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AMM 124: Cosmetic Surgery Surge Fueled by Ozempic and Wegovy
June 30, 2024
This episode explores the rising trend in cosmetic procedures, focusing on the impact of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy on the industry’s growth in 2023. Listeners will gain insights from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ report, which noted a significant increase in both surgical and minimally invasive procedures. Facial surgeries and treatments like Botox have seen notable spikes due to rapid weight loss associated with these medications. The episode also discusses emerging trends such as the “Ballet Body” ideal and the influence of social media on younger generations seeking plastic surgery. Key data on the adoption of GLP-1 drugs and their broader cultural impact are also covered.
Quick Takes
- 5% increase in plastic surgeries and 7% increase in minimally invasive procedures in 2023 compared to 2022.
- Facial and neck surgeries, neuromodulator injections, and dermal fillers were popular procedures, influenced by the use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
- Upcoming trends include the “Ballet Body” concept, younger Gen Z adults embracing plastic surgery, and a focus on health and wellness combined with cosmetic procedures.
Episode Transcript
Today is June 30, 2024. We’re diving into the latest insights on the rising popularity of cosmetic procedures in 2023, largely driven by the boom of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. According to a report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there was a 5% increase in plastic surgeries and a 7% increase in minimally invasive procedures compared to 2022. This data comes from over 1,600 plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and otolaryngologists.
Facial and neck surgeries were particularly popular, with facelifts, neck lifts, forehead lifts, and submental liposuctions seeing substantial growth compared to the previous year. Neuromodulator injections, including Botox and Dysport, led the minimally invasive category with nearly 9.5 million procedures, followed by dermal fillers at 5.3 million.
This surge is linked to the growing use of GLP-1 drugs, which have been tied to rapid weight loss and subsequent sagging skin. These medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, are known for their weight-loss effects, which can lead to a decline in skin elasticity and the phenomenon known as “Ozempic face.”
Maintaining skin elasticity is challenging after significant weight loss, as it can damage collagen and elastin fibers, making it difficult for the skin to bounce back. Procedures like facelifts and fillers have become effective solutions to tackle this issue, as noted by the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
The report also highlighted a few upcoming trends. The “Ballet Body,” which emphasizes a lean and contoured physique, saw continued popularity through procedures like breast augmentation and body contouring. Interestingly, younger Gen Z adults also embraced plastic surgery, with a notable rise in breast reductions among women aged 20 to 29, spurred by social media and a focus on comfort and autonomy.
Furthermore, there’s a move towards combining health and wellness with plastic surgery. While exercise and diet are crucial, many found that they need procedures like tummy tucks and arm lifts to complete their transformations.
Finally, the popularity of GLP-1 drugs has exploded, with prescriptions for Ozempic and Wegovy reaching 9 million by the end of 2022, a striking increase from 2020. With prominent figures like Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey endorsing these medications, their influence is undeniable.
That’s your Aesthetic Medicine Minute for today. Stay informed and stay confident.
