Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40059429›Full record

ArticleAesthetic surgery journal2025

Increasing Private Equity Investments in Plastic Surgery Practices in the United States: Analysis of Trends and Consolidation.

Ravi Dhawan, Kendall Brooks, Orr Shauly, Denys Shay, Anjali Om, Albert Losken, Paul A Ghareeb

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Aesthetic surgery journal, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Kendall Brooks
Orr Shauly
Denys Shay
Anjali Om
Albert Losken
Paul A Ghareeb

Funding

CANCER CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY TRAINING GRANTT32CA009679 · NCI · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · PI Richard Aplenc, Karen Glanz · 1992 to 2026
$11.1M
NCI NIH HHS T32 CA009679
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPrivate equity (PE) investment in healthcare has expanded rapidly, particularly in plastic surgery, where rising demand for aesthetic procedures presents attractive financial opportunities. Although PE backing may enhance operational efficiencies, concerns exist regarding its potential impact on care quality, patient outcomes, and healthcare costs.

objectivesThe authors of this study examine PE acquisitions of US plastic surgery practices, identifying trends in investment growth, geographic distribution, and the financial models adopted by PE-backed practices.

methodsIn this cross-sectional study, the authors analyzed PE acquisitions of US plastic surgery practices from January 1, 2000 to July 1, 2024. Data were obtained from PitchBook, verified through practice websites and follow-up inquiries. The analysis focused on acquisition trends, insurance acceptance policies, and the geographic distribution of PE-backed practices.

resultsBetween 2000 and 2023, PE-backed acquisitions in plastic surgery grew by 4300% in practice volume and 7630% in capital investment. Acquisitions were concentrated in states, such as Texas, Florida, and New York. PE investment was prominent in general, facial, and oculoplastic surgery practices, with a preference for cash-only models, particularly in specialized fields. Many practices employed few plastic surgeons, relying instead on aesthetic clinicians.

conclusionsPE consolidation in plastic surgery is expanding rapidly, driven by demand for elective procedures. Although PE investment brings financial and operational advantages, it raises concerns about healthcare quality and equity. Further research comparing PE and non-PE-owned practices is necessary to guide policies ensuring patient care quality and access.

Indexed as

InvestmentsPlastic Surgery ProceduresSurgery, PlasticCross-Sectional StudiesHumansUnited States

Identifiers

PMID40059429
PMCPMC13369132

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.