Americans are increasingly investing in their aesthetic health, according to a recent report from the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The findings indicate a steady uptick in cosmetic procedures, particularly concerning body contours and minimally invasive treatments over the past year.
Cosmetic Surgery Remains Steady
In 2024, about 1.6 million cosmetic surgeries were performed, with liposuction and breast augmentation leading the way.
- Liposuction: 349,728
- Breast augmentation: 306,196
- Abdominoplasty: 171,064
- Breast lift: 153,616
- Eyelid surgery: 120,755
“Surgical procedures have seen a 1% increase since 2023,” noted Dr. Scott Hollenbeck, a general plastic surgeon from Charlottesville, Virginia. He remarked that this growth is primarily in body contour surgeries. Procedures like thigh and butt lifts rose by 3%, while arm and neck lifts grew by 2%.
Surgeons suggest this increase might be linked to the rising use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which can result in excess skin.
Minimally Invasive Procedures Dominate
Minimally invasive treatments continue to flourish, with over 28.5 million procedures conducted last year. The leading options included:
- Neurotoxin injections (e.g., Botox, Dysport): 9,883,711
- Hyaluronic Acid fillers: 5,331,426
- Skin resurfacing (e.g., laser, chemical peels): 3,703,305
- Laser hair/tattoo removal and IPL: 3,112,056
- Lip injections: 1,449,565
Dr. Christy Hamilton, a surgeon and ASPS member, explained that these treatments remain popular because they are both affordable and require less downtime. She mentioned, despite some talk of “filler fatigue,” HA fillers still top the list for effectiveness.
Linking Weight Loss to Cosmetic Surgery
For the first time, the ASPS tracked the use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, noting over 837,000 prescriptions written by ASPS surgeons in 2024. Among those patients, 20% had undergone surgery, 39% were contemplating it, and 41% were exploring nonsurgical options. Dr. Heather Faulkner, a cosmetic surgeon in Atlanta, mentioned that while these drugs can help patients achieve a healthier weight before surgery, they aren’t replacements for surgical options.
Factors Driving Interest
Experts point to several factors fueling the high demand for cosmetic procedures. Dr. Hollenbeck speculated that greater exposure through social media and shifting societal attitudes may contribute to this trend. He emphasized that patients increasingly prioritize their aesthetic health.
Surgeons agree that these procedures go beyond superficial vanity, as many view them as important aspects of overall self-care, alongside diet and mental health. Social media has helped to normalize aesthetic treatments, making them more accessible and less stigmatized.
Dr. Michelle Sharmack, a general plastic surgeon in Baltimore, observed a trend towards natural-looking enhancements, saying, “Women want to appear sophisticated, not overdone.”
Growth in Reconstructive Surgery
It’s worth noting that cosmetic procedures weren’t the only area experiencing growth. In 2024, over one million reconstructive surgeries were performed, including:
- Tumor removals (including skin cancer): 361,798
- Reconstructive surgery: 208,480
- Breast reconstruction: 162,579
- Maxillofacial surgery: 54,747
- Scar revision: 54,280
Dr. Sarah Dicky, a general plastic surgeon in Morton Grove, Illinois, highlighted the broader scope of their work: “Whether it’s trauma, dog bites, or tumor removal, we go beyond aesthetics.”
Prioritizing Safety
Despite the passing trends, the ASPS emphasizes the importance of safety, recommending procedures only be conducted by board-certified plastic surgeons. “Patients naturally want to look and feel their best,” Dr. Hollenbeck remarked, noting that when done properly, aesthetic care can significantly enhance mental and physical well-being.
