Whether you’ve experienced trauma requiring reconstructive plastic surgery efforts or you’re looking to subtly enhance your looks, cosmetic surgery may be on your horizon. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that approximately 18 million US adults undergo some form of body modification procedures annually.
Each year, we see new innovations and trends in the world of plastic and cosmetic surgery; here are five upcoming trends for elective cosmetic procedures in 2021:
1. Fillers and Injectables
A mainstay of the cosmetic procedure world, fillers and injectables are continuing to enjoy great favor in 2021. Many visible signs of ageing are related to volume loss in the face; facial tissue tends to dissipate as we grow older, leaving thin lines around the eyes and mouth, and the appearance of hollow cheeks. Injectables are also a popular choice for people who wish to plump up their lips or chin in line with the current trends. Annually, over one million US adults turn to filler treatments in order to create their ideal look with minimal recovery time required.
Botox is an injectable solution typically used in the top half of the face. It works by blocking nerve signals to prevent muscles from contracting, thereby eliminating dynamic wrinkles such as crow’s feet and forehead lines. Ensure that you only receive Botox treatment from a reputable clinic and that your physician is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
2. Brow Lifts
Brow lifts are often used to treat various facial palsy ailments which could cause drooping. But these are also quite popular among women who feel that their brows appear heavy. With the recent uptick in zoom meetings and online hangouts, COVID is driving trends in subtle facial modifications which can provide a big impact. Simply lifting the brow in some patients may create an overall more youthful look, without additional procedures being required.
Brow lifts are typically used on older clients, as scars may be more visible in younger patients opting for this procedure.
3. Cosmetic Tattooing
One of the more intriguing cosmetic surgery trends of 2021 is the rising admiration of cosmetic tattooing. As we’ve experienced more laid-back beauty standards during the pandemic. People are turning to fine facial tattoos in order to create an effortless aesthetic. Eyebrow tattoos in particular are gaining in popularity, thanks to their ability to create a full, lush-looking brow without any necessary additional makeup.
Anyone considering cosmetic tattooing should be aware that these do fade over time, and should only be used for subtle enhancements; heavy eye or lip liner tattoos may fall out of fashion fast. Be wary of any henna cosmetic tattooing also, as the FDA has not approved henna ink for skin applications and this has been known to cause scarring.
4. Preventative Procedures
Just as skincare experienced a renaissance during 2020, the idea of preventative plastic surgery became firmly ingrained in many peoples’ plans. Although waiting until you need to get rid of deep wrinkles is preferable to some, more women are turning to these minimally invasive preventative treatments in order to delay signs of ageing:
- Dermabrasion is a process that evens out the skin’s surface and may reduce the appearance of fine lines, age spots, and sun damage.
- Mini facelifts can be performed before significant skin sagging occurs, and may help to prevent serious sagging, such as loose neck skin in later years.
- Laser treatments may help to stimulate the regeneration of collagen and prevent the skin from losing its natural elasticity, in addition to preventing sun damage from worsening.
5. Body Contouring
Body modification procedures such as breast augmentation and liposuction are on the rise, with the ASPS reporting an increase of more than 10,000 being performed year-on-year. ASPS President Dr Alan Matarasso advises that while liposuction provides a more reliable result, nonsurgical fat-reduction technologies are continuing to evolve in this arena.
Nonsurgical body contouring is designed to provide a solution for stubborn pockets of fat that cannot be shifted with diet and exercise; it is not a weight loss solution. Types of non-surgical body contouring procedures include:
- Cryolipolysis, which uses freezing temperatures to destroy fat cells in targeted areas.
- Laser lipolysis, which uses laser energy and heat to break down fat.
- Injection lipolysis, which uses deoxycholic acid to attack stubborn pockets of fat.
Final thoughts
The decision to partake in plastic or cosmetic surgery is a personal one. Those who choose an elective procedure may find that they experience increased confidence after having a problem area treated.
Understanding the current plastic surgery trends of 2021 may be helpful in your own procedure selection; ensure that you discuss any treatment with a qualified plastic surgeon to confirm that it’s an appropriate path of action for your circumstances.
