RealSelf is a leading online marketplace for consumers to research cosmetic treatments and physicians. The RealSelf 2018 Aesthetics Trend Report was compiled by analysing user behaviour trends from U.S. consumers researching on RealSelf during 2018.

Trend Overview.

“While we continue to see high interest for surgical procedures, advancements in technology have expanded minimally invasive treatment options and helped to make aesthetics more accessible to women and men of all ages.” “The growth of minimally invasive procedures reflects the rising interest in treatment options that deliver results with little downtime, and the trends we’ve observed on RealSelf indicate this demand will continue to rise in 2019.”

Key Findings:

Most Researched Minimally Invasive Treatments: Interest in Injectables Remains High

Injectables continue to be a top trend and were some of the most researched treatments in 2018, with three out of the top 10 most researched minimally invasive procedures being injectables.

Most Researched Surgical Treatments: Procedures for the Breasts, Tummy Top the List

Interest in surgical treatments for the breasts, from augmentation to lifts to reduction, remained high in 2018. While breast augmentation leads the top 10 list, breast reduction is also popular, coming in at No.7. Mommy makeover follows at No. 8, and breast lift rounds out the list at No. 10.

On the Rise: Treatments Designed to Improve Skin

Treatments that improve skin conditions—from acne to scars to discoloration—saw rapid interest growth in 2018, taking five spots on the top 10 list of fastest-growing minimally invasive treatments.

Hair Growth Treatments Trending Up

A growing number of consumers are researching hair restoration, with two treatments making the top 10 list of fastest-growing minimally invasive treatments. PRP for Hair Loss takes the No. 4 spot with 20 percent growth compared to 2017.

Interest in Niche Surgical Procedures for the Face, Ears Increasing

Topping the surgical list with the highest year-over-year growth is thread lift, which saw a 42 percent jump in interest compared to 2017.

The 2019 Aesthetics Watch List

 The Year of the Toxins

According to RealSelf, interest in Botox is increasing the fastest among 18- to 24-year-old RealSelf users. While Botox is the frontrunner today, up-and-coming entrants from companies like Revance and Evolus could bring increased competition to the neuromodulator market.

Less Invasive Alternatives to Traditional Procedures

This year saw sizable spikes in interest for nonsurgical treatments that offer a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. The body contouring treatment Emsculpt, which ranked among the top emerging treatments of 2018, is one example.

Another is the off-label use of fillers. Sculptra Aesthetic, which saw 31 percent interest growth last year, is FDA-approved to treat facial wrinkles, but a growing number of doctors are using the injectable for buttock augmentation.

Expanded Conversations About Modern Beauty

Celebrities and other influencers have helped elevate the conversation and reduce the stigma around cosmetic procedures by sharing their treatment experiences on social media. As advancements in technology help make aesthetics accessible to a wider audience, more people have the ability to choose procedures that support their individuality and personal definition of beauty.