There was a time when cosmetic surgeries were for the rich and famous, and the average person could only hope to save enough money to someday afford a serious cosmetic procedure. Nowadays, both non-invasive and invasive procedure are as accessible as the next fast food stop. Cosmetics surgeries are no longer for the super exclusive clientele, there are procedures and financing options that cater to anyone interested and willing to pay to alter their appearance.
Data gathered by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) showed more than 17.7 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2018; this is an increase of almost a quarter of a million procedures in comparison to 2017. The top five cosmetics of 2018 were; breast augmentations, liposuction, nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, and tummy tucks. The rates of breast augmentations and liposuction increase by four and five percent respectively, while nose reshaping and eyelid surgeries reflected slight decreases. The sharpest declines of almost 30% were seen in pectoral and buttock implants, while buttock augmentation with fat grafting and hair transplantation increased by almost 20%
Another trend that has seen an upward trend is minimally invasive procedures, and the top five of 2018 included: Botox injections, soft-tissue fillers, chemical peels, laser hair removals, and microdermabrasions. These procedures have gained popularity especially among people who want to avoid the traditional open surgery methods. Minimally invasive surgery is conducted with the aid of a viewing scope and specially designed surgical instruments that allow the surgeon to perform major surgery through several tiny openings without the need for a large incision. While others opt for these minimally invasive procedures due to the implied lower risks, it is key to remember any elective surgical procedure carries some risk, even though these advancements mean faster patient recovery, less morbidity (illness), and natural-appearing results.
Although the statistics do not show causality of trends, they do however reflect the state of people’s perception of self and societal beauty standards. Instagram models and other social media influencers have significantly altered the game when it comes to the recent wave of cosmetic procedures requests. Some surgeons are even taking a page from these social media influencers as they begin sharing more of their procedures on their platforms for their many followers to see what a potential procedure would consist of. Nowadays, surgeons are reporting an emerging phenomenon known as “selfie dysmorphia” as more clients come requesting to look more alike their filtered selfie images.
Although the saying goes ‘beauty is only skin deep,’ the internalized perception of self immensely affects how one views and appreciated their outward beauty. Since ancient times people have gone to great lengths to alter their bodies to match their idealized self. However, when all is said and done, you must first find peace and acceptance with the person underneath the makeup or augmentations and remember to yourself along the journey to your best self.