Americans spent over $8 billion on aesthetic plastic surgery in the first half of 2021 – up from the $6 billion which was spent in 2020. According to the president of the Aesthetic society, demand is stronger than ever and won’t likely diminish this year. From exciting technologies to tested and standard procedures, people want changes to the way they look. Called the ‘Zoom Boom’, the rise in demand for cosmetic procedures is attributed to the greater scrutiny of individuals of wrinkles and fine lines after seeing themselves on the screen for hours each day. In addition, as many continue to work from home, people find it easier to get cosmetic work done and recover without taking much time off. Part of the increased demand also comes from standard surgeries that were put off during the lockdowns.
Common Plastic Surgery
Breast enlargement is one of the most common plastic surgeries while breast implant removals are in second place. Patients also go for a breast lift or mastopexy, buttock lift, facial implants, dermabrasion, and eyelid lift. Other parts of the body that may receive cosmetic intervention include the face, forehead, nose, thigh, tummy. and lips. People who are also losing their hair can opt for a hair replacement or transplantation. Lipoplasty or liposuction is another common procedure that entails the removal of excess fat using suction. Botox injections, cellulite treatment, chemical peels, fat injections, laser skin resurfacing, and laser treatment of leg veins are other standard cosmetic jobs.
Another important procedure is vaginal rejuvenation. Reconstructive vaginoplasty is a surgical intervention that tightens the vagina and surrounding muscles to enhance vaginal laxity and function. It can help women who have given birth or those with medical or congenital conditions such as malignant tumors, Adrenal Hyperplasia, rectal protrusion, and genital area trauma. Given that there are several procedures that could be done, the trend is to perform combination procedures, says a plastic surgeon in Texas. For example, you can do tummy tuck and breast enlargement in one surgical session. Vaginal rejuvenation can also be combined with labiaplasty and so on. Combination procedures not only save money and recovery time, but also achieve desired results quicker provided the patient is in good health.
Non-Invasive Anti-Aging Treatment
Micro–coring is an FDA-cleared technology that employs hollowed-out needles to take away loose pieces of skin without cutting or stitching. Because the needles are so tiny, there is no visible scarring. The ellacor system of Cytrellis makes use of micro–coring technology that are essentially small biopsies that also produce tiny injuries that promote collagen production. According to Dr. Ava Shamban of Santa Monica, the natural healing, repairing, and tissue remodeling of the skin takes over after the procedure. Micro–coring can improve the laxity of the skin.
But, Dr. Jason Pozner of Boca Raton said that the procedure is not the same as surgery. Micro–coring can eliminate excess skin without scarring while micro-punctures can help repair skin. Hence, a facelift will always produce a dramatic result over non-invasive techniques. However, for people who cannot or won’t go under the knife, the procedure is a viable alternative that yields good results.
The appetite for cosmetic surgery is not expected to decrease anytime soon. Non-invasive treatments and combination surgical procedures are going to be prevalent in 2022.
Author: Jennifer Henry