Popular Cosmetic Procedures in Virginia
The most popular cosmetic procedures in Virginia reflect national trends. On the surgical side, liposuction, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, breast lift, and eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) lead the way. Among minimally invasive treatments, Botox, dermal fillers, and chemical peels are the most sought-after. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), liposuction has been the #1 surgical cosmetic procedure for three consecutive years, and Virginia patients increasingly favor natural-looking results, facial rejuvenation, and post-weight-loss body contouring. At Kitto Plastic Surgery in Richmond, Dr. Kitto performs the full range of these top-ranked surgical and non-surgical treatments.
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Types of Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
If you are just beginning to consider one of the many types of cosmetic procedures available, congratulations.
Choosing to enhance your appearance can improve your self-confidence, inspire a healthier lifestyle, relieve pain, and more. And you are not alone.
According to the statistics, plastic surgeons performed more than 30 million cosmetic procedures in the U.S., including 1.6 million surgical procedures and over 28 million minimally invasive treatments. Liposuction, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, breast lift, and eyelid surgery remain the top five surgical procedures, while Botox/neuromodulator injections alone exceeded 9.8 million treatments.
According to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2019, doctors performed 1.8 million cosmetic procedures.
Popular Cosmetic Procedures in Virginia
While the possibilities and positive reputation of the practice continuing to soar, there is a lot to learn before making important decisions about the type of surgery right for you.
And today, a growing list of minimally invasive procedures add to the options. To help you navigate your journey, let’s discuss some of the most common types of cosmetic surgery and popular Virginia cosmetic procedures.
Top 10 Cosmetic Procedures in Virginia (2024–2026 ASPS Data)
Based on the most recent American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) statistics and trends shaping 2026, here are the ten most popular cosmetic procedures patients in Virginia request today:
- Liposuction — ASPS’s #1 surgical cosmetic procedure for the third consecutive year, with over 349,728 procedures nationally in 2024. Removes stubborn fat from the abdomen, thighs, hips, and arms for smoother contours.
- Breast Augmentation — The #2 surgical procedures, with roughly 306,196 procedures in 2024. Restores volume after pregnancy or weight loss; 2026 trends favor smaller, more natural implants.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) — Approximately 171,164 procedures in 2024, up 1% year-over-year. A key part of post-pregnancy and Ozempic-makeover requests.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy) — Around 153,616 procedures in 2024, increasingly chosen instead of (or alongside) augmentation for a natural lift.
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) — Over 120,755 procedures in 2024 and the fastest-growing facial surgery for both men and women — popular for a subtle, refreshed look.
- Facelift / Neck Lift — Demand jumped notably in 2024–2026, driven by Gen X patients and GLP-1 (Ozempic) weight loss that depletes facial volume.
- Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) — A consistent top facial procedure; ‘midlife rhinoplasty’ for subtle refinement is a defining 2026 trend.
- Botox / Neuromodulators — The #1 non-surgical procedure with 9.88 million treatments in 2024 (up 4% year-over-year).
- Dermal Fillers (HA) — Approximately 5.33 million hyaluronic acid filler treatments in 2024 — used for cheeks, lips, tear troughs, and ‘Ozempic face’ volume restoration.
- 10. Chemical Peels & Skin Resurfacing — Skin resurfacing rose 6% in 2024; peels remain a top affordable option for sun damage, fine lines, and acne scarring.
What Are Cosmetic Procedures?
But first, what exactly are cosmetic procedures? Before even considering surgery or looking through much plastic surgery before and after galleries, make sure you gather all the information you can about the meaning of cosmetic procedures.
According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, “cosmetic surgery is a unique discipline of medicine focused on enhancing appearance through surgical and medical techniques.”
These procedures are elective and can be done on any area of the head, neck, or body.
In contrast, plastic surgery is defined as “a surgical specialty dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease.
Plastic surgery is intended to correct dysfunctional areas of the body and is reconstructive in nature.”
A lot of patients confuse the two, so by understanding the difference, you are already ahead of the game and know the correct path to research.
Next, we explore some of the most common Virginia cosmetic procedures, including surgical, non-invasive, and the exciting trend of “mommy makeovers.”
