Top 5 Surgical Procedures for Women – Global Trends

Top plastic surgery procedures for women

Most Common Surgeries among Women Worldwide

Have you ever wondered what the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures are for women around the world? The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) has recently released its 2023 International Survey, providing an in depth look at global trends in aesthetic and cosmetic procedures. This survey contains a lot of information, offering insights into the preferences and choices of women worldwide when it comes to surgical enhancements.

Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna has many years of experience performing plastic surgery procedures for women, including breast enlargement, uplift and reduction, tummy tuck and blepharoplasty.

Take our Plastic Surgery Quiz to find out if you’d be a good candidate for cosmetic surgery.

Overview of the Top 5 Surgical Procedures for Women

According to the survey, these are the top five surgical procedures for women in 2023:

Liposuction: 1,898,880 procedures
Breast Augmentation: 1,868,360 procedures
Eyelid Surgery: 1,353,566 procedures
Abdominoplasty: 1,033,264 procedures
Breast Lift: 903,266 procedures

Liposuction and breast augmentation maintain their positions as the top two procedures overall, showing their enduring popularity among women. However, eyelid surgery, which ranks third for women, actually surpasses breast augmentation in the overall rankings when male patients are included.

Liposuction

Liposuction continues to reign supreme as the most popular surgical procedure for women, with 1,898,880 procedures performed in 2023. But why is liposuction so popular? Well, it’s all about body contouring. Liposuction offers a way to remove stubborn fat deposits that often resist diet and exercise. It’s particularly effective for areas like the abdomen, thighs, and arms – regions many women struggle with.

Interestingly, the survey shows that liposuction’s popularity isn’t uniform across the globe. In Brazil, for instance, liposuction is very popular, with the country performing the highest number of these procedures worldwide. On the other hand, in Asian countries like South Korea and Japan, liposuction is less common, with procedures focusing more on facial features.

The appeal of liposuction also varies with age. It’s particularly popular among women in their 30s and 40s, who may be dealing with body changes post-pregnancy or due to slowing metabolism. However, it’s important to note that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure, but rather a contouring one – a distinction that responsible plastic surgeons always emphasise to their patients.

Download the Liposuction Guide

Breast Augmentation

Coming in at a close second is breast enlargement, with 1,868,360 procedures performed on women in 2023. This procedure has long been a staple in the world of cosmetic surgery, but the numbers show a slight decline from previous years.

Why did this happen, you might ask? Well, there are a few factors at play. Firstly, there’s been a growing trend towards more natural-looking results. Some women are opting for fat transfer procedures or smaller implants for a subtler enhancement. Additionally, increased awareness about potential complications has led some to reconsider the procedure.

Despite this slight decline, breast augmentation remains incredibly popular, particularly in Western countries. The United States, Brazil, and Mexico top the list for the highest number of breast augmentations performed. Cultural ideals of beauty play a significant role here – in these countries, fuller breasts are often associated with femininity and attractiveness.

It’s worth noting that the motivations for breast augmentation can be deeply personal. While some women pursue the procedure for purely aesthetic reasons, others do so to restore breast volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, or to correct asymmetry. The diversity of reasons behind this procedure contributes to its enduring popularity.

Download the Breast Augmentation Guide

Eyelid Surgery

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, has seen a significant surge in popularity, with 1,353,566 procedures performed on women in 2023. This represents a 24% increase from the previous year!

So, what’s behind this dramatic rise? Well, several factors are contributing to the growing popularity of eyelid surgery.

As video calls have become a staple of our daily lives, more people are becoming conscious of their eye area. Eyelid surgery can help create a more awake, refreshed appearance – something many of us could use after hours of staring at screens!

Additionally, eyelid surgery is often seen as a subtler form of facial rejuvenation compared to more invasive procedures like facelifts. It can effectively address signs of ageing around the eyes, such as sagging skin and puffiness, without dramatically altering one’s overall appearance.

When it comes to age groups, eyelid surgery is most popular among women in their 40s and 50s. This makes sense, as this is typically when the signs of ageing around the eyes become more noticeable. However, in some Asian countries, eyelid surgery is popular even among younger women, often to create a double eyelid – a procedure known as Asian blepharoplasty.

Download the Eyelid Surgery Guide

Abdominoplasty

Fourth on our list is abdominoplasty, commonly known as a ‘tummy tuck’, with 1,033,264 procedures performed on women in 2023. While this represents a slight decrease of 2.3% from the previous year, the demand for this procedure remains steady.

Abdominoplasty is particularly popular among women who have experienced significant weight loss or pregnancy. These life events can leave behind excess skin and weakened abdominal muscles that diet and exercise alone can’t address. A tummy tuck can restore a flatter, more toned appearance to the midsection, often boosting both physical comfort and self-confidence.

The connection between abdominoplasty and post-pregnancy body contouring is strong. Many women include it as part of a ‘mummy makeover’ – a combination of procedures designed to address the physical changes brought on by pregnancy and breastfeeding. This often includes breast procedures as well, which helps explain why we see both breast surgeries and abdominoplasty in the top five.

