The demand for facial aesthetics is on the rise!
The number of British citizens undergoing cosmetic surgery fell in 2016 to the lowest number in a decade, while non-surgical cosmetic treatments continue to rise, new research has shown. The data show that the number of surgical cosmetic procedures last year fell by 40% since reaching record-breaking heights in 2015.
Meanwhile, anecdotal evidence suggests that non-surgical treatments such as injectable facial fillers have remained on a steady increase. And, as far as cosmetic procedures go, 2017 was the unofficial “Year of Plumped-Up Lips”!
For the first time in almost a decade of relatively consistent growth, cosmetic surgical procedure totals for women and men combined dipped below 31,000 – with 2016’s totals 5% less than those in 2007. While surgical cosmetic procedure rates fell, less invasive – and less expensive – non-surgical procedures such as chemical peels, botulinum toxin (Botox) and dermal fillers, continued to rise.
Some procedures which have no real non-surgical equivalent such as abdominoplasty and otoplasty are some of the few which changed little, with demand for tummy tucks actually recording an impressive rise amongst men. Abdominoplasty surgery remained popular for both genders, increasing to the sixth most popular surgical cosmetic procedure in 2016 from eighth place in 2015.
Despite nearly 50% fewer men undergoing surgery than in 2015, BAAPS saw a 47% increase in male abdominoplasty surgery – possibly attributed to the fact that there is no adequate non-surgical option for the removal of excess skin. Women’s cosmetic surgery dropped 39% from 2015, and while breast augmentation continues to remain the most popular procedure for women, with 7,732 undergoing surgery, overall numbers fell by 20%. Many surgeons also report that the oversized styles of the past have made way for smaller sizes, resulting in more natural enhancement.
The 2016 BAAPS audit demonstrates that at the very least, patients seem to be getting the message that cosmetic surgery is not a “quick fix” but a serious commitment and are as a result, carefully evaluating risks as well as benefits surgery may offer,’ commented BAAPS president and consultant plastic surgeon, Simon Withey. ‘If it means people are taking their time to be truly sure a procedure is the right investment for them, then this can only be a good thing.’
So with this information in mind, we take a look at some of the most popular non-surgical treatments and procedures predicted for 2018.
Medical facials
Instead of simply using scented soaps and applying masks like traditional facials, medical facials use medical (or prescription strength) ingredients like Retin-A, Vitamin C, and Alpha and Beta Hydroxy to correct aging, drying, pigmented and acneic skin. Read about facial peels here.
The Vampire facial uses micro-needling to administer platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate collagen. This therapy involves injecting of your own platelets and fibrin in the face, hands, and neck, to treat wrinkles, acne scarring, and stretch marks. The Vampire facial is less invasive than plastic surgery, takes about 20 minutes, and the improvements lasts up to 18 months.
Liquid Face Lift
The goal of a non-surgical Liquid Face Lift procedure is to lift the entire face or to contour specific facial features. Bags can be masked under the eyes by using Liquid Facelift techniques; eyes can be opened up and lids lifted; jowls can be lifted and diminished; natural shape can be restored to flattened cheeks or temple areas; corners of the mouth can be lifted; as well as several other facial feature benefits. Results are visible immediately with the fillers. The effects of Botox will take up to 10 days after which you will see a marked improvement in wrinkles.
Nonsurgical is officially the new surgical
Miami plastic surgeon Sean Simon, MD, says the nonsurgical trend will continue to grow as new and improved technologies are developed to shape, tighten, lift, erase, and generally rejuvenate the skin. “From body sculpting to fat melting, innovations in non-invasive procedures will continue to offer patients a multitude of options to meet their desire for self-improvement. Plastic surgery, especially breast and body contouring procedures, will remain a mainstay for more dramatic changes.”
Relying on our own bodies for enhanced results
Surgeons predict an increased use of PRP for rejuvenating the skin and enhancing hair growth in 2018. And that 2018 will be all about stimulating our own cells to naturally reverse some of the signs of aging. This can be done with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for an uptick in collagen building, cell growth and better hair health when injected into the scalp. See more information about PRP here,
Nonsurgical nose jobs are back
They’ve had their own heyday, but nonsurgical nose jobs are coming back. Fillers can be used to subtly improve the shape of the nose—and although not permanent, it is a less-expensive option than a traditional rhinoplasty. When compared to rhinoplasty, nonsurgical nose jobs can’t make a nose smaller, but they can help correct imperfections and camouflage areas that are concerning to patients.
Eyelid Rejuvenation
Known as blepharoplasty, eyelid rejuvenation is one of the fastest growing non-surgical procedures. In your forties and fifties, the eyes are going to be the ones showing the true signs of aging: sunken eyes and sagging skin that was never there before. Fillers and Botox work well in this area until the amount of eyelid fat loss is too great to be replenished by fillers alone, after that patients might consider the surgical option. Read about fillers and Eyelid surgery here.
Treating lines before they surface
Botox Cosmetic and other neurotoxins are becoming much more popular with younger clientele. People are not waiting for lines to form before they start neurotoxins, prevention is key, and patients in their 20s and early 30s are getting treated before the lines are apparent. Read about Botox here.
Vaginal rejuvenation
There was a huge rise in the interest of vaginal rejuvenation during 2017 and it’s not over. It’s accomplished through the use of lasers that help to tighten skin by stimulating collagen. These in-office procedures are providing some patients with both medical and cosmetic benefits. The trend for “designer vaginas” is growing as women who have had children and older women want to regain lost muscle tone, tightness and pleasurable sensations in this area, as well as control their bladder muscles better. Let’s face it, practicing Kegels exercises can only get you so far but childbirth and menopause can take their toll.
How does it work? A laser is inserted into the vaginal area and controlled energy laser pulses are delivered to the vaginal tract and required areas for vaginal tightening along every one centimetre. This heats up the skin tissues and collagen in order to make the muscle fibres contract and shrink. The fibres then get shorter and thicker reducing any laxity in the area. The remodelling to collagen allows for enriched tissues as well as younger, tighter and elastic muscle fibres. Read about this here.
At Medcare we offer all of these procedures and more. For a FREE consultation, call 966 860 258 or email doctors@medcarespain.com