Surgical Procedures
As the name implies, surgical cosmetic procedures are just that—surgery. They involve cutting tissues (incisions), anesthesia, and recovery time.
While these surgeries are more complicated, they often come with more dramatic and longer-lasting results.
Dr. Kitto specializes is many of the most popular surgical Virginia cosmetic procedures.
Breast augmentation
It is very common for women to be born with small breasts or to lose volume after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the country and addresses sagging, small size, or a misshapen chest. The surgery involves adding a silicone or saline implant that brings fullness and shapes back to the breasts.
Patients feel like themselves again—younger, more feminine, self-confident, and comfortable in their clothing.
- Who is a good candidate? Healthy adult women bothered by small, asymmetric, or deflated breasts (often after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss) who have realistic expectations and stable body weight.
- What is recovery like? Most patients return to desk work within 5–7 days. Soreness and swelling subside in 2–3 weeks; final implant settling and full activity (including exercise) typically resume by 6 weeks.
Face Lift
A traditional facelift benefits patients with moderate to significant facial aging.
A plastic surgeon makes small incisions around the ears and into the hairline, tightens the muscles of the face and neck, and trims the excess fat from the neck and jowls.
In most cases, the traditional facelift offers the most dramatic and long-lasting results.
A mid-facelift treats the middle of the face or cheek area.
Candidates are often in the earlier stages of aging and are unhappy with sagging cheeks and deepening nasolabial folds around the nose, but they don’t yet require addressing sagging and wrinkling in the neck and jowls.
Small incisions are made in the hairline above the ears and within the mouth, which allows the surgeon to reposition the fat pads in the cheeks over the cheekbones and tighten the skin.
- Who is a good candidate? Adults across a wide age range — mild laxity in the 40s suits a mini or mid-facelift; moderate laxity in the 50s–60s is the most common window for a traditional facelift; and patients in their 70s and beyond with more advanced laxity, pronounced jowls, and significant volume loss often achieve dramatic results from a full facelift, provided they are in good general health. Increasingly popular among Gen X patients seeking maintenance results and post-GLP-1 weight loss patients.
- What is recovery like? Initial swelling and bruising peak around days 3–5 and largely resolve within 2 weeks. Most patients return to work in 2 weeks; final results emerge over 3–6 months.
Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
This surgery reshapes the nose, improving the appearance, or correcting breathing problems. The procedure starts with incisions made either within the nostrils or around the tissue between the nostrils.
The surgeon gently lifts the soft tissue covering the nose, sculpts the bone and cartilage to the desired shape, and re-positions the tissues.
- Who is a good candidate? Patients age 16+ (after nasal growth is complete) seeking aesthetic refinement or breathing improvement, in good health and with realistic goals.
- What is recovery like? Splint and bruising for about 1 week, when most return to work. Major swelling resolves in 2–4 weeks; subtle refinements continue evolving for up to 12 months.
Neck Lift
If you need to smooth lines, wrinkles, creases, and folds between your face and body, this cosmetic procedure for the neck will allow you to hold your head up high with self-confidence.
It is appropriate for anyone who wants to tighten the often-loosening neck muscles. Incisions under the sideburns, around the ear and into the hair help the surgeon lift the skin and remove fatty deposits under the chin.
Most patients go back to work after a neck lift within one or two weeks. This can also be one of the most effective procedures for double chin issues.
- Who is a good candidate? Patients with loose neck skin, vertical ‘bands,’ or a double chin that hasn’t responded to weight loss or exercise — most commonly age 40 and up.
- What is recovery like? Return to work in 1–2 weeks. Final neck contour fully settles within 3 months as swelling resolves.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
While some patients have always been displeased with the shape of their eyes, aging can significantly change their appearance. Bright, open eyes can become heavy-lidded or droopy.
This cosmetic procedure corrects the upper or lower eyelids, including under-eye bags and fat deposits. An incision is made along the natural crease of the eyelids to remove excess skin along with muscle and fat deposits.
For evidence of the dramatic results of this popular cosmetic procedure, check out the results in Dr. Kitto’s plastic surgery before and after gallery.
- Who is a good candidate? Adults with sagging upper eyelid skin that obstructs vision, under-eye bags, or a tired/heavy appearance. One of the most-requested facial procedures for both men and women in 2026.
