Let's be honest, cosmetic procedures and surgeries are more than a trend that is going to die down in a couple of years. If anything, the trends are bound to rise. The global cosmetic surgery market is expected to grow from $54.80 billion in 2022 to $72.33 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%.
In 2023, cosmetic surgeries such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and tummy tucks experienced a rise. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), nearly 350,000 liposuction procedures were performed, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. Breast augmentation also saw a rise, with a 2% increase year-over-year.
These numbers mean one thing: cosmetic surgeries are for more than only beautification. They are part of self expression, self-confidence and wellbeing, and none of these go out of style.
While surgical procedures like liposuction and breast enlargement have been popular for years, non-surgical options are rapidly gaining traction too.
Minimally invasive treatments such as Botox had nearly 9.5 million procedures in 2023, and hyaluronic acid fillers had over 5 million. Minimally invasive treatments are being chosen because they offer the advantage of little to no recovery time and offer a quick, noticeable boost without going under the knife.
In this post, we look at the best cosmetics procedures and surgeries that will help you achieve that look you desire.
Non-Surgical Procedures
As mentioned above, non-surgical cosmetic procedures have become an increasingly popular way to improve your appearance without going under the knife.
Among the most sought-after treatments are Botox, chemical peels, and CoolSculpting, which give different benefits for individuals looking for quick body enhancements.
Botox
Botox Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) is the most popular injectable neuromodulator. Made by Allergan, it’s a form of botulinum toxin that temporarily relaxes facial muscles, softening the look of facial wrinkles created by repeated muscle movement.
Botox is also one of the most well-known and widely performed non-surgical treatments globally, with nearly 9.5 million procedures done in 2023 alone.
Dr. Simon Ourian, founder of Epione Beverly Hills, is credited for having done more Botox injections than almost any other doctor in the world, and he describes Botox as “a preventative treatment” that not only smooths out existing wrinkles but also prevents new ones from forming.
Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the facial muscles responsible for creating fine lines, with results lasting around three to six months depending on the patient.
Botox not only cures wrinkles like crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines, it is also used to treat medical conditions such as:
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- TMJ disorders
- A lazy eye (known medically as strabismus)
- Urinary incontinence and overactive bladder
- Chronic eyelid twitching (blepharospasm)
- Neck spasms (cervical dystonia)
- Chronic migraines
- Vaginismus
- Cerebral palsy
- Other types of muscle spasms, including upper limb spasticity
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are another popular non-invasive procedure through which one can improve their skin texture and tone. Chemical peels are used to create an injury of a specific skin depth with the goal of stimulating new skin growth and improving surface texture and appearance.
The exfoliative effect of chemical peels stimulates new epidermal growth and collagen with more evenly distributed melanin. Chemical peels are classified by the depth of action into superficial, medium, and deep peels.
Specific peeling agents should be selected based on the disorder to be treated and used with an appropriate peel depth, determined by the histological level or severity of skin pathology to maximize success.
However, other considerations, such as skin characteristics, area of skin to be treated, safety issues, healing time, and patient adherence, should also be taken into account for best overall results.
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is the brand name for cryolipolysis (CLL), a fat-freezing method to reduce fat thickness in treated areas, explains Basel Sharaf, M.D., practice chair for the Center for Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
“CLL is a noninvasive body contouring approach based on the hypothesis that fat cells (adipocytes) are sensitive to cold temperature. Through controlled cooling, selective destruction of fat cells can be achieved due to cold-induced apoptosis (fat cell death). Initially, there is an inflammatory response followed by reduction in fat cells in the treated area over a three-month period,” says Dr. Sharaf.
This technology promised reduction of unwanted fatty deposits in certain areas of the body without having surgery, hence its appeal to the public.
