60+ Plastic Surgery Statistics, Facts & Demographics

10 Key Plastic Surgery Statistics

In 2020, there were over 18 million cosmetic procedures performed in the United States alone. (source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
The top five cosmetic surgical procedures in the US are breast augmentation, liposuction, nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, and tummy tuck. (source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
Women make up the majority of plastic surgery patients, accounting for 92% of all cosmetic procedures. (source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
Breast augmentation was the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the US in 2020, with over 300,000 procedures performed. (source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
Liposuction was the second most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the US in 2020, with over 200,000 procedures performed. (source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
Botox was the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedure in the US in 2020, with over 4 million procedures performed. (source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
The average cost for breast augmentation surgery is $3,947 in the US. (source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
Non-surgical fat reduction treatments increased by approximately 7% from 2019 to 2020. (source: International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)
In South Korea, double eyelid surgery is the most popular plastic surgery procedure among both men and women. (source: International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)
Brazil has the second-highest number of plastic surgeons worldwide after the United States. (source: International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)

Chart: The Most Common Plastic Surgery Procedures Worldwide | Statista

Why do people get plastic surgery?

People choose to undergo cosmetic procedures for a variety of reasons. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, here are some of the most common motivations:

48% want to feel more confident
47% want to look as young as they feel
34% want to improve their physical attractiveness
23% want to appear more fit or in shape

Age and Demographics

The average age of a plastic surgery patient is 40 years old.
92% of plastic surgery patients are between the ages of 20 and 64.
40% of patients who undergo plastic surgery have an annual household income of $100,000 or more.
42% of patients who undergo plastic surgery have a college degree.

Why Is Plastic Surgery So Popular in the US?

According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 48% of plastic surgery patients reported that they wanted to improve their self-esteem and confidence.
Another survey found that 36% of patients underwent plastic surgery to look as good as they feel.
The same survey found that 28% of patients wanted to maintain their youthful appearance.
Additionally, societal pressure and media influence have been cited as reasons for the popularity of plastic surgery in the US. In fact, a study showed that exposure to images of attractive celebrities increased young women's interest in cosmetic surgery.

Motivations for Plastic Surgery

86% of plastic surgery patients want to improve their physical appearance.
79% of patients want to boost their self-confidence.
70% of patients want to look younger.
57% of patients want to feel more attractive.

Complications and Risks

The risk of death from plastic surgery is 1 in 55,000.
25% of patients experience complications from plastic surgery.
The most common complications are hematoma, infection, and pain.
The risk of complications increases with age and the number of procedures performed.

Social Media and Plastic Surgery

40% of plastic surgery patients were influenced by social media when considering a procedure.
Instagram is the most popular social media platform for plastic surgery inspiration.
The most commonly searched plastic surgery procedures on Google are breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and liposuction.
Plastic surgeons who use social media to promote their practice see a 31% increase in their patient base.

Chart: America's Love Affair With Plastic Surgery | Statista

Male Plastic Surgery

The most popular plastic surgery procedures for men are liposuction, rhinoplasty, and eyelid surgery.
The number of men getting plastic surgery has increased by 29% since 2000.
90% of men who get plastic surgery are between the ages of 20 and 50.
The most common motivation for male plastic surgery is to improve their career prospects.

General Statistics

In 2020, the global plastic surgery market was valued at $39.4 billion.
The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2021 to 2028.
Breast augmentation is the most popular plastic surgery procedure, followed by liposuction and eyelid surgery.
70% of plastic surgery patients are women, and 30% are men.

Cosmetic Surgical Procedures Statistics

Breast augmentation accounts for 25% of all cosmetic surgical procedures performed globally.
Liposuction is the second most popular cosmetic surgical procedure, accounting for 18% of all procedures.
Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) makes up 15% of all cosmetic surgical procedures.
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) accounts for 14% of all cosmetic surgical procedures.
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) makes up 8% of all cosmetic surgical procedures.
Facelifts account for 7% of all cosmetic surgical procedures.
Breast reduction surgery makes up 5% of all cosmetic surgical procedures performed worldwide.
Brazilian butt lift (gluteoplasty) has seen a significant increase in popularity and now accounts for 4% of all cosmetic surgical procedures performed globally.
Other less common cosmetic surgical procedures include chin augmentation, ear surgery (otoplasty), forehead lift, and neck lift, which together make up the remaining 4%.

Minimally Invasive Procedures Statistics

Botox injections are the most popular minimally invasive procedure, accounting for 38% of all procedures.
Dermal fillers make up 23% of all minimally invasive procedures performed globally.
Chemical peels account for 6% of all minimally invasive procedures.
Laser hair removal makes up 5% of all minimally invasive procedures.
Microdermabrasion and non-surgical skin tightening each make up 4% of all minimally invasive procedures performed worldwide.
Other less common minimally invasive procedures include Kybella injections, sclerotherapy, and laser skin resurfacing, which together make up the remaining 20%.

Reconstructive Procedures Statistics

Tumor removal is the second most common reconstructive procedure, representing 20% of all procedures.
Maxillofacial surgery accounts for 10% of all reconstructive procedures performed worldwide.
Burn repair and scar revision make up 9% and 7%, respectively, of all reconstructive procedures.
Hand surgery represents 5% of all reconstructive procedures performed globally.
Gender affirmation surgery accounts for 3% of all reconstructive procedures.
Other less common reconstructive procedures include craniofacial surgery, cleft lip and palate repair, and skin cancer removal, which together make up the remaining 6%.

How Common is Plastic Surgery Worldwide?