- What is recovery like? Bruising and swelling for 7–10 days; most return to work in 1–2 weeks. Contact lenses can typically resume around 2 weeks.
Mommy Makeovers
After a woman is done having children, she often desires to get her former body back. Mommy makeovers to the rescue!
This combination of surgeries aims to lift, tuck, and improve the physical appearance of mainly the breasts and abdomen.
Mommy makeovers commonly include breast augmentation along with other cosmetic procedures such as:
Liposuction
Eliminate fat in the entire abdominal region after childbirth or use liposuction to get rid of stubborn fat deposits anywhere in the body.
Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure performed to remove excess fat through a small, thin tube called a cannula.
The fat is suctioned from the body through this tube to help patients achieve a more slender and balanced overall appearance.
- Who is a good candidate? Healthy adults near their target weight with localized fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise, and good skin elasticity for smooth post-procedure contours.
- What is recovery like? Compression garment worn for 4–6 weeks. Most return to desk work in 3–5 days; exercise resumes around 4 weeks. Final contour visible at 3–6 months.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Helps remove loose, sagging skin or fatty deposits and repair stretched muscles in the abdomen. Women end up with a firmly contoured tummy once again.
An incision is made along the abdomen to separate the skin from the abdominal muscles. Then the skin is stretched away from the muscle tissue, and excess skin is removed.
The abdominal muscle tissues are tightened to provide a firmly contoured stomach and a well-defined waistline.
- Who is a good candidate? Patients with loose abdominal skin or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), often following pregnancy or significant weight loss, and at a stable weight.
- What is recovery like? Two weeks off work is typical; full exercise at 6 weeks. Final tightened result and incision fading continue improving for up to a year.
Labiaplasty
If you are looking for a labiaplasty surgeon in Virginia, Dr. Kitto has a wealth of experience with this trending procedure.
Often, hormonal changes, weight gain, aging, or pregnancy, and childbirth can cause the labia to appear saggy.
A vaginal rejuvenation, or labiaplasty, involves decreasing the size or altering the shape of the labia minora, the inner vaginal lips on both sides of the vagina, to give it a more “tucked in” appearance.
In some cases, it can also include sculpting the labia majora, or outer lips, or trimming the clitoral hood.
- Who is a good candidate? Adult women experiencing physical discomfort, hygiene issues, or self-consciousness related to the size or shape of the labia.
- What is recovery like? Return to desk work in 3–7 days. Exercise and intercourse typically resume after 6 weeks once full healing is confirmed.
Minimally invasive (Non-Surgical) Procedures
The number of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures is increasing every year. Patients love these options because they are less risky, have little to no recovery time, and are often more affordable than traditional surgeries.
Dr. Kitto performs all of the most popular minimally invasive (non-surgical) procedures including:
Botox
Botulinum toxin is extremely popular because it is a quick and effective, in-office procedure that improves the most visible signs of aging on the face.
The injectable treatment blocks and relaxes the impulses of the nerves and reduces the activity of the muscles. Results are visible within a week of the injection and last for 4–6 months.
Commonly treated wrinkles and fine lines include forehead lines, crow’s feet, frown lines, and thick bands on the neck.
- Who is a good candidate? Adults (typically 25+) with dynamic wrinkles from facial expression — frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines. Also popular preventively in late 20s and 30s.
- What is recovery like? No downtime — a true ‘lunchtime’ procedure. Mild redness may last under an hour; full results appear in 7–14 days.
Soft-Tissue Fillers
Injectable dermal fillers like Juvederm®, Belotero®, Restylane®, and Voluma® are comprised of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in the body’s connective tissues.
They are used to treat superficial or fine lines on specific parts of the face, such as the cheeks, temples, tear troughs, or lips.
These injections offer immediate volume and are a cost-effective way to improve overall facial aging without surgery or downtime.
- Who is a good candidate? Adults wanting added volume in the cheeks, lips, tear troughs, or smile lines — including post-weight-loss patients restoring ‘Ozempic face’ volume.
- What is recovery like? Minimal downtime — slight swelling or bruising for 1–3 days. Results are immediate and last 6–18 months depending on the product and area treated.
Chemical Peel
Peeling involves artificially removing the outer layer of skin to speed up the body’s natural skin renewal process.
