Cosmetic Procedure Trends: What’s Growing, What’s Declining
The cosmetic procedure landscape is shifting faster than at any point in the past two decades. The convergence of social media influence, GLP-1 weight loss medications, advancing non-surgical technologies, and changing demographics has created clear winners and losers across the procedure spectrum. This report identifies which procedures are growing, which are declining, and the structural forces driving both trends.
Key Findings
- Non-surgical procedures continue to outpace surgical in volume growth, but surgical procedures are growing in revenue due to rising prices.
- The GLP-1 effect is real. Procedures related to post-weight-loss body contouring (tummy tucks, arm lifts, thigh lifts) are surging. Traditional liposuction volume is flattening.
- “Batch Botox” and preventive aesthetics have driven the 25-34 age group to become the largest consumer segment for injectables.
- Breast implant removals continue to rise, while breast augmentation growth has slowed — reflecting a cultural shift toward natural aesthetics.
- Non-invasive body contouring has plateaued after years of rapid growth, as patient satisfaction data shows modest results compared to surgical alternatives.
Methodology
Sources:
- ISAPS Global Survey 2024-2025
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Procedural Statistics 2025
- BAAPS Annual Audit 2025
- Allergan Aesthetics Market Data
- RealSelf Trend Reports 2024-2025
- Statista cosmetic procedure data
- Medical device company earnings reports and market data
Growth rates represent year-over-year volume changes unless otherwise noted. Revenue growth may differ from volume growth due to pricing changes.
Fastest-Growing Procedures (2024-2026)
Surgical
| Rank | Procedure | YoY Volume Growth | 2025 Volume (US est.) | Primary Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) | +18-22% | 215,000 | Post-GLP-1 body contouring |
| 2 | Arm lift (brachioplasty) | +28-35% | 48,000 | Post-weight-loss demand |
| 3 | Thigh lift | +25-32% | 22,000 | Post-weight-loss demand |
| 4 | Lower body lift | +30-38% | 15,000 | Post-massive-weight-loss |
| 5 | Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) | +8-12% | 345,000 | Aging population, Zoom face |
| 6 | Rhinoplasty | +5-8% | 310,000 | Steady demand, ethnic rhinoplasty growth |
| 7 | Fat transfer (face) | +15-20% | 85,000 | Natural volume restoration trend |
| 8 | Breast implant removal/revision | +12-16% | 62,000 | BII concerns, natural aesthetic trend |
Non-Surgical
| Rank | Procedure | YoY Volume Growth | 2025 Volume (US est.) | Primary Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RF microneedling (Morpheus8, etc.) | +22-28% | 1,800,000 | Social media, minimal downtime |
| 2 | PDO thread lifts | +18-25% | 420,000 | Non-surgical facelift alternative |
| 3 | Biostimulators (Sculptra, Radiesse) | +20-26% | 650,000 | Longevity, natural results |
| 4 | Exosome/regenerative treatments | +40-60% | 180,000 | Emerging technology, anti-aging interest |
| 5 | Neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport) | +6-8% | 9,200,000 | Continued steady growth, younger demographics |
| 6 | PRP/PRF therapy | +12-18% | 380,000 | Natural approach, hair restoration |
| 7 | Picosecond lasers | +15-20% | 520,000 | Pigmentation treatment, tattoo removal |
| 8 | Polynucleotide (PDRN) treatments | +35-50% | 280,000 | New to Western markets, regenerative |
Declining or Plateauing Procedures
Declining
| Rank | Procedure | YoY Volume Change | 2025 Volume (US est.) | Primary Driver of Decline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Non-invasive fat reduction (CoolSculpting) | -15-20% | 580,000 | Patient dissatisfaction, GLP-1 competition |
| 2 | Lip implants (surgical) | -12-18% | 8,500 | Replaced by injectable fillers |
| 3 | Buttock implants | -10-15% | 3,200 | Safety concerns, BBL preference declining |
| 4 | Dermabrasion | -8-12% | 22,000 | Replaced by laser and microneedling |
| 5 | Chemical peels (deep) | -5-8% | 45,000 | Replaced by fractional lasers |
Plateauing
| Procedure | YoY Volume Change | 2025 Volume (US est.) | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breast augmentation | +1-3% | 365,000 | Cultural shift toward natural aesthetics |
| Traditional liposuction | +0-2% | 280,000 | GLP-1 reducing demand, VASER taking share |
| Hyaluronic acid fillers | +2-4% | 4,800,000 | Mature market, filler fatigue trend |
| Brazilian butt lift (BBL) | -2-5% | 42,000 | Safety concerns, natural trend, GLP-1 |
| Laser hair removal | +1-2% | 1,200,000 | Mature market, at-home devices |
The GLP-1 Effect on Cosmetic Surgery
The widespread adoption of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (semaglutide/Wegovy/Ozempic, tirzepatide/Mounjaro) for weight loss has created measurable shifts in cosmetic surgery demand.
