Plastic surgery has come a long way since it first emerged in the US back in the late 1960s. Modern techniques and equipment have enabled plastic surgeons to deliver these procedures with a high level of precision. Growing awareness has also dramatically increased the number of people who are willing to have plastic surgery to correct one issue or the other.
If you have thought about or are prepping to get plastic surgery, below is our list of the top 10 most procedures in the US.
1. Nose reshaping
Surgical nose reshaping – also referred to as rhinoplasty – was the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in 2020. More than 352,000 of these procedures were performed in the US alone. Rhinoplasty aims to alter the shape of the nose in order to enhance its appearance or restore optimal function. Plastic surgeons usually achieve this by creating an incision in the nose and reshaping the structure of the cartilage and nasal bones to achieve the desired outcome.
2. Eyelid surgery
Eyelid surgery was the second most common plastic surgery based on statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). More than 325,000 individuals had this treatment in the US last year. Also referred to as blepharoplasty, this procedure aims to improve drooping or hooded eyelids in order to improve facial appearance (and sometimes even vision). Plastic surgeons perform this procedure by removing excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids.
3. Facelift
A facelift – also referred to as rhytidectomy – is a surgical procedure that aims to improve facial appearance and smooth out folds and wrinkles. Plastic surgeons perform this procedure by removing excess skin as well as lifting and tightening facial tissues to reveal a smoother and youthful facial look. More than 234,000 Americans had this cosmetic procedure in 2020, making it the third most popular cosmetic surgery.
4. Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that is designed to address stubborn pockets of fat from different parts of the body. Plastic surgeons use a special device known as a cannula to extra excess fat from problem areas such as the abdomen, arms, thighs, and flanks. One of the best things about liposuction is that it is less invasive than other body contouring surgeries and results in a long-lasting outcome. There were more than 211,000 liposuction surgeries completed in the US last year.
5. Breast augmentation
Breast augmentation has consistently been one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. This treatment is very popular with women who have naturally small breasts and are looking to improve their size and volume. Plastic surgeons typically use saline or silicone implants to improve the desired increase in breast size. In some cases, fat from the patient’s own body may be used to complete the augmentation (natural fat transfer). Breast enlargement has one of the highest satisfaction rates among patients. More than 193,000 breast augmentation procedures were completed in the US last year.
6. Neck lift
A neck lift – also referred to as lower rhytidectomy – is a cosmetic surgery that aims to improve visible signs of aging in the neck and jawline. This procedure can address loose neck skin, excessive fat deposits under the chin, jowls in the lower face, and muscle banding in the neck. Plastic surgeons create an incision starting in the hairline and continuing to the posterior hair area and use it to reposition the neck skin while also tightening the neck muscle. More than 160,000 neck lifts were completed in the US in 2020.
7. Dermabrasion
This is a skin resurfacing cosmetic procedure that is typically used to improve the appearance of flows such as surgery scars, acne scars, wrinkles, and age spots. Dermabrasion may be completed alone or conducted together with other cosmetic procedures. Plastic surgeons use a specialized (rapidly rotating) device to get rid of the outer layer of skin. New, smoother skin will then grow to replace the old one. More than 139,000 skin dermabrasion surgeries were completed in the US last year.
8. Cheek implant
Cheek implant plastic surgery is sometimes also referred to as cheek augmentation. It is a popular cosmetic surgery that aims to improve youthfulness and restore facial balance. Plastic surgeons typically insert cheek implants under the cheekbones to give the cheeks a fuller and more attractive appearance. In 2020, the ASPS reports there were more than 108,000 cheek implant procedures completed in the US.
9. Tummy tuck
Also referred to as abdominoplasty – a tummy tuck is a popular aesthetic surgery that aims to improve abdominal contour. Plastic surgeons remove excess fat and skin from the midsection and tighten weakened abdominal muscles to reveal a firmer and flatter tummy. This procedure is especially common with women who have been through pregnancy and childbearing. In 2020 alone, over 97,000 tummy tucks were completed in the US.
10. Forehead lift
A forehead lift is a plastic surgery procedure that alters the muscles and skin that causes signs of aging such as forehead furrows, drooping eyelids, and frown lines. The surgery may be completed alone or in conjunction with other procedures such as nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, and facelift. There were more than 88,000 forehead lift procedures completed in the US last year.
Conclusion
In addition to these surgical procedures, keep in mind that plastic surgeons offer a wide variety of non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Whether its a breast augmentation in Phoenix or as far as rhinoplasty the Woodlands has to offer or something else – during your first consultation visit at a plastic surgeons office, the surgeon will examine your problem areas and let you know what treatment (or combination of treatments) is ideal for you. This one-on-one visit also provides an opportunity to ask important questions.