New data released by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has revealed an 8% decline in the number of cosmetic surgeries carried out in the UK last year.

The overall decline has been associated with the rise in popularity of less invasive cosmetic enhancement options, including botox, dermal fillers and fat freezing.

Despite a decline (-8.6%) in the number of procedures carried out on women and a small increase (+0.3%) in the number of procedures carried out on men - the vast majority (91%) of more than 28,000 procedures were undergone by women last year.

Breast augmentations and reductions remain the most popular cosmetic procedures for females, in comparison to the same figures for 2016, and rhinoplasty was, again, the most common for males.

Michael Saul, from Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors, said: “Although this audit has only highlighted a small decline in UK cosmetic procedures, I hope that it represents an increased awareness and understanding that cosmetic surgery is a serious commitment and there are significant risks associated with going under the knife.

“While more easily-accessible or less invasive procedures on the market may have played a role in this decline, I urge anyone considering these options to be just as thorough in their research as, like surgical cosmetic procedures, they also pose certain risks.”

There was a notable difference in trends between the sexes, with men opting for more facial procedures whilst women chose more body procedures.

Consultant plastic surgeon and former BAAPS President, Rajiv Grover, has attributed this to changing societal trends including, “the media’s adoption and celebration of the more natural looking ‘dad bod’”, as well as the, “growing trend of activewear such as yoga pants and Lycra leggings being worn in everyday life; perhaps demanding a more toned shape.”

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