The new year is right around the corner. After the world’s finished singing Auld Lanf Syne, economists, doctors and analysts won’t hesitate to posit what the coming year’s trends might be in the world of plastic surgery. Here’s an early round-up of what the experts expect to see down the line.
Botox is the number one non-invasive procedure by far, and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon. Botox is as synonymous with its main ingredient, botulinum toxin type A, as Kleenex is with tissue paper. That kind of brand recognition doesn’t come along every day.
That said, with products like Dysport and the relatively recent introduction of Xeomin on the market – both of which are derived from botulinum toxin – Botox will face more competition than ever in its 10-year history. This may mean good things for you, though – more competition on the market will mean these products could go down in price in order to compete with each other, which makes them all the more affordable for you.
Well, at least until topical use of Botox is given the go-ahead by the FDA. Studies are being conducted as we speak testing the viability of a topically-applied version of the popular treatment. Preliminary reports are showing good signs that it works, and if all goes well, we could be seeing it this coming year. If so, expect topical Botox to become very topical in the plastic surgery community.
Another trend experts are expecting to continue is the rise of male patients booking consultations with plastic surgeons. Their numbers have been growing steadily in the last few years, to the tune of 750,000 men in 2010 according to the ASAPS, and we can expect that amount to grow even further as it becomes less and less taboo for men to seek out cosmetic procedures.
So far, treatments like Botox and other injectables, liposuction, and rhinoplasty have been among the top choices for dudes looking to look a little more dapper.
Of course, no one can predict the future – who knows what might come along in the next year that will shock and surprise the plastic surgery community? The next big thing may be just around the corner!
