What's Hot
The numbers are in, and a clear winner has been declared. Even better, it’s unanimous. Both the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and The Aesthetic Society have declared that liposuction remains the most popular plastic surgery procedure in the world. In 2022, there were more than 2.3 million liposuction procedures performed across the globe, a 21.1% increase over 2021, according to the latest numbers from ISAPS. ASPS reported that there were 325,669 liposuction procedures performed in the US in 2022, up 23% from 2019.
The Aesthetic Society reported that there were 405,328 liposuction procedures performed in 2022. Yes, this is down 12% from 2021, but liposuction still experienced a larger surge than the other surgical procedures during the pandemic, jumping 85% over 2019 levels, compared with a 74% increase for abdominoplasty and a 39% increase for breast augmentations. While down from 2021, liposuction was still 63% above its pre-pandemic level in 2022, The Aesthetic Society reports.
There’s a simple reason that liposuction continues to reign supreme: it works. Liposuction also provides close-to-instant results and instant gratification (a big selling point for impatient millennials). The unwanted fat is sucked out for a slimmer appearance. Yes, this can be at the expense of some downtime (think swelling and redness), and it doesn’t affect muscles or skin quality, but most patients find liposuction to be worth it. I foresee an even longer reign for this highly effective and safe plastic surgery procedure.
What's Not
Sure, some of us gave up carbs and upped our workout game during the COVID-19 lockdown period, but a lot more folks turned to stress eating and used the lack of access to a gym as an excuse to Netflix and chill.
In fact, fully 39% of people gained weight during the pandemic, with weight gain defined as more than the normal fluctuation of 2.5 pounds. About 27% of people gained less than 12.5 pounds, and about 10% gained more than 12.5 pounds, with 2% gaining more than 27.5 pounds, according to a study from Epic Research.
Thanks to the widespread use of Ozempic/Wegovy (semaglutide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight loss (and hopefully adherence to a healthy diet, regular exercise) and maybe even liposuction or energy-based fat reduction, most people have shed their COVID 15. Now, some people have developed unwanted side effects from rapid weight loss in their cheeks. “Ozempic face” refers to withdrawn, sucked-in cheeks, and “Ozempic butt” is the media’s name for deflated, sagging, or wrinkled buttock cheeks. Such side effects are known to follow rapid and massive weight loss. Expect to see more patients looking for solutions to put the volume back in their deflated cheeks.
Dr. Graivier is the owner and founder of The Graivier Center for Plastic Surgery & MedSpa in Roswell.
With the eyes of an artist, the mind of an innovator and the hands of a world-class surgeon, Dr. Miles Graivier and his elite team of professionals strive to uniquely enhance the natural beauty of each patient – boosting confidence and elevating self-image.
The Graivier Center
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