BOTOX®, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and filler injections are "the" procedures for 2003, predicts the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).

With a growing demand for "an overall younger appearance" (according to 55 percent of AAFPRS members in a recent survey), facial plastic surgeons are performing more "mini" procedures that require very little downtime. In fact, according to the AAFPRS, nearly 88 percent of facial plastic surgery procedures are performed in a doctor's office or outpatient facility. This trend is being fueled by wider availability of less expensive and less invasive procedures. So, says the AAFPRS, patients who may have once considered a forehead lift ($3,125) to erase those forehead wrinkles and achieve a more favorable brow position, may choose quarterly BOTOX® injections ($497 per session) instead. (This trend was already becoming apparent last year when the AAFPRS reported that the number of patients undergoing BOTOX® increased by over 70 percent when compared to the previous year.)

And, as opposed to years past when many patients may have undergone an invasive procedure such as CO2 laser resurfacing ($3,260), which may take many months to heal, facial plastic surgery patients of '03 may opt for a series of in-office chemical peels (cost can vary $500 - $1200 for a series of chemical peels). These lighter peels can be performed over several months and can minimize wrinkles with little or no downtime.

The AAFPRS is the world's largest association of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons with more than 2,600 members - whose cosmetic reconstructive surgery focuses on the face, head and neck. Academy fellows are board-certified and subscribe to a code of ethics. In addition, the AAFPRS provides consumers with free information and brochures and a list of qualified facial plastic surgeons in their area by calling 1-800-332-FACE or by visiting the AAFPRS Web Site, www.FACEMD.org.