The Changing Face of Plastic Surgery

The decision to get plastic surgery is a deeply personal one. While an entertainer may see cosmetic surgery as a vital career move, others may see it as a necessity. Some, like the maturing Botox generation, want to effectively delay the signs of aging, some want a more exotic look, and some may even have surgeryfor amusement or on a whim.

Surgical holidays abroad are big business with all-inclusive packages designed to attract patients. Caution should be exercised, however; the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) found that a quarter of its members had to treat patients for post-surgical complications like blood infections, clots, and foreign bodies left inside patients. In 2007, UK surgeons provided emergency surgery for about 50 out of 203 patients to correct problems. Over 60 had a second planned operation and almost 70 required non-surgical treatment to rectify a complication.

It's important that you choose the right surgeon with whom you can communicate or otherwise you may end up dissatisfied with your results. Ensure your choice is appropriately qualified, and get reviews on their past performance. A responsible, ethical surgeon will advise you against a procedure that is not in your best interest. Listen to them! Thankfully, people are better informed today and can now ask about what products are being used such as in the case of avoiding known substandard implants.

The statistics fluctuate, however, which are influenced by current trends and economic conditions. For example, a bigger bust was more popular in the 2010s, with 8,449 people undergoing breast augmentation. And when comparing figures from 2015 and 2008, there has only been about 1,200 more augmentations done, but reductions rose from 3,845 in 2008 to 6,246 in 2015, likely because a more natural look is trending.

Cosmetic surgeries accelerated in 2015 as up to 51,000 British underwent cosmetic procedures. Women having procedures done also increased by 12.5 percent, whilst the number of men opting for cosmetic surgery increased by 13.5 percent. One thing seems to be apparent: when the economy is improving, people indulge more on luxury items, and with the population's love affair with selfies, they want to look good, too.

A survey of approximately 30 percent of plastic surgeons in the UK in 2016 revealed that the number undergoing cosmetic surgery was the lowest in nearly a decade, falling at 40 percent. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) also presented research from Opinium Research and the London School of Economics, which surveyed 3,000 British on the impact of Brexit on consumer behavior. It showed that people are unlikely to make major life changes during a time of uncertainty.

In 2016, procedures such as face and neck lifts, brow lifts, and fat transfers (declining by 53 percent, 71 percent and 56 percent, respectively) may not have been the first choice for patients. Breast augmentation and rhinoplasty, for which there are limited or no non-surgical options, are likely to continue to be popular, despite a 20 percent and 53 percent decline, respectively.

Advancements in non-invasive procedures like hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, collagen stimulators, toxins, and topical skin care etc. are now more attractive. In addition, the risk of complications is low and recuperation time is minimal if performed by trained professionals.

The influence of celebrities also has a significant effect on what is popular. Kylie Jenner's lip fillers caused a 70 percent surge in inquiries in one London practice in the 24-hour period following that news story. Lower costs and availability of providers are additional reasons for the appeal for these non-invasive procedures.

Above all else, make sure you are indeed having work done to please you, not to look like your idol or to please someone else. The duty is on you, the patient. So, make sure you get the best from either plastic surgery or the non-invasive route based on sound research and decision-making.