Plastic surgery has continued its growth and popularity in recent years. Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reveal that nearly 18 eighteen million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2018 (a 2% increase from 2017), the vast majority being minimally invasive procedures such as Botox and filler injections. This number is likely to again grow slightly when the 2019 statistics are compiled. Which cosmetic procedures will remain popular as the new year begins. Here are a few ongoing plastic surgery trends one can expect to continue to see in 2020.
Fat Grafting to Various Areas of The Body and Face
Fat grafting to various areas of the body, also referred to as fat injections, is a procedure consisting of transferring fat from one area of the body to another. The goal of the procedure is to help shape and enhance the contour of an area such as the buttocks with the removal of fat via liposuction from other areas such as the abdomen and flanks and inject the fat carefully to the desired area of enhancement. The common areas for fat grafting include the buttocks, (so-called “Brazilian Buttocks Lift or BBL”), the face, and more commonly now the breasts. While this procedure has generally been used for cosmetic purposes, the trend of using fat grafting for therapeutic reasons in the healing of wounds and scars may become more popular.
Breast Implant Replacement Surgery
Breast implant replacement surgery becomes necessary when a problem such as an implant deflation or “failure” occurs. Implants are not considered lifetime devices, therefore the prospect for replacement at some time hopefully not for at least 15-20 years should be a consideration. With time even if the implants remain intact, other factors such as scar tissue “capsular contracture”, pregnancy and/or weight fluctuation can cause discomfort and/or appearance changes that may prompt replacement. In addition, breast lift along with a change of the implant type or size may be indicated. Some patients after time may choose to simply remove and not replace their implants for various reasons. To help restore some shape or volume with removal only, fat grafting to the breasts has become more popular.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are one of the most common minimally invasive procedures. Also known as “injectables” they can help reduce facial lines, improve contour concerns and restore volume and fullness to the face. With age, there is a normal loss of subcutaneous fat which can be improved with typical hyaluronic acid fillers or with fat injections. Dermal fillers can help plump thin lips and soften facial lines/contours including the shadow or “tear trough” of the lower eyelids. Minimally invasive procedures while very effective cannot achieve the same dramatic results as with surgical procedures.
Facelift Surgery
Facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, can be indicated when aging and skin laxity is more than can be addressed with minimally invasive techniques. A facelift reshapes the lower face and neck by elevating and suspending loose skin to help restore a more youthful appearance. If there are aging changes in the brow and eyelids, then combined eyelid lift or blepharoplasty and brow lift may be performed. Fat injection may be utilized to help replace the loss of volume. In addition, various skin treatments laser resurfacing and chemical peels may be suggested simultaneously or before/after surgery to rejuvenate facial skin.
The popularity of plastic surgery has continued with increased patient demand and new developments each year. It is most important to have a thorough consultation with a highly qualified plastic surgeon before any procedures one may be considering to ensure both safety and satisfaction.