The skin grows back without replicating many of the problems that have developed during its life, such as fine lines, sun damage, or dark spots.
Dr. Kitto offers several peels including the Jessner Peel and TCA Peel.
The Jessner Peel is a medium-depth peel that contains three acne- and sun-damage fighting peeling agents designed to improve the overall appearance and health of acne-prone and aging skin—salicylic acid, lactic acid, and resorcinol.
These ingredients work together to shed damaged cells, dry out acne lesions, dislodge congestion within the pores, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and lighten hyper-pigmentation and acne scarring.
A TCA Peel is a more intensive peel that uses trichloroacetic acid to remove the old cells and stimulate growth.
- Who is a good candidate? Patients with sun damage, fine lines, acne scarring, melasma, or uneven tone. Lighter skin tones tolerate deeper peels best; medium tones do well with Jessner peels.
- What is recovery like? Light peels: 1–3 days of flaking. Medium (Jessner/TCA) peels: 5–10 days of peeling and redness. Strict sun protection for several weeks after.
Cosmetic Procedures Near Me
No matter your concern or the cosmetic procedure you are considering, as a specialist in all of the most common types of cosmetic surgery, Dr. Kitto can help.
She is a trusted plastic surgeon in Virginia and one of the most reliable and expert options for plastic surgery in the Richmond area.
To schedule a consultation, call 804-294-1777 or visit the Kitto Plastic Surgery website at KittoPlasticSurgery.com to discover additional information about all of the procedures available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What are the most popular cosmetic procedures in Virginia?
The most popular procedures in Virginia follow national ASPS rankings: liposuction, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, breast lift, and eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) lead the surgical list. For non-surgical treatments, Botox, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, and chemical peels are the most requested. At Kitto Plastic Surgery in Richmond, all of these procedures are routinely performed.
Q2: What is the difference between cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is elective and focused on enhancing appearance — think breast augmentation, facelift, liposuction. Plastic surgery is the broader medical specialty that includes both cosmetic procedures and reconstructive surgery (for birth defects, trauma, burns, or disease). Every cosmetic surgery is plastic surgery, but not every plastic surgery is cosmetic.
Q3: Which cosmetic procedures are the least invasive?
The least invasive options are non-surgical injectables and energy-based treatments: Botox, hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvéderm, Restylane), chemical peels, and laser skin resurfacing. Most require no downtime, take 15–45 minutes in-office, and produce visible results within days.
Q4: How much do cosmetic procedures cost in Virginia?
Costs vary widely by procedure and surgeon. Typical ranges in Virginia: Botox $12–$18 per unit, dermal fillers $700–$1,200 per syringe, chemical peels $150–$800, eyelid surgery $4,000–$7,000, breast augmentation $7,000–$12,000, tummy tuck $9,000–$15,000, and facelift $12,000–$25,000. A personalized quote requires an in-person consultation.
Q5: Is cosmetic surgery covered by insurance in Virginia?
Purely cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance in Virginia or anywhere else in the U.S. However, related procedures with a functional component — such as upper blepharoplasty for vision-obstructing eyelids, rhinoplasty correcting a deviated septum, or breast reduction for back pain — may be partially covered. Always check with your insurer in advance.
Q6: How do I choose a qualified cosmetic surgeon in Virginia?
Look for a surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), operates in an accredited facility, has extensive experience with your specific procedure, and shares before-and-after results from real patients during your consultation.
Q7: How long do cosmetic procedure results last?
Surgical results are long-lasting: breast augmentation implants typically last 10–20 years, facelifts deliver 7–10+ years of visible benefit, and tummy tucks are essentially permanent (barring major weight changes or pregnancy). Non-surgical results are shorter: Botox lasts 3–6 months, HA fillers 6–18 months, and chemical peels several months to a year.
Q8: What is the recovery time for the most common cosmetic procedures?
Recovery varies by procedure. Botox and fillers: no downtime. Chemical peels: 3–10 days of peeling. Eyelid surgery: 7–14 days. Breast augmentation: 1 week off work, 6 weeks for full activity. Tummy tuck and facelift: 2 weeks off work, 6 weeks for exercise. Liposuction: 3–5 days off work, 4 weeks for exercise.