Surgical Procedures
Surgical procedures have increasingly become common for individuals who want to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence. Some of these procedures include rhinoplasty, breast enlargement (augmentation), and liposuction.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is one of the top cosmetic surgeries worldwide. It reshapes or resizes the nose for aesthetic purposes or to improve breathing issues. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), rhinoplasty ranked as the most popular cosmetic surgery in 2020, with over 350,000 procedures performed.
Dr. Sam Rizk, a leading plastic surgeon, notes, “Rhinoplasty can greatly enhance the harmony of the face, giving patients not only a better profile but also increased self-assurance.”
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a procedure usually done by women. This surgery involves enhancing the size and shape of the breasts, either for reconstruction after mastectomy or for purely aesthetic purposes.
The ASPS reported that approximately 300,000 breast augmentation procedures were performed in 2020. A study by Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery also found that 98% of women were satisfied with their breast augmentation results, with many mentioning improved body image and confidence.
As Dr. Garth Fisher, a renowned plastic surgeon, points out, “Breast augmentation allows women to align their physical appearance with their personal sense of femininity and beauty.”
Liposuction
Liposuction is a highly effective procedure for removing excess fat deposits in targeted areas such as the abdomen, thighs, and arms. It’s particularly preferred by people who have tried the natural ways to lose fat to no avail.
The ASPS states that liposuction was the second most performed surgery in 2020, with over 211,000 procedures carried out. According to a survey by Body Image Journal, 86% of liposuction patients reported feeling more confident and satisfied with their bodies post-surgery.
Dr. David Amron, a liposuction specialist, emphasizes, “Liposuction provides not just a physical transformation but also a mental shift, helping patients feel more empowered in their skin.”
Combining Procedures
Combining procedures usually happens by undergoing two or more surgical procedures, a mix of both surgical and non-surgical procedures, or strictly non-surgical procedures.
Interestingly, combining procedures has also been becoming more common and accepted because it gives patients the opportunity to achieve more changes in a shorter timeframe than having different procedures.
Popular surgical combinations include pairing liposuction with tummy tucks, or breast augmentation with breast lifts. For a mix of both procedures, patients can have a liposuction or/and tummy tuck with Botox or laser skin resurfacing or fat transfer.
One of the main advantages of combining procedures is convenience. By tackling multiple areas at once, patients can achieve their desired results faster and with just one recovery period. This means less time off work or other daily activities. Additionally, since everything is done in one surgery, the overall cost can be lower compared to having separate procedures.
Doctors also agree that combining treatments can give a more natural, well-proportioned result. With advancements in technology and surgical methods, it’s now safer and more effective to combine procedures for a more complete transformation.
Choosing The Right Surgeon
After weighing your options and deciding on which procedure suits you best (surgical, non-surgical, or a combination), you have one last important thing to consider: the right surgeon.
The surgeon that handles your cosmetic procedure can either make or mar the process. Here are things you should look out for before trusting a surgeon with your body:
Board Certification
Make sure that the surgeon you have in mind is certified by a recognized body, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) or other bodies to guarantee they have the proper training and abide by the standards. These professional bodies usually set high standards of training and ethics so you'll be safer under a board certified surgeon.
Experience and Specialization
Although getting a board certified surgeon is important, it is not enough. Also look for a surgeon who specializes in the specific procedure you're considering. Experience with similar cases ensures better outcomes.
Patient Reviews and Before/After Photos
Research online reviews and examine the surgeon's previous work to gauge their skill and patient satisfaction.
Consultation
During your consultation, ask questions about the procedure, risks, and expected results. A good surgeon will provide honest, clear answers.
Trust Your Instincts
Choose a surgeon who makes you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities.
Key Takeaways
Cosmetic procedures are more than just ways to enhance appearance—they boost self-confidence and personal well-being.
With the global cosmetic surgery market expected to grow significantly, options like Botox, liposuction, and breast augmentation provide lasting enhancements. The key to success lies in choosing the right surgeon and considering a combination of treatments for faster, more comprehensive results tailored to individual needs.