Planning To Undergo Cosmetic Surgery in 2024? What You Should Know!
Although beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, everyone wants to look young and beautiful irrespective of age. Not only in developed countries but also in developing countries, people started seeking cosmetic procedures across the world. In Asia, India and China hold the biggest market in cosmetic surgery. In that case, you might be eager to know whether it is worth getting, isn’t it? Here’s what you should keep in your mind before scheduling an appointment for cosmetic (plastic) surgery in India in 2024.
Is Cosmetic Surgery Common or Taboo in India?
In a 2004 Indian research study, 37 percent of participants thought that cosmetic surgery is expensive [1, 2]. They thought it was meant for rich and famous people. Now, the scenario changed completely.
Cosmetic surgery is commonly accepted worldwide since both celebrities and non-celebrities go under the knife to change their features. Thanks to the growing economy since doctors perform cosmetic surgeries even in smaller cities.
What is Cosmetic Surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is a type of medical procedure focused on enhancing a person’s appearance. Unlike other surgeries meant to treat medical conditions, cosmetic surgery is performed to improve aesthetic appeal. It can involve reshaping or enhancing features such as the nose, breasts, or skin to give a desired look. Common examples of cosmetic surgery include procedures like rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), liposuction, and facelifts.
Cosmetic Surgery vs Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are often used interchangeably, but they are different. Cosmetic surgery focuses on improving appearance and is typically elective, meaning it’s not essential for health. In contrast, plastic surgery deals with reconstructing facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, or disease. Plastic surgeons may perform both reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries, but cosmetic surgery is solely aimed at enhancing looks.
What Do Global Search Figures Say?
A global survey study by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) found that India ranks fourth globally [3]. India accounts for 4.3 percent of all cosmetic procedures documented worldwide [3]. The US with 18.6 percent topped the list, followed by Brazil with 10.7 percent and South Korea with 5.3 percent.
Nearly 9,35,487 cosmetic procedures were performed in the year 2015 [3]. Among them, 4,20,454 (4 percent) were surgical and 5,15,033 (4.3 percent) were non-surgical [3].
The ISAPS survey also reported the highest number of body and extremity cosmetic procedures from India. Around 1,53,317 procedures were performed in India, contributing to 36.5 percent globally. This list includes body lifts as well [3]
What Do Experts Say?
Despite offering various procedures, reconstructive surgeries are the most common cosmetic surgeries in India [3]. Hence, S. Raja Sabapathy, chairman of the Department of plastic surgery at Ganga Hospital in Coimbatore, said, “In the next two decades, one can expect the number of such surgeries to increase by as much as 50% in the number of these surgeries is expected in the next two decades.”[3]
Ashish Davalbhakta, national secretary of the Indian Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, revealed that hair transplantation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, and breast reduction or augmentation are the most sought-after cosmetic procedures in India [3].
The more Indian cosmetic surgeons, the more they use cosmetic procedures. For instance, in the year 2015, there were 2,150 registered cosmetic surgeons compared to previous years. This count makes up 5.3 percent of the global population [3].
Many have visited India to undergo cosmetic procedures like breast augmentation, liposuction tummy tuck, rhinoplasty, etc. Even when COVID-19 limitations are still in place, are you planning to undergo a cosmetic procedure in 2024? In that case, research the Indian market to get cost-effective prices.
How Much Will Cosmetic Surgery Cost in India?
Compared to other countries, it’s better to opt for cosmetic surgery in India itself. That’s why many people visit India, as mentioned already. Now in this section, we will talk about how much average cosmetic surgery can cost in India. For instance, the average rate for a nose job is 7000 USD in Singapore and 4250 USD in South Korea. In India, the average cost is INR 70,000-2,00,000 (2725 USD maximum).
Similarly, breast augmentation costs 15000 USD in Singapore and 7000 USD in South Korea. However, in India, it costs INR 1,00,000-2,00,000 (2725 USD maximum). Moreover, there are clinics with low rates. But, remember, you will get what you pay for. That’s why when you come to India, you can get them done at an affordable cosmetic surgery price. Even the flight and accommodation prices will be comparatively cost-effective.
