BAAPS predicts 2024 surgical trends

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS)met with its Press Advisory Board to discuss predicted trends for 2024.

BAAPS predicted that comprehensive face and neck surgery would see a rise in 2024. The association said that treatment of more layers of the face would address the root of the problem, and result in longer-lasting results.

2023 saw an increased interest in lunch-hour procedures, and BAAPS wants the industry to address the narrative that mini-procedures can add up to a surgical result. Treating areas in isolation will not have as balanced a result, even non-surgically.

BAAPS vice president Ms Nora Nugent commented, "Every area is linked to the area beside it, mini procedures come with a mini result.”

In terms of body surgery, BAAPS reports that breast reduction is growing in demand. Patients are prioritising shape over size, and want fat implants for a subtle result, as opposed to silicone implants.

Body contouring is also taking a more holistic approach, with long-term data showing that lifestyle is a huge factor in the results of the treatment.

Looking at non-surgical interventions, some BAAPS members noted problems that they have seen from the procedures.

Mr Marc Pacifico, president of BAAPS said, “We see the consequences of the overuse of non-surgical interventions when we are doing surgery.”

Bio-stimulating procedures in particular have been raising red flags. When operating on the face of a patient who has undergone multiple bio-stimulating treatments Mr Pacifico described it as "going into solid concrete" - too much scarring means it can be difficult to see the facial nerve, making facelifts more difficult and dangerous, but surgeons won’t know what they are dealing with until they open up the patient.

Ms Nugent has changed her consultation to reflect this concern. “I now treat my patients who are considering a facelift differently," she added. "There is a whole raft of things, including non-surgical treatments, that I would advise the patient to stay away from if they would ever consider facial surgery in the future. Patients need to be aware of the long-term effects and consequences of the treatments including minimally invasive treatments that they undertake.”

Hyaluronic acid filler is a lesser concern but can affect lymphatic drainage if injected deeply. Superficial injections aren’t as problematic, but practitioners should be aware of the skin’s anatomy when using filler.

"It is understanding the facial tissue layers and how each treatment impacts or not on them, the deeper the energy goes the more problematic it is for future surgery," said Ms Nugent. “This is why it’s imperative that everyone performing aesthetic treatments has a deep understanding of the facial anatomical layers as well as the longevity and potential unintended consequences of the procedures that they are undertaking.”