Searches for beauty procedures within the UK have risen by 12% year-on-year, reflecting a rising urge for food for aesthetic enhancements, from non-invasive therapies like Intense Pulsed Mild (IPL) to surgical interventions akin to hair transplants. However a 94% surge in hospital admissions linked to botched beauty surgical procedures overseas since 2020 has raised alarm, with the NHS bearing the price of corrective therapies. Dermatology specialists at The Devonshire Clinic, led by Dr Conal Perrett, analysed Google search information from June 2024 to June 2025 to establish the highest 10 most sought-after beauty procedures and shared insights into the tendencies shaping the trade.
Prime 10 most sought-after beauty therapies
The next procedures topped UK search tendencies between June 2024 and June 2025:
- Intense pulsed mild (IPL): Main with 2,531,400 searches, IPL’s reputation stems from its means to deal with solar harm, rosacea, pimples scars, and uneven pores and skin tone. Referred to as a “lunchtime facial repair”, it gives seen outcomes with minimal downtime, interesting to busy professionals and Millennials.
- Laser hair elimination: With 859,330 searches, this therapy’s long-term hair discount advantages entice each women and men. Advances in laser expertise have made it safer and extra inclusive throughout pores and skin tones.
- Hair transplant: Producing 831,880 searches, hair transplants have gone mainstream, pushed by minimally invasive methods like follicular unit extraction (FUE). Excessive-profile males discussing their procedures have decreased stigma, notably amongst these aged 30–50.
- Microneedling: This therapy, with 253,710 searches, makes use of tiny needles to spice up collagen manufacturing, bettering pores and skin texture and lowering scarring. Its reputation is amplified by social media influencers showcasing high-performance skincare routines.
- Botox: With 251,470 searches, Botox stays a staple for softening wrinkles. Youthful generations, together with Millennials and Gen Z, are embracing ‘child Botox’ for preventative ageing with natural-looking outcomes.
- Dermal fillers: Attracting 236,850 searches, fillers add quantity to lips, cheeks, and under-eye areas, with superior formulation providing longer-lasting, pure outcomes.
- Rhinoplasty: This surgical process garnered 223,610 searches, reflecting demand for nasal reshaping amongst these looking for facial concord.
- Eyelid surgical procedure: With 177,000 searches, this process addresses sagging eyelids, interesting to these looking for a refreshed look.
- Chemical peel: Producing 148,630 searches, chemical peels enhance pores and skin tone and texture, typically used for pigmentation and superb strains.
- Abdominoplasty: With 133,140 searches, tummy tucks stay in style for physique contouring, notably post-weight loss.
Rising issues from beauty tourism.
The worldwide beauty trade noticed 38 million procedures in 2024, however the UK’s NHS is grappling with a 94% enhance in hospital admissions for issues from surgical procedures carried out overseas since 2020. Procedures in international locations like Turkey, typically marketed as reasonably priced vacation packages, have led to extreme infections, sepsis, and antibiotic-resistant superbugs. The NHS estimates prices of round £15,000 per affected person for corrective therapies, inserting important pressure on assets.
Dr Conal Perrett, a number one dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic, warned: “The rise of botched non-public beauty surgical procedures is inserting an growing burden on the NHS, as sufferers search corrective procedures for issues starting from infections to extreme scarring, and, in some circumstances, life-threatening circumstances. Many of those surgical procedures are carried out overseas or by unregulated practitioners, leaving sufferers with little to no aftercare, though surgical procedures take each a bodily and emotional toll. There must be reinforcement of stricter laws and improved affected person training on the dangers of selecting value over high quality in terms of these life-changing procedures.”
Trade tendencies and affected person security
The Devonshire Clinic’s evaluation highlights a shift in the direction of non-invasive therapies like IPL and microneedling, pushed by minimal downtime and social media affect. Nevertheless, the attract of cheaper surgical procedures overseas continues to pose dangers. The federal government is growing a licensing scheme for non-surgical procedures, following a 2023 session, to make sure practitioner {qualifications} and hygiene requirements. Till laws are enforced, specialists urge customers to analysis clinics totally and prioritise certified practitioners to keep away from devastating outcomes.