Nearly 13.5 percent of patients from the US, UK, and UAE get their cosmetic surgery procedures done in India [3]. It’s because most health insurance policies don’t cover the procedure cost, hospital stay, and recovery check-ups in their respective countries. However, insurance is possible if you are undergoing cosmetic surgery after an accident or reconstructive surgery after cancer.
As per the ISAPS survey, 15.4 percent of people across the world opt for breast augmentation, followed by liposuction at 14.5 percent. Next comes eyelid surgery at 13.1 percent, tummy tuck at 7.9 percent, followed by rhinoplasty at 7.6 percent at number five. Nearly 2.6 percent of the global 12.8 percent of females below the age of 18 years opt for breast augmentation in India.
Before opting for the procedure, try to research and compare their cosmetic surgery rates. Schedule an appointment and consult the doctors either directly or virtually.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures
Not all cosmetic enhancements require surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic procedures are growing in popularity because they are less invasive and usually require less recovery time. These include treatments like Botox injections, dermal fillers, laser hair removal, and chemical peels. These procedures are often more affordable and can still provide noticeable improvements in appearance without the risks associated with surgery.
Types of Plastic Surgery for the Face
Plastic surgery for the face is usually focused on restoring or enhancing facial features. Common types of plastic surgery for the face include rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), and rhytidectomy (facelift). Some people also opt for facial implants, such as chin or cheek implants, to create more defined facial contours. These types of plastic surgery are performed to either restore lost function or improve the appearance of the face.
Most Common Types of Cosmetic Surgery
The most common types of cosmetic surgery include breast augmentation, liposuction, and rhinoplasty. Breast augmentation, for instance, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries where implants are used to enhance the size and shape of breasts. Liposuction helps in removing excess fat from various parts of the body like the abdomen, thighs, and arms, giving a slimmer look. Rhinoplasty is often sought to alter the shape of the nose, whether for cosmetic reasons or to improve breathing.
Is There Any Alternative to Cosmetic Surgery?
Do you need only minimal changes? Are you not comfortable going under the knife? Of course, not everyone is the right candidate to undergo cosmetic surgery. No worries. There are relevant options for many surgical procedures. For instance, you can opt for a thread lift or fillers instead of an expensive facelift procedure.
It is also possible to reduce your fat with CoolSculpting instead of undergoing liposuction. Moreover, try to find out if there is any potential complication. For instance, you may likely have a blood clot, infection, sickness, or loss of sensation due to the use of anesthesia. So, make sure to understand the drawbacks of every procedure and how the surgeon deals with them.
Points to Consider Before Scheduling Your Consultation
As you are aware, many industries suffered a lot due to the COVID-19 issue. At the same time, there is a huge demand for cosmetic procedures. So, this might be a perfect time to schedule your appointment if you are planning a cosmetic procedure.
However, before you schedule your consultation, be aware of the costs, the expertise, and experience of the surgeon, the reputation of the clinic, and recovery time. Try to round off the specialized surgeon who offers great value for your money.
In India, there are many cosmetic surgery clinics that really help. However, our Care Well Medical Centre could help you feel the best care that you deserve. Experience quality care by scheduling your appointment right away with our medical experts at Care Well Medical Centre.
References
- Thapa DP. Awareness of Cosmetic Dermatology Procedures among Health Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2019;10(2):139-143. doi:10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_70_18
- Agarwal P. Perception of plastic surgery in society. Indian J Plast Surg. 2004;37:110–4 (Link)
Dr. Sandeep Bhasin
Dr. Sandeep Bhasin is a highly skilled cosmetic surgeon and the owner of Care Well Medical Centre in Delhi. With extensive expertise in cosmetic and plastic surgery, he is dedicated to providing exceptional care and transformative results to his patients. Dr. Sandeep Bhasin obtained his MBBS and MS in General Surgery from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and served as a consultant at Bhaktshreshtha Kamalakarpant Laxman Walawalkar Hospital, Diagnostic & Research Centre. Specializing in various procedures such as face-lifts, rhinoplasty, liposuction, breast augmentation, hair transplant and many others, Dr. Sandeep Bhasin is committed to enhancing his patients' natural beauty and self-confidence.
