When it comes to aesthetic goals, every stage of life brings unique priorities and opportunities for transformation. According to data published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the most frequently performed Plastic Surgery procedures vary significantly across age groups — reflecting how people’s concerns and priorities evolve over time. You can read the full ASPS article here: The Most Popular Plastic Surgery Procedures by Age.

As a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 20 years of experience helping patients in San Francisco achieve natural, harmonious results, Dr. Karen Horton has seen these trends firsthand. Below, we break down the most popular procedures for each age range and explain why they are so commonly chosen.

Teenagers and Young Adults (19 and Under)

Most Common Procedure: Breast Reduction

For some younger patients, Plastic Surgery isn’t about aesthetics alone — it’s about comfort and confidence. Breast reduction surgery often tops the list among those under 20, primarily because it can alleviate physical discomfort and improve quality of life.

Whether it’s back pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, unsolicited attention, trouble finding clothes that fit properly or difficulty participating in sports, reducing excess breast tissue can be a meaningful, life-enhancing experience for these patients.

View Our Breast Reduction Before and After Gallery

20s: Establishing Your Best Self

Most Common Procedure: Breast Augmentation

Once patients reach their 20s, many are at a stage of life where they feel ready to pursue cosmetic enhancements that reflect personal goals. Breast augmentation is the most frequently chosen procedure in this age group. It can help individuals achieve proportional contours and feel more confident in their appearance.

This isn’t about “bigger is better” — many patients today prioritize natural-looking results that support their body shape and lifestyle.

View Our Breast Augmentation Before and After Gallery

30s: Balancing Life and Aesthetics

Most Common Procedure: Breast Augmentation (Continued)

In your 30s, breast augmentation remains a top choice — but the reasons sometimes evolve. Many patients in this age group come in post-pregnancy or after weight changes, seeking to restore volume or shape that has shifted over time. Revision of former breast surgery is also popular in this age range, as preferences change with time and breast asymmetries can develop after weight loss or breast feeding.

Whether as a continuation of earlier goals or a fresh decision, breast enhancement or revision can be an empowering choice for women navigating life’s changes.

View Our Breast Revision Surgery Before and After Gallery

Another popular procedure in this age group that our office has observed is labiaplasty. From the mid-20s to the 60s, trimming long labia minora tissue and lifting the outer lips of the vagina (labia majora) serves to improve aesthetics and produce greater physical comfort while exercising, walking and being intimate for women.

View Our Labiaplasty Before and After Gallery

40s to Mid-50s: Shaping and Contouring

Most Common Procedure: Liposuction

Once we enter midlife, body contouring becomes a prevailing focus — and liposuction often tops the chart. With changes in metabolism, shifts in weight distribution after pregnancy, and the natural effects of aging, stubborn areas of fat can become more noticeable.

Liposuction remains one of the most popular surgical procedures overall, offering targeted refinement when diet and exercise aren’t enough. Many patients in this age range also combine body contouring with complementary procedures to achieve a balanced silhouette.

View Our Liposuction Before and After Gallery

Mid-50s to 69: Rejuvenating the Eyes

Most Common Procedure: Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

As skin elasticity decreases with age, many patients start to notice changes around the eyes — from upper eyelid hooding to under-eye bags that make them look tired even after a good night’s sleep. Eyelid surgery becomes especially common in this demographic, helping restore a more refreshed, alert appearance.

This procedure can be transformative, especially when combined with skin care and non-surgical rejuvenation.

View Our Eyelid Surgery Before and After Gallery

70 and Beyond: Looking and Feeling Your Best

Even in later decades, cosmetic surgery remains a choice for those who want to match their appearance to how vibrant they feel internally. In this age group, eyelid procedures continue to be common, and many patients find that a thoughtful approach to facial rejuvenation enhances both confidence and quality of life.

Surgical options are personalized to each individual’s health, goals, and anatomy — because there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to aging gracefully.

View Our Face/Neck/MACS Lift Before and After Gallery

What These Trends Really Mean

While these age-related trends are interesting, the most important principle in aesthetic care is individualization. Your goals are unique, and the right procedure for you depends on your anatomy, lifestyle, and vision for your results — not just your birth year.

Whether you’re considering your first cosmetic surgical procedure or are thinking about something more restorative later in life, the key to success is thoughtful planning and expert execution.

At every stage of life, a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon such as Dr. Karen Horton ensures you understand your options and choose the path that’s best for you.

Thinking About Your Next Step?

If you’re curious about how Plastic Surgery might help you achieve your aesthetic goals — whether it’s body contouring, breast enhancement, facial rejuvenation, or something else — contact our San Francisco office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Karen Horton, where your individual goals for your face, breasts or body are paramount, and your results are personalized to you, always.