South Korea has the highest rate of plastic surgery per capita, with nearly 1 in 3 women having undergone a cosmetic procedure. (source: International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)
Brazil and Colombia have the highest rates of plastic surgery in Latin America, with 2.5 and 1.5 procedures per 1000 people, respectively. (source: International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)
In Europe, Greece has the highest rate of plastic surgery, with 4.2 procedures per 1000 people. (source: International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)
The Middle East has a high demand for plastic surgery, with countries like Lebanon and Iran having some of the highest rates in the world.
The global average for plastic surgery procedures is approximately 7 per 1000 people. (source: International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)

Chart: The World's Love Affair With Plastic Surgery | Statista

Which Country Has the Highest Rate of Plastic Surgery?

South Korea: According to statistics from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), South Korea has had the highest rate of plastic surgeries per capita since at least 2009. In fact, in South Korea, one in three women between the ages of 19 and 29 have had some form of cosmetic surgery. In addition to double eyelid surgery, which is the most popular plastic surgery procedure in the country, other popular procedures include rhinoplasty and jawline reduction.
Brazil: Brazil has long been known as a hub for plastic surgeries, with a high demand for procedures such as breast augmentation and liposuction. According to ISAPS, Brazil had the second-highest number of plastic surgeries performed in 2020, behind only the United States.
Colombia: In recent years, Colombia has emerged as a popular destination for medical tourism, particularly for plastic surgeries. The country offers high-quality procedures at a lower cost than many other countries. According to ISAPS, Colombia had over 500,000 cosmetic procedures performed in 2019.

Other countries with high rates of plastic surgery include:

Thailand
Mexico
Japan
Italy

What Country Has The Least Plastic Surgery?

According to data from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, countries with the lowest rates of plastic surgery include:

Ethiopia: with only 0.01 procedures per 1000 people.
Bangladesh: with only 0.04 procedures per 1000 people.
Pakistan: with only 0.07 procedures per 1000 people.

Other countries with low rates of plastic surgery include:

India
Nigeria

Why Is Plastic Surgery So Popular in Asia?

In South Korea, where plastic surgery rates are among the highest in the world, there is a cultural emphasis on physical appearance and beauty. According to a survey conducted by the Korea Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 64% of Korean women in their 20s have had a cosmetic procedure.
In China, plastic surgery is seen as a way to improve one's chances of success in both personal and professional life. A survey conducted by the Chinese Association of Plastics and Aesthetics found that 42% of respondents believed that having a more attractive appearance would improve their job prospects.
In Japan, where double eyelid surgery is particularly popular, many people believe that having larger eyes makes them appear more youthful and approachable. According to a study by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Japan had over 1 million cosmetic procedures performed in 2020.
In India, plastic surgery has become more mainstream thanks to the influence of Bollywood films and stars who often undergo various cosmetic procedures. The country saw over 900,000 cosmetic procedures performed in 2019 according to data from ISAPS.
In Singapore, where plastic surgery rates are also high, there is an increasing trend towards non-invasive treatments such as Botox and fillers. These treatments offer quick results with minimal downtime.

FAQs

What age group undergoes the most plastic surgery?

According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, patients between the ages of 40 and 54 account for more than one-third of all cosmetic procedures performed in the US.

Are there any non-surgical alternatives to plastic surgery?

Yes, there are several non-surgical alternatives to plastic surgery such as Botox injections, dermal fillers, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments that can help improve your appearance without going under the knife.

What is the most expensive plastic surgery procedure?

The cost of plastic surgery varies depending on several factors such as location, surgeon's fees, and type of procedure. However, some of the most expensive plastic surgery procedures include full body lift, lower body lift, and facelift with an average cost ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 or more.

How long does it take to recover from plastic surgery?

Recovery time varies depending on the type of procedure performed and individual healing capacity. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks or even months to fully recover from plastic surgery.

Is plastic surgery covered by insurance?

Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance since they are considered elective surgeries. However, in some cases where there is a medical necessity such as breast reduction surgery for back pain relief or rhinoplasty for breathing difficulties insurance may cover a portion of the cost.

Can I get multiple procedures done at once?

While it is possible to have multiple procedures done at once known as "mommy makeovers" or "body lifts", it is important to consider the potential risks associated with having multiple surgeries under anesthesia simultaneously.

Is there a minimum age requirement for plastic surgery?

Most plastic surgeons require patients to be at least 18 years of age or have parental consent for any cosmetic procedure. However, some procedures such as otoplasty or ear surgery can be performed on younger children.

What is the success rate of plastic surgery?

The success rate of plastic surgery varies depending on several factors such as the type of procedure performed and individual healing capacity. In general, most plastic surgery procedures have a high success rate when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon.tic surgeries have a high success rate with minimal complications when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon.

Has BTS had any plastic surgery?

There have been widespread rumors and speculation about whether members of the popular K-pop group BTS have undergone plastic surgery.

While the members have not confirmed or denied these rumors, plastic surgeons have weighed in on the topic, stating that it is possible that some members have had procedures such as rhinoplasty or double eyelid surgery.

However, they also note that some of the changes in the members' appearances could be attributed to makeup, weight loss, and other factors. Ultimately, whether or not BTS has had plastic surgery is a matter of speculation and personal opinion.

Conclusion

These plastic surgery statistics provide valuable insight into the industry, patient demographics, motivations, risks, and trends. As plastic surgery continues to grow in popularity, it is important to be aware of the facts and make informed decisions when considering a procedure.

Sources

Steven Zauderer

CEO & Founder

CEO of CrossRiverTherapy - a national ABA therapy company based in the USA.