Cosmetic Surgery Trends

With searches for procedures such as ‘labiaplasty’ increasing by almost 70% in the last two years, cosmetic surgery is becoming more popular as beauty trends evolve.

We want to answer the question: What is the UK’s favourite cosmetic procedure? By analysing internal data and Google search volumes, we will reveal the nation’s most in-demand treatments and the most frequently asked questions about cosmetic surgery.

We will examine every option, looking at the favourite cosmetic procedures in the country’s largest cities.

BBL

Annual UK searches: 708,000

The BBL procedure is the most searched cosmetic treatment in the UK, with 708,000 searches. Surgical BBLs, known as the “Brazillian bum lift,” involve inserting silicone-filled implants and/or removing fat from other parts of the body before injecting it into the buttocks. Non-surgical BBLs involve injecting dermal filler into the buttocks, which is often composed of hyaluronic acid.

An increasing number of UK patients are continuing to seek this procedure from non-board-certified doctors in the UK and abroad. However, this increases risks and complications, including sepsis and deep vein thrombosis. Patients should seek out certified plastic surgeons with plenty of experience to perform the procedure, as they are prepared with the right methods to reduce the danger involved in carrying out BBLs.

Microneedling

Annual UK searches: 667,000

Microneedling has also seen a high influx of searches in the last year, with 667,000 searches. Microneedling (also known as skin needling or collagen induction therapy) is a treatment that uses small needles to cause tiny punctures in the skin. These small contact points encourage the body to create a wound-healing response and renew the skin cells. In the process of repairing, collagen and elastin are triggered, giving an immediate plumping effect. Microneedling is a popular no-downtime treatment and has become a leading simple procedure to stimulate collagen production.

Skin tag removal

Annual UK searches: 603,600

Skin tags, or acrochordons in medical terms, are excess skin that appears anywhere on your body. It is a growth of fibres from loose collagen that has been stuck to the skin or sometimes a result of rubbing against skin, jewellery, or even clothes. Skin tags usually grow in your neck, eyelids, or underarms.

There are a variety of methods for skin tag removal, including Cryotherapy (freezing), Ligation (tying off), Cauterization (burning), or Excision (cutting). The procedure might be uncomfortable, but local anaesthesia can help, as well as choosing a professional clinic. These experts know how to handle it correctly, using advanced techniques and minimally invasive procedures.

Labiaplasty

Search increase between 2022 and 2024: 68%

The labiaplasty procedure is rising in demand in the UK, as searches have rocketed by 68% since September 2022.

Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the size or shape of the labia, which are the folds of skin in the vulva. It can be done for a number of reasons, including pain or discomfort caused by excessive tissue, cosmetic reasons, or gender-affirming surgery. It can be performed using a local or general anaesthetic, and the procedure usually takes one to two hours.

According to a national audit by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, 31,057 cosmetic procedures took place in 2022, up 102% from the previous year. Labiaplasty was among the most popular procedures, with 907 performed.

Necktite

Search increase between 2022 and 2024: 64%

Searches for Necktite rose by 64% since 2022, going from 780 over a year to 1,280.

Necktite is a non-surgical treatment using radiofrequency to remove fat and tighten the skin in the neck and jaw area.

Abdominoplasty

Search increase between 2022 and 2024: 49%

Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, was searched over 54,000 times in the UK over the last twelve months, an increase of 49% from the previous year.

The procedure removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen to tighten the abdominal muscles and make the abdomen firmer. It can treat loose skin that can’t be removed through exercise, such as after pregnancy or significant weight loss. It can also help to treat stretch marks. Tummy tucks are usually only recommended for people with a healthy body mass index (BMI).

London Most searched treatment: BBL - 129,400 annual searches

With London searches for ‘BBL’ reaching over 129,400 by August 2024, it is becoming clear that the procedure is taking the city and the nation by storm. In the UK, BBL surgery can cost between £6,000 and £12,000, and the surgery becomes apparent after a six-month recovery period. The Centre for Surgery reported that the majority of people who opt for BBL surgery are between the ages of 20 and 40. Younger patients tend to recover quicker because of their body resilience and quicker healing abilities, which play a part in achieving a natural result.

The most popular cosmetic procedures for females

Botox - 2 Areas

3,499 female procedures since 2018

Since 2018, the Harley Street Skin Clinic has welcomed 4,235 patients for Botox treatments (in two areas), and women made 83% of bookings. Botox, also known as Botulinum Toxin, is an anti-wrinkle treatment that effectively helps reduce the visibility of facial lines and wrinkles, including frown lines and forehead wrinkles. According to a press release from the Department of Health and Social Care, an estimated 900,000 Botox injections are carried out in the UK each year.

