According to research, cosmetic surgery is on the rise, with around 18 million people reported to have undergone procedures in the USA alone in a one-year period. Some cosmetic surgeries however are more popular than others, with selected invasive and non-invasive procedures attracting people from all walks of life and with varying budgets.
Read on to discover just five of the cosmetic surgeries that have grown in popularity during recent years.
Breast augmentation
Contrary to popular belief, breast augmentation is an umbrella term for many breast surgeries, including enlargement and reduction, making it one of the most prolific cosmetic surgeries on the planet.
Breast augmentation is popular for individuals who have had self esteem issues as a result of smaller, larger or sagging breasts. The procedure also offers a solution for regaining fullness following pregnancy or ageing, or a route to gaining asymmetry.
During enlargement, patients can use breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of the breasts or improve their shape. Breasts can also be lifted to reduce sagging following weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Liposuction
Often viewed as a quick fix for a slimmer, shapelier look, it should come as no surprise that liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that is more popular than ever.
Its popularity boost is often attributed to the non-invasive techniques that are being increasingly used as an alternative to the more traditional tumescent method, which sees fat removed from the body via suction. These techniques include ultrasonic-assisted, laser, power-assisted, air-assisted and suction-assisted liposuction.
Despite the diverse range of liposuction options available however, the original tumescent technique remains the most popular and is generally considered the less risky surgery type.
Eyelid reshaping
Officially known as ‘blepharoplasty’, eyelid reshaping isn’t one of the best-known cosmetic surgeries on the market but is fast becoming a popular procedure for those looking to retain a fresh, youthful appearance in the face of ageing.
The surgery involves changes to the upper and/or lower eyelids, with the upper reshaped to reduce drooping and the lower eyelids decreased to eliminate puffiness and wrinkling. The fat pads located under the lower eyelids can also be removed to boost results for patients looking to diminish under eye baggage.
The blepharoplasty is often undertaken during other surgeries, including facelifts and forehead lifts.
Tummy tuck
The tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is another procedure that has grown in popularity. The tummy tuck involves the lifting of the lower body with excess skin removed from and tightened around the abs. This procedure is popular with individuals who have excess skin following pregnancy or weight loss.
Tummy tucks are also often complemented by non-invasive skin tightening treatments such as a Morpheus8 treatment, which utilises a hand-held radiofrequency system to gently heat the surface of the skin and tackle the signs of ageing. Morpheus8 can be used around the abdomen and also even on the face – and because it does not involve going under the knife, it doesn’t come with the same discomfort or downtime often associated with cosmetic surgery.
Nose job
A rhinoplasty – more commonly referred to as a ‘nose job’ – is a particularly common cosmetic procedure that has been commonly practised over more than three decades.
Whether using surgery to reduce the size of the nose or refine its shape, the procedure can provide several cosmetic benefits as well as improve the function of the nose. Those with a deviated septum or other issues that cause breathing difficulties often find relief with rhinoplasty surgery. This solution also incidentally helps to ease issues such as snoring or sleep apnoea.
