We’re more than halfway through 2023, and we plastic surgeons are noting the trends in aesthetic enhancements. This year marks a significant shift toward more natural-looking results, and all I can say is, Hallelujah! After years of chasing extreme transformations and exaggerated features, people are now gravitating towards a more natural aesthetic, with understated breast implants and more subtle butt lifts gaining popularity, along with a continued love for liposuction and non-surgical facial rejuvenation.
This shift is driven by various factors, including the aftermath of the pandemic, the desire to look as good in real life as we do with our TikTok filters, and addressing the excess skin after post-pandemic weight loss. I’m so pleased to see this because I have turned away patients who desired a result that I didn’t feel I could stand behind, professionally speaking. Natural always looks better, in my personal and professional opinion, so thank you, 2023, for validating me!
Let’s take a closer look at the trends.
The Post-Pandemic Perspective
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a range of lifestyle changes, including altered routines, eating habits, and exercise regimens. As we emerge from this global crisis, many individuals have undergone significant transformations in their bodies. Whether it’s due to newfound workout routines or pandemic-induced weight loss, people are increasingly looking to tweak their bodies to enhance their post-pandemic appearance.
For some that means getting liposuction on those trouble areas that don’t respond to diet and exercise. Others have sagging skin left over after weight loss that they’d like to see gone. For still others, they’ve been wanting a breast augmentation or lift, but rather than seeking extreme changes, are now opting for subtle enhancements that complement their existing features. This shift reflects a growing appreciation for authenticity and individuality, as people aim to enhance their beauty rather than completely alter it. Maybe it’s due to influencers adopting this new perspective. Maybe it’s something else. I’m not a psychologist, so I can’t tell you why this shift is happening, but I 100% approve.
Understated Breast Implants and Butt Lifts
One of the most prominent trends in 2023 is the move towards understated breast implants and butt lifts. This trend aligns with the desire to achieve a more authentic appearance while addressing specific areas of concern. Patients and plastic surgeons are focusing on choosing implant sizes and techniques that harmonize with the body’s proportions, resulting in results that appear both natural and balanced. Not only does this shift reflect a more natural aesthetic, it is also healthier for the individual. Implants that are too large for a person’s frame can result in neck, back, or shoulder pain, headaches, and posture issues.
Facial Rejuvenation
Nonsurgical facial rejuvenation procedures are also on the rise, catering to those who seek a more youthful appearance without the need for invasive surgery. Treatments like Botox and dermal fillers are increasingly popular because they offer a refreshed and rejuvenated look while maintaining the natural contours of the face. In 2023, people are drawn to these procedures not only for their ability to turn back the clock but also for their subtlety. The goal is to look like a better version of oneself rather than a completely different person.
For those who do opt for a facelift, more and more patients are discovering the SMAS facelift, of which I am a fan. I have made this facelift a cornerstone of my practice. It’s more complex than a traditional facelift but delivers stunning, natural-looking results when performed by a skilled surgeon. (No one will ever suspect you had “work done” because there is no telltale skin stretching). Learn more about it here.
Addressing Excess Skin
Another significant factor driving the preference for natural aesthetics in 2023 is the desire to address excess skin after significant weight loss. Many individuals who embarked on fitness journeys during lockdowns (or after lockdowns where they spent too much time binge-eating and watching TV) are now faced with the challenge of sagging skin as they shed pounds.
Procedures like body contouring and skin tightening are increasingly sought after to help individuals achieve a more toned and sculpted appearance. The focus is on creating a smoother silhouette while preserving the natural beauty of the body.
TikTok Filters versus Real-Life Beauty
In 2023, we find ourselves in the thick of the age of social media. Particularly the popularity of platforms like TikTok, filters have become a fascination. Many people enjoy using filters to enhance their appearance in photos and videos, and they aspire to look just as good in real life. This desire for a filter-like appearance has contributed to the rise of natural aesthetics in 2023.
Individuals are increasingly seeking cosmetic procedures that help them achieve the flawless and youthful look that filters provide IRL (“in real life”) and not just in videos. The goal is to enhance one’s natural beauty to match the filtered version of themselves they project on social media.
2023 is indeed the year of a pendulum swing back towards a more natural aesthetic in the world of cosmetic enhancements. Embracing the beauty of natural results lets us celebrate individuality and the art of enhancing rather than completely transforming our look. Have you been thinking about tweaking your look this year? There are still a few months left. Reach out!
Categorized in: Announcements/News
