How Many Plastic Surgeons Are There in the UK and USA?

But have you ever wondered exactly how many plastic surgeons there really are, and particularly in the UK and the US, where it seems there is an increasing demand? It is not just something fun to know; knowing the numbers gives us an idea of how accessible these services are, and it provides a sense of what kind of industry is emerging, as well as where people are likely to go to seek treatment.

In this blog, we take a closer look at the number of plastic surgeons practising in both the UK and the US, and just what those numbers represent. Spoiler: it’s more than you’d guess.

Overview of Plastic Surgery in the UK and USA

Plastic surgery has evolved from a front-line reconstruction tool to a routine choice for anyone who wants to enhance the way they see themselves or change something they’ve never liked. The popularity of cosmetic procedures has been on the rise in both the UK and the USA, as millennials continue to embrace social media trends, new beauty ideals, and better accessibility of treatments.

In the United States, the 2023 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reveals some interesting shifts. Cosmetic surgical procedures increased by 5% over 2022, with face and neck surgeries for men rising 15% and body procedures up 18%. Liposuction was still the most commonly performed surgery at over 347,000 treatments, while breast augmentations and lifts showed steady growth. The increase in minimally invasive therapies, as such treatments are reversible, suggests that many people prefer a subtle adjustment to a major renovation.

Meanwhile, in the UK, demand is rising too. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), 2022 saw a notable jump in procedures following a quieter pandemic period. The most popular operations for women were breast augmentations, liposuction and tummy tucks, while men were more likely to go for chest reduction and eyelid surgery. The statistics also reflect a rise in interest in body contouring or facial refinement, part of a larger movement toward more natural-looking results and self-care-driven motivations.

And so, from London to Los Angeles, it seems that cosmetic surgery isn’t just in Vogue; it’s becoming mainstream and integrated into the everyday conversation about self-image and confidence.

Number of Plastic Surgeons in the UK

So, how many plastic surgeons are there in the UK? As of 2022, the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) listed a total of 679 fully qualified consultants in substantive posts throughout the United Kingdom, and 38 others working in the Republic of Ireland.

One notable trend is the shift in gender representation within the profession. In 2010, only 14% of UK consultant plastic surgeons were women. By 2022, that had increased to 23 per cent. It’s a climb, but it’s an indication that the field is growing more inclusive over time.

In terms of where these consultants are based, there’s a noticeable geographical spread. The most significant number is based in London, and that’s reasonable: when demand for cosmetic procedures is this high, the capital has to lead the way. Other well-served regions are the North West, East of England, and Yorkshire. However, regions like Northern Ireland, the North East of England, and Wales have fewer consultants per capita, which can affect waiting times and accessibility.

The 2022 survey also touched on workforce pressures and gaps in the system. Ideally, there should be one consultant per 80,000 people; some regions meet this standard, but others are falling short.

You can find more details in the BAAPS Annual Audit Results, which provide a complete snapshot of the consultant landscape across the UK.

Number of Plastic Surgeons in the USA

Have you ever wondered how many plastic surgeons there are in the United States? As of 2023, an estimated 7,500 plastic surgeons practice in the United States, the country with the largest number of plastic surgeons and the highest volume of procedures. That figure comes from a Statista report, which tracks the number of surgeons globally each year.

Of those, around 7,461 are actually certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). But who are these surgeons, anyway? According to the latest ABPS statistics, 83% of the practitioners are male, while 17% are female practitioners. Although the number of women in the field is slowly on the rise, it’s evident that there is a gender gap, especially when compared with other specialities.

As to where you’re likely to find these surgeons, you’ll see a concentration of them in and around urban centres, particularly in states like California, Florida, and New York, which enjoy a high demand for both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. They are there because it is simply where the action is: high patient numbers, specialist clinics, and the latest technology.

All in all, the US plastic surgery market is thriving, with a plethora of procedures and numerous talented professionals to perform them. As public interest grows, that number is likely to increase as well.

Trends and Future Outlook

Here’s where things are going, with fresh stats and real-world trends to back it up:

The BAAPS 2024‑25 audit reports that the UK saw a 5% increase in aesthetic surgeries, bringing the total number of procedures in the UK to 27,462 in 2024. Much of that growth is driven by facial rejuvenation (think brow lifts, +20%; eyelid lifts, +13%; facelifts, +8%) and body contouring/liposuction (+8%), tummy tucks (+6%), and thigh lifts (+24%). What is interesting is that much of this is being driven by women; the number of male procedures actually declined slightly.

Put more broadly, British clinics are busier than ever. A recent Botonics article highlights that UK cosmetic procedures increased by 102% between 2021 and 2022, partly due to pent-up demand post-pandemic, alongside the influence of social media trends and an increasing shift towards seeking self-confidence.

On the US side, the 2023 ASPS report showed a 5% increase in surgeries and a 7% rise in minimally invasive procedures. Top growth areas include liposuction (+7%), breast lifts (+7%), tummy tucks (+5%), and eyelid lifts (+5%). Younger patients, in particular, are choosing more preventive injectables such as Botox and fillers, a swing from corrective to maintenance-oriented aesthetics.

All in all, as there is a growing demand, especially in facial and contouring, we would expect more surgeons to enter the market to meet the in-demand needs. Labour challenges, including the need to train a more diverse pool of talent and meet public demand in underserved regions, are shaping conversations today. But the trend is clear: plastic surgery is changing, and so is the field behind it.

Conclusion

So, exactly how many plastic surgeons are there in the UK and the USA? Thousands, and growing. While the number of consultants is lower in the UK, numbers are rising, and the USA has more than 7500 board-certified surgeons worldwide. The figures are not simply headcounts, and they indicate the surge in demand for cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in both the United Kingdom and the United States.

What’s driving all this? A combination of social media influence, evolving beauty standards, and increased acceptance of cosmetic procedures in both men and women. As interest grows, particularly in facial rejuvenation and body contouring, the industry is adapting, developing, and changing.

For patients, it also means more options to choose from. For people in the field, it means both opportunity and the obligation to provide safe, ethical care in an exploding area of medicine. Whether you’re a curious or potential patient or a critic of plastic surgery, one thing is for sure: plastic surgery is not a niche; it’s mainstream.