Have a knife day.
Americans have become obsessed with plastic surgery and other means of image enhancement after the pandemic, research shows.
Overall demand for cosmetic procedures increased 5% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with requests for minimally invasive work increasing 7%, according to a new report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Looking at the most popular procedures that have been done, interest in one has peaked, and that is something called a “ballet body” — a natural, lean athletic physique like that of a dancer.
“It’s definitely a trend,” Dr. David Shaffera renowned New York-based dual board-certified plastic surgeon and diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, confirmed to The Post.
He explained that since COVID-19, people have been coming to him and his colleagues wanting to look “athletic and slim,” a major shift from the “over-exaggerated features” that were popular before the lockdowns.
“Liposuction is the backbone of this trend, which is also shown by the fact that in the last two years, it has been the most popular surgical procedure of all.” Doctor Gabriel Tsiouan award-winning plastic surgeon and founder of Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, told The Post.
However, a long list of procedures can help people achieve this look as they target different areas based on body type and desired results.
“As plastic surgery practices reopened [after the lockdowns]requests for a natural yet athletic contour were the norm,” Dr Chiu said.
In 2023, of the nearly 1.6 million procedures performed, the top 5 were: liposuction (up 7 percent), breast augmentation (up 2 percent), abdominoplasty (up 5 percent), breast lift (up 7 percent hundred) and blepharoplasty, also known as blepharoplasty (5 percent increase).
Of the estimated 25.4 million minimally invasive procedures performed in 2023, the top 5 were: neuromodulator injections, better known as Botox, et al (up 9 percent), hyaluronic acid fillers (up 8 percent), skin resurfacing ( 5 percent increase). ), skin care (up 6 percent) and lip augmentation (up 4 percent).
The uptick comes as Americans seek to quickly shed their pandemic-induced bubble, with a growing number claiming GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to help.
For some, change doesn’t come fast enough.
But critics of the knife worry the plastic surgery trend will contribute to unrealistic expectations and exacerbate body image problems for women – while those in the industry insist the surgeries boost confidence and improve quality of life.
“They’re trying to live a healthier lifestyle. They want their bodies to reflect that.” Dr. Cheydersaid AKA Dr. Chiddy, plastic surgeon and CEO of The Plastics Clinic, to The Post.
The main group driving this trend are women between the ages of 20 and 50 in an office environment and/or who have given birth to many children.
“It’s not just the look they’re trying to get, like that slim look, but more the functionality,” Dr Chiddy said.
“It’s not like mom is making up. It’s like mom’s takeover. They take control of their bodies back.”
