Looking into the future: Plastic surgery trends for 2026

The end of the year is approaching, and that means it is time to pull out the crystal ball, peer into the abyss and predict the plastic surgery trends that will dominate 2026.

It would be nice to see into the future, but predicting future plastic surgery trends is more nuanced than simply guessing what a crystal ball would reveal. Looking ahead often means examining the past, reflecting on what was popular, the surgical trends on the decline and then making an educated guess about what patients will be seeking in the months ahead. It also means considering how aesthetic styles are shifting and evolving in response to new technology and tools in the industry.

With that in mind, it is once again time to explore the plastic surgery trends you should keep an eye on for 2026.

The year of preservation and regeneration

Next year may be the year plastic surgery ushers in an era focused not on complete transformation, but rather on refinement and preservation. One of the trends Kristy Hamilton, MD, and others may be most excited about is the rise of regenerative treatments.

"The biggest plastic surgery trends for 2026 reveal a transformative shift toward refined preservation, regenerative sculpting and natural, undetectable beauty," said Dr. Hamilton. "This philosophy defines the incoming 2026 aesthetic ideal – anatomy-preserving, quietly luxurious, regenerative and natural – focused on elevating beauty, not simply turning back time. Patients have higher expectations regarding recovery and return to normal activity, which now occurs much more rapidly with today's modern medications, advanced recovery protocols and technologies."

Roy Kim, MD, is also excited about the future of regenerative tools in plastic surgery. Some of his favorites that he is predicting will be big in 2026 include:

• Regenerative Aesthetics: PRP, PRF, exosomes, skin boosters and biostimulatory fillers as standard add-ons, focused on skin quality, not just lifting
• Prejuvenation as the Default: Patients in their 20s and 30s doing low-dose tox, micro filler and light devices as routine maintenance

"Overall wellness is a growing trend," said Dr. Kim. "Exercise, diet, red light therapy, hot and cold plunge, sauna, fewer alcoholic drinks in general in U.S. society."

Innovations such as exosomes and skin boosters aim to regenerate, stimulating growth factors and enhancing collagen repair. The result can be beautiful skin texture, scar reduction and a bouncy, glowing complexion. Exosomes are one of the most exciting developments because these small, naturally occurring sacs are powerhouses that carry proteins, lipids and growth factors that help regulate how cells function. They are a delivery system running through your body, delivering more essential elements to your cells than an Amazon driver delivering holiday packages to your house.

Karen Horton, MD, MSc, FACS, also believes that regenerative aesthetics will take center stage in 2026, as patients increasingly seek long-term structural improvements over temporary changes.

Instead of significant, dramatic shifts in appearance, 2026 trends seem more focused on youthful regeneration, and for techniques that preserve a person's appearance as part of routine maintenance to help slow the march of time.

Part of that preservation may also include another trend Dr. Kim believes will be big in 2026 – earlier and softer facial surgeries.

"More 'maintenance' deep plane [facelifts] and/or neck lifts and midlife rhinoplasty and/or eyelid work for subtle refresh rather than transformation," said Dr. Kim. "Results will not be as dramatic, will need a repeat surgery someday, like in 10 to 15 years, but fewer people will notice a huge dramatic change, less pain, less recovery, less time in the O.R., quicker healing and lower cost."

This philosophy of refinement over transformation is increasingly shaping patient demand across age groups.

"Culturally, the United States continues to embrace aesthetic surgery earlier than ever," said Dr. Hamilton. "Patients in their late 20s, 30s and early 40s are choosing subtle, proactive procedures to maintain beauty before visible aging emerges, and especially enhance their beauty beyond what nature has provided them, allowing them to look harmonious and beautifully enhanced through every decade via 'undetectable' techniques. This early-intervention movement continues to redefine aesthetic norms, blending wellness, longevity and discreet surgical artistry. These patients are seeking to be their most confident, beautiful, elevated selves, without waiting to see major signs of aging before pursuing surgical intervention."

More GLP-1 makeovers

GLP-1 medications for weight loss are here to stay, and that means GLP-1 makeovers are going to continue to be a trend for 2026.

