Facial plastic surgery and non-invasive treatments continued to boom in 2023, according to the latest statistics from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS).
Fully 77% of AAFPRS members believe there will be a greater emphasis on earlier maintenance and prevention starting in the twenties and thirties to forestall signs of aging.
“This generation is growing up with a greater awareness of what is possible when it comes to aesthetic treatments thanks to the normalization online,” says Sherard A. Tatum, MD, President of the AAFPRS and a New York City-based facial plastic surgeon, in a news release. “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.”
Eight-three percent of the total number of procedures performed in 2023 were minimally invasive. The remaining 17% were surgical. Of minimally invasive procedures, the three most common treatments were:
- Neurotoxins
- Fillers
- Topical treatments (micro-needling and chemical peels)
Rhinoplasty remains the single most requested surgery among patients under 34 years old.
Facelifts are also surging in popularity due to modern techniques like subcutaneous and deep plane facelifting. Since 2019, 90% or more of AAFPRS surgeons have performed facelifts each year. On average, members performed 48 facelifts or partial facelifts in 2023, demonstrating a 60% increase since 2017. Over the past seven years, the number of facelifts performed has steadily increased. The survey also noted a directional increase among patients ages 35-55, suggesting that facelift patients are getting younger.
“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,” says Dr. Tatum.
For females, facelifts (performed by 86% of surgeons) were the most requested procedure last year by a wide margin. The next most popular for women were rhinoplasties (79%) and blepharoplasties (73%), respectively. Consistent with years past, the top three surgical procedures were:
- Rhinoplasty
- Blepharoplasties
- Facelifts and partial facelifts
Male Cosmetic Surgery on the Rise
Fully 44% of AAFPRS surgeons expect more men to have treatments and surgeries in the coming years (up 5% from 2022). AAFPRS members also noted that they are seeing more young men under age 35 seeking surgical and non-surgical enhancements.
“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.”
For men, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty and facelifts followed by revision surgery and forehead lifts were the most requested surgical procedures, the statistics showed.
“Our field is growing at such a fast pace. It’s an exciting time to be in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery,” says Dr. Tatum. “Over the next year, we will certainly see the rise of AI in aesthetic medicine as surgeons integrate this technology to better analyze 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.”
Filler Fatigue
“We may also see a reduction in the demand for injectables since a top concern for patients is appearing ‘overdone,’” shares Tatum.
According to 24% 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 aging. Some outward appearance of maturity can be taken as a sign of experience and wisdom. Although I am speaking as a boomer.”
About the 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 organization’s 2,200 members.
