If you’ve been scrolling through socials lately or paid close attention as you watch your favorite TV shows, you’ve probably noticed a change in the beauty game. It seems most celebrities and beauty influencers are swapping the ‘bigger is better’ and ‘overdone’ vibe for a more down-to-earth, natural look.

The days of super-sized butt augmentation, massive breast implants, and overly filled faces seem to be taking a backseat. The shift is toward a more balanced aesthetic, where curves meet fitness, and natural is the end goal.

The change isn’t only about what’s in; it’s also about what’s out. Those who once embraced larger enhancements are now exploring downsizing implants and using fat transfer to re-balance their aesthetics.

So, what is popular these days in the world of cosmetic procedures that are helping people get this more natural look? In this article, we’ll discuss the top five surgical cosmetic procedures leading this trend and what to expect for each.

1: BREAST SURGERY

Whether it’s breast augmentation, a breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction, or breast implant removal, breast surgeries remain a top cosmetic procedure.

According to recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, and breast implant removal all saw a significant upswing from previous years.

BREAST AUGMENTATION

Breast augmentation has been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures since 2006, and its popularity isn’t slowing down; people are just opting to go smaller in hopes of achieving a more natural and proportionate look. The trend for breast augmentation leans toward a desire for subtlety and balance.

When undergoing breast augmentation, patients can choose from various implant types, including saline, silicone, and cohesive gel implants. Each type offers unique benefits, and the choice often depends on individual preferences and considerations. However, we are seeing an upswing in requests for form-stable silicone gel breast implants, better known as gummy bear implants, in Nashville.

Gummy Bear Implants represent a distinct category of silicone implants, setting them apart from their conventional silicone counterparts. Unlike traditional silicone implants that incorporate a softer and more elastic gel, Gummy Bear Implants are crafted from a denser silicone material.

Breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure that takes about one to two hours, with recovery time varying but generally allowing patients to return to non-strenuous activities within a week.

BREAST LIFT (MASTOPEXY)

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is also popular, either as a standalone procedure or, more commonly, in conjunction with breast augmentation. A breast lift addresses sagging and enhances breast shape, providing a rejuvenated, perkier appearance.

The outpatient procedure typically takes a few hours, and recovery time involves a few days of rest, with a gradual return to normal activities over several weeks.

BREAST REDUCTION OR IMPLANT REMOVAL

Whether it’s due to busty genetics or a shift in aesthetic preferences, many individuals are opting for smaller breasts. The choice of cosmetic procedure depends on whether the breasts are natural or if there are existing implants.

For those with natural breasts, breast reduction involves removing excess breast tissue to achieve a more proportionate size and alleviate discomfort. On the other hand, individuals with implants have several options. They can opt to only remove the implants, or if there are concerns with changes in skin elasticity, they can choose removal plus a breast lift to restore shape and firmness.

Whether considering implant removal or downsizing, Dr. Garza can collaborate with you to develop a surgical plan tailored to help achieve your smaller breast aesthetic goals.

2: Body Contouring

In the quest for an aesthetically pleasing physique, body enhancement procedures have become increasingly popular. From sculpting the abdomen to toning the thighs, these techniques offer individuals a path to enhance their natural features and achieve a more proportionate and balanced silhouette.

There are several ways to achieve body contouring. In some cases, a full body lift or an arm and thigh lift might be necessary to achieve a desired look. However, two surgical procedures are most commonly requested for body contouring:

Liposuction

The primary aim of liposuction is to elevate the contours, resulting in a more balanced and proportional aesthetic. It refines the body’s shape by precisely addressing and eliminating surplus fat from targeted areas.

Liposuction has consistently held its position as one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures, securing the top spot in the most recent plastic surgery report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The report highlights an impressive 23% increase in the number of liposuction procedures compared to previous years.

What’s new is where people are requesting this transformative procedure be performed. Typically, liposuction is performed in the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, back, or neck. However, in recent years, patients have requested new areas to be sculpted, such as the lower leg and ankles.

Liposuction is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day. The recovery period varies, but patients can usually return to non-strenuous activities within a week.

As with any surgical procedure, individual recovery experiences may vary, and consultations with a qualified plastic surgeon can provide personalized insights based on specific patient needs and goals.

For more on liposuction, read 5 Common Facts About Liposuction. 

Fat Transfer

As people increasingly seek a more toned and balanced figure, fat transfer has gained significant popularity as a unique body contouring cosmetic procedure.

Also known as fat grafting or fat injection, this technique stands out for its ability to enhance various body areas using the patient’s own excess fat, allowing for a more subtle correction compared to synthetic alternatives.

The process involves extracting fat from areas of abundance, purifying it, and meticulously injecting it into targeted regions. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, and most patients can expect to return home the same day.

Recovery times may vary, but patients generally experience minimal downtime, with most resuming non-strenuous activities within a week.

3: Brazilian Butt Lift

Bigger butts aren’t trending anymore, but that doesn’t mean surgeries on the backside are any less popular. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) witnessed an impressive 86% increase in the number of procedures performed compared to previous years.

So, while people might not want bigger, they certainly want better regarding their rear end. This surge in popularity indicates a growing preference for a more refined and naturally enhanced posterior.

The BBL procedure involves a unique combination of liposuction and fat transfer. Excess fat is extracted from areas with an abundance, typically the abdomen, hips, or thighs, using liposuction. The purified fat is then injected into the buttocks to enhance volume and shape. This two-in-one approach not only sculpts the buttocks but also slims the surrounding areas, creating a more proportionate and contoured appearance.

The procedure is usually outpatient, allowing patients to return home on the same day. Recovery times may vary from patient to patient, but most individuals can expect to resume non-strenuous activities within a week.

