It’s often seen as a taboo subject.
But experts are finally lifting the lid on plastic surgery in the UK.
Dr Julian De Silva, a plastic surgeon at The Clinic London, has revealed the most requested face for plastic surgery in 2024.
‘Plastic surgery has always been a popular way for individuals to enhance their appearance, but in 2024, there’s a noticeable shift in the kinds of procedures people are requesting,’ he said.
According to the expert, there have been three key trends in plastic surgery this year.
People going under the knife have requested a well-defined jawline, and smooth, wrinkle-free skin.
Meanwhile, a natural, relaxed expression is the most popular choice this year – as opposed to a ‘pulled’ look.
Dr De Silva added: ‘The influence of celebrity culture can’t be overstated. From Hollywood stars to Instagram influencers, the ideal face has shifted to one that looks youthful, yet natural.’
Dr Julian De Silva, a plastic surgeon at The Clinic London, has revealed the most requested face for plastic surgery in 2024
Dr De Silva said: ‘The influence of celebrity culture can’t be overstated. From Hollywood stars to Instagram influencers, the ideal face has shifted to one that looks youthful, yet natural’
The UK is in the midst of a ‘cosmetic surgery boom’, according to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
Figures released last year revealed that a whopping 31,057 cosmetic procedures took place in 2022 – up 102 per cent from the previous year.
The five most popular procedures for women are breast augmentation, breast reduction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction, and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery).
Meanwhile, the five most popular procedures among men are rhinoplasty (nose surgery), chest reduction, blepharoplasty, liposuction, and octoplasty (ear correction).
In a new blog, Dr De Silva focused on the most in-demand facial features this year.
According to the expert, a well-defined jawline, smooth, wrinkle-free skin, and a natural, relaxed expression have become the ‘new standard’ for beauty in the UK.
‘These features represent the new standard for beauty, and patients are flocking to surgeons to replicate these aesthetics,’ he explained.
Dr De Silva believes that these new beauty standards have been fuelled by celebrity culture and social media.
Donatella Versace wowed onlookers at The Devil Wears Prada London premiere when she sported a much more youthful appearance
‘With the rise of social media, where flawless skin and sharp jawlines are constantly flaunted, people are under more pressure than ever to meet beauty standards,’ he said.
‘Filters and edited images have set unrealistic expectations, making everyday individuals want to mirror these ideals in real life.’
This trend for a more relaxed expression has certainly been seen in several celebrities this year.
Lindsay Lohan has captivated fans with her youthful, glowing appearance on a number of recent appearances.
Dr Jonny Betteridge, an aesthetics doctor, recently claimed the star could have spent up to $300,000 in plastic surgery procedures to achieve the look.
Dr Betteridge, who is the founder of the London based clinic JB Aesthetics, and has a background in Emergency Medicine, Intensive Care and Anaesthetics, shared an Instagram video listing the cosmetic tweaks he believes the actress has undergone.
Among the surgical procedures Betteridge believes the Parent Trap star has had are a face lift, an upper eyelid surgery, a nose job, and a surgical brow lift.
Donatella Versace also wowed onlookers at The Devil Wears Prada London premiere when she sported a much more youthful appearance.
Dr Ross Perry, the founder and Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics said: ‘This is the best I’ve seen Donatella looking.
‘She doesn’t look like she’s been having a lot of recent work done, but is maintaining and possibly correcting previous work.
‘This could be having more non-invasive skin treatments, filler removed and opting for less surgical procedures that she’s had done in the past.’
Meanwhile, Christina Aguilera looked unrecognisable on the red carpet last month, sparking rumours of a facelift.
De Betteridge added: ‘If we compare her 18-year-old self to now at 43, the main changes I can immediately see are her nose — it’s much sharper and lifted.
‘She has more proportionate lips both in relation to the upper and lower lip so we can attribute this to filler and also the dental work as well, with veneers.
‘Most notably an upper blepharoplasty to remove excess eyelid skin and I think an endoscopic facelift.’
If you’re considering facial surgery, Dr De Silva advises taking the time to find the right surgeon for you.
‘Whether it’s the influence of social media or the desire to age gracefully, people are increasingly turning to facelift surgery to achieve a refreshed appearance,’ he added.
‘If you’re considering facelift surgery in London, take the time to choose the right surgeon and have realistic expectations for the results.’