Procedures Boosted by GLP-1 Weight Loss
| Procedure | Pre-GLP-1 Growth (2022) | Post-GLP-1 Growth (2025) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abdominoplasty | +6% | +20% | Excess skin after significant weight loss |
| Arm lift | +8% | +32% | Loose arm skin after weight loss |
| Thigh lift | +5% | +28% | Skin laxity after lower body weight loss |
| Lower body lift | +4% | +35% | Comprehensive post-weight-loss contouring |
| Breast lift | +5% | +14% | Volume loss and ptosis after weight loss |
| Facelift | +3% | +8% | Facial volume loss (“Ozempic face”) |
Procedures Reduced by GLP-1
| Procedure | Pre-GLP-1 Growth (2022) | Post-GLP-1 Growth (2025) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liposuction (traditional) | +5% | +1% | GLP-1 reduces need for surgical fat removal |
| CoolSculpting | +3% | -18% | Non-invasive fat reduction less relevant |
| Gastric sleeve/bypass | +4% | -25% | GLP-1 as pharmaceutical alternative |
| BBL | +8% | -3% | Cultural shift + less donor fat available |
Net impact: GLP-1 medications are creating more plastic surgery demand than they are destroying. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that member surgeons saw an average 15% increase in body contouring consultations from patients who had lost weight on GLP-1 medications in 2025.
Demographic Shifts
Age Distribution of Non-Surgical Procedure Patients (US)
| Age Group | 2020 Share | 2025 Share | Change | Trending Procedures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 5% | 9% | +4 pp | Botox (preventive), lip filler |
| 25-34 | 18% | 28% | +10 pp | Botox, RF microneedling, filler |
| 35-44 | 28% | 26% | -2 pp | Botox, filler, threads |
| 45-54 | 26% | 20% | -6 pp | Filler, laser, threads |
| 55-64 | 15% | 11% | -4 pp | Laser, filler, skin tightening |
| 65+ | 8% | 6% | -2 pp | Skin cancer treatment, laser |
Key shift: The 25-34 age group is now the largest consumer segment for non-surgical procedures, overtaking the 35-44 group. This reflects the normalization of “preventive” or “baby Botox” among younger demographics.
Gender Distribution
| Metric | 2020 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female share (surgical) | 92% | 89% | -3 pp |
| Female share (non-surgical) | 87% | 83% | -4 pp |
| Male growth rate (surgical) | +3%/yr | +8%/yr | +5 pp |
| Male growth rate (non-surgical) | +5%/yr | +12%/yr | +7 pp |
Male cosmetic procedure adoption is accelerating, driven by reduced stigma, social media influence, and the popularity of specific procedures among men (hair transplants, jawline treatments, Botox).