Compared to previous years, the numbers for abdominoplasty have remained relatively stable. This suggests that while new trends may come and go, the desire for a flat, toned tummy is a consistent one for many women.

Download the Tummy Tuck Guide

Breast Uplift

Rounding out our top five is the breast lift, or mastopexy, with 903,266 procedures performed on women in 2023. This procedure aims to raise and reshape sagging breasts, often restoring a more youthful appearance to the chest.

The popularity of breast lift is closely tied to that of breast enlargement. In fact, these procedures are often performed together. While augmentation adds volume, a lift addresses the position and shape of the breasts. This combination can provide rejuvenation, especially for women who have experienced changes due to ageing, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy.

Age-related trends for breast uplifts are quite clear. The procedure is most popular among women in their 30s and 40s. This aligns with the time when many women start to notice changes in breast shape and position, often accelerated by factors like pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It’s worth noting that while breast uplifts are in the top five, they’re performed less than half as often as breast enlargements. This suggests that for many women, adding volume remains a higher priority than addressing sagging – though of course, individual preferences vary widely.

Download the Breast Uplift Guide

Global Perspectives

As you might imagine, the popularity of these top five procedures isn’t uniform across the globe. Cultural ideals of beauty, economic factors, and even climate can influence which procedures are most sought after in different regions.

In South America, particularly Brazil, body contouring procedures like liposuction and abdominoplasty are extremely popular. This aligns with the cultural emphasis on curvaceous figures in many Latin American countries.
In East Asian countries like South Korea and Japan, the focus tends to be more on facial procedures. Eyelid surgery is particularly popular, often performed to create a double eyelid fold. Breast augmentation, while still performed, is generally less common than in Western countries.
In the Middle East, rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) is one of the most requested procedures, though it doesn’t make the global top five for women. This reflects different ideals of facial beauty in the region.
European trends tend to align more closely with the global averages, with a mix of body and facial procedures in high demand. However, there’s often a preference for more subtle, natural-looking results compared to some other regions.

Comparison with Men’s Top Procedures

While we’ve been focusing on women’s procedures, it’s interesting to compare these trends with those for men. The top five surgical procedures for men are quite different:

Eyelid Surgery
Gynaecomastia (male breast reduction)
Liposuction
Rhinoplasty
Fat Grafting – Face

This comparison highlights some interesting gender-specific trends in cosmetic surgery. Women often seek enhancement or lifting, while men are more likely to pursue reduction.

Facial procedures feature prominently for both genders, but in different ways. Eyelid surgery tops the list for men, while it’s third for women. Rhinoplasty makes the top five for men but not for women globally (though it’s sixth overall).

These differences reflect varying beauty standards and areas of concern between genders. They also highlight the importance of tailored approaches in aesthetic medicine, recognising that one size certainly doesn’t fit all when it comes to cosmetic surgery.

FAQs about Top Surgical Procedures for Women – Global Trends

Are these procedures safe?

When performed by qualified and experienced plastic surgeons, these procedures are generally safe. However, like all surgeries, they carry some risks. Make sure to discuss potential complications with your plastic surgeon. Common risks include infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anaesthesia, and unsatisfactory results. More severe complications, while rare, can include blood clots, nerve damage, and organ damage.

How long is the recovery time for these procedures?

Recovery times vary depending on the procedure and individual factors. Liposuction and breast surgeries typically require 1-2 weeks of downtime, while eyelid surgery might allow you to return to work in about a week. Abdominoplasty often requires the longest recovery, typically 2-4 weeks. However, it’s essential to note that while you may be able to return to work and normal activities after these times, complete healing can take several weeks or even months. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common during the recovery process, and it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimise the risk of complications.

Are these procedures permanent?

While the effects of these procedures can be long-lasting, they don’t stop the natural ageing process. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help prolong the results. However, factors such as age, genetics, and lifestyle habits can influence how long the results last. For example, breast implants may need to be replaced after 10-20 years, while the effects of liposuction can be maintained indefinitely with proper diet and exercise. It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that touch-up procedures may be necessary to maintain the desired results over time.

How do I choose the right surgeon?

Look for a plastic surgeon with experience in the specific procedure you’re interested in. Don’t hesitate to ask for before-and-after photos and patient references. During your consultation, ask about the surgeon’s training, experience, and approach to the procedure. A reputable surgeon should be open and honest about the risks and limitations of the surgery and take the time to answer all your questions. Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion.

Will insurance cover these procedures?

In most cases, these procedures are considered elective and aren’t covered by insurance. However, in some instances, procedures like breast reduction or eyelid surgery might be covered if they’re deemed medically necessary. For example, breast reduction may be covered if it’s performed to alleviate chronic pain or skin irritation, while eyelid surgery may be covered if it’s done to improve vision obstructed by drooping skin.

Medical References for Top Surgical Procedures for Women

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Top 5 Surgical Procedures for Women – Global Trends

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Most Common Surgeries among Women Worldwide

Take our Plastic Surgery Quiz to find out if you’d be a good candidate for cosmetic surgery.

Overview of the Top 5 Surgical Procedures for Women