What are the Global Projections for the Future of Cosmetic Surgery?

As Cosmetic Surgery becomes more socially accepted worldwide, which procedures will top

trends? 

Aesthetic surgery has been steadily increasing in popularity in recent years, with a wide range of procedures available to individuals seeking to enhance their appearance. The continued rise in popularity is attributed to many factors which have all made procedures far more socially acceptable in recent years. 

Why is cosmetic surgery becoming more socially accepted globally?

• Increasing accessibility: Cosmetic surgery has become more accessible in many countries, with more clinics and hospitals offering these procedures - as well as privately owned clinics opening by the thousands worldwide. Additionally, advances in technology and techniques have made many procedures and treatments safer and more affordable.

• Changing beauty standards: There is a growing emphasis on physical appearance in many cultures, and certain beauty standards have become more prominent. This has led to an increased demand for cosmetic surgery to enable the desired results.

• Celebrity influence: Many celebrities have openly discussed their experiences with cosmetic surgery, which has helped to reduce the stigma associated with these procedures. This has also made cosmetic surgery appear more mainstream and accessible to the general public; it has become 'normal'. 

• Social media: Social media platforms have allowed people to share their experiences with cosmetic surgery and connect with others who have undergone similar procedures. This has helped to normalize cosmetic surgery and reduce the stigma associated with it.

• Self-improvement: As people become more focused on self-improvement and self-care, cosmetic surgery has become a more accepted means of achieving these goals. Many people view cosmetic surgery as a way to improve their self-esteem and confidence, which is increasingly valued in many cultures. The pandemic was a huge catalyst in cosmetic surgery popularity as people were made far more self-aware (especially facially) due to zoom and other digital platforms being the only way to meet ‘face-to-face’. 

The future of cosmetic surgery seems to involve procedures which lean towards a more natural appearance, enhancing or improving existing features as opposed to trying to change an individual's look altogether. The following are some of the top aesthetic surgery procedures projected for continued growth worldwide:

• Breast Augmentation: Breast augmentation involves the use of either implants and/or autologous fat transfer to alter the size and shape of the breasts. Breast reconstruction falls under this same bracket, as does implant removal/change, or breast uplift. This procedure has remained one of the most popular aesthetic surgery procedures for many years, with technological and social advances only aiding to ensure its continued growth projected in many parts of the world. The rise in fat transfer breast augmentations is expected to grow in vast numbers over the next few years.

• Liposuction: Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat from various areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, and arms. It is popular among both men and women to improve the overall shape and aesthetic of the intended area of the body. Body contouring, or body sculpting are the buzz words in liposuction as the procedure involves an artistic touch to shape the body with the desired contours. This is also a growing trend which seems to become more popular each year as the procedure becomes more technically advanced, safe and quicker to recover from. 

• Eyelid Surgery: Also known as blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. This procedure can help to restore a more youthful appearance to the eyes and is projected to continue growing in popularity worldwide. This has also become a more recognised and sought after surgery since the pandemic and the ‘zoom call’ phenomenon, making people far more aware and self-conscious of their facial appearance (especially up close) and seeking a less tired and aged look around the eyes. 

• Rhinoplasty: Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose. It can be performed for both aesthetic and functional purposes, and continued growth is projected in many countries.

• Facelift: A facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens and lifts the skin on the face and neck. It can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin and is expected to continue growing in popularity as the population ages.

• Tummy Tuck: A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. It can help to create a flatter, more toned appearance and is expected to continue growing in popularity worldwide.

Overall, these procedures are expected to remain popular and continue to grow in demand as technology advances and social acceptance of aesthetic surgery increases.