Paul Wigoda, M.D. comments on anticipated trends according to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASPS). They’ve made a number of plastic surgery predictions for 2011, centering on increased elective procedures such as facelifts, Botox, and buttocks augmentations.
1. More facelifts as economy picks up
Dr. Wigoda agrees with this sentiment; noting that elective plastic surgery as a whole tends to happen more during better financial times.
2. Additional fillers, Botox, and Injectables
Dr. Wigoda notes that these procedures are more affordable than traditional plastic surgery, especially as more products enter the market. Also, people tend to be happy with the results and continue procedures.
3. Increase of procedures to tighten the skin post weight loss
These procedures, ranging from arm lifts to tummy tuck’s are also usually elective, not covered by insurance, says Dr. Wigoda. Therefore, as consumers’ disposable income returns, so will these surgeries.
4. Changing out breast implants
Many of Dr. Wigoda’s patients see better results with silicone implants, so he predicts that his saline patients will make the switch to painless breast implants surgery. Also, since baby boomers remain the largest age demographic in the US, they may need their implants replaced or choose to have a breast lift done.
5. More botched plastic surgery cases
“Consumers looking for a bargain on cosmetic procedures will unfortunately lead to an increase in horror stories about ‘discount injectables’ bought offshore, cosmetic medicine, and cosmetic surgical procedures performed by untrained practitioners,” predicts ASAPS. Dr. Wigoda’s advice to avoid such catastrophe? Do your homework, and ask these questions before choosing a surgeon.
6. New ways to zap fat
Consumers will increasingly seek non-invasive techniques for fat removal (freezing, zapping, lasering) as an alternative to liposuction. Dr. Wigoda does not endorse freezing or zapping fat.
7. Getting a celebrity buttocks
Dr. Wigoda acknowledges that right now, thanks to celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, and Jennifer Lopez, bigger is better. This can be accomplished several ways, he says, from performing liposuction on the areas around the buttocks such as the thighs, injecting fat into the buttocks, implants, or lifts.
