On a worldwide scale, the demand for cosmetic surgery is booming, with the number of procedures growing by 132% since 2002. India recently made worldwide headlines when the state of Tamil Nadu offered free cosmetic breast surgery (including implants) to those unable to afford the procedure, echoing a demand that is continuing to grow in many countries across the globe. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), India is the seventh top country in the world in terms of the number of cosmetic procedures undertaken.
Recent research indicates that the most popular cosmetic procedures are breast augmentation, followed by liposuction, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, and finally, abdominoplasty. These are tried-and-tested procedures that are now delivering more natural results thanks to cutting-edge technology and a new vision of aesthetics. In this post, we discuss just a few trends taking over the industry, as well as emerging ones that are gaining steadily in interest.
High-Tech Breast Implants
Many women opting for breast augmentations are requesting B-Lite implants, which are 30% lighter than their conventional counterparts. In essence, the implant is more ‘airy’ because it is filled with microspheres, which produce volume without the weight. The implant is also more transparent under a mammography, which allows more of the breast to be viewed. Finally, the recovery time is shorter following surgery. Tests carried out show this type of implant to be resilient, safe, and highly efficient.
Laser, Botox and Fillers
A visit to the plastic surgeon will not necessarily result in an appointment for surgery. These days, many patients are opting for a blend of fillers alongside laser treatments to avoid or postpone more invasive procedures such as a facelift. Top laser treatments include Fractora (excellent for expression lines, hyperpigmentation, and acne scarring) and Fraxel (often used to zap stretch marks away).
The Choice of Injectables Vary
According to the report on Worldwide Facial Injectables Market Drivers, Opportunities, Trends, and Forecasts: 2017-2023, the global injectables market is set to enjoy a compound annual growth rate of 10.42%. One of the most highly solicited facial fillers on a global scale is hyaluronic acid. If Botox is used to address age-related issues such as lines on the forehead and filling in lines between the eyes, hyaluronic acid is relied upon to add volume. Typical areas injected with this product include the cheekbone area, ‘marionette lines’ at the corners of the mouth, the lips, and deep nasolabial furrows. Often, a blend of various fillers and Botox are used depending on the needs of each patient.
Autologous Fat Transfer
Autologous fat transfer, which essentially involves taking fat from areas like the belly or double chin, cleansing it and injecting it back into areas where it is required (e.g. depressed areas in the face) is currently being used in a plethora of procedures. Fat grafting is an important part of body reshaping surgery, and is used today as much for facial procedures as for adding a more natural, harmonious look during breast augmentation. It is frequently used alongside breast implants for greater symmetry, or to fill in depressed areas that can benefit from greater volume. Fat transfer is also used in procedures such as the Brazilian Butt Lift, a popular procedure which involves adding greater harmony to the body by adding volume to the buttocks and hip areas.
Intimate Surgery
More and more males are opting for penile enhancement surgery, which involves lengthening the penis by separating the ligament from the pubic bone attachment, and/or focusing on width (once again with the help of autologous fat transfer). Women, meanwhile, are interested in labiaplasties, which can enable them to take part in sporting activities and sport fitting clothing with greater comfort and confidence. Statistics show that from 2015 to 2016 alone, the popularity of labiaplasty grew by 45% and further research touting the procedure as the fastest growing in the world.
If one thing has become evident in cosmetic medicine in this millennium, it is that men and women alike are seeking fast, permanent solutions to issues such as lines, wrinkles, and a lack of volume. The openness which the subject of cosmetic surgery is broached reveals a paradigm shift in the way procedures are viewed. Far from being a subject of secrecy or shame, cosmetic (and non-surgical) procedures are now seen as a valid way to boost self-confidence and present a curated version of oneself to the world.
