Annually, the American Society of Plastic Surgery unveils its statistical data from the preceding year. While the COVID-19 pandemic briefly interrupted this tradition, we have since returned to normalcy, allowing us to examine the shifts and developments in the field of Plastic Surgery since 2019.

The findings shed light on the evolving landscape of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in the United States, highlighting intriguing shifts in patient preferences and behaviors.

1. Surge in Cosmetic Procedures

The most notable revelation from the 2022 data is the remarkable surge in cosmetic surgery procedures. A 19% increase since 2019 indicates a growing societal desire to enhance one's appearance. This trend showcases the expanding acceptance of plastic surgery as a means to look and feel better.

2. Top Cosmetic Surgical Procedures

Among the nearly 1.5 million cosmetic surgical procedures performed in 2022, liposuction claimed the top spot, with a 23% increase from 2019. Breast augmentation followed closely, showing a 4% uptick. Abdominoplasty, breast lifts, and eyelid surgery also demonstrated significant growth, with the latter seeing a 13% increase. Additionally, breast reduction procedures surged by a staggering 54% since 2019.

3. Minimally Invasive Procedures on the Rise

The year 2022 also witnessed a surge in minimally invasive procedures, with an impressive 73% increase in neuromodulator injections and a 70% rise in hyaluronic acid fillers compared to 2019. No question that the future of cosmetic medicine will be less and less invasive. Skin resurfacing, skin treatment with combination lasers, and lip augmentation with injectable materials joined the top ranks as well.

4. The Impact of the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in shaping plastic surgery trends. With more people working from home and enjoying flexible schedules, patients were less inclined to delay the procedures they had been considering. This shift in behavior contributed to the overall growth in the number of procedures performed.

5. Focus on the Face and Neck

One noticeable trend influenced by the pandemic was the emphasis on facial procedures. Masks made the eyes the primary focal point of the face for an extended period, leading to a surge in eyelid surgeries, making it the fourth most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in 2022. Additionally, facelift procedures increased by 8%, and cheek implants saw a remarkable 150% boost.

6. Body-Centric Procedures Remain Prominent

Post-COVID weight fluctuations drove an increase in both surgical and nonsurgical procedures, with liposuction experiencing a 23% rise and noninvasive fat reduction procedures spiking by 77% compared to 2019.

7. Influence of Social Media

The rise of social media has demystified plastic surgery, making it less stigmatized. Patients are increasingly open to sharing their plastic surgery journeys, leading to an increase in certain procedures such as lip augmentation with fillers and buccal fat removal, which saw over 4,500 procedures in 2022.

In 2022 plastic surgery trends reflect a dynamic and evolving field. With growing societal acceptance, increased transparency through social media, and a desire to enhance appearance, plastic surgery continues to play a significant role in helping individuals look and feel their best. Patients are increasingly seeking personalized solutions, and board-certified plastic surgeons are at the forefront, prioritizing safety and efficacy.

For more in-depth insights into the 2022 plastic surgery trends, visit the official website of the ASPS, and stay tuned for the ever-evolving landscape of aesthetic procedures. You can download the full report here.

• https://www.plasticsurgery.org/plastic-surgery-statistics