Plastic surgery is increasingly becoming one of the most popular forms of cosmetic enhancement. For over a decade, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has been documenting and recording trends in cosmetic procedures, and has recently published their findings that include the most and least popular forms of enhancement surgery in 2013.
Botulinum Toxin Type A
The most popular minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure in 2013 was botulinum toxin A, also commonly known as Botox. Botox is a substance created from bacteria that causes botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning. Although Botox itself is among the most poisonous substances in the known world, in small dosages, it can be used medicinally. It works by preventing signals from nerve cells from reaching muscles, effectively rendering them paralyzed. Botox is used to treat a number of types of spasms, but is also popular because it is able to remove facial wrinkles and crow’s feet.
Collagen Filling (Porcine/Bovine)
In contrast to Botox, the least popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedure in 2013 was porcine and bovine-based collagen filling, particularly Evolence, Zyderm, and Zyplast. These procedures are all designed to increase the skin’s supply of collagen, which reduces the effect of aging on the human body. They are designed to fill in wrinkles and facial scarring. Evolence works by injecting a collagen filler into damaged or wrinkled skin, while Zyderm and Zyplast are implants that consist of collagen. Collagen filling procedures are most often taken on to make the face look more youthful and clean.
Breast Augmentation
The most popular cosmetic surgery option in 2013 was breast augmentation, or augmentation mammaplasty. Breast augmentation is a surgery that involves using breast implants, made from either saline or silicone, to increase the size of a person’s breasts. Breast augmentation is most commonly taken on for reasons concerning self-confidence and improving body image. It can also help to improve balance, particularly in women whose chest size is disproportionate to the rest of their body. It is also popular among women after they give birth, to restore their breasts to be the shape from before their pregnancy.
Pectoral Implants
Ironically, while breast augmentation was the most popular cosmetic surgery option in 2013, pectoral implants were by far the least popular. Pectoral implants are similar to breast implants in that they are implants designed to enhance the appearance of the breast. While breast augmentation is designed to cater to the female breast, pectoral implants target the male breast, to give it a more fit appearance associated with muscle tone. Pectoral implants are used to shape the male breasts, but are unpopular, and generally considered to be best used as a last resort rather than a first one.
The statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons go a long way in shedding light on the trends and preferences surrounding physical appearances in 2013. Whether invasive or non-invasive, cosmetic procedures are popular and effective ways of altering people’s appearances to meet their own needs and preferences.
