Global Trends in Plastic Surgery: Insights, Statistics, and Regional Highlights for 2023

Introduction

Aesthetic and plastic surgery have emerged as one of the most prominent and in-demand fields of medicine worldwide over the past decades. Founded in 1970, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) stands as the world’s leading authority in the field of aesthetic and cosmetic surgery. With its threefold mission of providing global aesthetic education, promoting patient safety, and delivering accurate information to the public, ISAPS has established the gold standard for excellence in this industry. Its membership, comprising board-certified surgeons from over 117 countries, underscores its role as a global leader in the field.

The annual ISAPS report, compiled by Industry Insights, Inc., is recognized as one of the most reliable studies in the realm of plastic and aesthetic surgery worldwide. This comprehensive survey, based on the participation of over 1,600 plastic surgeons, offers detailed insights into the number of surgical procedures performed globally in 2023. The methodology leverages ISAPS' extensive proprietary database and advanced statistical models to provide a clear and accurate picture of global trends in aesthetic surgery. Additionally, the report examines key factors such as surgeon demographics and the growing impact of medical tourism.

Supported by data from National Societies and collaborations with organizations such as The Aesthetic Society, the report delivers a deep analysis of global surgical statistics, the distribution of plastic surgeons, and emerging trends in the field. The findings not only highlight the current dynamics of aesthetic procedures but also serve as a foundation for understanding future demands and advancing the quality of medical services in this domain.

Analysis of the Top 5 Plastic Surgeries Worldwide in 2023

In 2023, liposuction remained the most popular plastic surgery procedure with 2,237,966 surgeries performed globally. However, a 2.9% decline compared to 2022 suggests a slight shift in demand, possibly due to the rising popularity of non-invasive alternatives or changing aesthetic preferences.

Breast augmentation, with 1,892,777 surgeries, ranked second but experienced a significant 13% drop.This decline could reflect evolving trends in women’s preferences toward alternative procedures that align with their individual aesthetic goals and a heightened awareness of making informed choices about implant options.

On the other hand, eyelid surgery saw a remarkable surge of 24%, with 1,746,946 procedures performed. This makes it one of the fastest-growing procedures, driven largely by demand in Asian countries, where eye aesthetics play a culturally significant role.

Abdominoplasty, with 1,153,539 procedures, saw a modest 2.3% decrease. This slight decline might be attributed to advancements in non-invasive body contouring technologies that offer alternatives to traditional surgical methods.

Finally, rhinoplasty, with 1,148,559 surgeries and a 21.6% increase, stood out as a highly sought-after procedure. Its rising popularity, particularly among younger demographics, can be linked to social media influence and the pursuit of specific beauty standards.

These statistics not only highlight regional and cultural variations in aesthetic preferences but also reflect significant shifts in global demand patterns for surgical procedures.

Analysis of Plastic Surgeries in 2023: Trends in Face, Body, and Breast Procedures

Face & Head

In 2023, Eyelid Surgery led Face & Head Procedures with 1,746,946 surgeries, showing a remarkable 24% growth, driven by its popularity in regions like Asia. Rhinoplasty followed closely with 1,148,559 procedures, growing by 21.6%, fueled by social media influence and younger demographics seeking facial refinement. Lip Enhancement/Perioral Procedures ranked third with 901,991 surgeries, reflecting a strong 29% increase as demand for fuller lips continued to rise globally. These trends highlight the growing emphasis on facial aesthetics worldwide.

Breast

In 2023, breast augmentation led the category of breast procedures with 1,892,777 surgeries, despite a 13% decline compared to the previous year, reflecting a shift in preferences toward more natural appearances. Breast lift ranked second with 903,266 procedures, showcasing a modest 5.4% decline, yet remaining a popular choice for reshaping and lifting. Breast reduction followed closely with 686,125 surgeries, growing by 8.4%, driven by both aesthetic and physical health motivations. These trends highlight the evolving focus on personalized and health-conscious decisions in breast surgeries.

Body & Extremities

In 2023, liposuction dominated the body and extremities category with 2,237,966 procedures, maintaining its position as the most sought-after body contouring surgery despite a 2.9% decline from the previous year. Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, ranked second with 1,153,539 procedures, reflecting its continued popularity for achieving a toned midsection, although it experienced a 2.3% decrease. Buttock augmentation, with 771,333 procedures, secured third place, showcasing a steady demand for enhanced body curves, supported by a 6.2% growth compared to the previous year. These figures underline the global demand for body reshaping surgeries aimed at achieving aesthetic balance.

Gender Distribution in Cosmetic Surgeries for 2023: A Statistical Analysis

In 2023, women dominated the demand for cosmetic surgeries, accounting for 85.7% of all procedures. The most popular surgery among women was liposuction, with 1,898,880 procedures (84.8%), reflecting a strong focus on body contouring. Breast augmentation ranked second with 1,868,360 procedures (98.7%), followed by eyelid surgery, which saw 1,353,566 procedures (77.5%). Additionally, abdominoplasty with 1,033,264 cases (89.6%) and breast lift with 903,266 cases (100%) highlighted significant demand for body and breast reshaping procedures.

