AAFPRS survey reveals increased demand for facial plastic surgery across age groups

The world’s largest association of facial plastic surgeons, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, has released the outcomes of its member survey for 2022. 

According to the report, mirroring 2021, the demand for facial plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments has increased. In particular, 58% of AAFPRS facial plastic surgeons surveyed reported an increase in bookings and treatments over the past year, with more than 75% indicating they have seen a rise of more than 10% in patient demand.

“As people returned to the office and eased back into the routine of daily life without quarantine, interest for elective surgeries and non-invasive ‘tweakments’ remain high,” shared the AAFPRS president, Theda Kontis, MD. “In 2022, our members continued to see the impact of the ‘Zoom Boom,’ with 79% of respondents pointing to the “Zoom Effect” as a major contributing factor in patients’ desire to seek treatment.” A second source of motivation, indicated at 60%, was an increase in disposable income. “Many patients reported spending money saved during the pandemic on cosmetic procedures,” says Dr Kontis. It remains to be seen how the cost-of-living crisis affects this for 2023. 

Significantly, despite widespread discussions around “Snapchat Dysmorphia” - the suggestion that Gen Z are seeking tweakments aimed to mimic Snapchat filters – the report didn’t necessarily reflect these leaps in facial plastic surgery procedure numbers within this age group.

Consistent with 2021, close to 75% of facial plastic surgeons reported increases in the number of patients under 30 years old requesting cosmetic surgery or injectables. This does reflect increased demand, but it also represents a consistently higher plateau over the five previous years than other age groups. As for surgical procedure activity, this year’s survey indicates a significant increase once patients reach the 35–55-year age group. 

However, the under-30 age group is likely to increasingly power interest in non-invasive treatments. According to the new data, 82% of the total number of procedures performed in 2022 were minimally invasive and 78% of AAFPRS members believe there will be a greater emphasis on earlier maintenance and age prevention starting in the 20s-30s over the coming years. This is with the view to forestall bigger procedures later in life.

While the AAFPRS survey results suggest “Snapchat Dysmorphia” hasn’t quite overtaken the industry, 79% of facial plastic surgeons surveyed did agree that looking better in selfies continues to trend upward. To that end, lip lifts, a new category for the 2021 survey, perhaps due to the removal of face masks, were up three percent in 2022 compared to 2021.

Another proposed selfie-boosting procedure, blepharoplasty, has seen an upward climb in popularity. The treatment comes second to rhinoplasty as the most-requested procedure of 2022. “Both are relatively minor procedures that lend themselves to tremendous patient satisfaction,” revealed Dr Kontis.  

Overall, the report revealed that in 2022, the three most popular minimally invasive treatments were neurotoxins, fillers, and topicals, such as chemical peels. The top three surgical procedures were facelifts, blepharoplasties, and rhinoplasties. Rhinoplasty continues to be the single most requested surgery among patients under 34 years old. 

Women also still dominate interest in plastic surgery. In 16 of the 18 procedures tracked, surgeons indicated more female patients, except for hair transplantation, which skewed toward men. Otoplasty, surgery to diminish ear prominence, has the highest gender equality. 

The 2022 AAFPRS annual member survey was conducted in December 2022 by ACUPOLL Precision Research, Inc. through an online survey from a select group of the organization’s 2,200 members.

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the world’s largest association of facial plastic surgeons. It represents more than 2,200 facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the world. You can find more information at www.aafprs.org.