Experts reveal top cosmetic surgery trends of 2024

2024 has been a year of unique surgical challenges and innovations. Looking back at the year, surgeons from Centre for Surgery have identified their key insights.

Patients are getting younger

The Centre for Surgery is seeing a growing number of younger adults seeking preventative or subtle enhancements like eyelid surgery or mini-lifts. Common concerns revolve around achieving natural, balanced aesthetics and minimising downtime, and pairing procedures like eyelid surgery with a face nanograft have become more popular.

"I have seen a tendency for younger patients to request surgical interventions, and the facelift demographic has shifted to a younger patient," reveals Dr Spiros Vlachos.

More men seeking cosmetic surgery and treatments

The report also reveals a rise in the number of men seeking cosmetic surgery and treatments in 2024. They are becoming increasingly interested in their appearance and looking younger, which could be attributed to surgery becoming more widely accepted and less of a taboo.

Social media steers conversations in the consultation room

With increased popularity of social media platforms such as TikTok and the range of information (both right and wrong) available, the Centre for Surgery has noticed that a lot of younger patients are often misinformed and sometimes have unrealistic expectations about what is achievable.

"The younger patient in general is very affected by social media, and this age group tends to ask what is 'trending'. I always try to ask patients to tell me exactly what bothers them (and not their peers) regarding their appearance, which after all is the "core" of the problem," says Vlachos.

Mini surgeries are on the rise

Patients are increasingly attracted by operations that are minimally invasive and can be done under local anaesthetic, including blepharoplasties (removes excess skin and fat from the eyelids to improve their appearance), otoplasties (changes the shape, position or size of the ears), nose tip surgery, and mini face-lifts.

Surgery revisions remain prevalent

People are increasingly coming to UK clinics after they are not happy with cosmetic surgery performed abroad. As a result, there’s been an increase in revision surgeries, often addressing complications from less-regulated procedures.

"I’ve seen a string of complications from surgery abroad. Although there are centres where surgery is well regulated, there are some that offer substandard treatments at a lower cost, and sadly the price some patients pay is a poorer outcome and complications," explains Dr Andreas Shiatis.

"Some can be treated on the NHS if the complications are a danger to their health, but often patients have to pay for private revision surgery, and we have seen this rise significantly."

Filler-fatigue continues, yet regenerative options reign supreme

The trend and appetite for skin boosters (e.g Karisma, Profhilo) has caused a decline in filler. Polynucleotides, exosomes and other newer regenerative procedures could be contributing to dermal fillers slightly decreasing. People want what they consider to be more ‘natural options’ to fight ageing.

Wellness industry fuels holistic approach to aftercare

The wellness economy in the UK is a major player globally, ranking fifth in the world, with a market valuation of approx £224 billion. In fact, UK consumers are spending 31% more on wellness annually compared to 2019, according to GWI, the Global Wellness Institute.

"We’re increasingly incorporating holistic wellness plans into post-operative care, including nutritional guidance, lymphatic drainage therapies, and mental health support. These efforts ensure comprehensive recovery and long-term satisfaction for patients," explains Dr Andre David.

Centre for Surgery is a plastic surgery clinic in London, with a collaborative team of specialist doctors, surgeons, and aesthetic practitioners. Each year, more than 1200 facial, breast, and body procedures are carried out at the Baker Street clinic, establishing it as "one of the most experienced cosmetic surgery providers in the UK".