The Most Performed Aesthetic Procedures and the New Ranking

The global survey of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) compiles the procedures performed by plastic surgeons each year. It is one of the broadest regular data sources in the field.

According to the ISAPS 2024 Global Survey, in one year worldwide more than 17.4 million surgical and and 20.5 million non-surgical procedures were performed — around 38 million in total.

The most striking figure: a 42.5% rise in four years

The four-year rise in the total number of procedures is 42.5%. It is the most striking indicator of how fast the field is growing.

Several factors are considered together behind this rise: non-surgical treatments becoming more widespread and more accessible, the visibility effect of social media, the growth of health tourism, and the fact that these procedures are now more openly discussed.

The ranking of surgical procedures has changed

The most discussed finding of the report was eyelid surgery overtaking liposuction to take first place . With 2.1 million procedures, it heads the list.

What does this shift tell us?

The ranking shifting towards facial surgery is the numerical counterpart of a trend that has been discussed for several years. A number of explanations are considered together:

• A shift in age group. Facial surgery is generally chosen by an older age group, and an ageing population is enlarging that group.
• The effect rapid weight loss leaves on the face. Loss of facial volume and skin laxity after weight loss is creating a new area of demand.
• The spread of video calls. Seeing oneself more often on screen is suggested to have increased interest in the facial area.
• A shorter recovery. Eyelid surgery has a relatively short recovery period, which makes it easier to choose.

On the non-surgical side, nothing has changed

Among non-surgical procedures, botulinum toxin is far ahead in first place with 7.8 million treatments — in women, in men and across all age groups.

That non-surgical procedures now outnumber surgical ones tells us something about the general direction of the field: less invasive, shorter recovery, more frequent repetition.

What these figures mean — and what they do not

What they do mean

• Which procedures have become widespread worldwide
• Which way the trend has shifted
• How fast the field is growing
• That non-surgical treatments carry more weight than before

What they do not mean

• That a procedure is right for you. Popularity is not a medical criterion.
• That a procedure is safe. Volume and risk profile are different things; the most frequently performed procedure is not the safest one.
• The quality of a procedure's outcome. The data count how many procedures were performed, not satisfaction or outcome.
• The distribution in Türkiye. Global data vary from country to country.

The limits of the data

Knowing the methodology is necessary to read the figures correctly:

• The figures are based on procedures reported by plastic surgeons .
• Procedures performed by other specialties are not included
• Centres that do not report are outside the scope
• So the true numbers are higher than those reported
• Survey participation varies from country to country, which makes comparisons between countries difficult

Frequently Asked Questions

This content is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Every person is different; suitability and the process can only be determined by a personal examination and consultation.

Op. Dr. Yasemin Aydınlı

Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon

Offers personalized aesthetic solutions with a priority on naturalness and balance.