From Botox injections to breast augmentations, more and more people are turning to cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence.
The COVID-19 pandemic influenced some of the most recent trends, as many people found themselves with extra time and disposable income. In addition, the rise of video conferencing and social media has made people more aware of their appearance on camera, leading to increased interest in procedures such as lip fillers and eyelid lifts.
However, while cosmetic procedures may seem like a modern phenomenon, the ASPS reports that there has been an overall 22% increase in procedures performed from 2000 to 2020. This suggests that the trend toward cosmetic procedures has been growing steadily and shows no signs of slowing down. So, what’s really behind this apparent sudden rise?
What is a cosmetic procedure?
Cosmetic procedures refer to various treatments that enhance a person’s appearance. These include things like dermal fillers, Botox injections, laser hair removal and chemical peels.
In addition to specialists who offer cosmetic treatments, many dentists have also started offering cosmetic procedures to help their patients achieve a more youthful, natural-looking smile. This can include treatments such as teeth whitening, dental veneers, and even orthodontic treatments like Invisalign.
While there are many common cosmetic procedures, it’s essential to thoroughly understand the potential risks and benefits before deciding. Seek out a reputable plastic surgeon or specialist with experience successfully performing the procedure you are interested in.
Cosmetic procedures on the rise
According to the ASPS study linked above, several cosmetic treatments have become more popular in recent years, including:
Surgical procedures:
- Liposuction: removes fat from certain areas of the body.
- Breast Augmentation: a procedure that increases breast size.
- Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen.
- Mastopexy (Breast Lift or Reconstruction): a procedure that lifts and reshapes breasts.
These procedures are still popular among people looking to enhance their appearance more dramatically. Before committing, talk to your specialist about the risks associated with each procedure and your expectations.
Non-surgical procedures:
- Neurotoxins: injectable treatments that temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Dermal Fillers: injectable treatments that add volume to the face.
- Skin Treatment (Chemical Peels, Hydrafacials, etc.): exfoliates and rejuvenates the skin.
- Skin Treatment (IPL, Combination Lasers): improves tone and texture, removes unwanted hair, and reduces acne scars and discoloration.
- Hair Removal: removes unwanted hair from the face, arms, legs and other areas.
These non-invasive procedures are becoming increasingly popular as they effectively improve the skin without downtime or invasive surgery. If you’re looking for a less drastic way to improve your appearance, laser skin treatment doctors can help you find the best option.
Reasons for the increasing demand
From more time spent at home to increased awareness of procedures and technologies, there are a few key reasons why the demand for cosmetic procedures has grown so significantly in recent years.
COVID-19 and working from home
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a rise in the demand for cosmetic procedures, as per a survey by ASPS. About 76% of the participants have observed increased demand compared to before the pandemic. Nearly 23% of the practices focused on aesthetics have reported doubling their business, and 6% have seen it increase more than two times.
Here are some of the reasons why people have sought treatment following the pandemic:
- Many people experienced weight gain during the pandemic, resulting in body contouring treatments such as liposuction.
- A greater focus on personal grooming and hygiene, leading to an increased demand for noninvasive treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers.
- Heightened awareness of health and well-being has spurred heightened interest in procedures that make people look and feel better.
In addition, the survey found that 42% of people reduced their travel and spent their budget on cosmetic procedures. In comparison, 40% were willing to pay whatever it took to achieve a sense of well-being and increased confidence after the pandemic. Lastly, 33% of respondents saved money during the pandemic and felt comfortable investing in cosmetic procedures.
Affordability
According to research by Mark J. Perry of the American Enterprise Institute, recent analysis shows that cosmetic procedures have become more affordable in the U.S. over the past 20 years. While the actual cost has gone up a bit, when you consider inflation, the price has actually decreased.
Moreover, insurance usually does not cover cosmetic procedures, so people pay for them out-of-pocket. This means they are more likely to shop around for the best price. Because there are many providers in big cities, they must be competitive with their pricing to attract clients.
This competition has made cosmetic procedures more affordable over time. People can now easily compare prices, and providers are pushed to offer better deals. As a result, people need to work less to earn money needed for these treatments.
New technology
New treatments and technologies are being introduced in the cosmetic procedures industry, making it safer and easier for people to enhance their appearance. Here are some examples of recent advancements in the field:
- Non-surgical skin tightening treatments such as Ultherapy, which uses ultrasound technology to lift and tighten sagging skin;
- CoolSculpting, which uses controlled cooling to eliminate stubborn fat cells without surgery;
- Kybella injections, which can target and reduce excess fat beneath the chin;
- Cosmetic dentistry using 3D printing technology, which allows for more accurate and efficient crowns, veneers, and other dental prosthetics;
- Thread lifts, which use dissolvable sutures to lift and tighten sagging skin;
It’s important to note that despite the many benefits new technologies have brought to the cosmetic procedures industry, it’s still crucial to research and choose a qualified provider before undergoing any procedure. Look for cosmetic dentistry specialists or board-certified surgeons experienced with the technology and techniques you’re considering.
Celebrity influence
According to a study by Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, following Kylie Jenner’s announcement, interest in “lip augmentation” rose 43%, “lip enhancement” rose 37%, and “lip fillers” rose 3233%.
In addition to influencing people’s decisions about cosmetic treatments, celebrities also shape our cultural ideas about beauty. For example, many celebrities opt for breast implants to fill out their figures, which can lead others to feel pressure to conform to certain body standards. This is especially true for adolescents, who may be more susceptible to celebrity worship and its effects on body image.
Social media
Millions of people use social media daily; it’s become almost integral to a healthy, modern social life. Unfortunately, while these platforms can help you connect with friends and stay informed, they can also have a negative impact on your self-image. For example, using face filters on social media apps can lead to dysmorphia, in which people become obsessed with achieving their filtered appearance in real life.
Due to their developing sense of self-identity, young people are especially vulnerable to the impacts of social media. Those who suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) may be particularly prone to these effects, as they already have an excessive preoccupation with imagined or minor flaws in their physical appearance.
It’s important to be mindful when engaging with social media and practice techniques such as limiting screen time or unfollowing accounts that make you feel worse about yourself to maintain a healthy relationship with technology. If you think your mental health is being negatively impacted, reach out for help from body dysmorphic disorder doctors or mental health professionals.
More men getting treatments
Men are increasingly aware of their appearance and want to look their best at all times. There is also less stigma surrounding plastic surgery in general and gender norms specifically, which has allowed men to feel more comfortable pursuing treatments that would have previously been seen as feminine.
According to the ASPS, there has been a 29 percent increase in cosmetic procedures for men since 2000, with more than 1.3 million procedures performed in 2017. This a clear sign that men are increasingly open to treatments that will make them feel more confident in their appearance.
Reduced stigmatization
As more people have cosmetic procedures, the perception has shifted from being seen as something only done by celebrities or those with money to something anyone can do. Studies show that 87% of those who have had cosmetic procedures and 84% of those who have thought about it believe there is less stigma surrounding plastic surgery than before.
Overall, as the stigma surrounding cosmetic procedures decreases and availability rises, these treatments are becoming easier to access and more widely accepted.