According to the latest data from the International Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), liposuction has surpassed breast augmentation as the most popular cosmetic surgery worldwide. Concerns over the potential link between breast implants and breast cancer, particularly breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), have contributed to this shift in trends.
Liposuction Now Dominates the Cosmetic Surgery Scene
Liposuction, a body contouring procedure that removes excess fat through suction, accounted for 14.8% of all plastic surgeries globally in 2021. Breast augmentation, which previously held the top spot, saw its share fall to just over 13%. This decline reflects a growing awareness and caution surrounding breast implants, despite breast augmentation procedures increasing slightly by 0.5% over the last four years.
The Global Surge in Aesthetic Procedures
The shift in the most popular cosmetic procedures comes amid a broader surge in aesthetic medicine. More than 30 million surgical and non-surgical procedures were recorded in 2021, marking a 19.3% increase compared to the previous year. This surge indicates that the industry not only recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts but has also grown significantly beyond pre-pandemic levels.
Body Contouring on the Rise
The rise of liposuction is part of a larger trend toward body contouring, with more than 1.9 million liposuction procedures performed globally in 2021—a nearly 25% increase compared to the previous year. Other popular procedures include rhinoplasty (nose surgery), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and eyelid surgery, which was the third most common procedure and the most sought-after among men.
Breast Implant Removals on the Rise
In tandem with the rise of liposuction, the number of patients opting to remove their breast implants has also surged, increasing by nearly 50% over the past four years. Dr. Gianluca Campiglio, a plastic surgeon and editor of ISAPS’ annual report, pointed to health concerns over BIA-ALCL as a significant factor in this trend.
Aesthetic Medicine’s Non-Surgical Boom
Non-surgical procedures, such as Botox and hyaluronic acid fillers, have also seen a significant rise. Between 2017 and 2021, non-surgical procedures grew by more than 54%, with hyaluronic acid injections increasing by over 30%. The report highlights a global shift toward both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic enhancements, reflecting changing beauty standards and a growing interest in aesthetic improvements.
Looking Ahead
With these changing dynamics, liposuction is poised to remain at the forefront of cosmetic surgery, driven by the growing demand for body contouring and a heightened focus on patient safety. The data from ISAPS paints a clear picture of an evolving industry, one that is increasingly patient-centric, with health and wellness at the forefront of decision-making for many individuals seeking aesthetic procedures.
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