*All statistical data and images in this article are credited to ISAPS*

The 2023 International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) global survey highlights key statistics and trends in the field of aesthetic and cosmetic procedures worldwide. This article summarises these findings to provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape in surgical and non-surgical procedures with a focus on both global and South African data.

Global Statistics

Globally, the top five surgical procedures in 2023 were:

Liposuction: 2,237,966 procedures (-2.9% from 2022)
Breast Augmentation: 1,892,777 procedures (-13.0% from 2022)
Eyelid Surgery: 1,746,946 procedures (+24.0% from 2022)
Abdominoplasty: 1,153,539 procedures (-2.3% from 2022)
Rhinoplasty: 1,148,559 procedures (+21.6% from 2022)

Non-surgical procedures saw a significant number of treatments as well, with the top five being:

Botulinum Toxin: 8,877,991 procedures (-3.7% from 2022)
Hyaluronic Acid: 5,564,866 procedures (+29.1% from 2022)
Hair Removal: 1,608,447 procedures (-10.6% from 2022)
Non-Surgical Skin Tightening: 831,583 procedures (+13.3% from 2022)
Non-Surgical Fat Reduction: 631,212 procedures (-18.9% from 2022)

Gender and age also play a significant role in the distribution of these procedures. For women, the most popular surgical procedures included liposuction, breast augmentation, and eyelid surgery, while non-surgical procedures were dominated by botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid treatments. Men favoured eyelid surgery, gynecomastia, and liposuction as their top surgical choices, with botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid leading in non-surgical options.

South African Statistics

In South Africa, the total number of aesthetic procedures performed in 2023 was 85,869. Breaking this down, the statistics reveal the following insights:

Surgical Procedures (37,383):

Face & Head: 18,269 procedures
- Eyelid Surgery: 5,864
- Fat Grafting – Face: 3,397
- Rhinoplasty: 1,707
Breast: 12,405 procedures
- Breast Augmentation: 4,749
- Breast Reduction: 3,279
Body & Extremities: 6,709 procedures
- Liposuction: 3,481
- Abdominoplasty: 1,808

Non-Surgical Procedures (48,486):

Injectables: 42,757 procedures
- Botulinum Toxin: 29,643
- Hyaluronic Acid: 12,641
Facial Rejuvenation: 4,952 procedures
- Non-Surgical Skin Tightening: 3,414
- Chemical Peel: 1,149

Trends and Insights:

The data indicates that South Africa follows global trends, with botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid being the most popular non-surgical procedures.

Among surgical procedures, eyelid surgery, breast augmentation, and liposuction are highly favoured.

The rise in non-surgical skin tightening treatments also mirrors global preferences for less invasive aesthetic options.

Conclusion

The 2023 ISAPS survey underscores the growing demand and evolving trends in aesthetic and cosmetic procedures both globally and within South Africa. While surgical procedures remain popular, there is a significant lean towards non-surgical treatments, driven by advancements in technology and patient preferences for less invasive options. These insights are crucial for practitioners and stakeholders in the aesthetic medicine industry to adapt to market demands and continue providing cutting-edge treatments.

For further details and to view the 2023 ISAPS Global Survey in its entirety, including the press release, click here.

About ISAPS

Founded in 1970, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) is the world’s leading professional body for board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeons.

Regarded as the leading global authority on aesthetic and cosmetic surgery, ISAPS’ threefold mission is to offer Aesthetic Education Worldwide®, to provide accurate information to the public, and to promote patient safety.

ISAPS membership includes the world’s best and most respected reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgeons in over 117 countries. Through its rigorous membership requirements, ISAPS plastic surgeons are considered to be among the most qualified surgeons in their respective countries. Furthermore, ISAPS has become the gold standard for providing continuing aesthetic education to its members, providing training, and sponsoring scientific meetings around the world.

A full list of ISAPS plastic surgeons can be found online at www.isaps.org.

The Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons of Southern Africa (APRASSA) is a Global Alliance Partner of ISAPS.

Rochelle Friedman

Aesthetic Appointment | Website

Rochelle is the founder and driving force behind Aesthetic Appointment. With a passion for the aesthetics and pro-ageing industry in South Africa, she has been in the aesthetic publishing industry since 2012, dedicated to creating a valuable platform for insights and knowledge, bridging the gap between patients and doctors - delivering reliable, medical-based information. Rochelle firmly believes in the power of a good skincare regimen, especially when started at home, and is committed to educating consumers about the myriad of treatments, procedures, and products available to them.