Technology Trends Driving Procedure Growth
1. RF Microneedling
Radiofrequency microneedling (Morpheus8, Potenza, Vivace, Genius) has been the standout technology trend of 2024-2025. Growth of 22-28% YoY is driven by:
- Social media visibility (particularly TikTok and Instagram)
- Minimal downtime (2-5 days vs. weeks for ablative laser)
- Versatility (face, neck, body, acne scars, skin tightening)
- Accessible price point ($800-1,500 per session in the US)
2. Biostimulators
Collagen biostimulators (Sculptra/poly-L-lactic acid, Radiesse/calcium hydroxylapatite, and newer options like Ellanse) are growing 20-26% as patients seek:
- Longer-lasting results than hyaluronic acid fillers (12-24 months vs. 6-12 months)
- More natural-looking volume restoration
- Gradual improvement rather than immediate change
3. Polynucleotides/PDRN
Polynucleotide (PN) injectable treatments, popular in South Korea and Europe for several years, are entering Western markets rapidly. Growth of 35-50% reflects:
- Skin quality improvement (not just volume)
- Biocompatible, regenerative mechanism
- Minimal side effects
- Compatible with other treatments
4. AI-Assisted Treatment Planning
AI tools for facial analysis and treatment planning are being adopted by an estimated 15-20% of aesthetic practices. While not a procedure themselves, these tools are:
- Improving consultation conversion rates
- Enabling more accurate outcome simulation
- Standardizing assessment across practitioners
Regional Variations
United States
The US continues to lead in total procedure volume and revenue. The GLP-1 effect is most pronounced here given the high adoption rate of weight loss medications. Non-surgical procedures dominate by volume, but surgical revenue remains strong.
South Korea
South Korea sets global trends in non-surgical innovation. Polynucleotide treatments, HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound), and thread lifts originated or were popularized in the Korean market. The Korean influence on global aesthetic trends continues through K-beauty culture and social media.
Brazil
Brazil has maintained its position as the #2 country by surgical procedure volume. However, BBL demand has declined more sharply here than globally, reflecting both safety regulation and cultural trend shifts.
United Kingdom
The UK has seen significant growth in non-surgical procedures following updated regulations requiring practitioner registration. The “Save Face” register and new government oversight have increased consumer confidence in the market.
Middle East
Dubai and Riyadh are experiencing rapid growth in premium aesthetics. The Middle Eastern market favors high-end, brand-name treatments and has been an early adopter of biostimulators and exosome therapies.
Five-Year Forecast (2026-2030)
| Trend | Confidence | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Post-GLP-1 body contouring continues to grow | High | +15-25% annual growth in body contouring surgical procedures |
| RF microneedling becomes standard of care | High | Replaces many fractional laser cases for skin rejuvenation |
| HA filler market matures and fragments | Medium-High | Growth slows to 2-4%, niche products differentiate |
| Polynucleotide/regenerative treatments expand | Medium | 25-40% annual growth as evidence base builds |
| Male aesthetics accelerates | High | Male share reaches 20-25% of non-surgical market by 2030 |
| CoolSculpting continues to decline | Medium-High | Eventually limited to niche use cases |
| AI treatment planning becomes standard | Medium | 50%+ practice adoption by 2030 |
| Breast augmentation growth stalls | Medium | Cultural preferences continue shifting toward natural |
For related data, see our global cosmetic procedure pricing report and beauty industry market size forecast. Those considering specific treatments can explore our Botox vs. Dysport vs. Xeomin comparison, non-surgical face lift options, and full face rejuvenation guide. Our science of skin aging article explains the biological processes behind many of these treatments.
Sources
- International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), Global Survey 2024-2025, isaps.org
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 2025 Procedural Statistics Report, plasticsurgery.org
- British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), Annual Audit 2025, baaps.org.uk
- Allergan Aesthetics (AbbVie), Market Data and Earnings Reports 2025, abbvie.com
- RealSelf, Cosmetic Procedure Trend Report 2025, realself.com
- Statista, Cosmetic Procedures Market Data, statista.com
- American Med Spa Association (AmSpa), State of the Industry 2025, americanmedspa.org
- Galderma, Restylane/Sculptra Market Reports, galderma.com
- Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (KSAPS), Annual Statistics, ksaps.or.kr
- National Institutes of Health (NIH), GLP-1 and Body Composition Studies, nih.gov
- McKinsey & Company, The State of Beauty 2026, mckinsey.com
- Merz Aesthetics, Global Market Data, merz.com
Report compiled by Glow Journal Editorial. Data current as of March 2026. Procedure statistics are estimates compiled from multiple industry sources. This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.