Once a year, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) reveals the latest trends in cosmetic medicine and surgery.
With more than 2,200 members who are facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons, the academy has a good understanding of what drives patients to request certain procedures. Recently, patients of all genders have sought treatment to improve their appearance in selfies.
After the rise in video conferencing due to the pandemic, people are becoming more conscious of their appearance on camera. As a result, many have turned to injections to achieve a more youthful appearance.
Nowadays, there is a growing interest in facial touch-ups to ensure the perfect selfie. With the rise of social media and the importance of online pictures, it seems that patients are willing to go the extra mile to get the perfect photo.
Some surgical procedures for Gen Z
The demand for cosmetic treatments and facial plastic surgery procedures continues to increase in 2022 in all age categories. A report by AAFPRS found that 58% of its members have seen an increase in orders and treatments over the past year, with over three quarters reporting an increase in demand over 10% for this type of procedure.
Women, in particular, were found to be more interested in facial plastic surgery, with practitioners reporting that 16 of the 18 procedures surveyed had more female patients than male patients, except for hair transplants and otoplasty (cosmetic ear surgery).
The report also shows that patients are increasingly opting for non-invasive procedures, such as neurotoxin injections like Botox, dermal fillers, and chemical peels.
Patients of all genders focus on preventing or reducing the signs of aging. Among the surgical procedures, facelifts, blepharoplasties (removal of excess skin from the eyelids), and rhinoplasties (nose jobs) are the most popular.
Rhinoplasty remains the most requested surgical procedure for patients under the age of 34, while blepharoplasty is the preferred option for those aged 35 to 64.
Overall, it seems that patients are looking for subtle improvements to their appearance, with options for non-invasive treatments and procedures that require minimal downtime.
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Contrary to popular belief, the so-called ‘Snapchat dysmorphia’ does not seem to have caused a surge in facial plastic surgery procedures among the younger generation, according to the report’s authors.
While nearly 75% of plastic surgeons surveyed report an increase in patients under the age of 30 seeking cosmetic and injectable surgery procedures, these are primarily preventative measures to avoid more extensive procedures later in life.
The report shows that the influence of Generation Z on the aesthetic market has not resulted in a significant jump in the number of facial plastic surgery procedures.
However, for the 35 to 55 age group, there is an increase in the activity of surgical procedures. The authors suggest that this may be because patients are seeking more comprehensive procedures to address more significant signs of aging.
Overall, when there is an increase in demand for cosmetic treatments and procedures between different age groups, it seems that patients are mainly seeking subtle improvements and preventative measures to maintain a youthful appearance.
Is the selfie the new standard of beauty?
While the ‘Zoom Boom’ may not have led to an increase in facial plastic surgery procedures in the US, it appears to still be relevant in other countries around the world. According to Theda Kontis, MD, president of the AAFPRS, 79% of members surveyed in 2022 cite the ‘Zoom Effect’ as an important factor in patients’ desire to seek care.
However, Dr. Kontis also pointed to an unexpected factor that contributed to the increase in procedures – money saved during the pandemic. With fewer opportunities to spend, many people are able to save money and now use it to pay for cosmetic procedures.
This unexpected trend may lead to an increase in demand for facial plastic surgery procedures and cosmetic treatments seen in various age groups.
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Selfie culture is believed to be another driving force for increasing certain cosmetic treatments and procedures, as patients aim to improve their selfies and make them more ‘perfect’. More than three-quarters of facial plastic surgeons report that looking better in selfies is a growing trend among their patients.
This trend particularly benefits upper lip lift and blepharoplasty, with at least 73% of AAFPRS members performing the former, and the latter being the second most requested procedure after rhinoplasty in 2022.
In addition, the fashion and beauty trends of the 1990s and 2000s have influenced the choice of certain aesthetic procedures. The craze for refined and sculpted features, prominent cheekbones, and angular faces has led to an increase in demand for ‘buccal fat removal’, which involves removing or reducing the Bichat fat pad in the middle of the cheek.
While 15% of surgeons surveyed reported an increase in this procedure, Dr. Kontis warns that it is definitive and irreversible, and patients should consider the long-term effects before rushing to adopt current trends.
Interestingly, 20% of surveyed surgeons reported that their patients refer to celebrities during consultations, suggesting that celebrity culture also plays a role in the decision-making process of patients seeking cosmetic treatments and procedures.
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