2018 cosmetic surgery trends

Comments by Professor Marcos Sforza, Expert Aesthetic Surgeon and Scientific Director, MyAesthetics

VIRTUAL REALITY 3D IMAGING

“One of the latest technologies is the development of new 3D VR glasses for cosmetic surgery procedures. These enable patients to see how they would look after different breast surgeries, from augmentations to reductions – without them having to set foot inside an operating theatre…”

How does it work?

“As we all know, ordinary glasses show a single image, but new 3D virtual reality glasses contain two lenses, one per eye. These point to two screens and show the two images needed to create a 3D perception.

“The technology works by laser scanning body parts in 3D with an iPad, then providing simulation tools to manipulate the 3D model of the client. This gives patients a glimpse at what they could expect to see from a surgical procedure. 

“‘Before & After’ 3D images can be created from this technology, to show potential results from every considered outcome, while viewing simulated enhancements through the glasses. It enables doctors and aesthetic patients to answer that multi-million-dollar question “What will I look like after surgery?”

Some of the following breast procedures it can be used for include breast enlargement/lifts, breast reduction, reconstruction and fat transfer.”

HIGH-TECH BREASTS 

RFID implants

“In 2011 French regulators caused world-wide panic when they announced PIP implants would be taken off the market and women with the implants should have them removed immediately. Women across the globe rushed to determine whether their implants were manufactured by PIP. However, many had lost or misplaced their product or warranty cards, so they turned to their physicians for guidance.

“Some endured anxious days waiting for responses and for others word never came —not all surgeons still had the files indicating what type of implant was used in each procedure.

“Fast-forward seven years and top surgeons are endorsing revolutionary technology that will prevent such situations occurring and allow those with implants to keep track of the information they need to retain about procedures.

This means encouraging women to purchase implants containing Radio Frequency Identification chips. These store information such as date of manufacture, size and serial number. Using a handheld device, doctors can quickly determine the make and model of the implants, years down the line.”

 

3D printing

“We will see more in the media about developments in 3D printing across cosmetic surgery. Scientists have already managed to create breast implants for cancer reconstruction surgery.

“Unlike most implants used for reconstruction, these are different because it’s an absorbable shell-like structure that can contain injected fatty tissues without causing harm to the patient.

“If this pioneering service can live up to expectations, breast reconstruction patients can look forward to a new realm of fully customizable, natural implants in the future.”

THE NEW FACELIFT

“Hailed as “the new facelift”, a thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure for the face, neck, or jowls.

“What’s new about today’s thread lifts compared to the old-style lifts launched a decade ago are the actual threads and the technique used to insert them. The instruments used are also far superior.

Threads which have small cones/graspers on them are passed under the skin via a large needle. There are different types of threads available, but they are all made from– PDO (Polydioxanone)- used regularly in hospitals, mainly for wound closure, so there are no problems with allergic reactions – and Poly Lactic acid.

“The threads not only now dissolve, but they also stimulate collagen production to further improve the texture and tone of the skin.”

CHIN IMPLANTS

“‘Chinplants’ are set to be one of the fastest growing procedures among image-conscious Brits next year.

“Facial Implants are specially formed solid materials compatible with human tissues, designed to enhance or augment the physical structure of your face. If you’re bothered by a small chin or ‘weak’ jaw, this procedure offers many advantages.

Balance to the chin is created with silicone implants which are sculpted to fit a patient’s individual jawline. The sharp increase in popularity is partly due to it being a low-risk procedure, which achieves significant results, without drastically altering your appearance or needing to undergo extensive facial surgery.”

 

‘Dadbod,’ be gone

“We expect to see a continued rise in men requesting cosmetic surgery in 2018. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, men now account for a massive 40 percent of breast reductions in the United States and we’re seeing this trend increasing across the UK too.

“The operation was dramatically improved when the industry devised a way of removing breast tissue through tiny wounds in the armpits, enabling healing with virtually no scar. Previously, surgery would leave an obvious scar on the chest and often some deformity.

“The male public are moving back towards traditional procedures, with a proven track record such as facelifts and liposuction, which remain as the gold standard for facial rejuvenation and body and neck contouring.

“Abdominoplasty (tummy tucks) will also continue to be popular. In fact, while the overall number of surgical procedures for men and women fell in 2016, the number of tummy tucks for men rose by 47 percent, according to BAAPS.

“A growing male liposuction trend in 2018 is abdominal etching. This involves a small amount of fat being removed from the stomach in a straight line from the belly button upwards, and creates a crease in the stomach, emphasising the sought-after six-pack.”

DISCLAIMER

  • These comments were written on an informative and non-promotional basis for readers of Staffordshire Living
  • MyAesthetics does not guarantee it endorses or offers all the above procedures
  • Interested readers should consult the MyAesthetics site to see updates on available procedures and treatments, before booking a consultation