Aesthetic surgery: Italy ranks fifth in the world. Blepharoplasty and resurfacing on the rise, while rhinoplasty gains ground among younger patients

Close-up of a patient during a rhinoplasty consultation

Italians are becoming increasingly “narcissistic”: according to global data published by ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) in the Global Plastic Surgery Statistics report, several key trends have emerged in recent years.

The first striking figure is that the total number of aesthetic procedures — both surgical and non-surgical — performed worldwide increased by 7.4% in 2019 compared to the previous year.

In Italy alone, more than one million aesthetic medicine and surgery procedures were performed in 2019, marking a 7.8% increase compared to 2018 — a stable trend for about five years. Italy ranks fifth in the world, after the USA, Brazil, Japan and Mexico. Surgical procedures accounted for 28.8% of the total, while non-surgical treatments rose from 68.2% to 71.1% (+2.9%).

Looking at the top five most requested procedures, breast augmentation remains number one for the fifth consecutive year, representing 15.8% of all cosmetic surgeries worldwide. In Italy alone, 56,073 procedures were performed in 2019 (+6.6% vs 2018), securing its “gold medal” position.

In second place is blepharoplasty — accounting for 12.9% of cosmetic surgeries in Italy — the most popular procedure among men, with increasing demand. This rise is likely linked to the spread of smart working and extended time spent in video calls, which accentuate the appearance of the eye area.

Third place goes to liposuction, despite its continued decline since 2016 (-10% per year). Rhinoplasty ranks fourth — the most popular procedure among younger patients — showing a notable +33% increase after years of decline. It is followed by facial lipofilling (+10%).

Globally, the use of biomedical technologies for treating facial and body imperfections is also increasing. The most requested non-invasive aesthetic procedures include:

  • permanent hair removal
  • ablative treatments for facial skin resurfacing
  • chemical peels

The face remains the primary focus in aesthetic medicine. Botulinum Toxin and Hyaluronic Acid fillers — used to correct signs of aging — are among the most in-demand treatments worldwide and in Italy. In 2019, Italy saw a 15% increase in Botulinum Toxin use and a 21% increase in Hyaluronic Acid-based fillers.

Maria Serena Patriarca