This Map Shows The Vainest Countries In The World

Ever wondered which countries in the world are the most vain? As globalisation slowly begins to spread across the world, more and more people are opting to go under the knife to attain their version of perfection. So where in the world does cosmetic surgery have the most sway – and what procedures are top of the list?

Background

Thanks to Instagram influencers, millennials and others besides, an obsession with beauty and surgical procedures is on the rise, as exposure to the idealised version of perfection increases. Based on a report by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Procedure (ISAPs), we’ve put together a map which offers a glimpse into the countries where cosmetic surgery is the most popular around the world. Making the top list are the US, Brazil, Japan, Italy and Mexico – and while some may be obvious, there are others that will surprise you.

The top five countries on the map (USA, Brazil, Japan, Italy and Mexico) account for a whopping 41.4% of the world’s total expenditure on surgical procedures, followed by Russia, India, Turkey, Germany and France. Here’s an overview of what these countries are spending their money on.

Surprisingly, labiaplasty (the altering of the outer folds of the vulva) was the surgery showing the greatest increase from the previous year in number of procedures in 2016. This was closely followed by the lower body lift which increased by 29%, with the upper body lift and breast alterations coming next, and finally, the buttock lift having increased by 20%.

The most popular cosmetic surgical procedures

Remaining firmly at the top of people’s wish lists is breast augmentation, accounting for 15.8% of all surgical procedures. Despite popular beliefs, penile enlargement has remained the least popular procedure as people decide to remain natural, while Botox still remains consistently the world’s most popular non-surgical procedure.

The gender difference

So what distinguishes the procedures on the wish lists of men compared to those of women? Cosmetic surgery is statistically much more popular with women than in men, with 86.2% of plastic surgeries being conducted being on women. Among the most highly sought-after procedures are breast implants (with silicone inserts), eyelid surgery and then abdominoplasty.

In contrast, men only accounted for 13.8% of surgical procedures, with the most popular surgeries requested being eyelid surgery, gynecomastia (breast tissue reduction), rhinoplasty, liposuction and finally, hair transplant procedures.

The results of the report clearly show that the demand for plastic surgeries is higher than it ever has been, and shows no signs of slowing down – Brazilian bums included.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.