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The future of plastic surgery

I am often asked, especially by trainees, if I think there is a future in plastic surgery. As a specialty, we have been under siege for a long time. Aesthetic surgery is plagued by “wannabees”, surgeons from other specialties, and even non-surgeons, who want a piece of the pie. I have even been told by patients that facial plastic surgeons (the majority of whom are otolaryngologists) have said to them “Why go to a general plastic surgeon when I am purely a facial plastic surgeon.” However this turf war is not confined to aesthetic surgery... Traditionally plastic surgeons have developed an innovation in a particular field [1,2]. Another specialty starts to copy what we have done and eventually…

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Articles of Interest

Attitudes, Influences and Perceptions towards Plastic Surgery amongst Medical Students

Plastic surgery is a dynamic and evolving field but remains poorly understood due to lack of knowledge, media misconceptions and recent changes to medical undergraduate curricula. To address issues around student interest and recruitment into the speciality, it is imperative to understand the factors influencing medical students and future clinicians.

Game Changers: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Innovations of the Last 100 Years

Innovation allows surgical specialties to optimize and expand practices, which is especially important in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Innovation changes the way reality can be manipulated. In the case of microsurgery, vascularized tissue could literally be moved from one part of the body to the next. This created a new field and a new way to think about restoring the human form.

Gen X Is Getting Plastic Surgery Right

They came of age without fillers or selfies, now they’re approaching aesthetic interventions in their own unique way.

New plastic surgery statistics reveal trends toward body enhancement

The statistics also reveal a rise in new trends in body-shaping procedures, with a spike in non-invasive fat reduction, as well as surgeries such as breast augmentations and liposuction.

Nip. Tuck. Or Else

It’s not just America. In Seoul, Beirut and Rio de Janeiro, women proudly show off bandages in public as if they’re Birkin bags. One in five South Korean women has had cosmetic surgery. In Venezuela, being an “operated woman” is so common, many of the mannequins have D cups. Five years ago, Brazil made plastic surgery tax deductible; officials argued that many procedures contribute to physical and mental health. And Iran, where women cover their hair and bodies but not their noses, leads the world in rhinoplasty.

No More Stigma Against Plastic Surgery, Please

More and more people may be doing it, but are they telling their spouses, their friends, their kids? The stigma around plastic surgery hasn't gone away, and even individuals who share child or marriage woes may be hesitant on the beauty score. "There are still plenty of people who don't share their plastic surgery, even if they talk about almost everything else," says Dr. Diller.

Plastic surgery and specialty creep: an analysis of publication trends

Many surgical specialties have had pioneering influences from plastic surgeons. However, many of these areas of practice have evolved to include surgeons from diverse training backgrounds. This raises the question as to whether the prominence of other specialties in clinical practice translates to greater research productivity in these areas.

So You Want to Be a Plastic Surgeon

So you want to be a plastic surgeon. Maybe you like the idea of making millions, working with celebrities, doing boob jobs and facelifts – not so fast. We’re going to debunk the public perception myths of what it means to be a plastic surgeon, and give it to you straight. This is the reality of plastic surgery, and we’ll help you decide if it’s a good field for you.

The Future of Plastic Surgery According to VICE

Whether or not nanoliposuction, vampire facelifts, or other new-wave procedures takes off is less up to the doctors and more to the marketing professionals who peddle their wares.

The future of plastic surgery: How artificial intelligence is revolutionizing aspects of the specialty

As plastic surgery's popularity continues to grow, innovative technologies – including artificial intelligence (AI) – are increasingly intersecting with this medical discipline.

The history of facial plastic surgeons

Historically, facial plastic surgery, a surgical discipline focused on reconstructing and enhancing facial structures, has experienced a multifaceted evolution, interweaving with societal changes, technological advancements, and shifting aesthetics. Tracing its origins to ancient civilizations, this field has expanded its scope and refined its techniques, becoming an integral part of contemporary healthcare.

The idea of beauty is always shifting. Today, it’s more inclusive than ever.

Whom we deem ‘beautiful’ is a reflection of our values. Now, a more expansive world has arrived where ‘we are all beautiful.’

The Transformation Of Perception: Plastic Surgery's New Era

In recent years, we've witnessed a monumental shift in how plastic surgery is perceived and embraced in society. Once shrouded in secrecy and stigma, cosmetic procedures have now stepped into the limelight, showcasing not only the technical advancements within the field but also a changing attitude towards self-improvement and aesthetic enhancements.

These Will Be the Biggest Plastic Surgery Trends of 2025

A massive aesthetic shift is coming, bringing an uptick in certain surgeries with it.

Who’s the best doctor for a tummy tuck or eyelid surgery? The latest review doesn’t actually say

Recommendations to identify who has the appropriate education and skills to perform cosmetic surgery – a GP with or without extra surgical qualifications, a specialist plastic surgeon, or doctors with other titles – may take time to finalise and determine. That’s because plans to identify certain doctors as “endorsed” practitioners – effectively validating their ability to competently perform cosmetic surgery – hinge on the medical board identifying and approving what skills and education will be needed.