UK’s most requested cosmetic ops revealed… From Kim K’s ‘tummy tuck’ to the risky face treatment loved by TOWIE stars
GONE are the days of facelifts and liposuction – women looking to rejuvenate their appearance are more focused on non-surgical options.
That’s because they tend to be cheaper, quicker and way less invasive, meaning less risks and less down time. So much so, clinics across the country are noting upticks in such cosmetic treatments.
The global cosmetic industry has seen a 4.4% increase in market value in the last year, according to research from the Harley Street Skin Clinic.
As Brits focus on maximising their time, traditional procedures like facelifts are being outperformed by more time-efficient alternatives.
For instance, non-surgical face lifts performed with lasers have seen an uptake of nearly 300% since 2019.
The appetite for minimally invasive procedures is also increasing in celebrity circles.
Everyone from Kim Kardashian to Melinda Messenger have been open about their cosmetic interventions.
Here, Fabulous takes a look at the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments, and the celebs who are proud to love them.
1. BodyTite
BodyTite is the UK’s most requested cosmetic treatment – sitting around 7% of all procedures carried out, according to research from the Harley Street Skin Clinic.
It is a minimally invasive body contouring treatment that uses radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) technology to remove fat and tighten skin.
It aims to provide a more youthful, toned appearance with less downtime compared to traditional liposuction procedures – and is said to have tummy tuck-like effects when performed on the stomach.
As such, 30 to 50-year-olds are undergoing BodyTite procedures more than any other age group, with prices starting from £3,000 onwards in the UK.
Kim Kardashian, 44, is rumoured to be a fan of this radiofrequency treatment as a non-surgical alternative to a tummy tuck, even admitting on Keeping Up With The Kardashians that she loves trying new body contouring treatments.
While BodyTite is generally considered a safe and minimally invasive procedure, it could leave users with horror burns on their skin due to the radiofrequency energy used to heat and dissolve the fat.
2. PDO Thread Lift
The second most popular cosmetic procedure in the UK is PDO Thread Lift, which makes up for over 6% of all treatments carried out, according to Harley Street Skin Clinic research.
It is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses dissolvable threads to lift and tighten sagging skin, and is hailed for stimulating collagen to produce a firmer appearance.
PDO Thread Lifts are typically performed on the face, neck, or jawline with minimal downtime, and cost upwards from £1,800 for one area – and upwards of £3,500 for the full shebang.
Former glamour model Melinda Messenger, 54, is a particular fan of the procedure, saying: “I just look a little more rested, and like time has been kind to me. My profile is a lot sharper on camera too, and I feel like the old me again.”
PDO Thread Lifts are particularly popular amongst celebs, including Olivia Attwood, 33, who even showed someone getting it done on her ITV show, Olivia Attwood: The Price of Perfection.
There’s also’s TOWIE veteran Chloe Sims, 43, who previously shared gory images of her getting the so-called ‘one-stitch face lift’.
However, it’s important to be aware of the horror side effects you may experience form this procedure, which include asymmetry, visible sutures, scars, nerve damage and skin irregularities.
Influencer Millie Taylforth paid the price when her treatment didn’t heal properly and she was left looking like a “blonde Michael Jackson” with the PDO thread poking out the tip of her nose.
The 24-year-old was using the threads to get a “non-surgical nose job” but ended up having the threads shooting out of her nose after she squeezed the entry hole.
3. Mole Removal
Mole removal is the third most popular cosmetic procedure in the UK, accounting for 4.44% of bookings at Harley Street Skin Clinic.
This procedure can be done for aesthetic and medical reasons, such as for docs to check for signs of skin cancer.
The process can be done through various methods (including excision, shaving or laser treatment) depending on the mole’s size, location and type.
5 Tweakment Red Flags
Amish Patel, Award-Winning Aesthetics Practitioner, Skincare Expert at Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic shared his 5 red flags with Fabulous.
1. Cheap is not-so-cheerful
If you are searching for ‘cheap Botox’, cheap is often cheap for a reason. Botulinum toxin is a prescription medication, only to be carried out by the medical professional prescribing the drug. Cheap prices mean that corners are being cut.
2. ‘Filler packages’
And always have a consultation BEFORE committing to any treatment. Your face is unique & what suits one face might not suit yours.
3. ‘Botox parties’
If a clinic is offering ‘Botox parties’ avoid: alcohol and partying with friends do not mix with a medical aesthetics procedure.
4. Dirty clinics
Where do they do their treatments? Is it a clean and clinical environment? Hygiene and client safety is paramount. As with all injectables, there is potential for infection in contaminated surroundings.
5. Two-for-one deals
Don’t be tempted by ‘share with a friend’ filler deals. Filler syringes are single-use only; changing the needle does not protect from cross-contamination.
Sarah Jessica Parker’s, 60, chin mole disappeared between the 2008 and 2010 Sex and the City films, sparking controversy she later dubbed as “mole-gate”.
Fans with similar beauty marks on their faces were gutted to no longer see it, and took to social media to express their dismay.
This resulted in SJP having to set the record straight in 2013, saying: “I didn’t object to it. I just didn’t care for it.”
4. FaceTite
Coming in hot as the fourth most requested cosmetic procedure is BodyTite’s little sister, FaceTite – and it accounts for 4.36% of all treatments.
Like BodyTite, it is a non-surgical contouring procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to tighten skin, reduce fat and improve overall facial appearance – but specifically for the face.
It targets areas like the face and neck, providing a more youthful look with minimal downtime compared to traditional facelift surgery.
American model Ireland Baldwin, 29, proudly had FaceTite in 2022 to get rid of a “stubborn pocket of fat” under her china after years of insecurity.
The daughter of actor Alec Baldwin, 67, shared pictures of her swollen face afterwards and assured: “I’ve had no other modifications done to my body or face.
“I’ve had no lip filler in my life. I’ve had no fillers in my face. Not that there is anything wrong with that.”
5. Anti-wrinkle Injections
We’ve all heard of Botox by now – the nickname for anti-wrinkle injections, derived from the OG muscle paralyser, botulinum toxin.
It accounts for nearly 4% of the treatments performed, according to research by the Harley Street Skin Clinic.
The clinic’s research also found that, since 2019, 12% of all anti-ageing treatments have been for people aged 18 to 30.
Everyone from reality TV legend Kim Kardashian, 44, and acting royalty Olivia Colman, 51, have been open about their fondness towards anti-wrinkle injections.
Other celebs who have fessed to Botox are American actress Jamie Lee Curtis, 66, Canadian actress Kim Cattrall, 68, and influencer royalty Molly-Mae Hague, 25.