The demand for plastic surgery continues to grow with millions of procedures performed each year. In 2023 the three most requested surgeries were liposuction, breast augmentation and abdominoplasty. Liposuction topped the list with 347,782 procedures reflecting a 7% increase from 2022. Breast augmentation followed closely exceeding 304,000 surgeries marking a 2% rise from the previous year. Abdominoplasty commonly known as a tummy tuck ranked third with over 170,000 procedures and a 5% growth. These statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons highlight the popularity of these procedures as individuals seek ways to enhance their appearance and confidence.
Liposuction
Liposuction is the leading surgical cosmetic procedure worldwide with over 2.3 million procedures performed in 2022. This marked a 21.1% increase from the previous year displaying its growing popularity. The United States conducted 296,601 liposuction procedures representing 19.6% of the global total followed by Brazil with 173,420 procedures (11.4%) and Germany with 77,682 procedures (5.1%). Women accounted for many patients undergoing 1.9 million procedures while men also saw a notable rise with over 339,000 procedures in 2022 reflecting increased interest among male patients.
The procedure is most common among individuals aged 35 to 50 who made up 43.3% of all liposuction patients. Liposuction also surpassed breast augmentation in 2021 to become the most frequently performed surgical cosmetic procedure globally. This trend underscores the rising demand for body contouring surgeries as people seek effective ways to enhance their appearance.
Technological advancements have played a significant role in the procedure’s popularity. Newer less invasive techniques now offer shorter recovery times and better results making liposuction more appealing to a broader demographic.
Regional trends further highlight their significance. In the United States liposuction accounted for 20% of all aesthetic surgeries in 2020 with 88.2% of plastic surgeons performing the procedure. Similarly in Brazil liposuction constituted 13.3% of total cosmetic surgeries with 96% of plastic surgeons offering it. These figures emphasize liposuction’s position as a preferred choice for individuals seeking surgical body contouring worldwide.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries worldwide. In 2023 approximately 1.9 million procedures were performed globally making it the second most common surgical cosmetic procedure after liposuction. The United States consistently ranks high in demand for this surgery with 304,000 procedures performed in 2023 alone. Women aged 30-39 accounted for more than one-third of these surgeries highlighting the procedure’s appeal among this demographic.
Breast augmentation in the U.S. primarily involves silicone or saline implants with silicone being the more common choice representing 84% of cases in 2020. Historically the procedure ranked as the most performed cosmetic surgery in the U.S. from 2006 to 2019 demonstrating its lasting popularity. Global trends also reflect increasing demand with a 29% rise in procedures reported by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in 2022 compared to the previous year.
Patient preferences have evolved over time with a growing number opting for implant removal or replacement. Between 2015 and 2021 breast augmentation surgeries increased by 19.2% while implant removal surgeries rose by 87% reflecting changing attitudes and priorities.
Advancements in surgical techniques and technology have improved outcomes and satisfaction rates. Minimally invasive methods reduce recovery time and enhance patient comfort while 3D imaging technologies allow patients to visualize potential results by making more informed decisions. Studies involving over 18,000 women have shown significant increases in self-esteem sexual satisfaction and overall happiness following breast augmentation underscoring its transformative impact.
Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty also known as a tummy tuck is one of the top three most requested plastic surgeries in the United States. In 2023 it ranked third among cosmetic surgical procedures with more than 170,000 surgeries performed reflecting a 5% increase from 2022. The procedure is particularly popular among women especially those aged 35 to 50. Many patients seek abdominoplasty to restore firmness in the abdominal area following pregnancy or significant weight loss.
Globally abdominoplasty has consistently ranked among the top five plastic surgeries trailing only procedures such as liposuction breast augmentation and eyelid surgery. In recent years demand for tummy tucks has surged particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to 2019 the number of body contouring surgeries including abdominoplasties has increased by 74%.
Advancements in surgical techniques have improved the safety and convenience of the procedure. The rise of outpatient abdominoplasties increasing from 77% in 2005 to 81% in 2021 demonstrates progress in minimizing recovery time and enhancing patient comfort. Additionally, combining liposuction with abdominoplasty has become increasingly common, allowing for more refined body contouring results.
Patient satisfaction with abdominoplasty remains high. Most individuals report significant improvements in the appearance of their abdomen and an increase in self-confidence after the procedure. This sustained popularity highlights its effectiveness in addressing aesthetic concerns and meeting patient expectations making abdominoplasty a key choice for those seeking transformative results through plastic surgery.
Plastic Surgeon Dr. Erman Ak completed his primary and secondary education in Mersin and his high school education at Mersin Science High School. He graduated from Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine as a Medical Doctor in 2014. He started his specialist training at Istanbul University Çapa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery in 2014. He performed many successful cleft lip and palate, congenital anomalies and jaw surgery operations at the hospital, which is one of the few jaw surgery centers in Istanbul. These difficult and tiring surgeries helped Dr. Erman Ak create his own concept in facial surgery.
