In the past, plastic surgery often involved high costs, elevated risks, and long recovery times. Fortunately, advances in surgical techniques and technology have made cosmetic procedures much safer and more effective in recent decades, prompting a “boom” in cosmetic medicine all over the country.
According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, cosmetic procedures increased by an average of 30% in the last year, with Americans undergoing 4.2 million aesthetic treatments and surgeries in all. Nearly 1.8 million cosmetic surgical procedures and some 15.5 million minimally-invasive treatments were performed in the United States last year.
Every year, the demand for plastic surgery increases worldwide. Along with the United States, there are four other countries accounting for 41.4% of all plastic surgeries performed in the world: Brazil, with 2.2 million operations, ranks second, followed by Japan with 1.1 million, Italy with 957,814, and Mexico with 923,243 procedures.
But what kinds of surgeries are people getting? Let’s find out.
Trending Surgeries
The most in-demand cosmetic surgeries vary depending on the sex and age of the patient. In middle-aged women, for instance, surgeries to improve the abdominal area, breast enhancement, liposculpture, and rejuvenation surgeries affecting the eyelids or neck are the procedures in the greatest demand. Men, on the other hand, are more interested in nose and ear reshaping, as well as liposuction in areas of stubborn fat accumulation.
Overall, the most in-demand procedures of 2019 include:
Breast Augmentation Surgery (Augmentation Mammoplasty)
Breast augmentation involves increasing the size of the breasts, usually with the use of silicone or saline implants. There is no ideal age to increase the bust, but this surgical procedure is recommended for healthy, adult women who have realistic expectations.
The breast augmentation surgical procedure is intended to help women feel more confident and can be used in conjunction with breast lift surgery for rejuvenation purposes. It is also used in breast reconstruction following mastectomy surgery to treat breast cancer.
Liposculpture
Liposuction, or liposculpture (typically referring to smaller areas), is a surgical technique that eliminates fatty deposits by suctioning out excess fat through small incisions, using a hollow tube. Surgical fat removal is perfect for stubborn “problem areas” that do not respond to diet and exercise. Lipo is considered a body contouring procedure that is perfect for people who want to put the finishing touches on their weight loss efforts.
Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
Cosmetic nose surgery is one of the most requested surgical procedures in the world, but it is also one of the most complex due to the technique and precision it requires to ensure good results. Many patients choose this procedure to make their nose smaller, to correct a crooked nose, or to remove a hump or bump on the bridge of the nose.
When performed by a skilled surgeon, nose reshaping surgery can enhance facial balance and overall aesthetics. The procedure can also be used to correct breathing problems.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A complex surgical procedure to reconstruct the abdominal wall, tummy tuck surgery is performed to remove excess skin and fat and to tighten the abdominal muscles. The ultimate goal is to reshape the abdomen, waist, and midsection.
Tummy tuck surgery is intended for people who have sagging skin and weak muscles in the abdomen. Generally, women who have had multiple pregnancies and people who have experienced extreme weight fluctuations are the best candidates.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
This surgery has become popular because it can refresh an area that is prone to early aging: the eyelids. Blepharoplasty can address sagging skin in the upper eyelids for cosmetic or functional reasons, or puffy bags beneath the eyes. Patients look more awake, alert, and youthful following cosmetic eyelid surgery.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
This plastic surgery is designed to reposition the breasts to a more youthful position after aging, pregnancy, and breastfeeding have affected the appearance of a woman’s chest. It can be performed on its own but is often combined with breast augmentation or reduction for superior aesthetic results.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Vitenas
If you’re interested in cosmetic surgery, then your first step should be to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Paul Vitenas offers a wide range of surgical options and is known for the beautiful results he can achieve for patients. To get a customized surgical plan, contact Dr. Vitenas’s office in Houston, TX at 281.484.0088 to schedule your consultation.