Zapping fresh energy and youth into your appearance may sound like magic — really, it’s technology. Yet with amazing results, little downtime and no surgery, it’s no small wonder that injectables are one of the hottest plastic surgery trends today. Botox and dermal fillers are at the top of the list and are rapidly becoming the most common aesthetic procedures worldwide. When it comes to injectables trends and preferences in the U.S., it turns out there are notable differences between the East and West Coast. That said, there are a few trends everyone should keep on their radars.
Injectables as the plastic surgery of the day
First of all, injectables are taking off at rocket speed. Seventy-three percent of consumers say they’re planning on getting physician-administered aesthetic treatment, such as injectables, in the next year, according to Allergan’s 360° Aesthetics Report. A few key factors play into this trend, per a study on the worldwide facial injectables market. Modern society is increasingly moving toward a beauty consciousness and focus on facial appearance, fueling the beauty market — case in point: women spend an average of $300-500 billion per year on beauty products. In addition, minimally invasive and non-surgical is the name of the game for plastic surgery these days, and advances in technology mean injectable techniques and materials are safer, simpler and more affordable than ever.
Subtle tweaks over exaggerated results
Gone are the days of extreme treatments and overstated features. Today, more patients are looking for subtle tweaks that preserve yet perfect their own unique facial traits.
“Now, people want to look more like their own filtered photos or a Photoshop version of themselves,” says New York City plastic surgeon Lara Devgan.
This is one area where the coasts differ, Allergan’s survey discovered. The West coast, especially LA, tends to gear more toward volume and a “bombshell” look — more units of filler, plumper lips, extra volume in the cheekbones — inspired by a standardized celebrity model (think Kim Kardashian and Olivia Culpo), while New Yorkers favor a more natural look. Still, the popularity of injectables as a minimally invasive and preventative measure, and the experience of many cosmetic surgeons, suggests that overall a more understated look is de rigueur these days.
“The most common comment that I hear is, ‘I want to look like myself, but better,’” says plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Doft. “The ideal East Coast aesthetic is looking like you have never had anything done.”
Unorthodox use of fillers
Fillers are no longer only for the face. Increasingly, injectables are being used in a variety of areas and for specific goals. This may mean a shot to resolve saggy skin around the knees, under the superficial layers of the skin for a “boost” or even in the buttocks for an extra lift. According to celebrity cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, 50 percent of injectables practice is in use in “nontraditional” ways and locations.
The rise of preventative treatments
Though fillers may be thought of as a procedure to restore a youthful look, the treatments are increasingly sought after at a younger age — not to cure aging but to prevent it. In fact, 72 percent of facial plastic surgeons reported an increase in cosmetic surgery and injectables in those under 30, according to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery annual survey. Many are turning to more regular and less drastic treatments starting at a younger age in order to maintain and protect youthful skin, rather than waiting for more invasive processes later.
If you’re interested in trying injectables for yourself, there are several great options. Botox, a purified protein toxin, relaxes facial muscles to help smooth and eliminate wrinkles and lines. Another possibility is Juvéderm, an injectable gel containing hyaluronic acid that restores skin to replenish volume and reduce wrinkles. If volume is your main focus, Voluma XC, also a hyaluronic acid filler, adds volume to the cheek area to smooth skin and revive a youthful look.
To learn more or start your own injectables treatment, schedule a consultation with us today by calling (913) 663-3838 (Leawood) or (816) 436-3262 (North KC) or submitting a consultation request form.