The latest report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveals a notable shift in cosmetic surgery trends for 2023, with a 5% increase in plastic surgeries and a 7% rise in minimally invasive procedures compared to the previous year. The report, which analyzed patient data from over 1,600 plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and otolaryngologists, indicates that facial and neck surgeries, including facelifts, neck lifts, forehead lifts, and submental liposuction, surged in popularity despite some decline in previous years.
Among minimally invasive procedures, neuromodulator injections (such as Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau) emerged as the leading choice, accounting for nearly 9.5 million procedures in 2023. This was followed by hyaluronic acid (dermal) fillers, which saw 5.3 million procedures performed.
The Impact of Weight Loss Drugs
A significant driver behind these trends appears to be the emergence of GLP-1 weight loss and diabetes medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. These drugs have been linked to rapid weight loss, which often leads to a decline in skin elasticity. The report highlights how drastic weight loss can cause skin to sag due to the long-term damage to collagen and elastin fibers, making it challenging for the skin to rebound.
The term “Ozempic face” has gained traction, referring to the noticeable sagging and hollow appearance in the faces of patients using these medications. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, cosmetic procedures such as facelifts and fillers are among the most effective methods to address this issue.
Other Notable Cosmetic Surgery Trends in 2023
The “Ballet Body” Trend:
This trend emphasizes achieving a well-proportioned figure characterized by a lean and toned torso with naturally plump breasts. Popular procedures linked to the Ballet Body include breast augmentation, body contouring, laser skin tightening, fillers, noninvasive fat reduction (cryolipolysis), and liposuction. Notably, liposuction, breast augmentation, and breast lifts were among the top surgical procedures performed in 2023, with a shift toward fat transfer techniques for a more natural look.
Gen Z and Plastic Surgery:
Younger adults are increasingly opting for procedures traditionally associated with older demographics. While breast reductions remain the most popular among women aged 40-54, there was a 10% rise in this procedure among women aged 20-29. This trend is attributed to heightened social media sharing of personal experiences and Gen Z’s emphasis on bodily autonomy and comfort.
Holistic Approaches to Plastic Surgery:
There is a growing trend of patients combining health and wellness practices with plastic surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons noted an increase in patients seeking body lift procedures—such as tummy tucks, arm lifts, and butt lifts—to complement lifestyle changes and address issues like loose skin post-weight loss.
Key Background Information
The use of semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) has skyrocketed in recent years, with prescriptions hitting 9 million in late 2022, marking a 300% increase since 2020. Regions with the highest prescription rates include southern states like Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The popularity of these drugs has been bolstered by celebrity endorsements, with figures like Elon Musk, Oprah, Whoopi Goldberg, and Sharon Osbourne sharing their weight loss experiences.
Research indicates these medications may also offer additional health benefits, such as reducing alcoholism and drug addiction, and potentially aiding in the treatment of conditions like sleep apnea, Alzheimer’s, and kidney disease.
The confluence of these factors highlights a dynamic landscape in cosmetic surgery, reflecting changing societal norms, health advancements, and evolving patient expectations.
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