NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--RealSelf, the largest and most trusted online resource for people exploring cosmetic treatments and providers, today revealed its inaugural Real Talk report, uncovering the most significant trends shaping the global aesthetics market for 2024. With insights derived from proprietary data and research into consumer behavior from over 55 million visits to RealSelf in 2024, the report analyzes and identifies dramatic shifts in the aesthetic landscape and offers a snapshot of where the industry is headed.
Despite the popularity of GLP-1 agonist weight loss drugs like Ozempic, body contouring procedure liposuction ranked as RealSelf’s #1 searched term in 2024, surging 144 percent year-over-year. Related fat-removal procedures 360 liposuction, chin liposuction and laser liposuction searches rose even more sharply, each seeing triple digit growth.
The rise in demand for these treatments underscores a complementary trend: consumers are pairing weight loss medications like Ozempic with body contouring treatments to address localized fat deposits, for results that cannot be achieved by weight loss drugs alone.
Dr. Vivek Bansal, a board-certified plastic surgeon in the San Francisco area, points to another reason interest in surgical body contouring is growing. “More patients are coming in for awake liposuction. Going under general anesthesia for an elective procedure is still a little taboo, so when patients hear we can just give them a happy pill and they’ll be relaxed, they’re very interested in that option,” he says.
Breast lift, tummy tuck, breast augmentation, and rhinoplasty rounded out the list of the top five most-searched terms on RealSelf for 2024, while the rest of the top ten highlights the influence of cultural trends on aesthetics:
- Brazilian butt lift (BBL) experienced a slight increase in searches of 32 percent. Ozempic-fueled aesthetic trends increasingly favor a more natural, toned body shape, and gluteal augmentation with fat transfer remains controversial, despite an improved safety profile.
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) saw an 84 percent year-over-year jump in searches. This facial rejuvenation procedure has become a favorite on TikTok, where patients and surgeons show off subtle but dramatic results. The procedure’s ability to deliver near-invisible scars has made it a go-to for those seeking a vibrant, youthful look.
- Notably, Morpheus8 is the one noninvasive procedure that cracked the top ten. Searches for this celebrity favorite spiked 184% this year, signaling that consumers want treatments that require little downtime and offer more natural looking results.
“There was a profound culture shift this year around cosmetic procedures. What was once taboo is now openly discussed and embraced, and consumers have access to more information surrounding aesthetics than ever before,” said Minou Clark, CEO of RealSelf. “Thanks in part to the influence of pop culture, consumers are prioritizing treatments not only because of their accessibility but also because they see everyone, from celebrities to influencers, sharing their experiences and engaging in open conversations about them.”
The report also touches on consumers' concerns over the rise of Ozempic face, volume loss and sagging skin due to weight loss from GLP-1 drugs. Searches for facial fat transfer climbed 253 percent, while fat transfer breast augmentation searches rose 297 percent. Both procedures offer a natural solution (without scarring or implants) for people looking to reshape their bodies after weight loss.
“Weight loss is wonderful in most of your body, however, it is not location specific and a large amount of volume loss in the face accelerates the appearance of aging,” said Dr. Dilip Madnani, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City. “Our practice has focused on facelift surgery for over 10 years, and now I am seeing younger people coming in, as well as people with weight loss over a short period of time.”
As consumers look for body contouring treatments to refine the results from exercise or weight loss drugs by targeting stubborn areas of fat, searches for the non-invasive treatment CoolSculpting surged 222 percent. Searches for skin tightening also rose 126 percent.
RealSelf, the ultimate destination for aesthetics, helps consumers make more informed decisions on treatment plans ranging from non-invasive cosmetic services to more in-depth plastic surgery procedures. Alongside consumers every step of the way, the company delivers transparency while providing a seamless connection to trusted doctors and providers on its platform.
For more information on RealSelf and to see the comprehensive report, please visit https://www.realself.com/news/realtalk.
About RealSelf:
RealSelf is the largest, most trusted online resource for people wanting to learn about plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures, and connect with top doctors and aesthetic providers. Wherever you are on your aesthetic journey, we’re here to guide and empower you along the way.
