The Annual Audit figures for cosmetic surgical procedures in the UK in 2016 were released by BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) on 13th February 2017. The headline figures suggest there is a ‘dip’ – no, a BIG drop – in the number of procedures in that year. A whopping 40% overall reduction is reported – with some procedures, such as Browlift, dipping by 70% and more.
While the economy is reasonably steady, the global uncertainties may be making the people to be cautious in what they are willing to spend. The steady rise in non-surgical procedures such as Botox and fillers have bucked the trend – possibly as many people may wish to spare the pain and downtime from open surgical procedures as opposed to relatively simpler, non-surgical interventions.
It is also possible that many surgeons are trimming down the variety of procedures they offer – but concentrate on select procedures to improve the outcome and satisfaction for their patients. This should be a good thing for the patients – as the expertise is concentrated and surgeons don’t want to ‘dabble’ in those procedures that they are not comfortable in performing.
It is not all gloomy for cosmetic surgery in 2016! Some areas that can only be improved by surgery, such as ‘tummy tuck’, continue to be popular – in fact, this procedure in men went UP by 47% in 2016 – the only surgical procedure to show an upwards turn!
It is also interesting that such a downturn in surgical figures may be different in regional basis. Perhaps, the dip is mainly felt in the South East and London regions – while other regions may be either steady or even, showing an upward trend. It is possible to say that we are NOT all in this together till we get a regional break down of these figures!!