The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) has released statistics on facial procedures performed in 2018. This survey notes overall trends in the field of cosmetic surgery, and reveals what procedures are most popular and what patients across the country care about. Once again, cosmetic injectables and rhinoplasty (nose job) for surgical revision of the nasal bridge remain two of the most popular treatment options.
San Mateo, CA plastic surgeon John R. Griffin would like to cover some of the findings in the AAFPRS survey below.
Overall Trends in Surgical and Non-surgical Treatment
According to the AAFPRS, there’s been a major uptick in cosmetic procedures. The demand for surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures has increased.
Facial surgery numbers are up 47% since 2013, with non-surgical treatments seeing major increases as well. BOTOX® injection numbers, for example, are up 22% since 2013.
Younger Patients Undergoing Cosmetic Treatment
One of the biggest overall trends in the AAFPRS survey involves millennials, who’ve been going to the plastic surgeon in greater numbers. In fact, 72% of facial cosmetic surgeons reported an increase in cosmetic injectables performed on patients younger than 30.
Since 2013, there has been a 24% increase in surgeries or injectables performed on patients under the age of 30. Rather than rejuvenation, the AAFPRS sees signs of “pre-juvenation,” which helps these young patients maintain their youthful appearance even longer.
Top Surgical Procedures
According to surveyed facial plastic surgeons, these were the top three surgical procedures performed on patients in 2018:
- Rhinoplasty (nose job)
- Revision/corrective surgery
- Cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty/eye lift)
Rise of Non-surgical Procedures
Four-fifths of all procedures performed by facial plastic surgeons in 2018 were non-surgical. In addition to BOTOX® injections, younger patients were seeking out dermal fillers, laser skin resurfacing, microneedling, facials, and peels. The lack of downtime and no risk of scarring has been particularly attractive to millennial patients seeking the latest in pre-juvenation.
A Focus on Natural Results and Appearance
The main goal for many patients is to undergo treatment that looks natural. In other words, patients want work that doesn’t look like any work was done. According to the AAFPRS survey, 41% of patients were most afraid that their cosmetic treatment results would appear unnatural.
The Effects of Influencer and Selfie Culture
Among AAFPRS members, 97% felt that celebrities on social media have been a driving influence in what their patients are looking for. With so many people on Instagram, YouTube, and other image-conscious social media platforms, this trend and its effect on our perceptions of beauty will likely continue.
Why Rhinoplasty Remains a Leading Procedure
Even though non-surgical cosmetic treatments are more popular than surgery overall, rhinoplasty remains a major favorite among all patients. We assume that rhinoplasty remains popular because of influencer culture and selfie culture.
A rhinoplasty can leave the face looking more symmetrical, and can improve the overall appearance and balance of your facial features from all angles: straight ahead, from an angle, or in profile.
]As we look into our phones to take selfies or try to pick the right filters on Instagram for something we’ve just experienced, adjusting the nasal bridge even just slightly can make a lot of difference.
Learn More about Your Facial Plastic Surgery Options
For more information about reducing wrinkles and enhancing overall facial appearance, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon. Dr. Griffin and our team look forward to your visit and discussing these matters in greater detail.
