Cosmetic Surgeries, Procedures Gaining Popularity Among Gen Z

A new report reveals the most popular cosmetic surgeries and procedures among Gen Z. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) released its annual report earlier this week. 

More Americans are turning to plastic surgery and minimally invasive procedures. There was a 5% increase in plastic surgeries and a 7% increase in minimally invasive procedures, according to the 2023 ASPS Procedural Statistics report. 

The increase in minimally invasive procedures is largely driven by Gen Z and the procedures becoming more socially acceptable. 

“Gen Z shows more of a trend toward having plastic surgery than other generations because it is more accepting of aesthetic procedures,” Dr. Scot Bradley Glasberg, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ research branch told Newsweek. “Gen Z is interested mostly in minimally invasive procedures such as neuromodulator injections and fillers.”

There was a total of 25,442,640 minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the US in 2023 and 1,575,244 cosmetic surgery procedures. Botulinum toxin accounted to 4.7 million of the procedures, with dermal fillers adding up another 3.4 million.  

Roughly half of the procedures were done on patients between the ages of 40 and 54, but experts reported an increasing shift toward a younger demographic. The shift toward the younger generation can also be attributed to social media. 

Certain facial procedures have seen an uptick among this demographic. Gen Z saw a 45% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year in forehead lifts, or forehead rejuvenation. 

Labiaplasties and breast augmentations are also becoming more popular. The 9% increase in labiaplasties may reflect an increase in insecurity of the appearance of genitals. Gen Z attributed for a quarter of breast augmentation procedures in 2023, which is an 8% increase from the previous year.

Breast reductions also grew by 10%.

Glasberg added the importance of assessing the benefits and risks before completing any cosmetic procedure and to get familiar with the surgeon and medical facility prior to any treatments. 

“It is important patients always see a board-certified plastic surgeon who is an expert in the field,” Glasberg said. "Plastic surgery is a specialty that requires extensive training and experience to perform safely and effectively. Board certification ensures surgeons are qualified and focused on patient safety. Also, patients should make sure the facility they are treated in is accredited, which means the facility meets strict safety standards. These credentials offer the highest levels of patient safety."