The most popular cosmetic procedures for males

Spot injection

935 male procedures since 2018

Spot injections are the most popular male treatment, with 935 procedures since 2018. However, female patients still far outweighed males with 2,186 treatments. Spot injections, also called the ‘cortisone injection’ involves using a very thin needle to inject the steroid into the affected area. Cysts and nodules cause lesions, and the steroid shot helps heal them within just a few days.

The most and least common age to undergo cosmetic procedures

Age: 34 - 1,756 procedures since 2018

Since 2018, people at the age of 34 have undergone the most cosmetic procedures, with 1,756 treatments. The most popular treatment for 34-year-olds is spot injections, with 230 bookings made.

People at the age of 90 booked the least procedures, with just one blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) booking made in the last six years. According to a 2022 survey by the Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, 60% of people aged 26 to 35 in the UK have considered cosmetic surgery, while 50% of people aged 35 to 50 have considered it.

The year that saw the most cosmetic procedures carried out

2019: 11,428 treatments

In 2019, almost 11,430 bookings were made for cosmetic procedures. According to BAAPS’ 2019 audit of the cosmetic surgery industry, nearly 27,000 procedures took place, though breast augmentation (6,900 surgeries) and reduction (4,245) remained the most and second most popular procedures, respectively.

The region undergoing the most cosmetic procedures

Greater London: 42,212 cosmetic treatments since 2018

Greater London is the area booking the most cosmetic procedures, with 42,212 treatments booked since 2018. As the private hospital is based in London, this is to be expected; however, as mentioned above, London is also searching for treatments the most. The most common procedure is Botox in two areas, with 3,313 procedures.

The region that underwent the least treatments was the Isle of Man, with just 15 bookings made. The most popular treatment chosen by people in this region, with four bookings, is the Cinderella Lift, which is a combined treatment of Botox and dermal fillers in one. It is designed to provide an instant lift to the face, specifically in the jawline and cheeks area.

What is a BBL? Annual UK searches: 141,800

Questions surrounding the BBL procedure were the most searched in the UK, with 141,800 searches in the last twelve months. In 2018, studies by the BAAPS found that surgeons ascribe the BBL phenomenon as a possible result of marketing campaigns, particularly targeting young people through social media. With celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Cardi B flaunting their curves on their Instagram feeds, many women will be influenced to achieve a curvier look.

Is microneedling safe? Increase between September 2022 and August 2024: 118%

Microneedling is becoming a standard cosmetic treatment, highly recommended by celebrities and beauty influencers. Its popularity stems from its skin benefits, minimal discomfort, and growing uses. It has been known to help with a variety of skin concerns, such as scars, wrinkles, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone. It has also been found to help with hair growth for people with alopecia.

Microneedling is generally safe for most people, but it does have some risks of side effects, including bleeding, bruising, redness, itching, and peeling. These side effects usually go away on their own after a few days or weeks. The procedure is not, however, recommended for those with active acne, active herpes labialis, moderate to severe skin diseases like eczema, weakened immune systems, or skin cancer in the treatment area.

• BAAPS: BAAPS Gluteal Fat Grafting Safety Review - and Recommendations (2022)
• Sk:n Clinics: Microneedling (2024)
• Harley Street Skin: Skin Tag Removal London (2024)
• Centre for Surgery: Brazilian Butt Lift Statistics 2024
• Gov:uk: Consultation launched into unregulated cosmetic procedures (2023)
• Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors: New Survey Data: Cosmetic Surgery Knowledge (2022)
• Aesthetic Medicine: Number of Brits having plastic surgery has decreased (2020)
• BAAPS: The Bottom Line (2018)
• FDA: Microneedling Devices: Getting to the Point on Benefits, Risks and Safety (2021)

Methodology:
Harley Street Skin Clinic looked at internal data surrounding the total number of bookings and procedures performed between 2018 and 2024.

This was then broken down by:

• Type of treatment
• Year and month
• Age
• Gender

A list of cosmetic treatments offered by Harley Street Clinic was used to find the number of Google Keyword Planner UK searches between September 2022 and August 2024 before working out the search increases.

By taking the 30 most populated cities from The Geographist, we used Keyword Planner to search each treatment by city to find each location’s favourite.

We took a list of the most frequently asked questions about the most-searched procedures from multiple articles including Centre For Surgery and Top Doctors. We used these search terms to find the number of UK searches between September 2022 and August 2024 to calculate the increases.