As Australia’s leading destination for news about plastic surgery, cosmetic enhancement, and aesthetic medicine, Costhetics knows the importance of trusted sources.
For facts and figures about trends in aesthetic medicine, we trust the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. They’re among the world’s most respected specialty medical organisations and our resource for the information in this article.
Recently, representatives from AAFPRS and ASPS talked to The Modern Medicine Network about the future of aesthetic medicine in 2018 and the shape of things to come.
A Bra You Never Take Off
The trend towards smaller breasts has given rise to a laser-assisted breast reduction and lift procedure known as the “Laser Bra.” Rather than removing discarded excess breast skin, doctors treat the skin with a CO2 laser. Then the skin is placed inside the breast where it provides additional support between the chest wall and breast.
“It creates a full, perky look,” plastic surgeon Grant Stevens told Allure Magazine. Stevens pioneered the two-hour procedure after noticing that lasers affect breast tissue similarly to facial tissue (i.e. improved elasticity and smoothness). “It’s essentially an internal bra with no foreign material.”
Safer Pain Management
Medical professionals have become more attuned to the value of alternative pain management treatments for post-operative discomfort. Non-opioid options provide safer, more effective pain control with significantly reduced risks, including the risk of addiction.
A Better Alternative to an Old Friend
Top-secret new formulations are in the works in the world of cosmetic injectables. Some doctors predict the most popular neuromodulator in the world (you know the one we mean) will be “dethroned” by innovative products that are on the cusp of being perfected.
A Boost for Butts & More
Fat grafting procedures, particularly the Brazilian Butt Lift, will get a boost thanks to new technical refinements. The Gluteal Fat Grafting Task Force, organised by the Aesthetic Surgery Education & Research Foundation, made the following recommendations based on its findings:
- Avoid deep muscle injections
- Maintain constant 3D awareness of the cannula tip
- Only inject when cannula is in motion
- Consider pulmonary fat embolism in unstable intra- and post-operative patients
The refinements will make fat grafting safer, which will give more people the confidence to have a variety of procedures done.
This One Is for the Ladies
In 2016, 45% more labiaplasty procedures were carried out than in 2015, according to data gathered by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Why? The stigma of talking about our private parts has begun to lift, giving more women the confidence to talk about the imperfections of their nether regions.
“Most female patients request labiaplasty to help minimise pain, while others request it to improve the aesthetic appearance of their genital area, ISAPS member Dr Lina Triana told The Independent. “This procedure empowers women and helps them achieve a better quality of life through increased comfort and sexual confidence,” she said.
Flexible Fillers for Fabulous Faces
Fillers are expected to become the go-to solution for people who want to rejuvenate their eyes. Using fillers to create youthful eyes is far more advanced than simply removing fat from around the eyes to minimise bags. “The number one reason I see dark circles under the eyes is because of volume loss in the tear trough,” a cosmetic and laser dermatology specialist told Harper’s Bazaar.
Noses Will Be Stuck Up
Injections of hyaluronic acid filler are used to re-shape the nose. They can camouflage irregularities, fill/lift dips, and even elevate the nasal tip. A non-surgical nose job can be performed in minutes with a fraction of the downtime needed for traditional rhinoplasty. Additionally, the results are not permanent, so patients can essentially test-drive a rhinoplasty before committing to surgery.
Watch for More Transgender/Feminisation Procedures
2017 was the first year that ASPS released data on body contouring, facial feminisation, and other procedures for transgender individuals. “Plastic surgeons performed more than 3,250 operations to help people physically confirm their genders in 2016 — a 19% increase compared to the previous year in the US,” report Dave Mosher and Skye Gould to Business Insider.
These are today’s top trends, but that can change in an instant. Costhetics invites you to come back soon for the latest news and views on your favourite topic: your beautiful self.