Why More People Are Getting Plastic Surgery In 2024

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there’s actually been a 19% increase in total procedures since 2019. Various factors, including increased media visibility, the influence of social media, and a growing emphasis on personal aesthetics and self-confidence drive this rising trend. As the demand for these procedures continues to rise, so does the conversation around their impact on society.
 

The key statistics and data

 
Demand for plastic surgery rocketed somewhat in 2022 when a total of 31,057 cosmetic procedures were performed – a healthy rise of exactly 102% over the preceding period. More interesting still is the fact that although experts predicted a bounceback in demand post-pandemic, these numbers have exceeded expectations and indeed hit pre-Covid levels. This increase is the biggest annual jump since numbers began being collected by The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) in 2004.
 

Women’s procedures

 
Cosmetic surgery remained the most popular for women, with 93% of all cosmetic surgeries in 2022 performed on females. In total, 28,769 surgeries were performed on women during this year — an increase of 101% since 2021. The procedures women wanted most included a 66% increase in breast augmentation, chest reduction soared by 120%, tummy tucks (or abdominoplasty) by 130%, liposuction by 134% and eyelid surgery by 70%. These numbers reflect a growing focus on procedures that improve both appearance and physical comfort.
 
 

Men’s procedures

 
The increase was even sharper for men, who have long represented a smaller cohort of plastic surgery recipients by being 7 per cent of all procedures in 2022. The number of men getting cosmetic enhancements increased by 118% to a total of 2,325 procedures. Overall, the most popular surgeries among men were rhinoplasty (up 45%), chest reduction (a staggering rise of 158% since the previous year), blepharoplasty (105%), liposuction (150%) and otoplasty/ear correction rose by a massive 72%. Men choosing to add enhancements are focusing on more popularising trends targeting the nose, chest and face expansion.
 

Why more people are opting for plastic surgery

 
The increasing urge to undergo plastic surgery presents a complicated combination of psychological, social and cultural influences. It seems people are on a mission to do more than correct imperfections or fight ageing—they want everything from an emotional lift to physical relief. With the decreasing stigma surrounding cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery is becoming increasingly popular across a variety of generations in pursuit of improving health and living life well.
 

The influence of social media and digital culture

It is clear that social media continues to play an increasing role in our daily lives, and one of the leading reasons why plastic surgery has spiked so drastically over the last couple of decades. Instagram, TikTok and YouTube provide a constant influx of images, videos and influencer content that promote beauty standards. Most of these platforms are also filled with images that offer an unattainable vision of what a body or face should look like, further normalising plastic surgery as something necessary in order for us to achieve this ideal.
 
This endless exposure can also result in “selfie dysmorphia,” where people are more vigilant about the aspects of their appearance they feel insecure about. This is the case, particularly among young people raised in an online world. The transformation of a celebrity or influencer, before and after, can inspire others to get the same done. Plastic surgery has become more visible, relatable, and acceptable to the entire world thanks (or no thanks) to social media.
 
A 2019 survey by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) indicated that 72% of plastic surgeons saw patients because they wanted to look better in selfies or photos on social media. This is not merely confined to face surgeries. Still, body contouring procedures have become the rage because of what people feel people should look like on social media platforms.
 

Psychological benefits: Boosting confidence and well-being

 
But a growing number of people are doing it for reasons that go way beyond anything external. People who have always been self conscious about a certain feature such as an oversized nose, drooping excess skin or weight loss can turn to cosmetic surgery in order to finally feel at home with their body. Numerous studies have shown that patients experience increased self-esteem and quality of life after plastic surgery.
 
Nora Nugent, Vice President of BAAPS, has emphasised that procedures such as breast reductions and abdominoplasties, in particular, are universally the most pleasing both cosmetically and physically. These procedures are modest scalpel advances with aesthetic intentions that will significantly improve the individual’s physical and mental health. For instance, a breast reduction can reduce ongoing back pain and restore muscle separation. Plastic surgery is an attractive option for those who want this not just to look good but also so that they feel better as a whole.
 
According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), nearly 90% of patients who have had surgery reported an emotional high and increased body confidence. This gives many people better social skills and jobs, makes them feel more attractive, increases their assertiveness, and leads to a more active way of life.
 

Changing cultural attitudes and reduced stigma

 
Changing social norms around plastic surgery have evolved quickly over the past decade. What was once seen as a luxury for the wealthy and an indulgence of vanity is now available to anyone from any stage of life. Plastic surgery has seen a rapid advancement in the wake of the growing awareness towards mental health and self-care. This may be why we frequently hear of cosmetic surgery as an exercise in self-improvement, not unlike diet and fitness.
 
