Cosmetic surgery, once a controversial luxury, has now become mainstream and accessible to those of varying socio-economic levels. It is important to note that cosmetic surgery isn’t limited to just physical enhancements, but can also be used to help individuals with genetic conditions, breast cancer survivors, and accident victims. According to analysts at Technavio, the global cosmetic surgery market is expected to grow steadily at a CAGR of 7% by 2020. We’ll look at four of the key trends in cosmetic surgery in the US, which boasts 40% share of the global market.
Minimally invasive procedures
Most of today’s cosmetic surgery seekers want procedures that deliver quick and effective results with minimal downtime. This has fuelled the demand for minimally invasive procedures that don’t require major surgery and can be done on an out-patient basis. These procedures also greatly reduce the risk of complication, and are often a better option for those who might have underlying health problems that can be exacerbated by surgery. Minimally invasive procedures will propel the market during the forecast period, as the demand for traditional surgercal procedures continues to decline and new developments occur.
Fillers
Fillers have a number of applications, from lip enhancement to non-surgical nose alterations as an alternative to rhinoplasty. Fillers can also be used as an alternative to Botox for fine lines and wrinkles depending on their location and size. Many of these fillers are derived from the body’s naturally occurring compounds, such as hyaluronic acid, and can be injected in different amounts depending on a patient’s needs. Fillers are also relatively affordable and offer both temporary and permanent options, which has led to their increased popularity and high demand.
Fat transfer procedures
Fat transfer procedures are becoming increasingly popular for two reasons: they have the added benefit of fat reduction elsewhere on the body, and are a safer alternative to silicone. The body’s own fat makes an excellent volumizer with a reduced risk of rejection, something that can occur with foreign substances. These procedures are usually meant for those who have a small amount of excess fat, and are ideal for enhancing specific areas of the body. While traditional implants still rule the enhancement and augmentation segment, fat transfer procedures are quickly catching up, with the added benefit of no product manufacturing costs.
Increased number of non-Caucasians and males undergoing cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic surgery may have originally been associated with upper middle class, Caucasian females, but that is no longer the case. Urbanization and an increase in disposable income across the board have led many more non-Caucasians to opt for cosmetic surgery. In fact, non-Caucasian patients make up over a quarter of cosmetic surgery patients in the US. The number of male patients is also increasing, thanks to social media placing a great deal of emphasis on physical appearance for both men and women. Men now account for nearly 10% of the total number of cosmetic surgery patients, a number that will only continue to climb during the forecast period.
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