Plastic Surgery: Highest Rates of Procedures, by country
CountryProcedures per 1000 population
South KoreaSouth Korea8.90
ArgentinaArgentina8.81
BrazilBrazil7.62
ColombiaColombia7.26
GreeceGreece6.33
U.S.United States of America5.91
GermanyGermany5.72
TurkeyTurkey5.40
MexicoMexico5.31
ItalyItaly4.79
SpainSpain4.62
Czech RepublicCzech Republic3.95
RomaniaRomania3.07
JapanJapan2.13
ThailandThailand1.49
HungaryHungary1.40
Costa RicaCosta Rica1.38
TaiwanTaiwan1.34
SingaporeSingapore1.20
IndiaIndia0.26
  • Region: Worldwide
  • Time period: 2021
  • Published: 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Apr 6, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

South Korea leads in plastic surgeries per capita

South Korea boasts the highest rate of plastic surgeries, with 8.90 procedures per 1000 population, outpacing Argentina, which has a rate of 8.81 procedures per 1000 population. This significant number reflects a strong cultural acceptance and pursuit of aesthetic enhancement within South Korea.

Latin American countries prominently feature in top rankings

Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico are among the top ten countries with the highest rates of plastic surgeries. Specifically, Brazil has 7.62 procedures per 1000 population, Colombia has 7.26, and Mexico stands at 5.31, indicating a widespread cultural acceptance of cosmetic procedures in Latin America.

European countries display varied interest in plastic surgeries

European nations show a diverse range of plastic surgery rates, with Greece leading the continent at 6.33 procedures per 1000 population. Following Greece are Germany with 5.72, Italy with 4.79, Spain with 4.62, and the Czech Republic with 3.95, showcasing the varying degrees of acceptance and demand for plastic surgery across Europe.

The United States has a substantial rate of plastic surgeries

The United States ranks significantly in the list, with 5.91 procedures per 1000 population. This figure places the U.S. in the middle of the global spectrum, highlighting a considerable demand for cosmetic procedures among Americans.

Asian countries show a wide range of plastic surgery rates

Asian countries exhibit a broad spectrum of plastic surgery rates, from South Korea's leading 8.90 to India's 0.26 procedures per 1000 population. This disparity illustrates the diverse cultural perspectives and economic factors influencing the prevalence of plastic surgery in the region.

Emerging trends in Eastern Europe and Asia

Countries like the Czech Republic and Romania, along with Thailand and Taiwan, indicate emerging markets for plastic surgery. The Czech Republic has 3.95, Romania 3.07, Thailand 1.49, and Taiwan 1.34 procedures per 1000 population, suggesting growing interest in these regions.

India has the lowest rate of plastic surgeries

India records the lowest rate of plastic surgeries among the listed countries, with only 0.26 procedures per 1000 population. This number reflects both cultural attitudes towards cosmetic surgery and possible accessibility issues within the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country leads in terms of plastic surgeries per capita?

South Korea leads with 8.90 procedures per 1000 population.

What is the rate of plastic surgeries in the United States?

The United States has 5.91 procedures per 1000 population.

Which country has the lowest rate of plastic surgeries?

India has the lowest rate, with only 0.26 procedures per 1000 population.

Terms and Definitions

Plastic Surgery is a specialized branch of medicine that involves the restoration, reconstruction or alteration of the human body. It traditionally encompasses two prominent categories: reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. Reconstructive surgery aims to fix results of injuries or congenital abnormalities, while cosmetic surgery focuses on enhancing physical appearance.

Prevalence rates in a public health context refer to the total number of individuals in a population who have an attribute or disease at a particular point in time or over a stated period. In the context of plastic surgery, it would pertain to the amount of people in a given country who have undergone some form of plastic surgery.

Cosmetic surgery is a subset of plastic surgery that focuses solely on enhancing a person's appearance. This could involve improving aesthetic appeal, symmetry, or proportion. Common examples include breast augmentation, rhinoplasty (nose job), liposuction and rhytidectomy (facelift).

Reconstructive surgery is another subset of plastic surgery primarily concerned with restoring normal appearance and function to a part of the body that has been damaged due to trauma, disease, or congenital conditions. Examples include cleft lip and palate surgeries, scar revision, and reconstructive procedures following mastectomy or skin cancer removal.

Non-surgical procedures are treatments that can change the shape or appearance of the body without the need for surgery. In the context of plastic surgery, these could involve the use of lasers, injectables (like Botox or dermal fillers), and nonsurgical fat reduction techniques.

Invasive surgery refers to medical procedures that involve incisions made into the body, or the removal of tissue. Many plastic surgeries are considered invasive, including procedures like breast augmentation, liposuction, or a facelift.

The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) is a global professional organization for board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeons. ISAPS provides safety information, clinical data, and updated research pertinent to the field, and its survey data are often used for analyzing worldwide plastic surgery trends.
All statistics
All topics
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery includes a range of procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and nose reshaping, aimed at enhancing the appearance or removing signs of aging, with increasing societal acceptance and technological advancements fueling its popu Read more »