Published on November 2023
Cosmetic Surgery Amongst Baby Boomers
Cosmetic Surgery Trends-In General
Self-improvement takes its shape in many forms, whether dieting, exercising, meditating, reading, or picking up a new hobby. With that said, one self-improvement element has become more mainstream over the last two decades-Cosmetic Plastic Surgery.
Whether it be due to a culture where appearance seemingly drives societal norms (e.g., Hollywood, social media) or where “selfies” and virtual meetings (e.g., Zoom) have become more commonplace, one thing is for sure, that is Cosmetic Procedures have become increasingly popular over the last several years, especially for baby boomers.
According to The Aesthetic Society’s National Databank of Statistics, nearly 1.5 million cosmetic surgical procedures were performed in 2019, marking a 6.2% increase compared to 2015. Similarly, there has been a 13.3% rise in non-surgical cosmetic procedures since 2015, with nearly 3.1 million procedures performed in 2019.
Cosmetic Surgery Trends – Baby Boomers
Older adults (ages 51 and up) represent many patients undergoing cosmetic procedures, constituting 39% of the aesthetic surgical patient population. Nearly 571,000 cosmetic surgical procedures were performed in this older population, with some of the most popular procedures being Facelift, Eyelid Surgery, and Liposuction, amongst others.
Regarding non-surgical therapy, older adults underwent nearly 1.5 million procedures in 2019, representing roughly 47% of the non-surgical aesthetic patient population. Among these non-surgical interventions, some of the most common procedures performed included injectables such as botulinum toxin (e.g., Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau) and a wide variety of dermal fillers from reputable companies such as Allergan (Juvederm), Galderma (Restylane, Sculptra), and Merz (Belotero, Radiesse), to name a few.
Why are Cosmetic Procedures so popular amongst older adults?Cosmetic Surgery has become a widely accepted practice for older adults, including men and women alike, and there are many reasons for this increasing popularity over the last several years.
For one, the social stigma surrounding the aesthetic plastic surgery field is nearly gone. This is especially true as more and more people, including older adults, focus on their outward appearance regarding their health and self-improvement. Perhaps the Baby Boomers understand what scientists have known for years: attractive people tend to be more successful in life.
For instance, data suggests more attractive people tend to be more successful in the workplace. For that reason, Baby Boomers often use cosmetic procedures to remain competitive in the workplace, where younger colleagues dominate. For other older adults, an improved appearance may restore their confidence and help improve their love lives.
Another reason for Baby Boomers’ increased participation in Cosmetic Procedures includes the widespread use of social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram), which has opened the door for more straightforward sharing about one’s Aesthetic Plastic Surgery “experience.” This added familiarity and comfortability with cosmetic procedures promotes increased participation by the older adult population.
Whatever the reason, the Baby boomers represent many patients who experience all the incredible benefits of undergoing cosmetic procedures to improve or maintain one’s appearance.
WHAT IF I’M INTERESTED IN COSMETIC PROCEDURES?
Whether you are considering a facelift to look your best for your daughter’s upcoming wedding or are interested in receiving filler under your eyes to look less tired, you should consult a physician with specialty training in the area you want to improve. Furthermore, ensure your doctor is well-versed in surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures to guarantee a comprehensive evaluation. Lastly, choose a surgeon whom you trust.
Lastly, choose a surgeon whom you trust.
There are few things more important than
your relationship with your doctor.
In Good Health,
Blake Raggio, M.D
Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
