March 2024- The global Cosmetic Surgery Market size is forecasted to exceed $186.5 billion by 2033, with a promising CAGR of 5.1% from 2024 to 2033 plastic surgery market. However, there are some procedures misunderstood by patients, especially because of Instagram influence.

Dr. Tautvydas Urbonas, a surgeon at Nordesthetics clinic, located in Lithuania and mostly frequented by international patients, emphasizes that not every patient may benefit from every surgery. One must carefully examine whether to undergo a procedure, especially if it is repeated.

Harmful practice of repetitive surgeries

“Believing that one can lose belly fat (liposuction) after every vacation is incorrect and even dangerous since repeated procedures significantly raise the risk of consequences (e.g., internal organ perforation, difficulties with blood circulation to the skin),” states Dr. Urbonas.

Secondary suction should not be considered contraindicated. In simple terms, patients should understand that getting liposuction is not the same as not visiting the dentist at least 1-2 times a year to maintain teeth that are healthy and in good appearance. Each repetition of the procedure is more difficult and dangerous than the last.

The outcome of each procedure is less predictable and likely to be worse. Liposuction is not a weight loss measure, it requires physical activity and a nutritious diet.

Not all surgeries are for everybody

The primary risk is that a patient may not fully understand how the procedure would affect their quality of life and overall health. However, tissue cannot be restored to its pre-surgical condition.

“I often see patients who, inspired by the success of their friends, come in for breast augmentation. However, there are a lot of additional factors to consider (physical activity and leisure time, stage of family planning, age, body mass index, breast condition, and sometimes even the attitudes of relatives, etc.), which often vary considerably, and these differences can lead to a great deal of discontent,” explains Dr. Tautvydas Urbonas. “Patients should not consider surgery just because “my friend had it and is very happy now.”

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Choose caution over social trends

“Caution should be exercised about operations that have become fashionable in recent years and so far only have “Instagram-based” rather than “evidence-based recommendations,” explains Dr. Urbonas.

One such trend is HD liposuction modifications. Patients sacrifice safety in the long term for a better result, even though it is not known what consequences aggressive suction will have on the patient’s health in 30-40 years. Additionally, a significant portion of the trend figures comes from procedures like preventive facelifts or those that concentrate on perfect symmetry – dimples in the cheeks or chin.