International Aesthetics

Exploring Cosmetic Surgery Trends in the UK: Insights, Risks, and Alternatives

Cosmetic Surgery Trends in the UK

The landscape of cosmetic surgery is ever-evolving, with new trends emerging, markets expanding, and destinations outside of the UK becoming focal points for those seeking aesthetic enhancements.

Cosmetic surgery – once a topic shrouded in secrecy – has become more openly discussed and embraced, this change is partly due to celebrities noticeable changing appearance over the years which can only be achieved by surgical procedures. There is also an increasing number of celebrities openly sharing the details of their cosmetic enhancement such Megan Fox, Cardi B and Chrissy Teigen.

Getty Images

Today we will take a closer look at the state of cosmetic surgery. The top three surgical cosmetic procedures most popular in the United Kingdom have consistently included breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and blepharoplasty. These procedures have remained sought-after due to their ability to significantly enhance appearance and confidence.

cosmetic surgery trends

Getty Images

In recent years, a pattern of has emerged whereby individuals from the United Kingdom are travelling overseas for cosmetic surgery by the availability of more affordable procedures, The “Zoom Boom” phenomenon—increased demand for aesthetic procedures influenced by video conferencing during the pandemic—has been partly blamed for this trend, as individuals seek cheaper surgery options abroad.

What is the fastest growing cosmetic surgery?

The top three fastest growing cosmetic surgical procedures appear to be ‘designer vagina’, eyebrow lifts and facelifts. A designer vagina, is a broad term used to refer to cosmetic procedures focused on the vagina and vulva, it is among the top procedures, indicating a growing interest in genital aesthetic surgery, whilst the increased demand for eyebrow lifts and facelifts reflect a broader trend towards facial rejuvenation and anti-aging measures.

These trends underscore the evolving landscape of cosmetic surgery in the UK, with an emphasis on personal well-being, aesthetic preferences, and the desire for procedures that offer both cosmetic and functional benefits.

The genital aesthetic surgeries offer solutions for women seeking to address aesthetic concerns, discomfort during physical activities, the after effects of childbirth, or issues related to aging. These procedures have increased by almost 50% which could be the result of better awareness, education and availability of clinics and doctors offering vaginal rejuvenation services.

The eyebrow lift procedure is a simple procedure to lift the area directly above the eye to open up the eye area or to correct droopy eyebrows; it is often combined with blepharoplasty or facelift or both. The results have proven to be long lasting; and for older patients taking off many years from their appearance. There are a number of techniques available which have been developed over the last few years.

With the growing trend of looking ‘snatched’ in the face and body, surgical intervention is required due to lack of skin laxity or simply an ageing face. Facelift procedures have developed to offer varying options tailored to each individual patient’s desired aesthetic goals. A traditional facelift incision is extensive, beginning in the hairline at the temples, continuing around the ear and ends in the lower scalp; and commonly the deeper layers of the face and muscles are lifted during this procedure. Through developments over recent years, techniques have evolved providing options to those who are not in need of a full facelift but will benefit instead from a mini facelift with no or minimal visible incisions or scarring.

What is the riskiest cosmetic surgery?

The Brazilian Butt Lift (often referred to as BBL) carries the highest risk among cosmetic surgeries, with a mortality rate estimated as high as 1:3000. This is significantly greater than any other cosmetic procedure. The high risk is attributed to factors like the technical challenges of the surgery and an increase in non-specialised practitioners performing it.

The BBL recovery process involves both pros and cons. Pros include significant and noticeable improvements in the buttock’s appearance and shape, and there is also the added benefit of fat removal from other areas of the body during the procedure. Cons involve a potentially lengthy and uncomfortable recovery period, strict post-operative instructions (like avoiding sitting directly on the buttocks for weeks), and the risks associated with surgery, including complications from fat transfer.

Patients are often not informed about alternative options that are less risky and offer quicker recovery periods, especially if the surgeon does not provide these alternatives. This lack of information leads patients to choose what they believe to be the only available route to achieve their aesthetic goals.

Why do people go to Turkey for surgery?

In the world of cosmetic surgery, the allure of transformative procedures extends beyond domestic borders, compelling many from the United Kingdom to venture abroad in pursuit of cheaper surgery options. Turkey stands out as a leader in the health tourism industry offering aesthetic surgery options at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries, however notable issues have been identified which include the operation of unauthorised clinics operating illegally.

There has been a marked increase in the number of Turkish companies, hospitals, and surgeons using unregulated social media platforms to aggressively market their services to international clients. A concerning report from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) highlights a distressing trend: a 44% rise in complications from surgeries performed overseas, most commonly in Turkey. These alarming statistics encompass a range of postoperative complications, including some that require emergency medical interventions and result in long-lasting physical and psychological scars.

At International Aesthetics, we understand that the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is profoundly personal and often fraught with anxiety. It is with this understanding that we’ve dedicated ourselves to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our clients. Unlike the uncertain paths taken by individuals seeking procedures abroad without proper guidance, our approach is meticulously designed to mitigate risks, elevate the standard of care and experience. To find out more please submit an enquiry by clicking here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the latest plastic surgery trend?

The trend in 2023 leans towards subtlety and naturalism in plastic surgery. Patients are showing a preference for procedures that enhance without altering, opting for ‘mini-lifts’ and targeted liposuction instead of extensive modifications. This trend underscores a wider movement towards achieving results that amplify one’s inherent features while maintaining a natural aesthetic.

What is the future of the cosmetic surgery market in the UK?

Anticipated to expand, the UK cosmetic surgery market is set to thrive on technological advancements and a shift towards minimally invasive techniques. The market is diversifying too, with more men showing interest in cosmetic enhancements, reflecting a broader demographic inclusion.

What are the top 5 most popular cosmetic surgeries?

Globally, the most sought-after cosmetic surgeries are:

  1. Liposuction
  2. Breast augmentations
  3. Eyelid surgeries
  4. Rhinoplasties
  5. Abdominoplasties (tummy tucks)

What is the most requested plastic surgery?

Liposuction continues to be the most requested procedure worldwide due to its efficiency in fat reduction and versatility across different body areas.

What is the most painful cosmetic surgery?

Procedures that involve extensive adjustments, such as abdominoplasties (tummy tucks), are typically associated with more post-operative pain. This is due to the nature of the surgery which involves significant manipulation of body tissues.

What plastic surgery has the highest revision rate?

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job, has one of the highest revision rates among plastic surgery procedures. The complexity of nasal structures, combined with the prominence of the nose in facial aesthetics, often leads to a higher incidence of revisions. Studies suggest that the revision rate for rhinoplasty can range between 5% to 20%.

Cosmetic Surgery Statistics in the UK

In 2022, approximately 31,000 cosmetic surgeries were carried out in the UK. Six years prior to that, the figure for cosmetic surgeries stood at over 51,000 procedures.

This is a noteworthy decline in the number of men and women undergoing cosmetic surgery domestically. However, in 2022 there was a 44% increase in the number of patients seeking medical assistance in the UK for complications from surgeries performed abroad which indicates many are opting to go outside of the UK for cosmetic surgery.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *