Americans spent $16 billion on cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures in 2016. That means that 17.5 million procedures took place in the US alone that year. That is more than ever before!
Americans are leading the charge into cosmetic surgery. The UK had just over 28,000 procedures in 2017. In the UK, the most common procedure was fat reduction. That made up 54% of all procedures.
Cosmetic surgery now requires less downtime (patients can often return to work the following day) and has less stigma than even five years ago.
And with a rise in flawless photos of celebrities in magazines and even on Instagram, you can see why many are flocking to adjust even minor imperfections on their face and body.
Here are the top 7 cosmetic surgery trends for 2018.
1. Cosmetic Surgery for Nose Reshaping
Also known as rhinoplasty, nose reshaping leads the facial category with almost a quarter of a million procedures performed.
Rhinoplasty can change the look of a person's face immensely. It is the focal point of the face and works to create symmetry. Even a small change to the nose can result in a big difference.
But be careful. A rhinoplasty requires a delicate and expert touch. Make sure you get any nose reshaping done by a reputable clinic with stellar reviews. Did you know that 50% of patients do not like the results and require multiple procedures.
Another option is a non-surgical nose job. This technique uses fillers via injections to reshape a nose in about 15 minutes. It can be used to improve contour or hide imperfections.
Results can last for one to two years. Some people may not feel that a temporary fix is worth the cost. Others may prefer the quick in-and-out option instead of surgery with the added downtime after surgery.
2. Eyelid Restructuring
The second most done cosmetic surgery procedure is known as blepharoplasty.
As aging occurs, the eyes sink and the skin around the eyes begins to sag. Usually, this procedure is used by women in their fifties when fillers and botox are no longer effective to fight the loss of volume around the eyes.
In this procedure, fat grafting helps to rejuvenate the eyelids for a youthful looking face. A new alternative is soft surgery with plasma or fibroblast.
3. Facelifts
Otherwise known as rhytidectomy, facelifts fix loose skin on the face.
People are generally living longer which may account for the surge in this procedure.
Facelifts have come a long way since the early days of facial plastic surgery. Nowadays a lift and fill technique is common. Here, the skin is lifted to create tighter skin while fat is added to restore full cheeks as well as restore eyes and natural jawline.
This makes for a more natural, harmonious effect all over your face. Make sure to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial rejuvenation.
4.Fat Transfer
This cosmetic surgery procedure takes excess fat from one part of your body and places it to fill in other areas as needed.
First, you undergo liposuction in areas such as the lower abdomen, sides, and outer thighs. The fat is purified to get rid of any impurities. Then it is inserted into breasts, buttocks, and face - wherever plumpness is desired.
Fat transfer is a permanent solution that solves two problems at once. However, your fat cells will continue to work as normal (growing and shrinking with weight gain or weight loss).
5. Fat Freezing
Fat freezing is growing in popularity all over the world. It is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the body contouring sector.
The process kills fat cells by freezing them. Over the next little while, the dead cells shrink and your body naturally removes them.
This fat reduction technique is non-invasive and requires no downtime.
6. Undereye Bags
Everyone hates the bags under their eyes. They make you look tired even if you get enough sleep and exercise.
These annoying bags are caused either by bulges of fat or loss of fatty tissues in the cheeks.
Cosmetic procedures for the face commonly add volume by injecting fillers in tiny amounts. This works to hide the bays by camouflaging the protruding puffiness.
Another issue under the eyes is dark circles and hollowness. Tear trough fillers are the solution for this.
A dermal filler is injected into the 'trough' underneath the eye to decrease the hollowness there. The result is that you look refreshed day and night.
7. PRP injections
You may have heard of vampire facials which have the same theory.
Plasma is extracted from the patient's blood to regenerate the face. As a person's own blood is used, there is virtually no side effects or chance of your body rejecting the treatment.
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, injections can be used for wrinkles, scars, sun damage and dark circles under eyes.
A study by the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology did a series of tests on over 20 participants. They found that the outcomes were satisfactory with no persistent side effects.
Women who have PRP treatment notice that their faces look better as time goes on from the procedure. This is because plasma promotes the skin's stem cells to produce more collagen and new, healthy cells.
This procedure can last 18-24 months.
Final Thoughts on Cosmetic Surgery
In the day and age of selfies and Instagram, cosmetic procedures are on the rise. While celebrities have been having work done for decades, it is more and more affordable for regular folks to embrace enhancements to their face and body.
Check out our list of common questions about cosmetic procedures or ask your own questions. We are happy to help you make well-informed decisions about your unique needs in our Birmingham clinic.
