The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the world's largest association of facial plastic surgeons, released its annual survey results for 2018. The annual survey explores the top trends in facial plastic surgery today.
This year's findings indicate a strong link between Millennials (now 22-37 years old) and the growing demand for cosmetic procedures. The average number of surgical procedures has almost doubled since 2013 (up 47 percent) with a 22 percent increase in Botox® injections compared to 2013, revealing that facial tweaks and treatments continue to be embraced and are sought after at a marathon pace.
AAFPRS members note that there is more emphasis on early care or pre-juvenation in the 20's and 30's and that technology – both in the physician's office and at home - plays a key role in confidence.
Deciphering the ‘glow up’
With tags like #glowup and #tenyearchallenge trending, it has never been more apparent that as a whole, men and women are getting better with age. If 70 is the new 50, then 40 is the new 25. The striking images defy aging stereotypes, showing that aging gracefully is not only possible, but probable, thanks to modern technology (see: filters, fillers and volume). According to the 2018 AAFPRS survey findings, it's not just YouTube makeup tutorials upping Millennials' beauty game – it is the way they embrace self-care, SPF and facial plastic surgery treatments.
In 2018, 72 percent of facial plastic surgeons saw an increase in cosmetic surgery or injectables in patients under age 30. This is a significant increase from 2017, where over half of members noted this influx of younger patients. In fact, this year's survey reveals a 24 percent increase in cosmetic surgery or injectables in patients under age 30 since 2013 (58 percent to 72 percent).
"This points to the larger "pre-juvenation" trend with more and more patients wanting to remain youthful rather than turn back the clock on signs of aging later," says Phillip R. Langsdon, AAFPRS President. "Our younger patients are controlling the aging process and taking prevention seriously."
Unlike prior generations who often kept their tweaks on the low, Millennials are coming of age in a time where facial plastic surgery is normalized – even deemed mainstream by some in an era of 'resting rich face', selfies and snapchat.
Natural-look rules
"The modern goal for facial plastic surgery is refreshingly natural," says Dr. Langsdon.
While 97 percent of AAFPRS members feel celebrities have an influence on facial plastic surgery, trends are shifting away from overly-enhanced looks like the infamous Kylie pout of 2016. A natural-looking outcome is paramount for patients, with 41 percent stating a fear of looking unnatural as their top concern when considering cosmetic enhancements.
Subtle, confidence boosting treatments like injectables, lasers, peels and microneedling are in especially high demand, as are treatments that combine two or three of these non-invasive options in one visit. "Patients love combination treatments because they are time-effective and help to produce optimal results for everything from facial rejuvenation to scar reduction when used in tandem," says Dr. Langsdon.
Finding the right doctor is essential to obtaining the desired outcome and avoiding an "overly done" look. The number one thing that AAFPRS members recommend to prospective patients of all ages is to trust your face to a facial plastic surgeon. This means men and women should look for a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in plastic surgery of the face, head and neck. To find a facial plastic surgeon in your area, please visit the AAFPRS Physician Finder.
Rhino reigns, injectables increase
For surgical trends, rhinoplasty leads the way year after year (performed by 96 percent of surgeons in 2018) followed by revision surgery (94 percent) and eye lifts (93 percent) for patients hoping to look less tired. The most popular procedure overall, Botox® was ranked first for both sexes followed by filler.
An entire four-fifths of the treatments performed by facial plastic surgeons in 2018 were cosmetic non-surgical procedures. Some of the biggest patient motivators include the desire to look better in selfies and dissatisfaction with their profile (complaints about the nose, chin or neck - aka Tech Neck).
"Injectables are only increasing in popularity and this is because of the subtle, yet noticeable visual result they deliver for a relatively affordable price tag as compared to surgical options," says Dr. Langsdon. "Neuromodulators and fillers have little to no downtime, so they are an easy, unintimidating gateway for patients into the cosmetic surgery world."
Revisions on the rise
Revision surgery has skyrocketed in the past year, with the average number of revision surgeries performed per AAFPRS member nearly doubling since 2017. Approximately one third of facial plastic surgeons attribute this rise in revisions to the increase in non-medical staff doing procedures. Med spa staff and non-core physicians who are not properly trained, even on non-invasive technologies, can result in poor results and increase the need for corrective procedures.
"Shows like Botched, with our very own Dr. Paul Nassif, reveal the dangers of cutting corners with non-certified, un-qualified practitioners," shares Dr. Langsdon. "The AAFPRS urges consumers to avoid poor outcomes by doing their homework first. Your face and skin are not the place to cut corners with discount deals. This year's survey indicated that cost is only a top concern for 10 percent of patients."
"There are numerous resources to educate consumers before booking an appointment," continues Dr. Langsdon. "Research providers and treatment information via trusted online sources like www.aafprs.org, review before/after images and don't be afraid to ask tough questions about background and credentials during your consultation."
About the AAFPRS:
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the world's largest specialty association for facial plastic surgery. It represents more than 2,500 facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the world. The AAFPRS is a National Medical Specialty Society of the American Medical Association (AMA), and holds an official seat in both the AMA House of Delegates and the American College of Surgeons board of governors. AAFPRS members are board certified surgeons whose focus is surgery of the face, head, and neck. www.aafprs.org
*BOTOX® Cosmetic is a registered trademark owned by Allergan, Inc.
Source: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
