The demand for aesthetic treatments and plastic surgery continues to rise in Spain and, according to specialists, in times of economic hardship it tends to pick up even more. In Catalonia, various sources in the sector estimate the growth of activity at around 30% in the last five years, an evolution that is also observed in consultations in other communities.
The thrust has multiple causes: the image culture imposed by social networks, the so-called Zoom effect after the pandemic and the ease of accessing less invasive solutions. Plastic surgery has also become one of the most in-demand specialties in the MIR, a sign that the healthcare and training ecosystem is supporting this trend.
Data that explains the rebound
A survey of more than a hundred professionals in Catalonia indicates that, in 2019, the majority of plastic surgeons performed between 50 and 100 cosmetic procedures per year; today, the usual is situated y entre 100 200The curve is clear and points to sustained demand even in uncertain scenarios.
El patient profile has also been expanded. Men now account for around 25% of the interventions, while women continue to represent nearly 75%. The greater social acceptance, the fact that they they take better care of themselves and technological advances—with faster recoveries and more natural results—have contributed to this change.
Another piece of the puzzle is the well-being factor: for many, investing in self-care It is a way of managing complexes or insecurities. Experts read it as a sign of societies that prioritize health and image, something that is expected to continue driving the market.
Who undergoes surgery and what does the patient ask for?
As for ages, there are two large blocks: between 20 and 30 years Those who seek more striking changes predominate, while those who 40 to 50 years A discrete outcome is prioritized that accompanies the maturity process. These are different expectations that require personalized plans.
Social normalization coexists with a certain public discretion. In well-known figures, it is still common to attribute transformations to habits like going to the gym before admitting to a touch-up. The conversation, in any case, has shifted to realistic goals and informed decisions.
The key, according to clinical teams, is to align expectations and evaluate the indication of each procedure. Not everything works for everyone: medical history, psychological stability, and recovery time determine the therapeutic plan.
Trends and techniques: naturalness over exaggeration
El breast augmentation continues to lead the ranking of requested surgeries, but with changes in focus: requests for smaller volume prosthesis, replacements to adjust size and also explants in patients who prefer to simplify maintenance.
The transfer of gains weight autologous fat (extracted from the abdomen, thighs or flanks) to mold with your own tissues and achieve a look harmonious and discreet. Among surgeons there is a practical consensus: the more moderate the implant and the more proportionate the plan, lower risk and better adjustments long term.
Risks, intrusion and how to choose safely
The sector lives with a notable concern: the intrusivenessIt is estimated that around half of cosmetic procedures are not performed by a certified plastic surgeon nor a specialist with adequate training, with the consequent risk of dissatisfaction and complications.
The majority of accredited professionals in Catalonia claim to have had to correct procedures performed by non-specialists, a burden with economic and emotional impact for the patient. Percentages close to 90% of surgeons who have undertaken revisions of this type.
Before surgery, the comprehensive assessment also includes the patient's emotional state. The team assesses whether the patient is psychologically prepared for the process and for possible minor incidents or revision surgeries. It is not uncommon that, after this screening, about 10% of those who consult do not end up having surgery.
The desire to chain together touch-ups requires a brake: common sense sets limits and the best guarantee is to go to accredited professionals, verify their membership in scientific societies and resolve doubts in informative consultations, without rushing or pressure.
The picture painted by the sector is clear: Aesthetic treatments grow even in a crisis, with more diverse patients and a general preference for naturalness. Data and clinical experience support that push, but the determining factor for achieving good results remains the procedural safety and a decision made with information, time and qualified advice.