2023 saw a surge in cosmetic surgeries and procedures, largely brought on by viral social media trends. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports more than 25,000,000 cosmetic procedures for 2023, with minimally invasive procedures (7% increase from 2022) surpassing surgical ones (5% increase from 2022).
Research also shows that the more screen time you spend on social media platforms, especially visual ones like Snapchat and TikTok, the more likely you are to want to undergo a cosmetic procedure.
It’s not only the plethora of altered, enhanced, or filtered images and videos on social media that lead to dissatisfaction with one’s appearance and increase the desire to undergo procedural enhancements.
More and more plastic surgeons are promoting their services through digital marketing and social media campaigns. People’s daily feeds are bombarded with before and after photos, contributing to their dissatisfaction with their bodies or overall appearance.
Andy, a surgical coordinator for Esse Plastic Surgery, discusses the relationship between social media and plastic surgery, stating that “Most of our patients come from referrals or after images they have seen posted on social media.”
The following analysis summarizes the leading trends in the plastic surgery industry for 2023 and highlights the importance of thoroughly researching a procedure before undergoing it.
Key Findings
- The Top 5 Surgical Cosmetic Procedures: Liposuction (347,782), breast augmentation (304,181), tummy tuck (170,110), breast lift (153,600), eyelid surgery (120,747)
- The Top 5 Minimally Invasive Procedures: Botox (9,480,949); soft tissue fillers/hyaluronic acid fillers (5,294,603); skin resurfacing, such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion (3,561,696); skin treatments, such as laser hair removal and tattoo removal (3,101,772); lip augmentation (1,439,291)
- Why Are Minimally Invasive Procedures on the Rise? Compared to surgical procedures that saw a 5% increase in 2023, minimally invasive procedures increased 7%. These procedures may be outperforming the latter since they require little to no recovery time, offer immediately noticeable results, and are becoming more affordable. An average Botox procedure runs about $435.
Age/Generational Trends for Cosmetic Procedures
While adults 40 years of age and older are still undergoing more cosmetic procedures than their younger counterparts, younger millennials and Generation Z are not far behind.
Data suggests that 70% of young adult women and 60% of young adult men have reported dissatisfaction with their bodies and overall appearance.
Research shows the following age trends based on different types of procedures for 2023:
Gen Z (ages 20–29) accounted for:
- 16% of Breast Augmentations (8% increase from 2022)
- 20% of Breast Reductions (10% increase from 2022)
Millennials (ages 30–39) accounted for:
- 37% of Breast Augmentations (6% increase from 2022)
- 39% of Brazilian Butt Lifts (1% decrease from 2022)
- 10% of Facial Surgeries (6% increase from 2022)
Gen X and Elder Millenials (ages 40–54) accounted for:
- 45% of Liposuctions (9% increase from 2022)
- 59% of Tummy Tucks (8% increase from 2022)
- 57% of Botox Injections (9% increase from 2022)
- 50% of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (9% increase from 2022)
Elder Gen X & Young Boomers (ages 55–69) accounted for:
- 59% of Face Lifts (7% increase from 2022)
- 59% of Neck Lifts (2% decrease from 2022)
- 59% of Forehead Lifts (no change from 2022)
- 56% of Eyelid Surgeries (4% increase from 2022)
- 56% of Facial Fat Grafting (no change from 2022)
Regional Trends for Cosmetic Procedures
The ASPS study notes the following regional trends for surgical procedures throughout the U.S.:
- The majority of plastic surgery performed throughout 2023 occurred on the West Coast in states such as California, Nevada, and Arizona, at 29%. The most popular procedure was Botox injections, followed by breast augmentation and liposuction.
- Coming in at 28% of overall procedures was the South Atlantic Region, with states such as Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Once again, Botox injections came out on top, with liposuction and breast augmentation closely behind.
- States such as Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee (South Central Region) had 18% of procedures performed, with the most popular being Botox injections and liposuction, followed by breast augmentations.
- 14% of procedures were performed in Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio (North Central Region), with Botox injections, liposuction, and breast augmentations being the most popular procedures.
- 11% of overall procedures took place in the New England and Middle Atlantic regions, such as New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The most popular procedures were Botox injections, liposuction, and breast augmentations.
Plastic Surgery Complications Can Have Lasting Consequences
While plastic surgery can lead to an increase in self-esteem and overall confidence, it is not without its risk of complications and unexpected outcomes. As more and more patients request treatments or procedures based on social media images, it is important to consider the risks or limitations beforehand.
People at Risk of Complications
Certain people are at a higher risk of having complications after surgery, including smokers, diabetics, and overweight adults. Potential complications include problems with anesthesia, such as pneumonia, blood clots, infections at the incision sites, and fluid buildup under the skin.
Botched Surgeries and Procedures
If your plastic surgeon lacks experience or takes unnecessary risks during your procedure, the risk of a botched or overall bad procedure increases. Patients may experience scarring, infections, or even nerve damage as a result of botched cosmetic procedures.
On top of any physical injuries or aesthetic issues, patients can also suffer emotional and psychological effects of botched surgeries, such as anxiety, depression, and even feelings of betrayal. If you believe you suffered from a botched surgery, you should document your experience, consult your original surgeon, and seek a second opinion for revisions.
Questions to Ask Before Undergoing a Cosmetic Procedure
Before you elect to undergo any type of cosmetic surgery or procedure, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- What are my reasons for wanting to change my appearance?
- What are the specifics about my appearance I want to change?
- Am I being realistic about results/expectations?
- Is this the best time in my life to undergo this surgery?
After considering your desires, circumstances, and potential outcomes, it’s time to consult your prospective plastic surgeon. Ask your surgeon the following questions:
- Can you tell me about your experience/certifications?
- How many times have you performed the procedure?
- What other healthcare professionals will be involved in my care?
- What results can I expect from undergoing this procedure?
- What are the risks associated with my unique health history?
While cosmetic procedures can enhance confidence, they come with risks. Complications can arise due to surgeon inexperience, health conditions, or improper post-surgical care, leading to issues such as infection, nerve damage, or botched results.
Patients who experience serious complications may suffer physically, emotionally, and financially.
If you have experienced complications or injuries due to a plastic surgeon’s negligence, our Florida personal injury lawyers can help.
