Top five cosmetic procedures in 2011

According to The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the number of cosmetic procedures rose by 5.6 per cent between 2010 and 2011. The statistics are pretty surprising, considering the recession, so let's take a look at the top surgical operations for men and women combined – in order of popularity.

Breast augmentations

Breast enlargement procedures are available at numerous clinics and are the most popular form of plastic surgery in the UK – with 10,015 people going under the knife in 2011. Procedures can vary (depending on the clinic and surgeon), but an implant is usually inserted via an incision made in the chest or under the arm.

Blepharoplasty

Believe it or not, blepharoplasty (also known as eyelid surgery) rose by 4.6 per cent between 2010 and 2011 with an impressive 6,057 having their eyelids altered. During the operation, excess skin and fat’s removed to reduce wrinkling of the skin and the patient’s left with a more youthful appearance. If the surrounding muscles and tendons are weak, they can also be reinforced to help the eyelid function properly.

Breast reduction

During 2011, 4,501 women and 790 men had their chest-size reduced. The total number of breast reduction figures rose by 6.7 per cent, making this the third most popular procedure for both sexes combined. Often called mammoplasty, breast reduction surgery involves removing fat and tissue to decrease the size of the breast area and can help alleviate back problems.

Face/neck lift

A face/neck lift helps reduce the signs of ageing by getting rid of deep lines and wrinkles. Skin around the lower half of the face, jawline and neck is tightened and the patient can enjoy a revamped appearance – without having to pay out for repeat Botox injections. Operations of this kind leapt by 4.5 per cent in a year and were popular with both genders. A whopping 4,700 women had their old-looking skin smoothened as did 268 men in 2011 alone. 

Rhinoplasty

The nose can be adjusted in many ways, but rhinoplasty corrects the bridge, nose tip and nostrils. It’s the fifth most popular type of cosmetic surgery in the UK and is popular with celebrities (although they don’t often admit to having alterations). The number of nose jobs rose by 7.4 per cent between 2010 and 2011 and 4,518 people had their hooter sculpted throughout 2011.

As you can see, plastic surgery’s more popular than ever – but would you have work done?

Isabella is a cosmetic surgery blogger, providing advice and information about all procedures and treatments from breast reduction surgery to Botox and IPL laser treatment

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