Non-invasive cosmetic procedures are booming in popularity across the country. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that the overall number of cosmetic surgeries from 2000 to 2018 has increased by 163%. Most analysts agree that this trend is unlikely to abate anytime soon.

Non-invasive cosmetic surgeries, on the other hand, have grown at a much faster rate. Botox injections, the most popular non-invasive procedure, saw an increase of 841% over the same period.

Although cosmetic surgery has always been popular, many people ask: “Why are non-invasive procedures now so popular?”

Minimal Pain and Discomfort

According to plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Yarish, MD, the most common worry experienced by patients is pain and discomfort post-surgery.

Non-invasive surgeries have transformed the industry because radiofrequency treatments, chemical peels, and laser procedures result in minimal pain or discomfort. While the skin may remain tender for a few days, prescription pain relievers are rarely required.

Invasive surgeries, on the other hand, often lead to pain as a result of necessary incisions, which do leave wounds.

No Hospital Stay

Non-invasive procedures typically take place in a clinic rather than a hospital. The difference between invasive and non-invasive procedures is there is no hospital prep required.

Most non-invasive procedures take only a few minutes to carry out, particularly dermal fillers and Botox injections. Minor non-invasive procedures can even be carried out during someone’s lunch hour.

For many patients, this is important. It is not uncommon for ordinary people to simply be unable to afford the cost and the time involved with a formal hospital stay. Moreover, who wants to spend a few days lying in a hospital bed?

With minimally invasive surgeries, you no longer have to.

Recovery Times are Short

According to Dr. Scott Yarish, MD, patients often worry about how long they will have to take off work when undergoing cosmetic surgery. Workplaces are often unwilling or unable to give their employees the necessary time off for an invasive cosmetic procedure.

While invasive procedures are like conventional surgeries, a hospital stay might be required, and non-invasive procedures are much easier to recover from.

In many cases, normal activities can be resumed in a matter of days. Most incidences of bruising, swelling, and inflammation tend to disappear within a few days when correct skincare guidelines are followed.

Naturally, many doctors may recommend patients in more physical roles take a few days off, but for office roles, for example, it is possible to return to work without taking time off.

No Visible Scars or Wounds

Anyone who has received any form of invasive surgery will be able to show you the scar. Whenever an incision is made where stitches are subsequently required, scarring will remain. Although certain cosmetic procedures can remove these telltale signs, rarely will the signs of an invasive surgery disappear completely.

The hallmark of minimally invasive surgery is there are no scalpels and no incisions, therefore no stitches.

While a minority of people may experience altered skin pigmentation or temporary bruising, most of these visible surgical signs can be eliminated either over time or by other laser treatments.

Less Risk of Medical Complications

Medical complications are a reality of any form of surgery. Even the simplest procedures can lead to complications. Cosmetic surgery carried out by a qualified plastic surgeon carries an extremely small risk of complications, with just 1% of outpatients reporting problems.

With cosmetic surgeries, the most common medical complications include:

• Hematoma – A risk with all forms of surgeries, a hematoma is a pocket of blood that resembles a painful bruise. Draining the pocket and corrective procedures can relieve it.
• Seroma – This condition occurs when sterile body fluid pools beneath the skin, which leads to swelling and pain. A needle can be used to drain the pool with little chance of occurrence.
• Infections – Infections vary wildly, but most infections can be treated with antibiotics. Cellulitis, on the other hand, may require IV antibiotics.

All patients worry about complications in some form, but due to the fact non-invasive procedures do not require an incision, complications are extremely unlikely.

Asymmetry and misshapen body parts are the most common complications of minimally invasive procedures, but these can be corrected through further treatment.

It is this commitment to safety that means ordinary Americans are increasingly willing to undergo minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.

Lower Costs

All invasive surgeries typically require a support team to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient while also guaranteeing that the procedure goes well. An anesthetist, technician, and nurse may be required, which makes the whole process more expensive.

On the other hand, minimally invasive surgeries are almost entirely pain-free, which means the chances of an emergency are practically nil. Due to the lack of this additional support, a single surgeon can carry out many non-invasive procedures at the clinic.

Competition has also driven down prices for many of the most popular procedures. The more plastic surgeons there are, the more patients can shop around for great deals.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports the following changes in the average nationwide cost of popular non-invasive surgeries since 2008:

• Botox – Decrease of 6%
• Microdermabrasion – Decrease of 29.5%
• Laser Hair Removal – Decrease of 21.5%

As technology improves and the number of practitioners increases, do not be surprised if costs continue to fall.

It represents a major shift in the industry. Cosmetic surgery is no longer the sole preserve of the rich and famous. Now ordinary people can obtain the appearance they want without breaking the bank.

This is important as traditionally, medical insurance policies have never offered coverage for cosmetic surgery, except in some rare circumstances.

Claim the Body You Want Without the Fuss

The world has changed, and cosmetic surgery is no longer something that only the old and wealthy can take advantage of. Improved technology, better techniques, and lower costs have served to democratize access to cosmetic surgery.

Stop dreaming of the face and body you want and get it right now. Change your life and speak to a local plastic surgeon who can help you begin your journey.