"There will never be another time in history with as many post-Ozempic patients as now and in the near future," said Dr. Kim. "Ozempic is newer to the scene, and it was pretty expensive in the past."

And he's not the only one who has GLP-1 makeovers on his 2026 bingo card.

"Next-level face, breast and body contouring is reshaping the field – structural surgery is performed with precision, then artfully perfected with autologous (cells obtained from the patient) or off-the-shelf fat transfer to create seamless contours, youthful transitions and elegant softness that fillers alone cannot achieve," said Dr. Hamilton. "A major driver of this shift is the rise of GLP-1 medications, which have ushered in a new era of successful, sustained weight loss. Patients experiencing GLP-1-related volume depletion, particularly in the face, breasts and extremities, are increasingly turning to fat transfer for its unmatched dual benefits – long-lasting structural restoration and potent regenerative effects derived from fat's natural stem cell population. In particular, I love injecting 'nano fat,' natural fat that has been passed gently through filters to produce an almost liquid consistency, for the ultimate in facial rejuvenation through regenerative medicine – without necessarily adding volume to the face."

Dr. Horton also touted the significance of GLP-1 makeovers and body contouring procedures for the new year. She expects to see an increase in interest surrounding tummy tucks, arm and thigh lifts, breast lifts and circumferential body lifts.

Lifts and contouring treatments aren't the only procedures that have gained popularity from the GLP-1 movement.

"Similarly, post-weight loss patients are seeking advanced face and body contouring surgeries to address excess skin, refine their silhouette and restore proportional balance, and many are turning to breast implants to replace lost volume and revive youthful shape," said Dr. Hamilton. "Regenerative layering completes these transformations through state-of-the-art skin optimization technologies, including QuantumRF for internal skin and soft tissue tightening and fractional CO2 laser for comprehensive rejuvenation and collagen induction. Laser skin resurfacing has become more popular than ever to ensure the 'canvas' of the face, the skin, matches the underlying facial structures."

These emerging technologies are poised to shine in 2026, thanks to rapid advancements and other lifestyle factors. QuantumRF is a minimally invasive treatment that uses targeted radiofrequency energy. A tiny probe is inserted under the skin. The RF energy helps heat targeted tissue, destroying fat cells while also boosting collagen and tightening the skin. The treatment may help deliver contouring and skin-tightening results without the downtime of liposuction or surgery.

Breast augmentations bounce back

Breast augmentation has always been one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the U.S. However, statistics from the 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Report show slow growth in breast augmentation. That could change with innovations in breast implant technology.

"Across the U.S., sixth-generation Motiva breast implants continue their rapid rise, elevating breast augmentation with unmatched softness, biocompatibility and dynamic movement that emulates natural breast tissue," said Dr. Hamilton. "They have taken the U.S. by storm in the last year after achieving FDA approval. This momentum fuels the evolution of preservation breast augmentation, including Preservé, the latest evolution in luxury breast augmentation, a tissue-respecting technique that preserves sensation, muscle integrity and natural anatomy while creating a precise, stable pocket for lighter-weight Motiva implants. This trend suits today's modern woman, who is fit, athletic, on-the-go and requires a natural result and a near-instant recovery, which Preservé delivers."

Dr. Horton also predicted an increase in demand for breast implants designed to deliver a smaller, perkier, more natural result suitable for individuals with athletic builds. She indicates that smaller implants, fat transfers and "anatomy-first" breast aesthetics are going to continue to dominate breast augmentation discussions.

Other trends to watch in 2026

Technology may be becoming increasingly innovative and advanced, but that doesn't mean all innovations will or should transform the plastic surgery landscape. AI is the darling of the tech industry, but it does have its limitations. One trend plastic surgery patients should take with a grain of salt is the bombardment of their feeds with "AI slop."

"A flood of generic, low-quality AI-generated blogs and marketing content, which will actually make thoughtful, expert-led education stand out more," said Dr. Kim.

He made it clear that now more than ever, patients need to be savvy and turn to board-certified plastic surgeons, experts and industry leaders like ASPS for high-quality and accurate information.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.