13 Mar Liposuction Now the Most Popular Plastic Surgery, Surpassing Breast Implants
For decades, breast augmentation was the most popular plastic surgery on a global scale (and one of the most popular surgeries at Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center). Now, for the first time, liposuction has become the most popular according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) group. It is no surprise considering liposuction is an in-demand standalone procedure, is often paired with other procedures (including breast augmentation), and of course both men and women get liposuction whereas only women opt for breast implants.
According to the latest report, liposuction made up 14.8 percent of cosmetic surgeries worldwide while breast augmentation was only at 13 percent. In 2021, there were over 30 million surgical and non-surgical procedures performed around the globe, which was an increase of 19.3 percent compared to 2020. The report suggests that the “cosmetic surgery industry has not only recovered from two consecutive years of COVID-related decline—it has grown far beyond pre-pandemic levels.” There was a surge of procedures that took place during lockdown, but of course 2021 was the year that really began to show some changes in trends (especially considering the increased safety measures undertaken by clinics in 2020, making 2021 the year that plastic surgery could really shine).
The report expounds upon these figures, showing that the total number of cosmetic surgeries increased more than 33 percent from 2017 to 2021. Non-surgical procedures, such as the most popular option Botox, rose over 54 percent during the same timeframe. During this same four-year period, the demand for breast augmentation only rose minimally at 0.5 percent.
Body Contouring Demands
There has also been an overall demand for body contouring in recent years, whether surgical or non-surgical. Over 1.9 million liposuction procedures took place globally in 2021, which was an increase of nearly 25 percent from 2020. Liposuction is the only way to immediately and permanently remove larger amounts of fat. Non-surgical solutions, such as CoolSculpting, can freeze away much smaller amounts of fat, but requires numerous cycles spaced about one month apart (4-6 session, typically). Those who want immediate results are thrilled by liposuction, which is a relatively quick and minimally invasive surgery that require a tiny incision per treatment site.
Results are immediate, but bruising and swelling are common with liposuction. Most patients need to wear a compression garment for a couple of weeks to avoid excessive edema, help with discomfort, and encourage the skin to adapt to its new, slimmer form. Recovery from liposuction can be acute but brief, and patients say that it is definitely worth it. There is no way to spot reduce through diet and exercise, but you can with liposuction. Since it is such a comparably “easy” surgery, it’s no wonder that it is often coupled with other procedures—especially a tummy tuck.
Tummy Tucks and Lipo
In addition to liposuction, tummy tucks (also known as abdominoplasty) were also one of the most popular surgeries last year. In total, the US was home to the most liposuction and tummy tuck procedures. This is due in part to the quality of the procedure in the country as well as the sheer number of surgeons. However, quantity does not equate to quality. The ISAPS group stresses, “We always encourage patients to do their homework, make sure that their plastic surgeon is board-certified, and that they’re well-trained in the procedures that the patient wants.” You don’t want to go with a jack of all trades for a surgeon.
Surprisingly, in the US, a doctor does not need to be board-certified in order to practice—or trained in a particular kind of surgery to perform it. It is crucial that you only work with a surgeon who specializes in your interests, whether it be liposuction, tummy tuck, or breast augmentation. These are the three specialties of Dr. Parson, a world-renowned expert who can give you the experience and results you deserve. Schedule your consultation for liposuction, a tummy tuck, or breast implants today by calling the office or filling out the online contact form now.