Cosmetic Surgeries on the Rise Post-Covid
In 2022, the total number of cosmetic surgeries performed in the UK was 31,057. This represents an increase of 102% since 2021, when there were 15,405 procedures carried out.
The figures were revealed by the British Association of Aesthetic Surgeons (BAAPS) – a UK-based organisation that is committed to improving safety and innovation in cosmetic surgery.
Lockdown and social media behind rise in demand
The increase in demand for these procedures has not come as a complete shock to BAAPS and other cosmetic surgery experts. It was expected that there would be pent-up demand from the covid lockdowns as people were unable to undergo private cosmetic procedures for a long time.
But the former BAAPS president Rajiv Grover has pointed out that the new figures represent “the largest annual increase in procedures since the audit began in 2004”, so there are clearly other factors behind the dramatic surge.
Grover went on to say that he believed social media had a big part to play in the “boom” around cosmetic surgery. This is largely because it is now much easier for people to see the transformative results that cosmetic surgery can provide through the content they see online.
Social media has also acted as a tool for awareness around cosmetic surgery and overall wellbeing. This has led to many people undergoing cosmetic surgery for health reasons rather than purely for aesthetics.
BAAPS’ vice-president Nora Nugent has commented that an “increase in procedures like breast reductions indicate that people are being influenced by wellness and improving the quality of their lives”.
Breast surgery remains the most common procedure
As well as providing the total number of cosmetic surgeries performed in 2022, BAAPS’ latest audit has also broken down the figures into the most popular procedures amongst men and women.
Women accounted for 93% of the cosmetic surgeries carried out in 2022. And the most common procedures included:
- Breast enlargement – 6,640
- Breast reduction – 5,270
- Tummy tucks – 3,241
- Liposuction – 2,669
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery ) – 2,439
Men made up the remaining 7% of the procedures recorded, and they most commonly underwent:
- Rhinoplasty (nose job) – 388
- Chest reduction – 343
- Blepharoplasty – 339
- Liposuction – 333
- Otoplasty (ear correction) - 251
The importance of research
As demand for cosmetic surgery increases in the UK, BAAPS has reiterated the importance of doing your research before choosing a surgeon.
The organisation’s current president, Marc Pacifico, commented: “The number of procedures undergone by both men and women has increased in impressive numbers, but it is important to weigh up the risks versus the benefits. It is imperative that people select appropriately trained and qualified surgeons.”
Although most cosmetic procedures will go ahead without any problems, there are instances where negligence will lead to negative results. This is why it’s so important to use the services of a surgeon you trust.
If you’ve already undergone a cosmetic procedure and you were harmed as a result, we could help you. Get in touch with our friendly claims team to find out more.
