Minimally Invasive Procedures on the Rise Throughout the U.S.

HOUSTON, TX, April 27, 2014 (Press-News.org) According to Dr. Suzanne Bruce (www.sba-skincare.com), Texas men and women, like their counterparts across the United States, are increasingly looking to anti-aging treatments such as injections instead of cosmetic surgery. The Houston dermatologist says recent national statistics released by a leading industry group, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), mirror the requests and goals of her own patients.

"Minimally invasive procedures have increased significantly, while plastic surgery growth has been modest," Dr. Bruce says. "That's been the national trend for the past few years, and it's certainly what I've seen firsthand in Texas."

The ASPS statistics show the rate of plastic surgery procedures in the U.S. increased 1% from 2012 to 2013, while minimally invasive cosmetic procedures grew 3%, with more than 15 million performed.

The category of minimally invasive procedures that saw the most growth of all was injectable hyaluronic acid fillers, which saw an 18% increase in 2013. Dr. Bruce says these fillers have been getting better each year, driving demand.

"The effectiveness and adaptability of these fillers has opened up cosmetic enhancement to a whole new demographic of people. There is a large market comprised of individuals who want to look younger but who just don't want to have surgery," says Dr. Bruce, who performs injectable treatments at her Houston office and her recently opened Katy dermatology clinic.

Dr. Bruce was one of the first physicians in the nation to offer the latest injectable filler on the market, JUVEDERM VOLUMA XC, after it was approved by the FDA in fall 2013. She says demand at her practice has increased for this cheek volumizer, and these kinds of innovations are what's behind the growth seen in the national statistics.

Although fillers saw the most growth, the most popular treatment in 2013 was BOTOX Cosmetic injections, with more than 6 million performed. Also popular were laser hair removal, intense pulsed light treatments, chemical peels, and other treatments centered around skin care.

In Houston, Dr. Bruce says, she has seen growing awareness among her patients of how many effective minimally invasive options are available today.

"Especially in larger urban areas, people are increasingly aware of their options for treating signs of aging and other skin conditions," she says. "There are convenient, affordable options for just about every cosmetic skin concern out there, and the demand for these options just keeps growing."

The talented staff of medical practitioners at Suzanne Bruce and Associates (www.sba-skincare.com) offers both leading-edge cosmetic dermatology and medical dermatology services in Katy and Houston, Texas. With decades of collective experience, they have refined and expanded their treatments and services since opening their doors in 1997. Each of the dermatologists in the Houston practice is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Bruce's physician assistant is the first-ever diplomate certified by the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, signifying that she has achieved the highest honor available as a dermatology PA. All of these professionals are available to help you achieve healthy and beautiful skin.