According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 15.6 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in 2014, an increase of 3 percent over 2013. Scot Glasberg, MD, ASPS President, attributed this increase to medical advancements and technological improvements, as well as the fact that patients are more “empowered with choices to achieve the results they are seeking.” The plastic surgical trends expected to top the charts in 2015 include the following:
- Buttock augmentation and lifts were not only among the fastest-growing procedures in 2014, they are expected to continue to increase in 2015. Buttock augmentation with fat grafting was up 15 percent from 2013 to 2014, while buttock implants were up a staggering 98 percent from 2013 to 2014. The number of buttock lifts increased nearly 44 percent during that same time period. Some plastic surgeons believe this trend will spike in 2015, then will begin to decrease as the “Kim Kardashian effect” begins to fade.
- Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures showed an increase of four percent in 2014, and are expected to continue to increase in 2015. Minimally invasive procedures include chemical peels, laser hair removal, botulinum toxin Type A, soft tissue fillers and microdermabrasion.
- While breast augmentation procedures are actually down by about one percent, breast reconstruction procedures are up. Breast reconstruction is performed following a lumpectomy or mastectomy in order to restore the breasts to a close-to-normal shape. Breast reconstruction can significantly improve a woman’s self-image and quality of life and these procedures are expected to continue to increase during 2015.
- Liposuction procedures increased by 5 percent in 2014, and are expected to continue to increase in 2015. In many cases, patients are having a tummy tuck/liposuction combination—also known as the “mommy makeover.” The mommy makeover can also include a breast lift and/or augmentation for mothers who are not happy with how their breasts look following breastfeeding. When diet and exercise make no inroads for a saggy tummy or drooping breasts, these multiple cosmetic surgery procedures can restore and improve the post-pregnancy bodies.
- Procedures to brighten eyes and “rehabilitate” lower eyelid bags are expected to soar in 2015. A procedure known as blepharoplasty removes fat deposits and excess tissue from the eyelids in order to improve the overall appearance of the eyes, giving a younger, more rested look. The procedure has minimal risks, short recovery times, and few side effects.
- The number of men undergoing cosmetic surgical procedures has increased significantly since 2000, as more men seek to regain a more youthful look. The primary cosmetic procedures done on men in 2014 were male breast reductions and pectoral implants. This trend is also expected to continue in 2015.
An improving economy, a greater comfort level with cosmetic procedures and increased consumer awareness have all contributed to the increase in cosmetic procedures. Not only are cosmetic procedures expected to increase in 2015, it is expected the average age for those undergoing these procedures will be significantly lower than in the past. People want to stay young and feel young, preserving the body they had in the past.
The American Society of Plastic Surgery notes that 36 percent of the nearly ten million cosmetic procedures performed in 2006 were on patients between the ages of 30 and 39, while nearly 30 percent of the procedures were performed on patients between 20 and 29. In 2014, 29 percent of the breast augmentations performed were on young patients between the ages of 20 and 29, while 20 percent of buttock implants and 9 percent of upper arm lifts were performed on this age group. 33 percent of the facelifts performed in 2014 were performed on those between the ages of 40 and 54, a number which is expected to hold steady in 2015. Finally, a new drug, which promises to erase a double chin, may result in a boost to this particular procedure in 2015.Â
Contact Pasadena Plastic Surgeon Specialists
If you are considering  plastic surgery in Pasadena, it is important to choose your surgeon carefully. Men and women continue to choose Dr. Kevin Ruhge to perform their plastic surgeries because of the extraordinary care they receive. His personalized approach to plastic surgery means that his clients can contact him 24/7 after a surgical procedure.
If you would like to learn more about tummy tucks, liposuction, breast augmentation, or any plastic surgery procedure, we invite you to meet with Dr. Ruhge for a private consultation at our office in Pasadena by calling 626.397.9095, or by scheduling an appointment online.