Sculpting Tomorrow: Anticipated Trends in Plastic Surgery for 2024

With a focus on professional insights and industry foresight, we delve into the technological advancements, changing patient preferences, and innovative approaches that are set to shape the trajectory of plastic surgery.

Join us on this journey as we make 5 predictions that will define the landscape of aesthetic refinement in 2024.

The "Zoom Boom": Younger Patients Seeking Treatments

A noteworthy trend that ramped off in 2020 and is likely to continue throughout 2024 is a shift towards a younger patient demographic. This shift is believed to be catalyzed by the shift to work-from-home and increase of time spent on camera, motivating the Gen Z and Millennial cohorts to proactively seeking cosmetic enhancements, with facial procedures in particularly seeking a rise of 18% since 2019.

In a report released by the American Academy of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery noted that nearly 80% of surgeons surveyed reported an increase in patients under the age of 34 undergoing cosmetic treatments.

Embracing procedures like blepharoplasties, face lifts, and rhinoplasties, these younger generations are opting for preventive measures to enhance their natural features. This emerging trend suggests a cultural shift towards embracing self-care and aesthetic well-being at an earlier stage, as individuals seek to proactively address their concerns and maintain a refreshed, youthful appearance.

AI-Driven Consultations

AI is everywhere — and now, it's finding a use case in surgical consultations for cosmetic procedures.

This innovative approach revolutionizes the pre-operative consultation process by providing patients with a glimpse of their future selves. Surgeons are increasingly utilizing advanced AI algorithms to generate realistic simulations, offering patients a visual representation of the potential outcomes post-operation.

This transformative tool not only enhances communication between patients and surgeons but also empowers individuals to make more informed decisions about their aesthetic journeys. In the era of technological advancements, the use of AI imaging is set to usher in a new level of transparency and personalized insights, shaping the way we envision and plan for the transformative possibilities of cosmetic procedures.

Smaller, More Frame-Fitting Breasts

In the realm of breast augmentations, a notable shift in trends has emerged, challenging the idea that "bigger is better."

Data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows that between 2019 and 2022, there was a 12% increase in the number of patients seeking for breast implant removal. That figure outpaced the percent growth in breast augmentation procedures, which grew by 4% over the same period. Breast reduction procedures have seen a 54% increase since 2019. Additionally, women undergoing breast implant exchanges have opted for smaller replacements, a trend that has been in progress since around 2015. While there has been growth in the percentage of exchanges for smaller implants, approximately half of these procedures are for the same size, and between 35–40% go bigger.

There are several possible explanations for this shift, and not all of them are rooted in cultural beauty standards. Breast reductions, for example, are generally sought out by women experiencing back pain more so than pursuing strictly cosmetic goals. And while most patients don't experience complications from their breast implants, a small percentage do, which is likely the impetus behind some breast implant removal procedures.

Growth In Combination Procedures

Mommy and menopause makeovers, fat grafting and body contouring — if going under the knife, might as well address all the areas of concern in one fell swoop.

Traditionally, patients sought individual surgeries to address specific concerns, but the contemporary approach embraces a comprehensive strategy. More individuals are opting for combination procedures, where surgeons skillfully integrate multiple treatments into a single session to achieve a holistic transformation. This innovative approach not only maximizes efficiency but also offers patients the opportunity to address various concerns simultaneously, reducing overall downtime.

From facelifts coupled with eyelid surgeries to body contouring combined with breast enhancements, the era of combination procedures signifies a personalized and streamlined approach to achieving multifaceted aesthetic goals in a single surgical experience. Improvements in surgical techniques have made combination procedures less dangerous and taxing on the body, making them a more attractive option for prospective patients.

The Promise Of Exosomes To Combat Hair Loss

As the plastic surgery sector delves into regenerative therapies, exosomes are emerging as promising catalysts for fostering hair growth, revitalizing dormant follicles, and elevating the general health of the scalp.

Exosomes play a pivotal role in hair restoration therapies by harnessing their regenerative and signaling capabilities. Exosomes are tiny bubbles released by different cells, like stem cells. Inside them, there's a valuable mix of proteins, growth factors, and genetic material (mRNA, miRNA). These elements play a crucial role in cell communication and repairing tissues. In the context of hair restoration, exosomes derived from stem cells are believed to stimulate hair follicle cells, promote angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), and modulate inflammation.

Research on the use of exosomes has been promising, however, there are currently no treatments that have been approved by the FDA for cosmetic hair restoration. This year, the industry will keep a close eye on the studies and trials, as hair restoration is an area that is currently not well addressed by cosmetic procedure options and would likely have a significant amount of market interest.

Looking Ahead at 2024

Trends in plastic surgery highlight a notable change towards inclusivity. A varied group of patients is expected to opt for personalized enhancements, ushering in a future where cosmetic procedures are not only more accessible but also deeply attuned to the preferences and needs of each patient, supported by technological progress.