American cosmetologists, plastic surgeons, and dermatologists are noticing a clear trend: women are moving away from exaggerated body features in favor of a more athletic and natural silhouette overall. New York-based plastic surgeons Darren Smith and Lyle Leipziger, along with their colleagues, share insights into the body modifications that are currently popular among their clients.
Just last year, social media was flooded with images of women emulating the Kardashian look: super-straight, shiny hair, oversized plump lips hiding dazzling white teeth, doe-like eyes heavily coated in mascara, an hourglass waist, and large, voluptuous breasts and hips. However, with the rise in popularity of “Ozempic” and other GLP-1 related drugs, this look is quickly losing favor. In fact, even style icons like the Kardashians themselves are “deflating,” with their buttocks shrinking and fillers dissolving.
Trends Gaining Popularity
Athletic bodies and toned, youthful arms
“Facelifts and even breast reductions are on the rise, as are tummy tucks, to make the midsection more toned,” says New York plastic surgeon Darren Smith. He also reports a 25% increase in mini-arm lifts, which create a more sculpted, defined appearance for that area.
“I’ve seen a 20% increase in women seeking lifts this year compared to last,” adds Lyle Leipziger, the head of plastic and reconstructive surgery at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. “And for those requesting implants, they’re asking for a smaller size increase, just one cup size.”
Salmon DNA for Hair
One alternative to injectable treatments is strengthening the body from within, such as using salmon DNA to stimulate regeneration. “For those seeking a natural glow without a “stuffed” appearance, the future of skin rejuvenation lies in biohacking. Growth factors and polynucleotides like Rejuran are ideal for cellular regeneration, stimulating collagen production, improving elasticity, hydration, and the desired firmness of the skin. It’s not just skincare; it’s a movement toward a fresher, firmer, and more natural result,” explains dermatologist Anetta Reshko.
Facelifts
Ironically, facelifts are now considered a less radical step than injectables, and even fat, which was traditionally added during a facelift, is being avoided. “I’m seeing more and more patients swapping years of fillers for a facelift, and many of them are firmly opposed to the idea of looking ‘overfilled’ with fat transplants. In fact, I’d say I’m now performing almost 80% of facelifts without using fat. It’s a new era,” says Sean Alevi, a New York-based plastic surgeon specializing in facial surgery.
No more “fox eyes”
Trusdell also notes a decrease in the number of patients requesting side brow lifts to achieve the “fox eye” effect. “Last year, people wanted to look like Bella Hadid, but this year, the ‘fox eye’ look is no longer in style,” he says. Dr. Robert Schwartz, a double-certified ophthalmic surgeon from New York, explains that the classic strong brow lift, which altered the hairline, has been replaced by more subtle forehead adjustments. “The brow lift became a social media trend thanks to the popularity of the temporal lift, a shorter version that focuses on the tail of the brow. This helps lift the upper eyelids without creating a surprised look,” he explains.
