While many plastic surgery procedures are mainstays, new techniques and technologies also create a rise in new types of appearance-enhancing surgery. These seven trends in cosmetic surgery are expected to increase in popularity throughout 2017 and beyond.
1. Special Services for Transgender Patients
As more Americans come out as transgender, industry experts are expecting plastic surgery to increase among this population. Most notably, practices are introducing packages of procedures specially designed to make masculine faces appear more feminine and vice versa.
2. Kybella
Although this non-surgical procedure for improving the profile by reducing the appearance of fat in the chin and neck area has been FDA-approved since 2015, it’s expected to continue its rise in the coming years. Kybella is an injectable medication that destroys the fat cells in the “double chin” area, making them unable to store fat and creating a smoother, more youthful jaw line. Reports show that this procedure increased by 18 percent in the U.S. in 2016 alone.
3. Designer Fillers
Scientists continue to develop facial fillers that address specific concerns, allowing patients to meet their aesthetic goals without invasive procedures. Examples include Juvederm, used to create fuller lips and smooth fine lines, wrinkles, and skin folds, as well as Restylane, used to restore facial volume and provide detailed shaping for a younger, fresher appearance. While the effects of most fillers last about four months, newly introduced products are expected to last for six to eight months or even longer.
4. Neck Lifts and Face Lifts
Classic procedures such as neck lifts and facelifts are once again gaining popularity, a phenomenon that many experts attribute to the prevalence of taking and sending “selfies.” Modern techniques tighten muscles and tissue in the face and neck for a smoother, more contoured profile. In some cases, these procedures are combined with minimally invasive techniques such as fillers.
5. Surgical Dimple Creation
This relatively new procedure, known as a dimplectomy, creates dimples through an incision inside the cheek. Because this facial feature is associated with a cute, friendly, youthful appearance, it’s no wonder that this trend is expected to blow up in 2017.
6. Procedures for Men
More men than ever have been seeking plastic surgery services, with the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery noting a 43 percent increase from 2014-2015. Experts chalk this trend up to the desire to succeed in the workplace and the availability of subtle, minimally invasive procedures that can sometimes even be done over a lunch break.
7. Nose Reshaping
As the third most popular cosmetic surgery overall (after breast augmentation and liposuction), nose reshaping continues to be a top trend for 2017. Rhinoplasty has been refined over the past several decades and now provides more customizable, natural looking results. In addition to aesthetic changes, nose reshaping can also create functional changes for those with sinus and allergy issues.
One thing’s for certain: regardless of the patient’s aesthetic goals, they have more options than ever before when it comes to safe, effective, and minimally invasive cosmetic surgery.
