In a sweeping wave of change, cosmetic surgery has found a fervent following among the world’s younger demographic, particularly those belonging to the age group of 21 to 30 and India is no different. If we go by experts, they have seen at least 3 times growth in the number of cosmetic surgeries being done around the country in the last decade.
The surge in cosmetic procedures among young Indians has gone beyond the traditional realm of Botox, with newer interventions like body contouring, face sculpting, and nose jobs gaining unprecedented popularity. Liposuction, crowned as the most sought-after cosmetic surgical procedure in 2021 by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, witnessed a remarkable 24.8% increase, surpassing breast augmentation by a substantial margin with over 1.9 million procedures performed.
The accessibility and acceptance of cosmetic surgery globally have played a pivotal role in this cultural shift. In countries like South Korea, parents commonly gift their children cosmetic surgeries like blepharoplasty as graduation presents. The emphasis on physical appearance in professional settings is evident, with 80% of job recruiters in South Korea considering it an important factor in candidate screening.
Dr. Amit Gupta, Founder and Director, Divine Aesthetics, echoes this sentiment, stating, “The rising trend of cosmetic surgery among Gen Z is propelled by their awareness about cosmetic procedures and clarity with their aims. Their desire for self-expression and individuality can also be seen as the driving force behind a clear set of expectations while opting for surgery. The younger adults view these procedures as a means to align their physical appearance with their inner identity, representing their authentic selves.”
The transformational journey doesn’t stop at individual experiences. Social media influencers are actively contributing to the normalization of cosmetic surgeries by sharing their procedures with millions of followers. This openness has ushered in a new era where Gen Z confidently discusses and celebrates their cosmetic enhancements, marking a shift from secrecy to transparency. The social media boom has enabled accessibility to information which has led patients (customers) to take mindful decisions when it comes to cosmetic surgery and understanding their needs. As social media continues to expand its reach mostly to the younger generation, we might just see a rise in aesthetic surgery because of the need it arouses to achieve desired looks. However, in these times this surge will be a bit easier to sustain due to technical advancements and more skilful doctors present in the country.
The numbers further underscore India’s emergence as a significant player in the global cosmetic surgery arena. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) reports that India ranks as the fourth most popular hotspot for plastic surgeries. In 2022 alone, a staggering 9,35,487 plastic surgeries were performed in the country, contributing to 4.3% of such procedures globally.
The global aesthetic surgery market has seen a significant increase in recent years, with a 33% rise in procedures reported by ISAPS between 2017 to 2021. With 75% of plastic surgeons in the USA noting a spike in clients aged under 30, and Gen Z proudly sharing their journeys, it’s about time that in our country as well this becomes a norm rather than a trend.
As Dr Gupta asserts, “The future holds exciting possibilities as we witness a transformation in self-perception and beauty standards, driven by the dynamic spirit of the younger generation. While Generation Z is all about self-expression, it is important to know that the middle-aged group, who now have a settled life as well financial stability, desire to achieve perfection in terms of their natural looks. Lastly, the ever-evolving space of cosmetic surgery and the safety that it guarantees has obtained great results in this domain, encouraging a major acceptability towards body enhancement.”
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