The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has released their highly anticipated 2022 procedural research, revealing a significant surge in the number of surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic and reconstructive procedures performed in the United States. The data shows a remarkable 19% increase in cosmetic surgery procedures since 2019, reflecting a growing interest in enhancing one’s appearance.
According to the report, liposuction emerged as the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in 2022. This was followed closely by breast augmentation, abdominoplasty (commonly known as a tummy tuck), breast lift, and eyelid surgery. Interestingly, breast reduction procedures witnessed a remarkable 54% increase compared to 2019, suggesting a rising trend of valuing both comfort and aesthetics.
In the realm of minimally invasive procedures, neuromodulator injections, such as Botox, ranked as the top choice for patients seeking a refreshed and youthful appearance. Hyaluronic acid fillers, skin resurfacing, skin treatment with combination lasers, and lip augmentation with injectable materials were also popular choices to achieve natural-looking enhancements.
Reconstructive procedures also experienced notable growth in 2022. Tumor removal procedures topped the list, closely followed by hand surgery, breast reconstruction, maxillofacial procedures, and scar revision. These procedures play a crucial role in restoring functionality and improving the quality of life for patients who have experienced trauma or medical conditions.
The post-pandemic period has played a significant role in the increased number of procedures performed. With patients no longer delaying treatments, the flexibility of hybrid work schedules and the increased time spent working from home have provided an opportune environment for individuals to undergo procedures and recover comfortably.
The impact of the pandemic can also be seen in the particular focus on face and neck procedures. With the widespread use of masks, the eyes became the main focal point of the face, leading to a surge in eyelid surgeries. Face and neck procedures, such as facelifts and cheek implants, also experienced significant growth as patients sought to enhance the features they saw in the mirror.
Body-centric procedures remained a popular choice, with liposuction and noninvasive fat reduction procedures witnessing substantial increases compared to 2019. Breast augmentation and breast lifts also maintained their popularity, while there was a noticeable surge in demand for cosmetic breast reductions, indicating a trend of valuing both comfort and aesthetics.
The rise of social media has also played a significant role in shaping the landscape of plastic surgery. Patients are now more open to sharing their experiences and showcasing their interest in procedures. Lip augmentation with fillers and buccal fat removal procedures have become particularly sought after, influenced by the widespread use of social media platforms.
The ASPS Annual Procedural Statistics, which have been collected since 1992, are widely regarded as a reliable source of data in the field of plastic surgery. The 2022 data was meticulously gathered from member surgeons and affiliated companies, including CosmetAssure and PatientNow, ensuring a comprehensive and credible report.
Overall, the data from the ASPS underscores the growing interest in plastic surgery procedures and the unwavering commitment of ASPS member surgeons to prioritize patient safety and education. As advancements in medical technology continue to evolve, plastic surgery remains an ever-evolving field dedicated to helping individuals achieve their desired appearances and improve their quality of life.