The search to look and feel good has acquired greater relevance in post-pandemic thanks to social networks. Both virtual and physical spaces are setting new aesthetic standards, motivating the use of various strategies to achieve an improved appearance.
Implementing fitness routines and having plastic surgeries are increasingly popular options to achieve the desired image. Over the past two years, we have witnessed a significant increase in aesthetic procedures. According to data published by the newspaper La Vanguardia in Spain, ‘the demand for surgeries has skyrocketed during the pandemic, registering increases of 20% to 60% in the last months of 2020 and the first of 2021, depending on the type of intervention’.
Post-pandemic plastic surgeries in Colombia
Colombia is no stranger to this reality in the field of plastic and aesthetic surgery. The motivation to look good and the presence of experienced professionals have made the country a prominent destination for medical procedures. In the last four years, Colombia has remained in the top five of countries with the largest number of aesthetic procedures carried out. Reasons for this preference are the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and affordable costs.
Body surgeries have been a trend in the last year, highlighting liposculpture, increase and reduction mammoplasty, as well as eyelid and eyelid surgeries. The latter are grouped under the procedure known as blepharoplasty and have experienced a growth of 50% to 60% during the year 2021. The possibility of dissimulating the recovery period by remaining at home has prompted more patients to undergo these interventions.
Lower age range and plastic surgeries rise in men
As for the profile of patients who want to look and feel good, there have been significant changes during the pandemic and post-pandemic. More and more men are encouraged to undergo the operating room to improve their image, although women continue to be the majority with a proportion of 70% to 30%. More than five years ago, 90% of the patients were women. In addition, the average age for facial procedures such as blepharoplasty has decreased and is now between 45 and 50 years old.
In other interventions, young people between the ages of 19 and 34 represent a significant proportion of patients, while those aged 35 to 50 are the majority in botulinum toxin procedures, with 50.2% according to the International Society of Plastic Surgery.
Colombia, a world power in plastic surgeries
Colombia has established itself as a world power in plastic and aesthetic surgeries, according to the International Society of Plastic Surgery. The country stands out for its leadership in medical tourism, which reflects the growing confidence in Colombian specialists. Patients who want to look and feel good are increasingly informed before making a decision, researching establishment certifications and medical profiles.
When choosing to undergo plastic surgery in Colombia, it is important to take into account some key aspects, both for those who travel from abroad and for those who reside in other cities in the country. These aspects include:
- Choose a suitable surgeon: It is essential to verify that the professional is certified as a plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon. In addition, it is important for the surgeon to master the patient’s language.
- Find out about the facilities: Security is a priority. Therefore, it must be validated that the clinic is accredited and authorized by the competent authorities, meets quality standards and has experienced personnel.
- Choose the right procedure: It is essential to have realistic expectations about the desired results. Communication with the surgeon is decisive, as is the face-to-face medical evaluation and previous clinical examinations to ensure that the patient is a suitable candidate.
- Plan the trip: Prior preparation is required, including the acquisition of an insurance policy for any eventuality. Depending on the distance of the trip, the necessary time must be taken into account.