Looking up cosmetic surgeries as a way to improve our looks can seem radical, especially if no one in our surroundings ever did anything like that. However, cosmetic surgeries are much more common than we might think. They are popular all over the world, and Australia makes it on the list of the top 10 countries by the amount of money spent on cosmetic surgeries. In 2017, Australia reached the billion-dollar threshold on cosmetic procedures, and in 2018, the total number of surgeries was 202,642. A study conducted by RealSelf, which collected data from 650,000 Australian respondents who researched cosmetic surgeries, found that 79% of them were female and 21% were male. The age of the respondents ranged from teenagers to the elderly. A significant demographic among people researching cosmetic procedures are young moms looking to restore their figure after pregnancy.
Below, we’ll get into greater detail regarding some of the most searched procedures that Aussie mums are interested in, including breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, labiaplasty and others.
Breast augmentation and breast implants
Breast augmentation with implants is by far the most common cosmetic procedure in Australia. People undergo this procedure for several reasons which may include restoring breasts after mastectomy due to breast cancer or other aggressive diseases, the desire for a more symmetric and proportionate figure, because of development issues and restoring the shape and size after pregnancy and breast-feeding. Many women find that after pregnancy the shape of their breasts is no longer as it used to be. For that reason, young moms are one of the groups of people likely to undergo breast augmentation.
However, it is important to consider the potential risks of this particular surgery. Namely, infections occur from 1.1 to 2.5% in those who undergo breast augmentation. Also, 15% of people that undergo this type of surgery experience lasting changes in nipple sensation.
Removing breast implants
Also known as ex-Plantation, removing breast implants is a procedure with growing popularity. It includes the removal of the implant and its capsule en bloc – in its entirety. Generally, breast reduction is continuously a very popular procedure among all groups, and the people who undergo it report a significant improvement to their body functionality as well as self-confidence. Specifically, persons who had previously undergone augmentation sometimes report losing nipple sensation as well as a general feeling of being unwell. After the removal of the implants, patients say they experienced a fast and drastic improvement.
Rhinoplasty
As the shape of the nose is one the most distinctive and defining features of our face, the practice of rhinoplasty continues to be one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, including among young Aussie mums. Rhinoplasty refers to the surgery that involves the reshaping or straightening of the nose. It is indicated in the case of severe septal deviation, nasal valve collapse, previously failed septoplasty, or cosmetic concerns regarding the shape of the nose. This procedure generally improves the aesthetics, but can also contribute to the improved function of the nose (alleviating breathing difficulty). The above-mentioned research conducted by RealSelf recorded 7% of all Australian traffic pertaining to rhinoplasty pages.
Mummy makeover
The term “Mummy Makeover” relates to a series of procedures that helps mothers bounce back after giving birth and regain their pre-pregnancy shape. The procedures target crucial areas affected by pregnancy and its aftermath, giving birth, and breastfeeding. It may include body lifting, tummy tucks, labiaplasty, and clitoral hood surgery. Body lift is a cosmetic procedure popular among all groups and it involves the removal of excess skin after weight loss or after pregnancy. It is an abdominoplasty aimed at reducing the bulk of the lower abdomen resulting in a slimmer and smoother stomach. The surgery can also help tighten abdominal muscles which creates a more sculpted waist. Persons considering this procedure should mind that seroma is a common risk, affecting between 15 and 30% of patients.
In recent years there has also been a growth in the number of labiaplasty procedures performed, with an increase of 39%. While some people might be unhappy with the look of their labia from earlier in life, some women notice negative changes after pregnancy. The field of cosmetic surgery now offers a variety of procedures to improve the look of the labia: labiaplasty surgery, clitoral hood reduction, mons lift liposuction and labia majora reduction.
In the near future, we will see a growth in the demand for cosmetic surgeries, and young mothers are certainly an important segment of possible patients. It is expected that breast augmentation and tummy tucks will be the most requested in the upcoming years. However, the majority of mums will be going for a more natural look aimed at restoring their appearance before pregnancy rather than a sculpted look.
Theodora is a passionate blogger from Sydney and she is someone you would call an IT nerd. Also, she takes great interest in psychology and helping people deal with their mental and health issues. Besides that, she loves martial arts and enjoys nature.