The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has just released its highly anticipated 2022 procedural research, shedding light on the ever-growing popularity of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in the United States. According to the data, there has been a significant 19% increase in the number of cosmetic surgery procedures since 2019. This surge reflects the public’s increasing desire to enhance their appearance and boost their self-confidence through various surgical interventions.
The ASPS emphasizes the crucial importance of upholding rigorous safety standards and prioritizing patient and provider education in the field of plastic surgery. With the growing demand for these procedures, ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of patients should remain the top priority for all medical professionals involved.
So, what were the top cosmetic surgical procedures in 2022? Topping the list were liposuction, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty (commonly known as a tummy tuck), breast lift, and eyelid surgery. The data reveals that liposuction, in particular, experienced a remarkable 23% increase since 2019, indicating a rising demand for body contouring procedures. Additionally, breast reduction procedures saw a significant surge of 54% compared to 2019.
When it comes to minimally invasive procedures, neuromodulator injections (such as Botox), hyaluronic acid fillers, skin resurfacing, skin treatment with combination lasers, and lip augmentation with injectable materials were the top choices in 2022. These procedures witnessed substantial growth, with neuromodulator injections and hyaluronic acid fillers experiencing a remarkable 73% and 70% increase respectively since 2019.
In terms of reconstructive procedures, the top five in 2022 were tumor removal, hand surgery, breast reconstruction, maxillofacial surgery, and scar revision. While tumor removal and scar revision saw a slight decline compared to 2019, breast reconstruction procedures increased by 12%.
The post-pandemic era has witnessed a noticeable increase in the number of plastic surgery procedures performed. With patients no longer delaying their desired treatments, the flexible work schedules and remote working arrangements have provided them with the opportunity to undergo procedures and recover without interruption.
Interestingly, the pandemic has also influenced specific trends in plastic surgery. The widespread use of masks has shifted the focus to the eyes, leading to an increase in eyelid surgeries and a rise in facelift procedures and cheek implants. Moreover, the fluctuations in weight during the pandemic have contributed to a higher demand for body-centric procedures, such as liposuction and noninvasive fat reduction.
It is impossible to ignore the influence of social media on plastic surgery trends and perceptions. Patients are becoming increasingly transparent about their plastic surgery journeys on social media platforms, thereby fueling the popularity of certain procedures. Lip augmentation with fillers and buccal fat removal, for example, have gained significant traction due to increased exposure on social media.
The ASPS Annual Procedural Statistics, which have been compiled since 1992, provide comprehensive and reliable data on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery trends in the United States. The collaboration between the ASPS, member surgeons, and affiliated companies, namely CosmetAssure and PatientNow, ensures the credibility and accuracy of the statistics, making them an invaluable resource for doctors, researchers, patients, and the media alike.