Number of Cosmetic Surgeries Remains Stable Despite High Street Stores Struggling

After a challenging year on the high street for shops and restaurants, The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has released its annual audit revealing that the number of cosmetic surgeries has remained stagnant compared to 2017. The new figures show that over 28,000 procedures took place in 2018, a small increase of 0.1% on 2017.

With 92% of the cosmetic surgeries being for women, and the most popular remained breast augmentation, breast reduction and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), while liposuction and facelift procedures rose the most.

The decline in brow lifts for women (15%) can be attributed to the rise and popularity of the now high street accessible botox as an alternative but also a preventative treatment in rejuvenating the forehead and brow.

Former BAAPS President Rajiv Grover, who compiles the audit on an annual basis, commented:

“The 2018 BAAPS audit shows that demand for cosmetic surgery remains buoyant despite a year when the high street has struggled. Women in particular chose to spend on treatments with a proven track-record such as facelifts, which deliver reliable, long-lasting and natural results. This trend is also driven by the openness of celebrities like Jane Fonda who recently admitted to having surgery over several decades to enhance her looks and prolong her career. While demand for non-surgical treatments such as fillers and skin tightening is rising, it’s important to note that, once there is actual loose skin, only surgery is likely to make a significant long-term improvement.”

Across both genders, liposuction saw a sharp rise of 9%, Grover explains: “The rise comes at a time where the popularity of TV shows such as Love Island has driven the desire for a toned torso, as did the fashion for women’s athleisure clothing. The danger of cosmetic surgery becoming too closely linked to reality TV or celebrity endorsement is that it can make surgery seem like a commodity, which should never be the case. An operation is not something that can simply be returned to the shop if you have second thoughts.”