By plastic surgeon Dr Dirk Kremer. 

Earlier this month, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) released figures that revealed the number of cosmetic procedures performed in 2018 grew by almost a quarter of a million compared to the previous year. The ASPS also confirmed that the number of procedures performed has steadily risen over the course of the past five years.

Figures confirm plastic surgery has hit the mainstream

These figures solidify the fact that both invasive and non-invasive plastic surgery has made its way into the mainstream, with hundreds of thousands of people around the world choosing to sculpt and enhance a part of their face or body for a variety of unique personal reasons.

Over 1.8 million cosmetic surgery procedures were performed in the United States alone last year, with the top 5 as follows:

1.       Breast augmentation
313,735 procedures performed, which is a 4% increase on 2017

2.       Liposuction
258,58 procedures performed, which is a 5% increase in 2017

3.       Rhinoplasty
213,780 procedures performed, which is a 2% decrease on 2017

4.       Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
206,529 procedures performed, which is a 1% decrease on 2017

5.       Tummy tuck
130,081 procedures performed, which is approx. the same as 2017

More obscure body-sculpting procedures also on the rise

Alan Matarasso, ASPS president, said that last year also saw a surge in the popularity of more obscure body-sculpting procedures such as buttock augmentation - which has significantly sky rocketed across the South American continent - and thigh lift surgery. He said that despite the rising competition from these more recent emerging trends, liposuction still continues to be the gold standard in body contouring and is therefore still far and away the most popular choice among patients, mainly due to its versatility, efficiency and effectiveness - you can learn more about what makes liposuction effective in a previous article I wrote.

One liposuction procedure can produce impressive results

Matarasso also highlighted the fact that with liposuction, one treatment may be all that’s required to positively reshape problem areas of the body. A highly skilled and reputable plastic surgeon can treat more areas, and larger areas, within the one procedure. The results that can be achieved with liposuction are also more consistent and predictable when compared to those achieved through non-invasive treatments. With that said, the new modern non-surgical fat reduction machinery is continuing to evolve and improve, and its already playing a role in reshaping certain areas of the body.

Are you looking to go under the knife or wanting to discover more about the range of non-invasive procedures that are available? If so, don’t hesitate to get in touch today. From Harley Street in the heart of London, I offer the knowledge and expertise to help you get the very best from your cosmetic procedure. Book your consultation with me now by calling 0845 519 7232, e-mail info@harleystreetaesthetics.com or fill in the easy and convenient online contact form.

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