.
“We also have many patients tell us they want less invasive procedures, mostly due to less down time, recovery time and less cost.
“The less invasive procedures also may be serving as an introduction, of sorts, to cosmetic surgery. Once they see some favorable changes in their appearance with these, they may be more willing to consider other image-enhancing procedures that further their goals to look and feel better.”

“The increase in body contouring procedures, such as Mommy makeovers, reflects a popular sentiment among today’s more active mothers. They want to get back to their pre-birth look and shape as quickly as possible with procedures such as liposuction or tummy tucks.
“The boom in weight-loss surgeries also is creating an echo boom in surgeries to help remove excess skin and some cosmetic and body contouring procedures to help complete their new look.

“Dallas’ uptick in skin cancer tumor removals, which more than 70 percent of surgeons surveyed reported on the rise, is disconcerting, particularly since nationally such procedures are on the decline.

“That could be because of our longer sunny season and the value we place on having a “good tan” in Texas. Sadly, that tan can also translate to skin cancer and wrinkles in the long run.

“Fortunately, people are also becoming smarter about recognizing the signs of potential skin damage and acting on it by seeing a doctor to minimize further damage. If you notice unusual skin discolorations, spots or lumps in the skin that don’t go away, that’s a signal it’s time to see a physician.
But it’s best to avoid sun-related skin damage in the first place by limiting sun exposure and always wearing a sunscreen with UV protection. Those who aren’t willing to give up the tanned look should consider tanning creams.


Dr. Rohrich is an internationally recognized plastic surgeon whose research covers safety outcomes in cosmetic surgeries, age management, evaluation of new laser and surgical products, nutritional supplements to enhance wound healing and anatomic studies of face and nose.

Dr. Rohrich is past president of the ASPS, a past president of the Dallas Society of Plastic Surgeons and Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons and a past director of the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. He is also editor in chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the leading journal for plastic surgeons.
He holds the Crystal Charity Ball Distinguished Chair in Plastic Surgery and the Betty and Warren Woodward Chair in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at UT Southwestern.

UT Southwestern’s Plastic Surgery Clinic is located in the Outpatient Building at 1801 Inwood Road. Contact the clinic at (214) 645-2353 or learn more at www.drrohrich.com.