The demand for facial plastic surgery and non-invasive treatments continues to surge, according to the recently released 2023 member survey outcomes by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).
Facelift patients are getting younger
Facelifts, once considered a procedure for older individuals, have experienced a resurgence in popularity. Modern subcutaneous and deep plane techniques are revitalising the traditional procedure and appealing to a wider range of ages.
The survey notes that over the past seven years, the number of facelifts performed has steadily increased year over year. On average, members performed 48 facelifts or partial facelifts in 2023, demonstrating a 60 percent increase since 2017.
The survey shows a steady increase among patients ages 35-55, suggesting that facelift patients are getting younger.
“At some point in the aging process and with a certain degree of laxity and sagging, you will get diminishing returns on your non-invasive procedures,” shares Dr Sherard A. Tatum, President of the AAFPRS. “At this point, it’s best to opt for a facelift or partial facelift to get the desired effect. Facelifts also soared in popularity this year due to the ‘Ozempic Effect’ where patients lost a large amount of weight in a condensed period of time, resulting in sagging skin.”
Among female patients, facelifts were the most requested procedure by a large margin (performed by 86 percent of surgeons), followed by rhinoplasties at 79 percent and blepharoplasties at 73 percent.
Among all genders, rhinoplasty remained the most requested surgical procedure (performed by 83 percent of surgeons), followed by blepharoplasties (49 percent) and facelifts and partial facelifts (48 percent).
Gen Z market heats up
The survey highlights the growing emphasis on aesthetics among Gen Z (now ages 11-26), with 77 percent of AAFPRS members predicting a greater focus on earlier maintenance and prevention starting in the 20s and 30s to delay signs of ageing. This generation, influenced by platforms like TikTok and viral phenomenons such as the recent “Sephora Tween” and “Get Ready with Me” videos, is prioritising aesthetics at a younger age.
“This generation is growing up with a greater awareness of what is possible when it comes to aesthetic treatments thanks to the normalisation online,” says Dr Tatum. “Rapid advances in non-invasive treatments and technologies allow younger patients entry into aesthetics with very little pain and downtime, making it more attractive to a larger patient pool.”
The new data points to this, with 83 percent of the total number of procedures performed in 2023 being minimally invasive. The remaining 17 percent were surgical. According to AAFPRS data, the three most common minimally invasive procedures were neurotoxins, fillers, and topical treatments (micro-needling and chemical peels). Rhinoplasty remains the single most requested surgery among patients under 34 years old.
Women reign supreme
Women still dominate when it comes to undergoing facial plastic surgery, but the survey does indicate a rising trend of men seeking cosmetic intervention (up 5 percent from 2022). To this end, 44 percent of AAFPRS surgeons expect an increase in the number of men seeking facial enhancements in the coming years.
“As minimally invasive technology continues to advance, this opens the door for more men to get discreet, quick-to-heal cosmetic treatments,” shares Dr Tatum. “From non-invasive neck lifts to needle-free enhancements, there are more options than ever for men to keep looking as vital and youthful as they feel. The rise of minimally invasive options seems to be slowly closing the gender gap when it comes to facial plastic surgery.”
Future of facial surgery
“Our field is growing at such a fast pace. It’s an exciting time to be in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery,” states Dr. Tatum. “Over the next year, we will certainly see the rise of AI in aesthetic medicine as surgeons integrate this technology to better analyse facial features, guide both their cosmetic and reconstructive surgery work, and predict outcomes of interventions over time. Things like 3D imaging allow us to simulate potential outcomes for more precise treatment planning, injectable placement and more. Custom computer-generated implants are available to better enhance or reconstruct facial contour problems.”
“We may also see a reduction in the demand for injectables since a top concern for patients is appearing ‘overdone,'” shares Dr Tatum. According to 24 percent of survey respondents, looking unnatural is their patients’ biggest fear when considering a facial procedure.
“I predict we’ll see a greater focus on more natural outcomes and graceful ageing. Some outward appearance of maturity can be taken as a sign of experience and wisdom. Although I am speaking as a boomer.”
Decline in revision surgery comes with a warning
Revision surgery saw its first decline since 2019 – a nod to better educated consumers investing in qualified surgeons. However, the survey highlights that 54 percent of facial plastic surgeons believe there will be an increase in non-medical staff performing procedures, which may lead to subpar results or an increase in corrective procedures. This is a 13 percent increase from 2022 – making it the highest jump among trends in this year’s survey.
The 2023 AAFPRS annual member survey was conducted in December 2023 by ACUPOLL Precision Research, Inc. through an online survey from a select group of the organisation’s 2,200 members.
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the world’s largest specialty association for facial plastic surgery. It represents more than 2,200 facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the world. For more information visit www.FaceMD.org.
SOURCE: The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS)
