As the landscape of aesthetic procedures continues to diversify and the societal acceptance of enhancing one's appearance through surgery grows, it's natural to see an increasing number of individuals opting for aesthetic surgeries. Our recent survey of leading physicians across the country revealed that while many procedures are gaining popularity, some are in higher demand than others. Here, a group of distinguished dermatologists and plastic surgeons share their predictions on the most sought-after aesthetic trends for the coming year.
A Shift Towards Smaller Breast Sizes
“In surgical trends, I foresee a continued preference for smaller breast sizes. Whether it's reducing overly large breasts or augmenting smaller ones, the common goal seems to be achieving a more athletic look—think a full B or a sporty C cup. Additionally, more current breast implant patients are seeking downsizing or complete removal. Large breasts often don't convey a youthful appearance, leading many menopausal women to opt for removal or downsizing along with a breast lift.
Rising Popularity of Neurotoxins
“In the realm of non-surgical treatments, I expect a broader use of neurotoxins. The introduction of Daxi [also known as Daxxify, a recently FDA-approved, long-lasting neurotoxin] to the market will likely draw more attention to all neurotoxins, demonstrating to a wider audience—including men and younger women—that the judicious use of neurotoxins is a remarkable way to rejuvenate our looks, slow down aging, and even prevent certain age-related changes.”
Dr. Melinda Haws, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Nashville and president-elect of The Aesthetic Society
Microchanneling for Anti-Aging Cocktails
“Aquagold is a glass vial equipped with tiny gold, hollow needles that deliver a cocktail beneath the skin's surface for an immediate 'glow'. The cocktail can be customized but typically includes hyaluronic acid, Micro Botox, vitamin C, and hydroquinone. This combination results in hydrated skin and reduced pore size. Aquagold can be a standalone treatment or performed post-procedure.
Small-Scale Fat Grafting
“Facial fat grafting is used to enhance and fill facial features with natural tissue. Microfat can be further processed into nanofat, rich in regenerative stem cells and elements that can be infused into the skin with Aquagold or injected with a very fine cannula—even under the eyes to address darkness.
Strategic Maintenance Plans
“Patients want a clear annual plan. For example, Botox every three months, IPL four times a year, Hydrafacials monthly, and scheduling lasers, microneedling, and microneedling with RF [Secret RF]. This annual plan helps both staff and patients achieve comprehensive improvement with clear goals. This strategic planning is beneficial for younger individuals and even post-facelift to protect the surgical investment.”
Dr. Elisa Burgess, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Portland, Oregon
Demand for More Defined Cheeks
“Requests for buccal fat pad excision have surged this year, and I anticipate this trend will continue in 2024. Patients are seeking more structured and defined cheeks. Removing the buccal fat pad in the mid to lower cheek contours the face, adding definition and making the patient appear slimmer. The procedure can be done under local or IV anesthesia, with incisions inside the mouth ensuring no visible signs of surgery, and patients typically return to normal activities within a few days.
New Injectable Jaw Implants
“Volux, the latest FDA-approved hyaluronic acid filler, is the first for jawline augmentation. Being the thickest of all HA fillers, it functions as an injectable jaw implant, customizable based on injection location and number of syringes. Early results with Volux are remarkable and authentic. Allergan plans to launch Volux in early 2024, so expect increased interest in jawline definition.
Growing Interest in Penis Augmentation
“Since introducing the SWAG [Shafer Width and Girth] procedure five years ago, demand for penis augmentation has been significant. Similar to the rise of breast augmentation in the ’80s and ’90s, I expect the SWAG procedure to gain more popularity in 2024. It's commonly performed with Voluma XC, Bellafill, and even the new Volux for sustained results.
Increased Use of RF for Skin Rejuvenation
“While lasers remain popular, there's growing interest in fractionated radiofrequency technology for skin tightening and rejuvenation. Devices like the Genius by Lutronic, which can treat a broader range of skin types compared to lasers, are helping improve skin texture, tightening, and even acne scarring in a single treatment.
Revolutionary Anti-Acne Laser
“Aviclear is a groundbreaking laser for acne treatment, offering results comparable to Accutane but with fewer side effects, quicker results, and significantly less risk. It's become one of the most popular laser treatments in my practice. Aviclear not only treats current acne but also transforms the skin to prevent future breakouts. With adult acne being a major concern, Aviclear provides a viable treatment with tangible results.
Ozempic Injections for Weight Loss
“‘Metabolic aesthetics’ is a concept I introduced when I opened my practice three years ago, focusing on treating patients at the metabolic level to enhance their appearance. Customized treatments include hormone balancing, peptide supplements, and antioxidant infusions. The latest addition, Ozempic, a diabetes medication shown to aid weight loss in non-diabetic patients, will see significant interest in 2024. Unlike other weight-loss treatments that boost metabolism with stimulants, Ozempic works directly on the GI system to slow gastric emptying, making patients feel full after a few bites, reducing interest in fatty and craving-inducing foods. While current shortages are a concern due to high demand, production is expected to increase as more patients seek Ozempic for maximum weight loss combined with exercise and nutrition.”
Dr. David Shafer, a double board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City
Emphasis on Subtle Enhancements
“Based on current conversations and observed trends, I believe patient goals will shift from ‘bigger’ to ‘smaller’ enhancements next year. For fillers, we'll see less focus on lips and more on the jawline. People will concentrate on creating a pleasant, defined jawline and opt for a more subtle plump look for their lips.
“We can also expect a focus on smaller buttocks. The Miami BBL trend will fade, with people seeking a smaller, more athletic, and better-shaped rear, with moderate hip augmentation.
“Regarding breast implants, we might see more patients removing their implants or opting for a lift alone. This trend will increase, especially as we learn more about BII [breast implant illness], a rare but increasingly discussed topic on social media.
