The field of aesthetic plastic surgery is undergoing a transformation, with a surge in nonsurgical procedures and evolving patient preferences taking center stage, as revealed by The Aesthetic Society’s recently released 2022 Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Databank report. The report presents an unprecedented collection of data, showcasing trends that are shaping the industry in unique ways.
A Nonsurgical Spike
The 2022 report brings to light a significant shift in the landscape of aesthetic procedures. A remarkable 14% increase in total aesthetic procedures was observed, primarily driven by the soaring popularity of nonsurgical procedures. These nonsurgical interventions witnessed an impressive 23% surge from 2021 to 2022, signaling a growing preference among patients for minimally invasive options.
Dr. Melinda Haws, MD, president of The Aesthetic Society, emphasizes the industry’s adaptability, stating, “The landscape of aesthetic plastic surgery is undergoing a transformation as revealed by The Aesthetic Society’s 2022 report. With nonsurgical procedures witnessing a surge and surgical procedures still accounting for 70% of revenue, the industry is moving towards a future defined by dynamic trends.” Dr. Haws highlights the industry’s commitment to innovation and meeting evolving patient preferences.
Evolving Treatment Trends
Surgical procedures have also remained popular in the wake of the pandemic. While 2022 saw a decline in surgical procedures compared to the previous year, the numbers remained a notable 37% above the counts in 2019. The report revealed that body procedures experienced significant gains, with liposuction (+63%) and abdominoplasty (+55%) leading the way.
Furthermore, the data unveils that the Spring season (April to June) is the most popular period for cosmetic enhancements. Approximately 55% of all surgeries were performed in the first half of the year.
Adapting to New Realities
The average plastic surgeon performed 252 surgical procedures in 2022, a slight decrease from the previous year. Nevertheless, the surgical counts remained an impressive 27% higher than the pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Americans collectively spent over $11.8 billion on aesthetic procedures in 2022, marking a 2% increase from the previous year.
The demographics remained consistent, with women accounting for 95% of all procedures. Among surgical procedures, patients aged 51-70 comprised the largest age group, constituting 36% of all surgeries. The 36-50 age group closely followed with 30%, while 17-35-year-olds represented 27%. Patients over 70 years old accounted for 8% of all surgical procedures.
Embracing Change
Despite the decline in surgical procedures, the surge in nonsurgical treatments reflects the industry’s adaptability and continued evolution. Dr. Kye Higdon, communications commissioner of The Aesthetic Society, states, “From this data we’re able to understand the trends on the horizon for our specialty and can help shape a future for aesthetics that both drives innovation and empowers our patients.”
As the industry responds to changing patient preferences, one thing remains clear: The world of aesthetics is entering a new era defined by innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to patient satisfaction.