According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), the post-lockdown surge in procedures is only one symptom of that wider cultural turn. Challenges during the pandemic have led people to become more focused on their bodies, and with videoconferencing, that newfound attention has seeped into appearance. Treatments such as facelifts, which rose 97% in value in 2022, point to patients choosing more enduring and natural results over quick fixes.
 
Furthermore, public opinion of plastic surgery is slowly shifting as more and more people take to social media to share their success stories. Now, patients who once kept their surgeries private are creating YouTube and Instagram accounts to share the experience with others, teaching along the way about what they did. This stigmatisation has since been diminished, as it is more acceptable to undergo surgery than before.
 

Post-pandemic demand and economic considerations

 
Although other social and psychological factors are prevalent, the economic side is also responsible for driving the demand for plastic surgery. Following the pandemic, there has been a distinct “boom” of treatments as people catch up on things they will have put off through lockdown restrictions. 2022 saw the highest-ever increase of procedures since their audit started in 2004 — up by 102% compared to the previous year, according to BAAPS. While some of this is pent-up demand, it also illustrates a broader cultural shift in which people are investing time and money into longer-term changes that will have meaningful effects on their quality of life.
 
Interestingly, this rise in cosmetic procedures comes during a period of economic uncertainty. BAAPS President Marc Pacifico notes that despite broader financial challenges, individuals are prioritising treatments with proven safety records and lasting results. Many view plastic surgery as a worthy investment in themselves, especially if it contributes to greater happiness, confidence, and physical comfort.
 

What do the experts think?

 
At Botonics, we have a wide range of plastic surgeons and other cosmetic experts who have their own opinions on the rising numbers of people getting plastic surgery. Here is what our plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Mr Michail Vourvachis, has to say on the matter:
 
“Cosmetic surgery has become more popular because it offers people the opportunity to make changes that can significantly impact their quality of life. Whether it’s a procedure to correct a physical issue or one aimed at enhancing certain features, the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is often driven by a desire for self-improvement. Today’s patients are well-educated about their options and are motivated by the prospect of feeling more confident and comfortable in their own skin.”
 

Current trends in plastic surgery

 
Over the last few years, we have definitely seen a swing toward more young people opting for plastic surgery and wishing to look natural. A big trend is that people in their 40s and 50s are looking to get facelifted, not just older individuals as it used to be. As we progress in the techniques, including SMAS facelifts and mini facelifts, more individuals are choosing these procedures to sustain a youthful identity without risking looking overdone due to too many fillers. These frequently requested facelifts offer a more subtle, longer-lasting result than fillers (which can be temporary and, at times, exaggerated) with less downtime.
 
Nose surgeries are also becoming much more popular, especially preservation rhinoplasty. These days, men and women prefer this surgery because it is the less invasive method of improving the shape of the nose causing zero or little swelling and seemingly no bruising; thus recovery has been made much easier. The treatment — which alters the contours of the nose by working within its framework to slim and refine it — is in line with a movement toward less invasive procedures and more natural-looking results.
 
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is also on the rise. It is an option for those who would like to rejuvenate their eye area in a more permanent way than temporary non-invasive options. It more permanently reduces droopy lids, baggy under-eye tissue and fat, and loose skin than fillers or ​skin-tightening​ treatments.
 

Ethical considerations and societal impacts of plastic surgery growing

 
The increase in plastic surgery raises several considerations, both ethical and societal. Other frequent ethical considerations are related to autonomy, informed consent and surgical risks. Surgeons need to make sure patients understand what they are getting into and that all parts of the procedure, including potential complications – both physical and psychological — have been described. There is also an ethical dilemma about how social media and celebrity culture drive more procedures – platforms that often promote unattainable beauty ideals, leading to the surgery being used non-medically.
 
It can also perpetuate increased societal expectations when it comes to body image and self-esteem, which may especially affect younger people. Sceptics say that this trend exacerbates societal beauty norms, disproportionately impacting people with insecurities — such as teenagers or the body dysmorphic. However, supporters counter that improved psychological well-being in patients can also result in increased self-confidence and quality of life when procedures correct more profound physical or emotional issues.
 

Conclusion

 
In conclusion, the rising demand for plastic surgery is driven by a combination of psychological, societal, and cultural factors. Data shows that people are increasingly opting for procedures that offer long-lasting, natural results, with advancements in technology making surgery more accessible and less invasive.
 
Ethical considerations, such as the influence of social media and body image pressures, highlight the need for responsible decision-making and patient education. While plastic surgery can improve confidence and quality of life, it’s essential to weigh the potential risks and benefits carefully.
 
If you’re considering plastic surgery, it’s crucial to consult with qualified, experienced professionals. At Botonics, we offer expert advice and cutting-edge procedures tailored to individual needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Book a consultation today to explore your options and take the first step toward a more confident you.