4: Tummy Tuck

With people wanting a more toned and athletic appearance, many are hitting the gym hard and losing a lot of body fat but are left with loose skin or pockets of fat that won’t go away despite diet and exercise.

So, it’s no surprise that tummy tucks are in demand. According to the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS), there has been a substantial 37% increase in tummy tuck procedures compared to previous years.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to sculpt and reshape the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat. This process often involves repairing weakened or separated abdominal muscles to create a firmer and smoother abdominal profile. While the surgery primarily targets the midsection, it can also improve overall body contour.

Typically performed as an inpatient procedure, a tummy tuck involves an incision across the lower abdomen, allowing the surgeon to access and reshape the underlying tissues. Patients can generally expect to stay in the hospital for one to two days following the procedure, with recovery extending over several weeks.

As with any surgical procedure, individual recovery experiences may differ. Our board-certified plastic surgeons can explain everything you can expect with a tummy tuck during your complimentary consultation.

If you are considering a tummy tuck, check out Your 6 Month Guide to Planning a Tummy Tuck.  

5: Facelift

We understand what you might be thinking—a facelift is drastic and anything but natural. There are many facelift myths and truths. However, a facelift doesn’t have to leave you looking overly altered. A facelift can be subtle, rejuvenating, and enhance your natural features.

In fact, even with ‘natural’ trending, the most recent stats from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists a noteworthy 8% growth in facelift procedures.

The rise of rapid weight loss attributed to medications like Ozempic is speculated to be part of the reason for the boom. Many who lost weight using this drug have experienced a phenomenon termed “Ozempic-face,” where the face exhibits more pronounced signs of aging due to significant weight loss. While it’s too early to predict the long-term impact of this trend on plastic surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is actively monitoring its potential implications.

A facelift is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home on the same day. During the surgery, incisions are strategically made to lift and reposition underlying tissues, addressing sagging and smoothing wrinkles.

Recovery times may vary, but patients can generally expect some swelling and bruising, gradually diminishing over a few weeks. Following post-operative care instructions is crucial to optimize healing and achieve a natural-looking outcome.

Also Rising: Non-Surgical Procedures

Non-surgical procedures have long been a staple cosmetic enhancement, but their popularity is expected to increase even more, mirroring the trend toward a more natural aesthetic.

Here are some of the most popular non-surgical procedures people are booking in hopes of subtly enhancing their features:

BODYTITE

BodyTite is a revolutionary, minimally invasive procedure for individuals seeking a sculpted physique without undergoing surgery or enduring extensive downtime. This non-surgical body sculpting procedure is versatile, allowing for precise contouring in areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, and more.

During the BodyTite procedure, a specialized device delivers radiofrequency energy to targeted areas beneath the skin. This energy melts away excess fat and tightens and firms the skin, providing a comprehensive and natural-looking result. The technology ensures that both fat removal and skin tightening occur simultaneously, contributing to a smoother and more sculpted appearance.

The procedure typically only lasts a few hours, depending on the size of the areas you have treated. You will have some swelling for a few days, but most patients can resume day-to-day activities almost immediately, a week at most. Waiting at least two weeks is advised before resuming strenuous physical activity.

FACETITE

FaceTite is great for those seeking facial enhancements without the commitment of surgical downtime. It is like BodyTite but tailored for facial rejuvenation, addressing sagging skin and excess fat in the face and neck, providing a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

In most cases, FaceTite can be performed in an hour or two. Recovery time is similar to BodyTite.

NEUROTOXINS

Neurotoxins, commonly recognized by brand names like Botox, have always been popular. However, the modern trend leans towards achieving a more dynamic and less frozen look, showcasing the adaptability of these non-surgical options to evolving beauty standards.

Known for their ability to temporarily reduce muscle activity, neurotoxins help smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, offering a refreshed appearance without sacrificing natural facial expressions.

DERMAL FILLER

Dermal fillers, known by various brands such as Juvederm,  have become go-to tools for non-surgical transformations. People are just requesting a less “filled” look these days.

However, we are noticing an uptick in the number of areas people want to be filled. It’s not uncommon for someone to come in for a full-face subtle transformation using filler.

The versatility of dermal filler allows for smoothing lines around the mouth, enhancing lip volume, sculpting supermodel-worthy cheeks, defining the jawline, and even performing liquid nose jobs to reshape and refine nasal features.

EVOKE

Evoke, a cutting-edge facial remodeling treatment, has gained attention for its ability to address facial concerns through a non-invasive, hands-free procedure.

Using radiofrequency technology, Evoke stimulates collagen production and tightens the skin, providing a subtle and natural rejuvenation.

The treatment is comfortable and requires minimal downtime, making it an attractive option for those seeking a non-surgical alternative to enhance facial contours and lift sagging skin.

PDO THREADS

PDO threading has emerged as a popular non-surgical alternative to facelifts, offering excellent yet slightly more subtle results.

The procedure involves strategically placing dissolvable threads under the skin to lift and tighten targeted areas.

With minimal downtime and long-lasting effects, PDO thread lifts have become a favored choice for individuals looking to rejuvenate their appearance without committing to a more invasive surgical option.

CONCLUSION

Trends come and go and can even vary based on demographics (check out the Top 5 Plastic Surgery Trends In Nashville 2023.) We are loving the “less is more” trend. It’s subtle, refreshing, and rarely comes with any surgery regret down the line.

Having a surgical cosmetic procedure performed is a big decision. You shouldn’t base your decision on trends. Instead, you should consider if the “look” you want now is the same one you will want 5-10 years from now.

With a wealth of experience and a commitment to understanding each patient’s unique goals, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Garza and Dr. Yang, and nurse practitioner Tracey Robinson, offer a personalized approach to surgical and non-surgical enhancements, ensuring that your chosen procedures stand the test of time.

Book your complimentary consultation for a surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedure today!