Transition to Daxxify
“The ideal candidate for the recently FDA-approved Daxxify is a long-term Botox user who already knows they like it and gets it regularly. Some patients will transition to Daxxify for the added convenience of needing it less frequently. Who wouldn't want that convenience if they already appreciate the results?
“New Botox users or those trying it in a new area will likely opt for the shorter-acting option to ensure they like it first. They'll try it a couple of times to get the prescription right—where to apply it, how much to use, etc.—then decide if they like the results and switch to Daxxify.”
Dr. Michelle Sieffert, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Columbus, Ohio
Scar-Free Skin Tightening
“Ellacor is the most exciting device in years, set for a major release in 2024. Device manufacturers have long sought a solution to tightening skin without leaving a scar. Ellacor offers a straightforward but ingenious solution! Instead of promising skin tightening through laser or heat energy, Ellacor uses micro-coring, removing numerous very small amounts of skin, adding up to a significant amount—well over a postage stamp size—without a scar. Skin is removed, and the remaining skin tightens as it heals. Simple, safe, and quite frankly, astonishing. We're beginning to apply this technology to all areas of the body that develop laxity with age—the face/jawline, supra umbilical, above the knees, and even with small mini breast lifts to elevate the nipple position. This will be a hot trend in 2024.
Move Towards Mini Butt Lifts
“The evolution of the BBL procedure is another prediction for 2024. Negative feedback associates BBL surgery with overly large, oversized rears. In my practice, BBL procedures focus more on restoring a woman's rear end rather than increasing its size. As women age, they lose volume in their cheeks, lips, breasts, and butt. Fillers and implants address the face and breasts, but restoring volume in the rear has been overlooked. Women are realizing that a fat transfer to the rear in their forties or older is more about restoring what was there in their twenties and thirties than creating a large rear end. A conservative BBL procedure in a woman who has lost volume in her rear end can make her Pilates teacher envious.”
Dr. Jonathan Weiler, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Explosion in Exosome Therapy
“Forget about PRP—exosome therapy is the hottest tool in regenerative medicine, especially for hair restoration and wound healing. Exosomes, secreted by stem cells, contain hundreds more growth factors than PRP and have more anti-inflammatory properties. They can be applied topically after microneedling or lasering, with ongoing studies for injectable use. Clinical studies show 180% increased elastin production, 300% fibroblast proliferation, six times more collagen production, and significant downtime reduction. I observe more hair growth in a single exosome treatment than in three rounds of PRP.
Booster Shots for Skin Rejuvenation
“Skin boosters provide instant satisfaction and long-term benefits. Also known as mesotherapy, they deliver active ingredients through tiny needles. My preferred cocktail includes Micro Botox, hyaluronic acid, nucleotides, and polylactic acid, delivering smooth skin and disappearing pores from Micro Botox, instant radiance and plumping from hyaluronic acid, and long-term collagen stimulation from nucleotides and polylactic acid.
Introducing CBG Skincare
“CBG is cannabigerol, a precursor to CBD and THC, with no psychoactive effects. CBG has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, outperforming CBD—a popular beauty ingredient—in stimulating collagen, elastin, and hydration. I recommend my patients apply Omni Bioceutical Innovations Revitalizing CBG Moisturizer after filler injections and threadlift procedures.”
Dr. Jessie Cheung, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago and New York City
Jawline Enhancement and Masculinization
“Juvéderm Volux XC, the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid filler for jawline enhancement, will be available in the U.S. market in the first quarter of 2024. This new filler will revolutionize the injectable market, allowing practitioners to sculpt both women's and men's jawlines, creating a more defined and beautiful jawline in women and a more masculine jawline in men. Injections with Volux XC, typically taking just a few minutes, can achieve a more defined jawline lasting up to one year.
Chiseled Facial Sculpting with Buccal Fat Removal
“In 2022, more people realized they could achieve a celebrity-like, super-chiseled look through buccal fat removal, a procedure that reduces the rounded appearance caused by buccal fat. 2024 will be the year this cosmetic plastic surgery procedure becomes mainstream, largely due to social media. People want to look in real life as if they have a permanent beauty filter or FaceTune filter, and buccal fat removal offers an easy and permanent solution.
Snatched Chin and Jawline with Extended Chin Liposuction
“Extended chin liposuction, removing excess fat under the jawline and jaw angle, will become the new standard for double-chin correction in 2024. Since the pandemic, people have become more aware of their double chins due to self-images on Zoom calls. While demand for chin liposuction has increased, people also want a more defined jawline. Extended chin liposuction will provide the snatched chin and jawline everyone desires.”
Dr. John Mesa, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City; Livingston, New Jersey; and Miami
Treating Cellulite by Cutting Connective Bands
“I believe Avéli will continue to be a crucial tool in treating cellulite, specifically dimples and depressions. Avéli precisely identifies and releases the fibrous septa bands that pull down on the skin, allowing fat cells to push up and create dimpling and depressions. This treats the root cause of cellulite on the thighs and buttocks. While we work on safe and reliable methods to treat surrounding skin laxity, Avéli successfully treats cellulite dimples.”
Dr. Laurie Casas, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Glenview, Illinois
Transplanting Beard and Body Hair to the Scalp
“Interest in hair restoration using body hair, particularly beard hair, which is thicker than scalp hair and provides good density, is growing. This is especially desired by patients who have had previous work done where the donor area was overharvested. We often see this in patients who receive 4,000-plus grafts in a single procedure abroad, designed more to maximize clinic revenue than patient outcomes. Another growing interest is hairline lowering/forehead reduction surgery, which instantly lowers an overly high hairline, equivalent to 9,000 or more hairs in one surgery.”
Dr. Jeffrey Epstein, a board-certified hair restoration surgeon in Miami