Cosmetic procedures grew in 2024, with focus on body contouring treatments
Americans are continuing to prioritize their aesthetic health, with a new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) showing steady growth in cosmetic procedures in 2024. The data reveals where people are choosing to invest their money in terms of body contouring and minimally invasive treatments.
Cosmetic surgeries held steady last year, with liposuction and breast augmentation ranking as the top procedures. Liposuction saw 349,728 procedures, while breast augmentation followed closely behind with 306,196 procedures. Tummy tucks, breast lifts, and eyelid surgeries also made the list, showcasing the popularity of body contouring procedures among Americans.
According to ASPS President Dr. Scott Hollenbeck, surgical procedures saw a 1% increase from the previous year, with body contouring procedures showing the highest growth. Thigh and buttock lifts rose by 3%, while arm and neck lifts increased by 2%. Surgeons believe that the rise in body contouring procedures may be linked to the increased use of weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which can lead to sagging skin.
On the other hand, minimally invasive treatments continue to dominate the aesthetic landscape, with over 28.5 million procedures performed in 2024. Neuromodulator injections, such as Botox and Dysport, topped the list with 9,883,711 procedures. Hyaluronic acid fillers, skin resurfacing, skin treatments, and lip augmentation with injectables also proved to be popular choices among patients.
ASPS member surgeon Dr. Kristy Hamilton noted that minimally invasive treatments remain strong due to their affordability and minimal downtime. Despite concerns about ‘filler fatigue,’ hyaluronic acid fillers continue to be in demand for their natural and effective results. The affordability and quick recovery time associated with minimally invasive treatments are driving their popularity among patients.
For the first time, ASPS tracked the use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, with over 837,000 prescriptions written by ASPS surgeons in 2024. These medications are helping patients achieve a healthy weight before considering surgical procedures. However, surgeons emphasize that weight-loss medications are not substitutes for surgical interventions and that patients should be near their goal weight before undergoing procedures like tummy tucks or lifts.
There are several factors contributing to the high demand for cosmetic procedures, including greater exposure through social media and a decrease in taboos surrounding aesthetic care. Surgeons believe that patients are prioritizing their aesthetic health as part of a holistic self-care routine that includes diet, fitness, and mental well-being. Social media has helped normalize aesthetic care and make procedures more accessible and less stigmatized.
Patients are seeking natural and subtle enhancements, with a trend towards the ‘ballerina body’ characterized by smaller implants and lifted silhouettes. Surgeons are seeing a shift away from exaggerated results towards more refined and natural-looking enhancements. Reconstructive surgeries also saw growth in 2024, with over one million procedures performed, including tumor removal, hand surgery, breast reconstruction, maxillofacial surgery, and scar revision.
While trends may come and go, ASPS emphasizes the importance of safety in cosmetic procedures. Patients are encouraged to choose board-certified plastic surgeons with the appropriate training and experience to ensure safe and successful outcomes. Ultimately, aesthetic care can support mental and physical well-being in meaningful ways when done right.
In conclusion, Americans are investing in their aesthetic health by prioritizing cosmetic and reconstructive procedures that enhance their appearance and boost their confidence. With a focus on safety and natural-looking results, patients are seeking treatments that align with their overall well-being and self-care routine.