On the other hand, men accounted for 14.3% of total plastic surgeries, a notable increase compared to previous years. The most popular surgery among men was gynecomastia, with 352,302 procedures (100%), indicating growing awareness and acceptance of this procedure. Eyelid surgery followed with 393,380 procedures (22.5%), and liposuction ranked third with 339,086 cases (15.2%). Rhinoplasty with 290,492 procedures (25.3%) and fat grafting to the face with 127,179 cases (17.2%) were also highly favored among men.

These statistics highlight significant differences in aesthetic priorities between genders. While women gravitate towards body and breast surgeries, men exhibit a stronger preference for facial procedures and body contouring.

Top Countries in Plastic Surgery-2023

Based on the data from the image, the top countries in plastic surgery in 2023 are as follows:

1. Brazil
   Brazil leads the global market in plastic surgery with an impressive 2,185,038 procedures performed in 2023. Renowned for its expertise in body contouring surgeries like liposuction and abdominoplasty, the country attracts patients from all over the world due to its affordable pricing and highly skilled surgeons.

2. United States
   Ranking second, the United States performed 1,791,102 procedures in 2023. The U.S. is known for cutting-edge medical technologies and advanced surgical techniques. Popular procedures include breast augmentation and liposuction, with a significant portion of patients coming from Canada.

3. Mexico
   Mexico secured the third spot with 932,539 procedures. The country's proximity to the U.S., affordable costs, and highly skilled surgeons make it a preferred destination for medical tourists, especially for procedures like rhinoplasty and liposuction.

4. Turkey
   Turkey performed 553,122 procedures in 2023, making it a global hub for rhinoplasty, hair transplants, and liposuction. Its strategic location, advanced healthcare facilities, and affordable pricing attract patients from Europe and beyond, particularly from Germany, Russia, and the UK.

These countries represent a blend of expertise, innovation, and affordability, making them the top choices for individuals seeking high-quality plastic surgery worldwide.

The Top 3 Destinations for Plastic Surgery in 2023

In 2023, Colombia, Mexico, and Turkey led global medical tourism with exceptional expertise and world-class healthcare services.

1. Colombia
   With a total of 270,870 surgical procedures, Colombia has established itself as a rising star in medical tourism. The country is celebrated for its affordability, highly trained surgeons, and advanced medical facilities. Patients from the United States, Venezuela, and Ecuador are drawn to Colombia for popular procedures like liposuction and breast augmentation, thanks to its reputation for safety and quality care.
2. Mexico
   Recording an impressive 932,539 surgical procedures, Mexico continues to dominate the medical tourism landscape in Latin America. Its strategic proximity to the United States, competitive pricing, and well-established reputation for skilled surgeons make it a sought-after destination. International patients, especially from the U.S., Canada, and Spain, choose Mexico for its expertise in rhinoplasty and body contouring surgeries, paired with its high-quality healthcare services. 

3. Turkey: Performing 553,122 surgical procedures, Turkey has become a global hub for medical tourism, renowned for its expertise in rhinoplasty, hair transplants, and liposuction.

   What sets Turkey apart is its ability to combine high-quality care with affordable pricing, making it accessible to a wide range of international patients. Approximately 31% of patients undergoing plastic surgeries in Turkey are foreigners, highlighting the country's global appeal. Patients from Germany, Russia, and the UK form the majority of international visitors, drawn by Turkey's skilled surgeons, state-of-the-art facilities, and excellent post-operative care.

   Turkey’s strategic location, bridging Europe and Asia, makes it a convenient and cost-effective choice for patients from both regions. Additionally, the country has earned a reputation for providing comprehensive packages that include travel, accommodation, and medical care, ensuring a seamless experience for medical tourists.

   If you’re considering plastic surgery, Turkey offers a unique blend of expertise, affordability, and world-class care. With platforms like Plasurgery, you can confidently explore Turkey’s top surgeons and competitive pricing to find the best options tailored to your needs. Turkey isn’t just a destination—it’s the ideal place to transform your aesthetic goals into reality.

   These destinations combine affordability, expertise, and advanced medical facilities to cater to the growing demand for plastic surgeries worldwide

Conclusion

In 2023, plastic surgeries worldwide showcased significant shifts in preferences and demand. Procedures like liposuction and breast augmentation remained the most popular, while surgeries such as rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery experienced remarkable growth due to cultural changes and the influence of social media. These trends highlight not only regional and cultural differences in aesthetic choices but also a growing emphasis on safer methods and more natural results.

Among the top destinations for medical tourism, Turkey stands out with its blend of high-quality care, competitive pricing, and expertise in procedures like rhinoplasty and hair transplants. Turkey’s strategic location between Europe and Asia, combined with advanced facilities and skilled surgeons, makes it an ideal choice for both international and local patients. If you’re seeking a safe and successful plastic surgery experience, Turkey offers an unparalleled opportunity to achieve your aesthetic goals.