According to data from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery [1], almost 35 million aesthetic medicine procedures were performed in 2023. Patients opted slightly more often for non-surgical methods (55%) than for surgical ones (45%). The most popular were rejuvenating procedures aimed at reducing wrinkles, increasing skin firmness and elasticity, and improving skin tone. Here is the ranking of the most popular aesthetic medicine treatments!
Contents
1. Wrinkle reduction with botulinum toxin
The undisputed global leaders of the ranking are botulinum toxin treatments. In 2023, almost 8.9 million patients chose them, which represents an increase of 41.6% over the last 4 years [1].
Botulinum toxin is associated above all with smoothing wrinkles, but it is also used to lift the eyebrows and the corners of the mouth, treat excessive sweating of the armpits, hands and feet, and reduce tension headaches. It works by paralysing or weakening muscles - more precisely, by blocking the release of acetylcholine, the transmitter that carries impulses from nerves to the muscle. Although this sounds rather complicated, the treatment itself usually takes no more than half an hour and does not require anaesthesia.
Table 1. Basic information on the uses of botulinum toxin.
| Use | Onset of action | Duration of effect |
| Wrinkle reduction | after a few days | 3-6 months |
| Treatment of excessive sweating | after 3 days | 6-9 months |
| Treatment of migraine pain | after 3-7 days | 3-6 months |
Source: Przylipiak A. (ed.), 2014, Podstawy Medycyny Estetycznej. Podręcznik dla studentów kosmetologii (Fundamentals of Aesthetic Medicine. A Textbook for Cosmetology Students)
Botulinum toxin is most often used to smooth wrinkles around the eyes, on the forehead and the so-called frown line. It is also used relatively often to remove wrinkles in other parts of the face (e.g. around the mouth) and on the neck.
You will find more information about the procedure here: wrinkle reduction with botulinum toxin.
2. Hyaluronic acid fillers
Hyaluronic acid treatments also remain consistently popular. Almost 5.6 million of them were performed in 2023 [1]!
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the human body, and as much as 56% of its total amount is located in the skin [2]. A deficiency of this polysaccharide leads to the breakdown of collagen fibres and a lower level of skin hydration. This is hardly surprising, given that it can bind up to 4,000 times more water than its own weight. In aesthetic medicine, hyaluronic acid is used not only for wrinkle reduction, but also for filling nasolabial folds, lip augmentation and volumetry, a treatment aimed at contouring the face or chin. The procedure is popular with both women and men.
How long do you have to wait for the effects of hyaluronic acid treatments? Very briefly - they are visible almost immediately. It is worth remembering, however, that they are not permanent - the substance is gradually absorbed, and the time it takes to break down completely depends on many factors, including age and lifestyle.
You can read the details here: hyaluronic acid fillers.
3. Non-surgical skin tightening treatments
Interest in non-surgical skin tightening procedures, such as tissue stimulators (injectable medical products that can vary in composition) or laser peel, has been growing steadily for years. In 2023, more than 830,000 people worldwide chose treatments in this category [1]. Where does their popularity come from?
Above all, from their comprehensive action. Laser peel and tissue stimulators stimulate the skin to produce collagen and elastin - substances responsible for increasing the skin's elasticity and firmness. Both treatments also reduce wrinkles, which also contributes to a more youthful appearance.
4. Non-surgical removal of excess fat tissue
Patients are very keen on non-surgical fat removal treatments such as injection lipolysis. In 2023, they were performed more than 630,000 times [1].
Injection lipolysis involves injecting a special substance containing phosphatidylcholine, which dissolves fat tissue and makes it possible to contour the figure (or a selected part of the body). Compared with surgical methods, its greatest advantages are minimal invasiveness and a very short recovery time - in principle, the patient can return to normal activities right after the treatment. Importantly, the effects of injection lipolysis are permanent, provided a healthy lifestyle is maintained.
You will find information on the exact course of the treatment here: injection lipolysis.
5. Ablative laser treatments
Ablative laser treatments, aimed at improving skin firmness and condition, are becoming increasingly popular. While in 2019 they were performed 190,000 times, in 2023 this number more than doubled, reaching 437,000 [1]. The ablative laser ranked second among the most frequently used procedures to improve the appearance of facial skin.
How does fractional facial or hand rejuvenation work? By emitting microscopic beams, the laser creates a grid of micro-injuries on a selected area of the epidermis, leaving part of the tissue undamaged. This process stimulates natural collagen production, which leads to firmer and more elastic skin, giving it a youthful, healthy appearance. Apart from combating signs of ageing, the ablative laser also works well for enlarged pores and acne scars. The effects of the treatment can last even for several years.
You can read the details here: laser treatments.
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Sources:
[1] International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2023, ISAPS International Survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures
[2] Przylipiak A. (ed.), 2014, Podstawy Medycyny Estetycznej. Podręcznik dla studentów kosmetologii (Fundamentals of Aesthetic Medicine. A Textbook for Cosmetology Students)