CosBeauty Magazine #76

F eature
Breast augmentation remained
somewhat steady, coming in as the
second-most popular procedure with
a marginal increase of 1.5% compared
with last year’s figures. “In terms of
breast augmentation, what we have
noticed is a change in size. Patients
are now happy to choose smaller sized
implants. The days of big, oversized
breast implants are very much
behind us,” says Dr Flynn.
The number of women who no
longer want their implants and
choose to have them surgically
removed has increased by 13.4%,
while breast lifts have risen by 8.4%.
“Removal of breast implants for
this reason has not been common
in my practice. It is valuable to
consider that it is common for older
patients to require a breast lift down
the line. So for those older patients
who have had breast implants
in the past, a higher proportion
of breast lifts are performed in
combination with implant removal.
Of course, breast removal and
replacement is a common procedure
for complications,” says Dr Flynn.
most popular nonsurgical
procedures
Non-surgical procedures saw
the most significant increases in
photorejuvenation skin treatments
(up 36% on last year), non-surgical
skin tightening (up 12%) and
botulinum toxin injections (up 8%).
Botulinum toxin injections
surpassed the 4.5 million mark for
the number of procedures performed.
Together with dermal fillers, the two
procedures have maintained the #1
and #2 spots for most popular nonsurgical
procedures for eight years
running. Overall, injectables saw a
10% increase in 2016.
Photorejuvenation wiped
microdermabrasion off the list of top
5 non-surgical procedures, and laser/
IPL hair reduction decreased by 8.9%.
“Pigmentation and sun-damaged
skin are common skin concerns,
particularly in a climate like
Australia’s, and a non-surgical
approach to improving the tone,
texture and appearance of the skin
is certainly a growing trend here as
well,” says Dr Flynn.
As cosmetic
procedures have
become increasingly
finessed, PAtients
are presented with
more personalised
options. in other
words, there’s
something for
everyone
These less drastic procedures
promise shorter recovery times and
fewer risks, however Dr Flynn stresses
that patients must have realistic
expectations of results.
“Non-invasive procedures can’t
achieve the same results as invasive
procedures such as a facelift. While
the complexity and downtime are
reduced, so too does the end result
and longevity of the result.”
What do these stats
mean for us?
So, why the continual rise in
cosmetic procedures? And how do
these stats compare to Australia?
The numbers have been steadily
increasing year-over-year for a
variety of reasons. People now want
to remain competitive in a youthcentric
workforce and younger
generations are recognising the value
in preventative anti-ageing care.
Dr Flynn says, “Australia has a
healthy economy and an overall
reasonable disposable income.
For the younger age group, social
media is a prominent influencer. Lip
fillers, breast implant surgery and
liposculpting are popular among this
group.”
“For the most part, however, it’s
the older age group who have the
disposable income to invest in
enhancing themselves. One of most
commonly performed procedures in
my practice is blepharoplasty of
the lower and upper eyelids.
Excess skin obstructing the eye
or overhanging/hooding eyelids
goes hand in hand with the ageing
process and sun exposure.”
As cosmetic procedures have
become increasingly advanced
and finessed, prospective
patients are presented with more
personalised options in both the
surgical and non-surgical categories.
In other words, there’s something
for everyone.
“Something that drives this is
awareness that cosmetic procedures
can be performed with less downtime,
less risk and with natural-looking
outcomes,” says Dr Flynn.
Whether it’s with a needle, knife
or energy-based device, the prognosis
of cosmetic enhancement looks
decidedly healthy. CBM
FOR
MORE
INFO
Dr John Flynn
Cosmedic & Skin Clinic, Southport, Qld
Ph 1300 88 13 88
www.cosmedic.com.au
50 www.cosbeauty.com.au