The plastic surgery field has been going through rapid changes in the last few years with newer technologies making procedures safer with less downtime and the rise of what were once lesser-known procedures such as the Brazilian Butt Lift and lip augmentation. In recent years, patient requests have been veering away from large enhancements that dramatically alter the appearance in favor of subtle improvements that look natural. Many plastic surgery centers and organizations expect to see these changes in goals and procedures in 2019:
1. More Injectables for Subtle Improvements.
Injectables include BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers such as Juvéderm®, Dysport®, and Restylane® are more affordable than ever, and the stigma once associated with injectables is steadily decreasing. While these are temporary solutions to cosmetic issues such as lines, wrinkles, and volume loss, they’re more enticing to patients who want subtle but noticeable results at a lower cost than facial plastic surgery. These “lunchtime” procedures involve less downtime and are accessible to patients in nearly every town and city. Laser skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion and other medical spa treatments are also gaining in popularity.
2. Plastic Surgery Goals for Noticeable but Natural Results.
Recent years have seen a rise in modest improvements instead of substantial, drastic enhancements through breast surgery, lip augmentation, and facelifts. Patients no longer want obvious changes in their appearance and wish to maintain genetic traits and general face structure. The 2019 goal will likely be to tweak the appearance, offering a natural but enhanced look. The kind of change that coworkers, friends, and family members notice and consider diet and lifestyle changes or a new skin care routine as the reason behind your refreshed appearance.
3. More Men Change the Gender Demographics for Plastic Surgery.
Women have been the driving force of plastic surgery for many years, but the demographics seem to be shifting at our Sugar Land office. More men are choosing plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments to achieve a more masculine appearance. The social stigma associated with improving aesthetic concerns continues to decrease with the obsession with selfies and social media posts. Men are seeking procedures to augment the chin, neck, and jawline to provide a chiseled, manly look. These improvements are often accomplished with a neck lift or chin augmentation. Liposuction and microneedling can be combined to improve skin appearance and remove pockets of fat in the neck and jowl region.
4. Hybrid Breast Augmentation—Fat Transfer with Small Implants.
Fat transfer procedures including the “Brazilian Butt Lift” and breast enhancement are gaining popularity as these plastic surgeries don’t involve placing a foreign object in the body. However, fat transfer breast augmentation may not be able to provide the increase in size or achieve the breast contour you’re looking for, so hybrid breast augmentation may be the best choice for women looking to enhance their breasts in 2019. That involves moderately-sized silicone or saline breast implants to ensure volume increases with fat grafting to “fine tune” results, which may reduce incidents of capsular contracture and breast sagging in the future. The recovery for this hybrid option is shorter than that of breast augmentation with large breast implants.
5. “Micro-Surgeries” on the Rise for Facial Plastic Surgery.
There are several options for facial plastic surgery that go beyond the typical facelift. Men and women are focusing on specific concerns such as loss of volume in the cheeks or deep furrows in the brows. These issues don’t necessarily require a full facelift. There’s the mid-face lift, brow lift, and injectables that can be used for restoring volume as well. This year we will likely see an increase in “micro-surgeries” to improve problems in some regions of the face.
6. Younger Patients Return to Maintain Skin and Appearance.
The dominant demographic in plastic surgery and medical spa treatments in the past typically involved men and women in their 30s or older. One study found that 72 percent of facial plastic surgeons in the U.S. saw more patients under the age of 30 for injectables or plastic surgery in 2018 than in previous years. Adults under 30 typically seek minor improvements to prevent early signs of aging and maintain skin structure and body shape. This cosmetic upkeep can avoid the need for invasive plastic surgery in the future.
7.More Precise Nose Job Procedures with Ultrasonic Technology.
Rhinoplasty, or the “nose job,” is still one of the most popular procedures in America. The traditional procedure involves chiseling the cartilage of the nose to change the shape which can cause damage to the soft tissues in the area. With new technologies, patients can achieve the nose shape they want through “ultrasonic rhino-sculpture,” which uses ultrasonic energy in a probe-like device to help plastic surgeons accurately reshape the nose and minimize soft tissue and cartilage damage.
8.A Decrease in Lip Augmentation and Increase of Lip Lifts.
Dermal fillers such as Juvéderm Ultra® and Restylane have been used for non-invasive lip augmentation and are preferred over lip implants. We’re seeing a shift from wanting large lips that look disproportionate to natural-looking improvements in lip size and shape. The “Lip Lift” provides permanent results by removing a horn-shaped piece of skin under the nostrils to raise the corners of the lips and create a fuller appearance.
9.Affordable Cosmetic Procedures & Financing Plans Keep Patients in the U.S.
Most plastic surgeries and medical spa options are more affordable than before, and many plastic surgeons have partnered with companies such as CareCredit® to help patients finance their procedures and treatments. While some men and women sought plastic surgery in other countries to save money in the past, most Americans are staying in the country and value the safety and consistency of results when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Schedule Your Plastic Surgery Consultation in Sugar Land.
If you’re interested in improving your facial appearance, breast surgery, or body contouring, please contact Luxe Plastic Surgery in Sugar Land today at (281) 313-0551 to schedule your consultation. Our board-certified plastic surgeon serves patients in Sugar Land, Katy, and surrounding areas of Houston, Texas.
