On December 19, 2005, The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), offered its predictions for cosmetic surgery in 2006. Predictions are based on interviews with leading plastic surgeons around the country. Did they come true or was it more reminicent of Johny Carson's Carnack?

* Silicone gel breast implants will be approved by the FDA. Once approved, these devices, due largely to their more natural feel and appearance, will dominate the US market. (Gel implants have dominated global markets for the past fifteen years.) * Cosmetic surgery among racial and ethnic minorities in the United States will continue to increase. (Current ASAPS statistics report that minority populations’ account for 20 percent of all cosmetic procedures performed.)

Yep. Score one for the plastic prognosticators. 

* News stories about “discount injectables” bought offshore will alert patients to avoid “to good to be true” discounts and make sure that their safety is protected by choosing a physician with appropriate training, credentials and judgment.

Nope. As far as I can tell, docs are flocking to get Botox and fillers from outside once they're assured that the goods are exactly the same. Mark this one to spin so that the society can get that 'appropriate training and credentials' jibe in. 

* As States continue to watch New Jersey’s negative experience with the cosmetic surgery tax, they will abandon proposals to tax aesthetic surgery procedures as potential sources for revenue. *

Eh. I wouldn't say that other states are really watching New Jersey. Looks like a hidden warning that your Botox may be taxed next alert. We'll call this one a draw.

As the popularity of non surgical and minimally invasive procedures continues to grow; surgeons and manufacturers will develop new techniques and products that advance the science, produce even better results and lessen recovery time.

Ok.... who couldn't guess that? 

* Men will represent a growing segment of the aesthetic surgery market. (According to a February 2005 consumer survey commissioned by ASAPS, 59 percent of men approve of cosmetic surgery, and 21 percent would consider having cosmetic surgery. Seventy-nine percent (79%) of American men surveyed said they would not be embarrassed if people in addition to their family and close friends knew they had undergone cosmetic surgery.)

No chance. I've been hearing this for years. Yes, the number of men we see does increase. No, male patients are not increasing faster than the general increase and acceptance in general. Score this one under 'second verse, same as the first'. 

* Large - scale clinical studies will be implemented to validate the safety and effectiveness of minimally-invasive treatments such as barbed sutures (the so-called lunch-hour facelift) and fat melting without surgery.

Not yet although this stuff is coming. I know Thermage is working on this and I'm sure others are as well. No big news yet. 

* Cosmetic surgery “vacations” will take a more serious turn as educated consumers understand the safety and risk issues associated with surgical procedures. Surgery performed by board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeons, in accredited facilities where follow-up care is available will continue to be the best value.

Another warning but one I agree with as far as the vacation part. Had to get that 'board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeons with accredited facilities as the best 'value' in there. Best value? More self service. 

* Following the trend in increased consumer sophistication regarding healthcare choices, board certification of practitioners, and accreditation of surgical facilities will play an even more important role in choosing a cosmetic surgeon.

Nope. Complete masterbation here.

* The growth and popularity of cosmetic fillers will dramatically increase as products continue to evolve and new players enter the market. 

Ok, another no-brainer... but my wife could have predicted this one. I give them 3/10 with two of those as halves for the draws.