Cosmetic Surgery Statistics UK
Cosmetic surgery continues to be a popular choice in the UK, with trends evolving each year in terms of preferred treatments, demographics and the factors influencing people to go under the knife.
So, which procedures are the most common, and what drives Brits to have cosmetic surgery? We’ve gathered the latest statistics and insights to highlight the current state of cosmetic surgery in the UK and to help you make informed decisions.
At Patient Claim Line, we have conducted research into the nation’s attitudes towards facial cosmetic surgery and the factors that influence individuals’ decisions when considering a procedure.
Alongside this, we have collated recent data from trusted sources within the cosmetic surgery industry, including the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), to bring you the most accurate, up-to-date picture of cosmetic surgery in the UK.
How common is cosmetic surgery in the UK?
Recent figures from the BAAPS 2024 Annual Audit show that cosmetic surgery in the UK continues to rise, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
- In 2024, there were 27,462 surgical cosmetic procedures recorded across the UK, a 5% increase from 2023.
- Women accounted for 93.5% of all cosmetic surgeries in 2024, with a total of 25,663 procedures performed (+6% from 2023). Eyelid surgery showed the most notable increase (+15%), overtaking abdominoplasty in popularity. Brow lifts (+25%) and thigh lifts (+25%) also saw sharp rises.
- Men underwent 1,799 procedures in 2024, a 1.5% decrease from 2023. Rhinoplasty remained the most popular male procedure (332 surgeries), despite a 14% drop. However, face and neck lifts surged by 26%, suggesting a growing interest in anti-ageing procedures among men.
What Are The Most Sought-After Cosmetic Procedures?
The top 5 cosmetic procedures of 2024 were revealed as follows:
- Breast Augmentation: 5,202 (+6%)
- Breast Reduction: 4,707 (+1%)
- Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery): 3,138 (+13%)
- Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): 2,997 (+6%)
- Liposuction: 2,623 (+8%)
Factors influencing surgical cosmetic procedures:
According to research carried out at Patient Claim Line, almost 2 in 5 Brits (38%) say they feel societal pressure to improve their appearance. Younger generations are especially affected by online and social media influences:
- 58% of 18-24 year olds and 55% of 25-34 year olds say social pressure influences their desire for cosmetic surgery.
- Women are more likely to be influenced by social media (28%), while men are more likely to be influenced by injury-related reasons (42%).
Top influences for Brits considering cosmetic surgery:
- Fixing an injury: 33%
- Social media: 33%
- Peers: 32%
- Influencers: 30%
- Filters (Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok): 30%
- Bullying: 29%
The impact of social media on cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK
The rise in interest towards cosmetic procedures can be linked to social media trends perpetuated not only by celebrities and influencers but also by the platforms themselves.
“Instagram Face” and “Snapchat Dysmorphia” are two terms that have been coined in reaction to how the use of makeup, cosmetic surgery and filters on social media has popularised specific standards of beauty, particularly among women.
Features on social media, such as facial enhancement and filters, have been criticised for portraying and encouraging unrealistic beauty aesthetics that could not be achieved in real life without the use of cosmetic surgery and could lead to some wanting or attempting to recreate these looks at the detriment of their health and safety.
There are over 100,000 posts on TikTok under #cosmeticsurgery in which users share their knowledge and experiences of these procedures.
Out of the top surgical procedures for men and women, the following were found to have the most posts on the platform:
- Rhinoplasty: 173,100 posts
- Facelift: 125,900 posts
- Liposuction: 111,900 posts
- Brow lift: 59,500 posts
- Breast augmentation: 36,300 posts
- Breast reduction: 34,500 posts
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery): 18,700 posts
- Breast implants: 17,500 posts
- Neck lift: 17,400 posts
- Abdominoplasty: 17,000 posts
- Fat transfer: 7,400 posts
- Otoplasty: 3,000 posts
- Labiaplasty: 3,000 posts
- Brachioplasty: 2,700 posts
- Thigh lift: 2,000 posts
- Lower body lift: 2,000 posts
The rise & risks of cosmetic surgery tourism:
Medical tourism continues to grow, with the global industry expected to reach $97.9 billion USD by 2030, and cosmetic surgery accounting for roughly 25% of that market.
However, the BAAPS has warned of a 94% rise in UK corrective surgeries for procedures carried out abroad over the past three years.
Although there are risks associated with any cosmetic procedure and there are plenty of legitimate and safe options for cosmetic surgery abroad, it’s important to do adequate research before choosing to have this kind of procedure outside of the UK.
The following are steps that the NHS and Royal College of Surgeons of England have outlined before undergoing cosmetic surgery abroad:
- Be cautious of holiday packages: You should ensure that you consult directly with a surgeon and have seen the hospital where you will be operated on before considering a holiday package. Attempting to partake in any typical holiday activities such as swimming, sunbathing or drinking alcohol could increase the risk of complications post-surgery.
- Do your research: Look into the choices of surgeons and hospitals on offer to learn more about what standards they are regulated by and how they may differ from the UK. Find out the qualifications, training, length of experience and number of procedures that your potential surgeon has performed, as well as what language they speak, to help you make an informed decision.
- Ask questions: Book a consultation with your surgeon beforehand to give yourself an understanding of what the procedure involves, what the limitations are, what the alternatives are and what risks or complications you may experience. You should have two consultations with your surgeon before surgery.
- Prepare for complications: Make sure you have everything in place should you encounter any complications. Check whether the surgeon or hospital has insurance that could cover you, and what your travel insurance covers. Ensure that you have the necessary funds should you need to receive corrective surgery abroad and plan how you will travel home in an emergency.
- Consider your aftercare: It’s important to have clarity on what your aftercare package covers and what steps you need to take when recovering from your surgery. Air travel after surgery can increase the risk of developing a blood clot, so it is recommended that Brits avoid travel for 5-7 days after procedures such as breast surgery and liposuction, and 9-10 days after facial procedures or tummy tucks.
How concerned are Brits about cosmetic surgery risks?
Our survey found that 78% of Brits are concerned about the potential risks associated with cosmetic surgery.
- 82% of men express a concern compared to 73% of women
- Those aged 45-54 are the most worried demographic (83%)
If you have unfortunately been left to face the consequences of a botched or negligent cosmetic surgery, you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact our specialist team today to find out how we can help you make a cosmetic surgery negligence claim.