Nowadays, anybody can walk into a cosmetic surgeon’s office and request a facelift,necklift, nose job or any other cosmetic procedure without fear or judgement. It’s evidently clear that cosmetic surgery has become widely accepted and accessible over the last few years. According to a report by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), over 28,000 cosmetic procedures were carried out in the UK in 2018. The figures show a small but significant 0.1% increase over the previous year.
It’s not only in the UK where cosmetic surgery seems to be catching on. Globally, cosmetic procedures are on an upward trend. The latest data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), shows that nearly a quarter of million more procedures were carried out in 2018 than in 2017. It’s the same story in other countries such as Brazil, Japan, Mexico and Italy where cosmetic enhancements are quite popular.
The statistics also reveal an increase in innovations such as advanced medical procedures and the use of modern technologies such as 3-D face mapping and laser surgery.
So, what has caused the sudden surge of interest in cosmetic surgery? Let’s look at the three main reasons why people feel compelled to seek out these procedures.
Screen time
Internet accessibility and the prevalence of smartphones have expanded social interactions onto a global arena. Social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, have fuelled the desire for cosmetic enhancements, especially among young adults. Such platforms have become channels for self-documentation and storytelling through the sharing of videos and photos.
At such a level of exposure, many internet users are finding that physical appearances matter. Many of whom are now seeking that picture-perfect body or face to build confidence in taking and posting selfies and videos.
Affordability
About a decade ago, cosmetic procedures were insanely expensive. At the time, only top celebrities and the wealthy could afford even the basic procedures. Today, due to advancements in medicine and the growing number of cosmetic practitioners, the cost of cosmetic surgery is at an all-time low.
The most popular cosmetic procedures – breast argumentation, liposuctions and facelifts – only cost a few thousand pounds, and that includes treatment and recovery. What’s more, most health insurance policies cover cosmetic surgeries for medical reasons. The reduced costs of cosmetic procedures entice many patients into considering cosmetic enhancements.
Technological advancements
Technological advancements in the fields of medicine and surgery have also contributed to the growing popularity of cosmetic surgery. Minimally invasive surgical techniques have made cosmetic surgery faster, safer and more reliable. This means that patients spend less time and money on the operations, recover quickly, and the fear associated with surgery is reduced.
Summing up
Cosmetic surgery is expected to grow even more as popular culture continues to motivate individuals to improve their body image. Besides advancements in technology and affordability, acceptance of cosmetic enhancements has also increased the popularity of cosmetic surgery. The stigma attached to cosmetic enhancements has lessened. In fact, some view it as a bold and admirable artistic expression or fashion statement.