Top 5 Fastest Rising Plastic Surgery Procedures

by Marisa Amorasak

Earlier this year, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery announced that plastic surgery was on the rise (by 9% between 2010 and 2011, to be exact). The usual contenders topped the list of most popular procedures—breast augmentation, liposuction, and breast reduction. Not far behind them, a new grouping of procedures is making headway in the world of plastic surgery: the fastest growing procedures. These surgeries may not have as many patients as the most popular ones, but the rate at which they are growing is certainly reflective of the current aesthetic trends.

Male Breast Reduction

Plastic surgery for men is definitely on the rise, and one of the main procedures men are looking into is male breast reduction. Male breast reduction is designed to minimize the appearance of a man’s breasts. Men who suffer from abnormally large breasts, or gynecomastia, are often embarrassed about their feminine body parts. Plus, male breasts are difficult to eliminate naturally—oftentimes, they are the result of alcohol or certain medications.

During a male breast reduction, a plastic surgeon will cut out excess tissue through the nipple. If necessary, he or she may also choose to remove sections of skin. Male breast reduction may include liposuction as well. The patient should be back to his regular activities within one week, but will have to wear a compression garment for up to six weeks.

Eyelid surgery for Asians

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is the third most popular procedure in America. It’s becoming particularly popular amongst people of Asian descent, both in and outside of the states. Blepharoplasty for Asian patients often involves creating a crease in a monolid. By creating a crease, eyes look bigger and more defined. In parts of East Asia, blepharoplasty is the most common plastic surgery procedure. Blepharoplasty for Asians, or double eyelid surgery, involves making an incision above the lashline to create a fold. Because the eyelids are made up of particularly delicate skin, extra care must be taken during the healing process.

Despite its immense popularity, Asian eyelid surgery is rather controversial. Some say that by changing the natural shape of the eye, Asian patients are giving in to Caucasian ideals. As with all plastic surgery procedures, each individual patient must make their own informed decisions.

Non-Surgical Body Contouring

Non-surgical body contouring was developed about a decade ago, in the early 2000s. Many say it was popularized in response to the after effects of stretched skin from gastric bypass surgery and other massive weight loss. It’s taken off within the last few years as people look for ways to improve their physique without going under the knife. Procedures like VelaShape, Lipodissolve™, and Zeltiq™ are virtually painless and require no downtime. Different body contouring procedures use different technologies. Cooling plates, lasers, heat, and ultrasound waves are all effective at melting fat. And instead of undergoing surgery, patients just visit a clinic for multiple treatment sessions.

Vaginal Modification

These days, an increasing number of women are coming to their plastic surgeons to request vaginal modification (also known as labial rejuvenation). Vaginal modification alters the outer appearance of the vagina in a number of ways. A patient may choose to have her inner labia reduced, so that there is less protrusion to the outer labia. Or, she may want to have her outer labia enhanced through injectables like Sculptra®.

If more women are getting vaginal modification, it can only mean two things: women are becoming more concerned with the appearance of their genitals, and that there is actually a vaginal aesthetic ideal. Based on the services available, it seems as though a smaller inner labia and a youthful looking outer labia are considered desirable.

Brazilian Butt Lift

The Brazilian butt lift is one of the newer procedures on this list, designed to make a patient’s backside larger, rounder, and more conducive to today’s ideal of a curvaceous figure. Previously, butt enlargements were made using implants—but many surgeons have labeled them dangerous. Instead of implants and incisions, a Brazilian butt lift uses your body’s own fat, which is taken during liposuction from other parts of the body. It’s then injected into the butt to create a rounder contour. More prominent derrières have been all the rage for the last decade, but the Brazilian butt lift is the safest, most effective surgical way to get the look.

If you’d like to learn more about any of the above procedures, contact us today! We’ll schedule you a private consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon in your area.