Discover the Hottest Plastic Surgery Trends for 2024!
Just a year ago, social media was brimming with wannabe Kardashians flaunting that quintessential glam: straight, shiny hair, plump lips, dazzling white smiles, and those mesmerizing doe eyes that seemed to pop from endless coats of mascara. But guess what? The tides are turning. Thanks to the meteoric rise of Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications, that ultra-glam aesthetic is losing its allure. Even the iconic Kardashians are deflating, with their famous curves apparently shrinking. In the fast-paced world of plastic surgery, it’s all about the latest trends, and we consulted surgeons from coast to coast to uncover what clients are clamoring for now.
Less (Conspicuous) Is More …
“Lifts and breast reductions are gaining traction, along with tummy tucks to sculpt that sleek midsection,” reveals Darren Smith, a plastic surgeon from New York. He notes a whopping 25% increase in mini arm lifts—perfect for achieving that toned look without the scars associated with traditional procedures.
“I’ve seen a 20% rise in women opting for lifts compared to last year,” says Lyle Leipziger, the chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery at both North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. “And those requesting implants are only looking to go up one bra size.”
… But L.A. Is Gonna L.A.
Some things never change: L.A. is still all about those bigger breasts—on average, women there request 200 ccs more per implant than their East Coast counterparts, according to plastic surgeon Troy Pittman.
Safer Stuff
Pittman also reports a surge in demand for Motiva, the latest FDA-approved implants that promise enhanced biocompatibility. These beauties significantly lower the risk of ruptures or capsular contracture, making them a game-changer in the industry!
“Injectable Backlash”
The nation is experiencing a serious case of filler fatigue. Dr. Annie Chiu from Redondo Beach attributes this trend largely to social media. “We’re witnessing an injectable backlash; the filler market has taken a hit in 2024,” she explains. “Initially, everyone craved that perfectly contoured Instagram look, but now there’s a palpable fear of looking overdone. While some say L.A. is the epicenter of this trend, poorly done work isn’t exclusive to one city—it’s rampant everywhere, from Miami to Dallas. Even the Housewives of New York aren’t exactly the poster girls for subtlety.” Chiu recalls how Kristin Davis faced online backlash for appearing overfilled but later corrected her look, emerging even more fabulous.
Howard Sobel, a New York dermatologist, notes that his L.A. patients still desire a fuller, rounded face, while New Yorkers typically prefer a more understated look. “They want that exaggerated feminine charm that draws attention, but it doesn’t quite mesh with New York’s vibe. Patients often bring in images of celebrities they admire, yet their facial structures may not align,” he adds.
Facelifts Get a Facelift
Ironically, facelifts are now viewed as less invasive compared to injectables. Surgeons like Sean Alemi in New York are seeing a growing number of patients opting for facelifts, often forgoing fat grafting altogether. “I’m performing nearly 80% of my facelifts without any added fat these days. It’s a whole new era!” he asserts.
Fashionably Late
Traditionally, body work attracted women in their 20s to 40s, but there’s a noticeable trend of older individuals seeking procedures. “I now have women in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s coming in for breast and tummy work,” says Leipziger.
Start ‘Em Young
While it seems people are beginning their cosmetic journeys later in life, there’s also an uptick in youth seeking subtle enhancements. “It’s all about the tweakment movement,” declares Alemi. “Folks in their 40s are taking proactive steps against aging with local anesthetic procedures like eyelid lifts—refreshing without altering their facial contours.” Leipziger has noted a significant rise in mini facelifts requested by women in their 40s.
Dermatologist Soren White mentions that in L.A., it’s not uncommon for young adults in their late teens and early twenties to request fillers—almost like a rite of passage!
Your Wattage May Vary
When it comes to smiles, “L.A. favors a brighter, bolder ‘wow’ effect that doesn’t always prioritize natural aesthetics,” explains Larry Rosenthal, a notable New York dentist whose clientele includes the likes of Donald and Ivanka Trump. “New Yorkers typically seek a wider smile without making a scene.”
Dr. Marc Lowenberg, who has worked on the smiles of stars like Martha Stewart and Cindy Crawford, reveals that New York patients often request a more reserved approach compared to their West Coast counterparts. “I currently have a client who specifically told me he doesn’t want his smile to walk into the room before he does. The trend has shifted towards a more subtle look, while in L.A., smiles grab all the attention,” he states.
Cosmetic dentist Lana Rozenberg, who treats stars like Justin Theroux and Helena Christensen, notes that thanks to advancements in AI, patients are getting more involved in their smile transformations. “New software like Overjet and SmileFy allows patients to visualize their future smiles before committing to any procedures, making the journey more interactive and precise.”
Lowenberg adds that D.C. maintains a more understated approach to dental aesthetics. “Veneers here are typically more conservative, except for Joe Biden’s, which sparked some comments due to their extreme whiteness.”
Not So On-the-Nose
The demand for overly altered noses is waning as surgeons emphasize natural-looking results. “We strive to maintain structure; a tiny nose just doesn’t work for every face,” states Linda Li, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon featured on Dr. 90210.
I’ll Have What Tom Cruise Is Having
Buccal fat removal, once a go-to procedure for achieving chiseled facial contours, is now on the decline. “Fewer patients are requesting it nowadays due to concerns that it can accelerate aging and lead to a gaunt appearance,” notes Carl Truesdale, a Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon. Truesdale also observes a rising interest in enhancing the neck area, influenced by the youthful looks of stars like Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. “Men are opting for sharper jawlines through submandibular gland removal and muscle tightening,” he adds. (However, this controversial procedure has its critics due to its aggressiveness and potential impacts on saliva production.)
No More Fox Eye
Similarly, the trend for lateral brow lifts is declining, much to the relief of those who found the “fox eye” look less than appealing. “Last year, my clients were clamoring for Bella Hadid-style looks, but this year, the fox eye is falling out of favor,” Truesdale notes. Dr. Robert Schwarcz, a board-certified NY oculoplastic surgeon, observes that traditional severe brow lifts—which altered hairlines—are being replaced by subtler forehead adjustments. “The popularity of the temporal lift, which slightly lifts the brow tail, is on the rise. This technique enhances the upper eyelids without giving that overly surprised expression.”
This story originally appeared in the Nov. 20 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.
